Sundays have a way of slipping through your fingers. By the time you’ve made breakfast and done the housework, the weekend can feel almost over. A better way to spend it? Head south for a day out in Mandurah — close enough to be easy, full enough to feel like you’ve truly made the most of your weekend.
In winter, the trip is even better. The air is crisp, the reserves and wetlands are at their greenest, and the usual summer crowds are replaced by locals and day trippers moving at an easy pace. Whether you’re chasing a creative spark, a dose of nature, or simply a seat by the water with a warm coffee in hand, Mandurah has it all within reach.
Start with a walk and wildlife
Mandurah’s natural beauty isn’t something you need to hunt for — it’s stitched into the city itself. Start with a walking trail at Creery Wetlands Nature Reserve, where timber boardwalks stretch over sheltered estuarine waters. It’s a haven for birdlife: herons, spoonbills, and black swans are regulars, while 22 species of migratory shorebirds visit in the cooler months.
If you’d prefer a quieter path, head to Len Howard Conservation Park. Trails wind through native bush and along the Peel Inlet’s shoreline, where dolphins often surface in the shallows. It’s peaceful, close to town, and a good way to stretch your legs before the day really begins.
Hunt for The Giants
The Giants of Mandurah have quickly become part of the city’s identity. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these towering wooden sculptures are hidden in bushland, beaches, and parks across the region. Each has a distinct personality — from the serene Little Lui to the contemplative Seba’s Song — and finding them is as much about the journey as the destination.
You can book a guided tour with a local expert who’ll share the stories behind each sculpture, or pick up a map from the Mandurah Visitor Centre and set off on your own adventure. Either way, it’s an experience that blends art, nature, and exploration.
Get hands-on with clay or paint
Mandurah’s creative streak isn’t confined to its galleries. At Get Muddy Pottery Workshops, you can swap your phone for clay-covered fingers and shape your own ceramic piece in a relaxed, small-group session. Friendly instructors guide you through the process, and they’ll fire and finish your creation so you can collect it later — a tactile memento of your Sunday.
If clay isn’t your medium, Holly Jade Studios runs paint and sip sessions at The Blank Canvas. With a brush in one hand and a glass in the other, you can let the afternoon unfold in colour.
Follow the art trail through town
The Mandurah Art Trail is as photogenic as it is inspiring — a vibrant route linking colourful murals, striking sculptures, and creative street corners that are perfect for your next Instagram post. Winding through the city centre and along the waterfront, it’s a walkable way to discover the city’s artistic side. For those budding photographers, the Instagram Trail offers even more unique spots around Mandurah that are guaranteed to deliver striking shots.
Along the way, you’ll also come across some of Mandurah’s vibrant art galleries. Browse the coastal-inspired works at MandArt Gallery & Gifts, admire Emma Blyth’s bold Australian landscapes at Black Stump Gallery, and step inside Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM) for exhibitions that change regularly, showcasing both local and national talent.
Settle in for a waterfront lunch
By midday, you’ll have earned a relaxed lunch — and in Mandurah, that often means water views. Boundary Island Brewery serves house-brewed beers alongside a menu that leans into fresh, local produce. On Sundays, live music drifts over the Peel-Harvey Estuary, and it’s the kind of place where staying for an extra-long lunch feels entirely reasonable.
If you’re after something lighter, the foreshore is lined with cafés and casual eateries where you can grab a quick bite before heading back out.
Browse for something local
Shopping in Mandurah is about character rather than chain stores. If time allows, wander beyond the main retail spots and explore Mandurah’s smaller boutiques and gift shops dotted through the city centre. With free parking, there’s no need to rush your browsing — a rare luxury on a Sunday afternoon.
The Quirky Beetle is packed with artisan goods and vintage pieces, while Botanical H2O offers a curated selection of jewellery and charms, perfect for picking up a small, personal reminder of your day. And at the Dolphin Quay Markets, you’ll find just about everything you can imagine — from handmade clothing and homewares to souvenirs and unique gifts.
As the day cools, wander back to the foreshore for one last look. You’re only an hour from home, but far enough to feel like the weekend ended on your terms — unhurried, well-fed, and with something new to talk about at work on Monday.
