The ultimate guide for the best things to do in Mandurah over winter
This year, we’re stepping out of our Perth bubble and embracing the chill at one of our favourite winter wonderlands.
Mandurah, having just been crowned GWN7 Top Tourism Town Award for 2022 is a day trip or short staycay worth making, with a treasure trove of exciting experiences through the colder months to explore and enjoy.
Whether it’s chucking on some ice skates, getting the warm fuzzies from a few glasses of wine, relaxing in one of their many waterfront cafes, or cycling through the picturesque scenery, you’ll find no shortage of winter activities to keep you warm.
To help out, we’ve rounded up the best of them.
Here’s what to do in Mandurah this winter.
Follow a craft beer and wine trail
If there’s a trail we’re always keen to follow, it’s the one that leads to beer and wine.
Discover what’s pouring in Mandurah at your own pace with this trail that pins together seven of the region’s best beer and wine offerings, providing an authentically local experience – enjoyed at your own pace.
For the regular pint lovers, Three Rivers Brewing Company will tickle your fancy with a range of award winners in an urban brewery location, or you can hit up King Road Brewing Co set across 90 acres of rural farmland – a definite winner with the kids.
Wine fans will be keen to try Peel Estate Wines, the largest and oldest winery in the region, or the breathtaking Millbrook Winery nestled deep among forest scenery and boasting an award-winning restaurant.
And don’t forget about the new kid on the block, Boundary Island Brewing.
Park up at Boundary Island Brewery
Born from two Mandurah families who love great beer and beautiful food, Boundary Island Brewery serves as the perfect hangout through all seasons.
It sits pretty right on one of Mandurah’s best waterways, serving up appetising craft beers that are brewed on site alongside food sourced from local ingredients in pub fare style.
Chuck back a pint (or three) and enjoy your winter carb-loading while overlooking beautiful estuary views.
Hit the ice
Mandurah’s very own iconic winter playground, a visit to the pop up ice skating rink should be high on our to-do list every winter.
The magical wonderland plays host to a range of winter inspired activities for the whole family including ice skating, an ice slide, pop up rides, entertainment and food and drinks on the sideline to fuel up.
This year, skating opens from Friday 1st of July and runs daily from 10am – 8pm.
Find out more HERE
Watch the Kwillena Gabi Pool light up
The unique circular estuary pool has become a true icon among locals and visitors, and although a pool might suggest more of a summer vibe, it looks stunning when it’s lit up in a colourful array at night.
The pool is enclosed by a series of floating pontoons arranged in a circular formation, and is also often home to a few friendly sea visitors of the dolphin variety.
Stock up at the Peel Produce Market
We’re suckers for a stocked local market, and winter is all about good food – hence a visit to Peel Produce Market being extremely necessary.
Think local produce, coffee, hot breakfasts, live music, fresh juice and more all at your fingertips. The markets run every Saturday morning from 8am – 12pm at Leprechaun Park, Dawesville Foreshore.
Book a Houseboat staycation
With an abundance of canals, there’s probably no better way to experience all the Mandurah winter magic than with a staycay houseboat style.
These beauties are fully equipped with all you’ll need for a comfortable stay, ranging from sizes that can sleep 8 to smaller 4 person boats. You’ll have everything you need for a relaxing holiday right on your doorstep as you trade your daily alarm for the splash of a dolphin or chirping of birds.
You can fish, kayak, pull in at the pub, cruise down the canals or rug up inside and watch the world go by, and when you want to switch it up? Simply pick up anchor and sail on.
Visit: Mandurah Houseboats
Get out in nature
I know what you’re thinking. It’s winter – why would I want to go outside?
Living in WA, it’s not a rare occurrence to catch quite a few sunny winter days with very minimal rain, so why not make the most of those and enjoy some of Mandurah’s gorgeous scenery.
Hire an e-bike or e-scooter from The Bike Kiosk and take one of the stunning cycle paths, visit Mandurah Boat Hire to soak in the winter sun with a paddle along glassy water. Hop on a boat tour with Mandurah Cruises, young (and young at heart) sailors will have heaps of fun on the Dolphin cruise and views adventure, or get the most out of your visit with guided kayak tours, bush walks or stargazing and nocturnal walks with Salt & Bush Eco Tours.Â
Or if you are thinking of something a little bigger to celebrate a special day during winter – spend an hour or even all day on the water with a skippered deluxe charter with Mandurah Boat Charters on their 16 and 20-person Pontoons.
Have a mini adventure
Live Whoville style for a day at Amaze Miniature Village where everything is, well, miniature.
Get lost in 70 miniature buildings depictive of well-known historic buildings from England, Germany, and France, delight in interactive model trains and explore 4 acres of manicured gardens with a featured hedge maze.
Plus, you’ll get a game of mini golf included free with your visit.
Perfect family day out? Sorted.
Sip on some wine
Winter and wine are truly the perfect pairing, and the winery scene in Mandurah will not disappoint.
Kaleidoscope Tours runs a day tour to three wineries spread across the Mandurah and Peel Region, with inclusions like Lake Clifton Winery for fortified wines aplenty, Drakesbrook Wines for hand-picked drops or Vineyard 28 for a taste of Italy.
With lunch included and plenty of scenic views, you’ll find no better way to spend a winter’s day.
Become a pirate for the day
Ahoy!
Grab your little rascals and don your best pirate gear as you set sail on Mandurah’s pirate ship for a day of pirate-themed entertainment and sing-song. The custom-built ship is a blast for all ages, and offers the opportunity to spot some playful dolphins and take in the surrounding scenery on a cruise.
Visit: Pirate Ship Mandurah
Sit back and relax at a cafe
The laid-back waterfront feels of Mandurah make for a fantastic cafe scene that has come abuzz with life over the last few years.
You can take in foreshore views with a cuppa in hand and dig into some lip-smacking plates from places like Mataya Eatery, Cafe Moka, or The Hummingbird.
Feature image: Tourism Western Australia
Discover all the delicious places to visit with our list of the best cafes in Mandurah.
There is of course plenty more to see and do in Mandurah, so start planning your great winter escape via visitmandurah.com.
