Just south of Perth —so close you’d be forgiven for thinking it was part of Western Australia’s capital—is Mandurah, WA’s charming second city. It’s surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the Mandurah Estuary, plus canals frequented by the biggest pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in WA. So it’s no surprise that some of the best things to do in Mandurah are water-based. But step back from the beaches and you’ll find plenty of other gems, too, ranging from ancient landforms to lush forests and national parks.
Despite being on the other side of the world from the region, Mandurah has a Mediterranean-style climate of hot summers and cool winters. Spring, summer, and fall are all great times to visit Mandurah, while the winter months—from May to September—are best avoided. The peak summer months from December through March can be toasty, which makes for ideal beach and swimming weather, but they aren’t always best for other outdoor activities like camping and hiking—spring and fall are ideal for these.
Unlike most of Western Australia, Mandurah has surprisingly good transport links. Regular Transperth rail and bus services ferry you between Perth and Mandurah, and around the city, with ease. The area between Town Beach, Dolphin Quay, and the Eastern Foreshore is also easily walkable, with plenty of things to see along the way. If you’re keen to head a little further afield, you may be best off driving, although boats are also an option. You can even stay on houseboats on the Mandurah Estuary.
As a city almost surrounded by water, Mandurah’s top activities revolve around the water. Swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, boating, and dolphin spotting are some of the main highlights, but you can also see penguins and sea lions on Penguin Island (just 30 minutes north), and thrombolites at Lake Clifton (30 minutes south), and visit Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup (45 minutes east).
