The school holidays are just around the corner, meaning it's time to start planning your winter getaway with the family. You won't need to travel too far to find your next family vacation spot, with Mandurah offering some awesome kid-friendly experiences. Spend some quality time with your kids and enjoy the wonderful world of Mandurah this winter with these adventurous and family activities.
Join the crew on the Pirate Ship
Arr, me hearties! Jump aboard Mandurah's very own pirate ship, docked at the Eastern Foreshore, and take a 45-minute cruise with pirates around the estuary. Come dressed up as your favourite scurvy sea-dog and join the crew on a family-fun hunt for treasure, or enjoy watching the dolphins of Mandurah play along the wooden hull of the boat.
Sailors can try their hand (or hook) at steering the large wooden ship wheel, or sit back and relax on the bench seats on deck. Depending on the weather, the Pirate Ship operates both days on weekends between April and September, and all seven days a week during the school holidays. With plenty of spare pirate gear for sailors without a costume, what better way to see the canals with your kids!
Looking for a parents retreat? Adults can also book the Pirate Ship for their next function, just BYO drinks and food for a festive dress-up party with friends.
Check out the tickets for your next pirate adventure here.
Family passes for dolphin cruises
Show the kids the wild wonders of Mandurah's aquatic life with Mandurah Cruises' Scenic Dolphin Marine Cruise. For just $68, a family of four can witness the magic of Mandurah's marine population from the water, as dolphins surf alongside the boat - that means kids ride for as little as $2!
Your little nippers love seeing weird and wonderful blue manna crabs and crayfish, with friendly cruise guides bringing these sea critters aboard for an up-close encounter.
Share a bite to eat as you sail, with the 11.30am cruise offering lunch deals, such as classic fish and chips, for just $12.50. Parents can enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee on board as the younger family members get a closer look at the animals of the estuary.
Grab your family cruise ticket here.
Ice skating and tabogganing
The pop-up ice skating rink is coming back to Mandurah this year, with a large ice rink, a 30 metre tobogganing slide, and various rides and entertainment stalls. Parents can sit back and enjoy a hot beverage and food made by the team at The Brighton Hotel as the kids enjoy the winter wonderland around them. Kids from as young as 3 years old are welcome to get out on the ice, with 'Kanga' Skate Aids available for those still building up their skating skills. The rink will be open from 10am to 8pm every day, kicking off on June 26 until July 18. Sessions are 45 minutes long starting on the hour.
See here to book your family ticket.
Jump on the road train
All aboard Big Toot, one of Australia's only licensed road trains. Embark on a guided loop around Mandjar Bay and the CBD in this novelty train, with stops at 10 different attractions.
Enjoy ongoing commentary and facts about the sites you will pass, such as Mandjar Bay's giant, 100-year-old fig tree; Thomas Peel's grave; the War Memorial, and Dolphin Quay. The loop takes one hour to complete, but passengers can hop on and off at each stop, just as they could with any other public transport.
These trains run throughout the school holidays and are an excellent option for families looking for a fun and easy way to get around. There is plenty of room for kids to sprawl out, so taking the tots around town is a breeze. For smaller kids, steam along the Eastern Foreshore in Little Toot. This mini train is a great treat for the little ones who can play conductor in the tiny carriages.
You can purchase family tickets here.