Things to do in

Western Australia

Explore the waterways of Mandurah on a cruise that will help you to get to know about this special area and its wildlife. Meet Western Australia’s largest local population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and watch as they feed, rest, and play in their natural environment. Watch a western rock lobster and blue swimmer crab catch demonstration and see these iconic creatures up close. Explore the city’s 20+ kilometers of illustrious canals, framed with luxurious homes. Cruise through the region’s wetlands, protected by the United Nations as a natural site of worldwide importance, where you’ll spot pelicans, ospreys, swans, and other water birds. Along the way, see significant heritage-protected landmarks and important cultural sites. Your tour guide and captain will provide live commentary throughout the cruise.Kids can help the Captain drive from the custom steering wheel at the front of the boat and peek through giant binoculars in search of wildlife. If choosing the 11:30 AM departure, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch on board from Western Australia's favorite fish and chips shop, Cicerello’s. Note: The lunch must be purchased directly - Contact Mandurah Cruises on +61 8 9581 1242 to add lunch to your booking.

Enjoy the scenic highlights of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park during a 1-hour glass bottom boat cruise that explores the ruggedly spectacular coastlines of Penguin, Seal & Bird Islands and takes advantage of the best wildlife spotting opportunities.  Take in the beautiful scenery in the marine park and through the glass panels you can also see what goes on beneath the surface. Wild dolphins, rare Australian sea lions, pelican rookeries, and birds of prey are regularly sighted and our friendly crew will get you right amongst the action. Though, please note that no sightings are guaranteed.  The Cruise concludes on Penguin Island to see the penguin feeding and then enjoy some island time before returning on the ferry at your own leisure. Penguin feedings are presented by a Parks & Wildlife Services ranger at 10.30am, 12.30 & 2.30pm and last around 20 minutes, after which the rangers are available to answer any visitor questions.

Explore the island of Rottnest by bike. Take a ferry from Fremantle and experience the beaches and bays of this car-free environment on two wheels. Catch the ferry to Rottnest Island and collect your pre-booked bike hire to start your journey. Discover Rottnest Island by bicycle and experience over 63 beaches and 20 bays as you explore this unique Class A Reserve renowned for its high conservation and community values. Cycling is an environmentally friendly and fun recreational activity for all ages. As Rottnest Island has essentially no cars, cycling is one of the best ways to get around the island. With a free bike fitting and breakdown service available, this is the perfect way to experience Rottnest. Easily return your bike and catch your return ferry when you are done.

Jewel Cave is the largest show cave in Western Australia, composed of three massive chambers. Visitors are immediately in awe of the sheer enormity of the first chamber, which is also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia. Towering crystal formations, growing for many thousands of years, reach up towards delicate and intricate decorations suspended like vines across the ceiling. Hear stories of the "Tasmanian tiger" fossils found in the cave — these animals perished in the darkness after falling into the cave thousands of years ago. After exiting the cave, you'll have the option to take a self-guided walk through the towering karri forest above, during which you'll pass by the natural entrance to the cave, a small vertical shaft in the forest floor.

See amazing coral reefs from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. With its very shallow draft, spacious layout and superior design, Nhanya-Ku is perfect for taking you over the beautiful coral formations found in the lagoon gardens of the inner reef. This 1-hour coral viewing may be the perfect tour for you to experience all of the wonderful fish and different coral formations without having to get in the water. While on board, a knowledgeable crew will give an informative talk about the many things you’re seeing under the glass. Don't miss this perfect short excursion to make the most of your time in Coral Bay. 

Enjoy this two-hour snorkel & coral viewing which takes place on board the Nhanya-Ku. Visit the pre-arranged meeting point 15-minutes before the tour commences. After a short meet and greet with your friendly and informative guide, you will then be guided to the departure area on the beach. Within a 2 to 3-minute walk from the meeting location, you will reach your custom designed, glass-bottom boat, the Nhanya-Ku. Not only can you see the reef passing by under the glass you will also have the opportunity to snorkel at two beautiful snorkel sites. Immerse yourself amongst hundreds of tropical fish and view magnificent coral gardens, along with other amazing wildlife that calls the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef home. All your snorkeling equipment is provided on board and your friendly and informative guides will be more than happy to assist with how to use the equipment.

Enjoy the best of Rottnest Island with bike rental and same-day return ferry tickets. Get in the saddle and explore this unique island without cars at your own pace. If self-driving, choose from two departure times. Make your own way to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Arrive at the meeting point 30 to 45-minutes before boarding to collect your bike and tickets. Enjoy a coffee at Hillarys Boat Harbour before boarding. Relax on the 45-minute high-speed ferry crossing. On arrival, enjoy a full day to explore Rottnest Island at your own pace. Add-on a snorkel set at check-out to discover the island’s beautiful marine life. Pedal to Wadjemup Lighthouse or race to the West End. Discover the many different bays and beaches. Be sure to meet a smiling quokka and snap a selfie! Leave Rottnest Island on the 4:30 pm ferry, returning to Hillarys Boat Harbour at 5:15 pm.

Kick-start your Margaret River tour with a stop at a local coffee shop to sample their range. Visit two wineries in the morning and sample some incredible wines from respected and award-winning winemakers.  Stop for a relaxing lunch and cleansing ale, grab a tasting paddle, or share one with a friend. to savor the range. Choose from a selection of Margaret River reds, whites, and sparkling wines if you’re not a beer drinker. Experience some sensational local produce and taste cheese at a local dairy company. Try some olive oil and condiments as well as chocolate from beloved local shops. Appreciate the incredible natural beauty of Margaret River’s lush forests, rolling hills, and opulent vineyards. Ride through natural Australian bush on the bus and spy karri trees and possibly some kangaroos. End your tour back at your accommodations.

Discover the magic of the Pinnacles Desert on a 9-hour guided tour. Head west to the Turquoise Coast and keep an eye out for native wildlife. Stop in Lancelin for a walk along the beach. Experience the thrill of sandboarding down giant sand dunes. Board the bus and visit Ngilgen Lookout to see seasonal wildflowers and admire views over the Indian Ocean. Go for a guided walk on the beach at Hangover Bay to see native plants that were used by the Aborigines for food and medicine when they lived off the land. Enjoy dinner at the Observation Deck in the Pinnacles Desert, accompanied by a glass of Margaret River wine. See the sunset over the Indian Ocean and later marvel at the stars with the help of Astro binoculars and a telescope.  See the Rings of Saturn through the telescope and photograph the moon by attaching your smartphone to the telescope.

Ahoy there, matey! Take your seat as you depart from the eastern foreshore and venture through through Mandurah's beautiful inland waterways and canals on a fun-filled pirate cruise. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favourite pirate costume (not supplied) and pretend they are sailing the seven seas. On this 45-minute adventure, they can steer the pirate wheel, look through the telescopes and take photos with the friendly captain, while adults are entertained with scenic views including a look at the prestigious homes dotted along the canals. Don't forget to bring your camera, Western Australia's largest residential population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins can be found in the waterways all year round.