Less than an hour south of Perth by train or car, Mandurah makes for the perfect day trip or overnight stay. Here’s the local’s insight on the top 10 things to see and do for seniors in Mandurah and the Peel Region. There are so many affordable, accessible and enjoyable activities, that you’ll want to turn your visit into an overnight (or two) stay!

Did you know? If you have a Senior SmartRider from Transperth (free to apply for) you can travel for free on train and bus services from 9am until 3:30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays, so there’s no excuse not to visit Mandurah.

VISIT Mandurah

1. Explore Mandurah’s calm inland waterways on a 1-hour Dolphin Cruise & Views Tour with Mandurah Cruises. Encounter playful dolphins – guaranteed (or travel again for free) – see amazing bird life on the vast wetlands, marvel at Mandurah’s luxury canals, cruise through the Mandurah Marina, enjoy live commentary and more. Vessels are fully enclosed and wheelchair / walking frame accessible. Take advantage of the ‘$30 Senior Special’ available Monday to Friday! After your cruise pop over to San Churros Chocolateria (next to the cruise jetty) where you can enjoy ‘BUY1 GET 1 FREE churros‘ when you show your cruise boarding pass. They also do great coffee, shakes, toasties, cakes, ice-cream and chocolatey desserts. Yum!

2. Mandjar Bay is Mandurah’s entertainment hub. Check out the latest art exhibition in the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre FREE art gallery or attend one of their upcoming shows. The centre presents a diverse range of live theatre, drama, dance, music and comedy shows, including state and national and international performances. Watch one of the new release movies at Reading Cinemas Mandurah, where tickets are only $13 per person. Plus, there’s plenty of great options for a bite to eat, over looking the bay – including The Peninsula Bar & Restaurant, Hans Cafe, Brewvino and Simmos Ice Creamery.

3. Discover the incredible flora and fauna in Mandurah’s internationally significant wetlands. Wander the beautiful Creery Wetlands walk (all flat accessible terrain) where you’ll see and hear incredible bird life, spot kangaroos grazing and learn about (and view) the diverse range of tree and plant species from the great information boards along the way. At the entrance to the Creery Wetlands walk you’ll find a hidden gem – Nourishing the Soul Cafe. This home-style food café is a favourite with the locals, offering breakfast, lunch and the BEST scones in town! Just a short 5 minute drive from here, on the Coodanup Foreshore, you’ll also find one of the Giants of Mandurah – Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone. This is the most accessible giant to visit as it is the shortest walk and the track is suitable for wheelchair users (with assistance).

4. Embark on a relaxing 4.5-hour Murray River Lunch Cruise with Mandurah Cruises, where you’ll explore the vast Peel Inlet, serene Murray and  feast on a delicious buffet lunch on board. The tour includes a stop at the remote Cooleenup Island for an easy guided walking tour to see the heritage protected Coopers Mill. You’ll also spot playful dolphins, diverse birdlife and stunning flora throughout the cruise. Don’t miss out on the ‘$20 OFF – Senior Special‘, where seniors receive $20 off when booking onto a Wednesday tour in August or September. Simply use the promo code: MRLCWSS20 at the time of booking. *Limited seats available.

5. Visit Mandurah’s internationally awarded waterfront brewery – Boundary Island Brewery. Overlooking the estuary at Mandurah Quays, they have more than 10 craft beers on tap to try – all brewed on site. Our favourite is the Spiced Anchor Ginger Beer! Not a beer drinker? They also have a great range of WA wines and cocktails. The food is sensational too, with seasonal menus showcasing the local produce. They are open for lunch and dinner (daily), breakfast (weekends) and coffee and cake (daily). Adjacent to the brewery is the Len Howard Conservation Park trail, where you can enjoy a delightful walk amongst nature, spotting an array birds including the stunning blue fairy wren, flowering native flora and kangaroos soaking up the sunshine or grazing along trail. Both the brewery and trail are dog friendly, so you can take them along for the adventure too!

6. Stroll through the Dolphin Quay indoor markets which are open every day. Then enjoy lunch at one of the many great cafes and restaurants on its boardwalk. With all types of cuisines from modern Australian, Italian, Chinese, Thai and more, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. Sharky’s fish and chips are the local’s favourite, along with Lily Paris French Cafe & Patisserie’s sweet treats.

7. Stop off at Western Australia’s most awarded bakery – Miami bakery – on the way to visit the amazing 2,000+ year old thrombolites at Lake Clifton, which are living, breathing rock-like structures. The largest in the southern hemisphere – these natural wonders are well worth a visit. If you’re up for a walk along the adjoining trail (follow the signs), you’ll come across one of the Giants of Mandurah – Jyttes Hytte. Note: It’s a 3.5km walk (round-trip) on flat terrain. Next to the thrombolites is Thorny Devil Brewery, where you can enjoy a cold glass of hand-crafted beer or cider after your walk. They are open from 10:30am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday and also have a great lunch menu. The beef brisket burger is the local’s favourite! 

8. Tee off at some of the best golf courses in Western Australia – Overlooking the ocean is The Cut golf course and surrounded by beautiful bushland and grazing kangaroos on course is Mandurah Country Club golf course. Other courses worth a play are Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club, Secret Harbour Golf Course and Pinjarra Golf Course.

9. Take a trip to Pinjarra – Only 20 minutes from Mandurah

Visit Amaze Miniature Park which is set on 4 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and features an extensive display of scale model miniature buildings and railways, a huge hedge maze, 12-hole mini golf course, picnic area and more. Note: They are currently closed for annual maintenance – reopening from 4th September.

Continuing on towards Pinjarra is the Peel Zoo, where you can hand feed, pat and observe over 100 species of birds and animals.

Feeling a bit peckish? Head to the award-winning Pinjarra Bakery and enjoy it at the beautiful Cantwell Park by the river OR for a delightful dine in lunch / afternoon tea, choose from the popular home style food cafes Jarrah Infusion or Edenvale Heritage Tea Rooms.

10. Take a trip to Dwellingup – Only 40 minutes from Mandurah

Jump on board one of Hotham Valley Railway’s locomotive experiences. The Steam Ranger (available until end-October) climbs Western Australia’s steepest and most spectacular section of railway, through the Darling Range OR tour the beautiful Jarrah Forest from Dwellingup to Etmilyn on their historic Dwellingup Forest Train (year-round). They also offer a unique dining experience aboard the Etmilyn Restaurant Train (year-round).

All within a 10-minute drive from each other you’ll also find Caraholly Orchard (open Sundays) where you can purchase fresh produce, Blue Wren Café for a delicious home style lunch or coffee and cake, the Forest Discovery Centre which is home to wood craft, environmental interpretive displays and walk trails and Lane Poole Reserve where you can enjoy the serenity of the river and flowering native flora (in spring).