Mandurah’s transformation from a small fishing village to serious competitor in Australia’s tourism industry has gained major momentum in recent years.
From humble beginnings, Mandurah has become the number-one daytrip capital of Western Australia and has a tourism and hospitality industry worth approximately $460 million.
With spectacular Ramsar-listed waterways, endless stretches of pristine coastline and an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Mandurah’s tourism scene brings its abundant natural assets to the fore.
Mandurah’s transforming City Centre, one-of-a-kind water-based experiences, year-round events calendar, performing arts centre of international standard, exciting food and beverage venues and broad accommodation options, are major drawcards for families and nature lovers.
Coupled with its unbeatable location – accessible to WA’s capital city, wine regions and enchanting forests – Mandurah is experiencing a surge in national and international attention.
This is no accident. The City is one of only a few local governments across Australia that has established an organisation focused purely on tourism. The City formed Visit Mandurah in 2018 and commits $1 million of funding annually to deliver targeted destination marketing, destination development and a first-class Mandurah Visitor Centre.
City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams explains a strategic vision, driven by a strong board and implemented by a dynamic team of staff, is leading the charge.
“We are a local government that prides itself on being different,” Mayor Williams said.
“Five years ago, we reformed our approach to tourist attraction and took major action to leverage Mandurah’s tourism opportunities; laying the foundations for long-term economic outcomes. Our innovative Transform Mandurah Strategy and focus on results for Visit Mandurah have informed our efforts and committed us to creating a city that is an exciting place to live, visit and invest in.
“Since then, we have continually explored industry data, global trends and adopted international thinking. Backed by data-driven insights, we are actively pursuing new opportunities for our incredible city.”
This approach is proving successful as the City has a pipeline of external investments to the tune of more than $100 million – the majority of which are from within in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The City of Mandurah is also delivering a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Mandurah’s Eastern and Western Foreshores and surrounding areas, and delivering an exciting program of WA’s largest, most exciting and international-calibre events.
The $22 million Mandurah Waterfront Project has delivered an iconic precinct for people to meet, play and rest. Complete with new Estuary Pool (Kwillena Gabi Pool), boating and tourism services facilities, a destination level skate park, play space (Koolyanga Waabiny Playground) and updated Smart Street Mall, Mandurah’s City Centre is unrecognisable. Investing in a vibrant City Centre will support local tourism and create local jobs for long term economic well-being.
Add to this the extensive year-round events calendar and the City building on Mandurah’s incredible natural assets to bring experiences unavailable anywhere else. For example, the award-winning Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest has become WA’s largest free regional event, and Giants of Mandurah will bring an iconic series of wooden sculptures by international artist Thomas Dambo to Mandurah and its surrounds in an Australia-first exhibition.
“Here at the City of Mandurah, our strategic focus, demonstrated experience and outcome-driven approach has sparked significant interest in Mandurah and it is being recognised. This year, Mandurah was named Top Tourism Town in Western Australia and third-top in Australia; acknowledgement of our city’s position as a much-loved tourism destination,” Mayor Williams said.
“We are serious about our tourism industry and have invested more than ever to make significant changes. With these solid foundations in place, we can now catapult our tourism industry to the next level by unlocking the potential of significant Mandurah locations.”
The City of Mandurah is currently defining how it will activate the magnificent Yalgorup National Park, undergoing significant master planning to reinvent its City Centre, reviewing expressions of interest for its Western Foreshore commercial precinct, and supporting the potential development of a world-class Hospitality Education Precinct, to name a few.
Collectively, these developments will see millions of dollars invested in Mandurah long-term.
There has never been a better time to invest in Mandurah. Its stunning landscapes, unique natural assets, unbeatable location, significant public and private investments, enviable lifestyle, affordability and expected growth, brings new opportunities for the community, tourism operators and broader industry.
“At the City of Mandurah, we back up our strategic vision by taking calculated steps to unlock our city’s potential. In doing so, we are leading the industry and delivering outcomes previously unachieved,” Mayor Williams said.
“We truly believe in the value of collaboration and welcome conversations with anyone interested in joining us.”
