There’s a reason Mandurah continues to charm travellers, winning the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2023 and recently taking third place in Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards. It isn’t just the waterway views or the ease of free city parking, though both certainly help. Mandurah is a playground for families who crave a day of exploration, offering everything from bike trails and art hunts to dolphin spotting and pirate adventures.
Best of all, it’s only an hour from Perth by car or train, making it one of the easiest escapes from the city. For families who want to pack plenty into a single day, Mandurah feels both close and delightfully different. This time of year brings its own charm, too — cooler days, blooming greenery, and a slower pace that lets you enjoy the region’s beauty without the summer crowds.
Sundays made for markets
Every great Sunday deserves a leisurely morning, and in Mandurah, that means wandering the markets. From October 5th, the Mandurah Market Trail will add even more colour to the city centre. Wander through three central locations and discover fresh local produce, artisan creations, and handmade delights from Mandurah’s talented makers and growers.
Pedal-powered discoveries
After you’ve feulled up at the markets, it’s time to explore Mandurah on two wheels. The Bike Kiosk, conveniently located next to the Mandurah Visitor Centre, makes it easy to hire bikes for every member of the family, from little riders to parents keen on cruisers or e-bikes. Pedalling along the waterfront path, you’ll pass playgrounds, picnic spots, and possibly the occasional pelican perched along the estuary.
From here, the city’s most popular attraction awaits: the Giants of Mandurah. These towering wooden sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are hidden in natural bushland and reserves, discovered only by following a trail of clues. For children, it feels like stepping into a fairytale treasure hunt. If bikes aren’t your style, Trike Tours WA offers a fun, slightly rebellious way to seek out the Giants — cruising along on three wheels with the wind in your hair.
On the water
Its waterways define Mandurah, and no visit is complete without spending time on the estuary. Families keen on wildlife should join a Mandurah Cruises Dolphin Cruise, where local pods often leap alongside the boat, thrilling children and adults alike. The commentary adds depth, offering insights into Mandurah’s delicate ecosystem and ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
For those who prefer to set their own pace, Mandurah Boat Hire makes it simple to captain your own runabout or pontoon. Pack some snacks, cruise the canals, and you might even spot dolphins from your own deck. Younger families can opt for a more theatrical adventure aboard a Pirate Ship. With a crew who stay firmly in character and even the chance to steer the ship, it’s an outing that blurs the line between play and reality.
If it’s a slower, quieter rhythm you’re looking for, Mandurah’s paddling trails offer something gentler. Hire a canoe or SUP and glide through the inlets, where black swans and cormorants gather, and the only sound is the dip of your paddle.
Active adventures on land
If the family still has energy to spare, Mandurah has plenty more on offer. At Mandurah Indoor Rock Climbing, kids can test their courage on colourful climbing walls, while parents cheer them on from below — or strap in and have a go themselves. Puzzle-loving families will enjoy Escape Squad, where teamwork and imagination combine to solve themed mysteries under pressure, ultimately leading to an escape from the room.
Meanwhile, Mandurah’s collection of golf courses offers a slower alternative, ideal for families with older children or those who simply want to stretch their legs on manicured greens while taking in the coastal air.
So next time you’re searching for that perfect Sunday, take the short trip south and let Mandurah do what it does best: turn a day out into a memory that lingers long after the sun sets over the estuary. Find out more at visitmandurah.com.
