Blog Update: Accessible Mandurah: Sam is Cruising, Paddling, and Discovering the Giants (WA Style!)

Hello from Mandurah! After the epic, often challenging road trip through the remote reaches of the Kimberley and the Coral Coast, it’s wonderful to hit a destination that is actively striving for inclusive tourism. 

Mandurah is a vibrant coastal city, known as one of WA’s most accessible-friendly communities, and it’s been a pleasure to verify their waterways, art trails, and accommodation! 

This stop is all about proving that the best accessible travel doesn’t always have to involve long drives and self-transfers sometimes, it’s about beautifully designed infrastructure right in the heart of a city. Over the last week, I’ve traded in the 4WD for accessible paddle launches, luxury houseboats, and a massive art trail. Here’s what I found in this jewel of the Peel region!

1. Rolling on the Water: All Abilities Paddle Launch

Mandurah is making huge strides in water-based recreation! The All Abilities Paddle Launch at Riverside Gardens Foreshore is a prime example of inclusive design. This facility is truly trailblazing, allowing everyone to enjoy the waterways.

The launch facility has been engineered to eliminate barriers and create an effortless transition from land to water. Accessibility is paramount, featuring a large floating platform with easy ramp access, contrasting colours for visual impairment, and grab rails for support. Most impressively, it includes a specially designed step seating option and custom slipways that allow paddlers to safely transition from a seated position (such as a wheelchair) directly into their canoe or kayak. The surrounding foreshore area is just as inclusive, providing ACROD parking bays, accessible toilets, connected pathways, and an inclusive, wheelchair-accessible BBQ area for a full day of waterfront enjoyment. This facility truly sets a high standard for recreational infrastructure, opening up a world of adventure to the entire community.

• Key Features: It features an accessible floating platform, ramp access, a transfer bench, and handrails to facilitate seamless transitions from wheelchairs to canoes or kayaks.
• Amenities: You’ll also find convenient accessible toilets and ACROD parking nearby, with connecting pathways for easy navigation.

2. Art and Adventure: Discovering the Giants of Mandurah

The Giants of Mandurah is a must-see for any visitor and the best part? It’s a free, self-guided public art trail! These spectacular, massive wooden sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are hidden throughout the region, encouraging visitors to explore different parks, trails, and waterways.

Access Check: Since this is a self-guided trail, accessibility varies depending on the specific location of each Giant. The Giants of Mandurah welcomes visitors of all abilities, but as an outdoor walking trail experience in natural settings, access varies for each sculpture.

Some trails, like those for Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone and Seba’s Song, are classified as Grade 1 (Easy) and are suitable for people with a disability or using a wheelchair with assistance, featuring crushed limestone or bitumen surfaces with minimal to no slopes.

Other trails may have crushed limestone or compacted dirt surfaces, which can be uneven or challenging, particularly after rain. The trail to Santi Ikto also includes short, steep sections.

AccessibleOz Tip: We recommend checking the official trail map or contacting Mandurah Visitor Centre for the most up-to-date information on the easiest Giant locations to access by wheelchair. It’s an adventure, but you can certainly find key accessible spots to capture that incredible photo!

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3. Mandurah Houseboats – Western Australia’s Premier Accessible Houseboat

This was the most exciting accommodation discovery of the trip! The Emily Louise is Western Australia’s premier accessible houseboat. Built in 2020, this large, modern vessel stands out as the only purpose-built wheelchair-friendly houseboat in WA, offering a genuinely inclusive holiday experience for up to eight guests.

• Design & Space: The Emily Louise removes the barriers to houseboat cruising by thoughtfully integrating accessible design throughout its beautiful interior and spacious decks. Sam noted the huge amount of space for manoeuvring.

• Dedicated Accessible Features:
  • Entry and Interior: Features ramp access onto the vessel, wide doorways and passageways, and spacious rooms to allow for easy wheelchair maneuvering.
  • Facilities: The toilet/shower wet areas include handrails, grab rails, and a roll-in wet-area shower with an adjustable-height shower head. The boat also includes a second (standard) toilet.
  • Ergonomics: Light switches, benchtops, and even the helm (steering station) are all positioned for convenient access for wheelchair users.
  • Sleeping: The front bedroom is designed with enough clear space to accommodate a wheelchair and potentially extra equipment like a hoist (if brought by the guest).

• Luxury Perks: Guests enjoy luxury amenities, including air conditioning, a Smart TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private spa on the rear deck—all without needing a skippers ticket to drive!

The Emily Louise guarantees that everyone can share in the unique joy of cruising Mandurah’s magnificent estuaries and inlets in comfort and style.

4. Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets: Accessible Ocean Comfort

Nestled right in the heart of Mandurah’s vibrant Dolphin Quay, the Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets offer the perfect self-contained base for exploring Western Australia’s beautiful Peel region. These comfortable, budget-friendly chalets are ideal for couples and families seeking convenience and relaxation in a secure, peaceful setting, all within an hour’s drive of Perth.

Guaranteed Access: The Chalets show a strong Commitment to Wheelchair Accessibility. They offer two dedicated Accessible Chalets , typically a Two-Bedroom configuration sleeping four guests (with four single beds). These fully self-contained units feature essential ramp access to the chalet.

Accessible Amenities: The chalets include a dedicated wheelchair accessible bathroom with a specially designed shower and toilet, ensuring comfortable mobility and ease of use.

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5. Cruising the Estuary: Sea West Ocean Cruise

Experience the magic of Mandurah’s waterways on the famous Dolphin Cruise & Views tour! This one-hour scenic voyage offers an incredible opportunity to spot the region’s large residential population of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, with sightings guaranteed (or you cruise again for free!). You’ll glide past magnificent canals lined with luxury homes, explore the vast estuary, and enjoy live, expert commentary.

• Verified Access: The main vessel used for this cruise is wheelchair accessible. The operator requests that you notify the booking office when reserving your ticket to ensure your needs are accommodated on the most suitable vessel, allowing everyone to enjoy this unforgettable marine adventure.

• Sam’s Reality Check (Important!): While the boat boarding is accessible, Sam noted that there is no accessible toilet on board the vessel.

• AccessibleOz Tip: It is essential to use the large, accessible public toilet located before you board the cruise. Knowing this detail ahead of time allows for a stress-free and fully enjoyable experience!

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