You don’t need to traverse Western Australia to experience the state’s diversity and amazing experiences. Just an hour south of Perth, the Peel Region offers everything from hiking and mountain biking through jarrah forests to open ocean jet skiing, fishing trips, white water rafting and skydiving.
Encompassing the shires of Serpentine/Jarrahdale, Murray, Waroona, Boddington and the City of Mandurah, the Peel Region is the perfect destination for the nature lover and adventure seeker.
Whatever the season, you will always find exciting activities and adventures here.
Just 74 km south of Perth, the city of Mandurah enjoys some of the most spectacular waterways in the country, often compared to a modern Venice. So if you’re looking for a seriously large aquatic playground, you’ll find it here! The Peel-Harvey estuary which is twice the size of Sydney Harbour is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, boating, houseboating, fishing and crabbing. Enjoy 136 square kilometres of water fun!
To explore Mandurah’s vast waterways you can hire a kayak or bring your own. As Mandurah is home to one of Australia’s healthiest dolphin populations, more often than not some of these beautiful creatures suddenly pop out of the water right next to you when you paddle on Mandjar Bay, right in the city centre or on the Serpentine and Murray River. An experience of a lifetime!
Fishing and crabbing enthusiasts will love catching river prawns in the early summer (November/December), king prawns in autumn (March – May), and scooping for the famous blue swimmer crabs in the shallow waters of the Peel Inlet in the late summer (January – March). These crabs are brilliant blue and very tasty.
For a true fishing adventure go on a deep sea fishing trip. The best time is from December until April. All equipment, plus breakfast and lunch will be provided but dinner you’ll have to catch yourself!
Just 15 minutes south of Mandurah, 4WD enthusiasts find the closest southern locations from Perth where they can legally drive on the beach. Head to Whitehills Beach, Tim’s Thicket or Preston Beach to give your 4WD a bit of a workout. Activities such as beach fishing as well as having a BBQ and picnic by the beach at one of the many picnic areas are very popular there, too.
To experience more of the region’s natural beauty, head inland to the rolling farmlands and majestic forests and national parks of the Peel Region.
The Murray area, with its historic towns Pinjarra and Dwellingup, is a wonderland of natural attractions and heritage sites.
Enjoy native wildlife and reconnect with nature at the 50,000 hectares Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup. It’s here where you find the closest tree top adventure experience to Perth - challenging obstacle courses high up in the tree canopy, also suitable for kids from 4 years of age.
There’s also an extensive network of bushwalking tracks along the Murray River and numerous opportunities for mountain biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing and white water rafting (usually from June – October) with hire equipment and organised tours available in Dwellingup.
Dwellingup is where trails meet. Traversing 1000 km, the Bibbulmun Track meanders through towering jarrah and marri forests of Dwellingup. Follow the triangular markers symbolising the Waugal, the rainbow serpent of Aboriginal dreaming.
Or check out the Munda Biddi Trail, meaning “path through the forest”, and enjoy over 1,000 kilometres of cycling heaven. As well as passing through magnificent Lane Poole Reserve with its swimming, camping and canoeing opportunities, the trail also takes cyclists through the historic timber towns of Jarrahdale and Dwellingup in the Peel Region.
Langford Park, near Jarrahdale also, is a popular mountain biking destination for beginners and advanced riders alike due to the gradual hills and fast, flowing single track. It has a whole host of trails in the area with a longer 17km outside loop. Just pick a path and go!
The Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track at Serpentine Falls National Park requires hikers to be reasonably fit as it climbs up gravel tracks to Baldwin’s Bluff. You will pass through jarrah and marri woodlands, eventually coming to wandoo woodland and then finally over exposed granite. But it’s worth the effort. When you get up to the top, you will enjoy a view to die for.
From September to November wildflower hunters can find incredible colour and variety across the region on bush walks through Jarrahdale and Serpentine National Park, around Oakley Dam in Dwellingup and the coastal areas of Yalgorup National Park which is home to the ancient thrombolite reef. These circular rock-like formation provide a window into what our world looked like hundreds of millions of years ago.
About 50 km east of Dwellingup, you find Boddington. Half of the shire is state forest and the area is popular for camping and fishing and ideal for hiking, picnics and bird-watching. Enjoy a picnic by the Hotham River and soak up the view.
About 35 kilometres south-west of Dwellingup, Lake Navarino, also known as Waroona Dam, in the town of Waroona is a popular spot for bush walking, mountain biking, 4WDing and camping.
For more information on Mandurah & the Peel Region, go to visitpeel.com.au.
WEB LINKS:
Official tourism website for Mandurah & the Peel Region (incl. booking facility)
www.visitpeel.com.au
For videos about Mandurah and the Peel Region, go to the Visit Peel Youtube Channel:
www.youtube.com/user/visitpeel
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