Why Mandurah is Western Australia’s Best-Kept Secret
Mandurah remains one of WA’s premier locales – and for good reason. Every year, Perth residents continue flocking to the Peel Region seeking greener pastures and affordable waterfront living. With beautiful homes, modern apartments, and luxurious canal estates, this coastal gem offers something for everyone.
Real Work/Life Balance Achieved
If you’re seeking breathing space or the perfect family environment, Mandurah delivers Perth’s inner-city allure without the $735k price tag (REIWA Q2 2025).
Key Advantages:
- 40-minute Perth commute via Kwinana Freeway
- 300+ annual sunny days
- 17% population growth since 2022
“Our clients save $150k average on home purchases while gaining 10+ weekly leisure hours” – Sarah, Relocation Manager
Neighbourhood Guide: Coastal Living Made Easy
Halls Head
Mandurah’s premier canal living destination offers waterfront properties with private boat access to the Peel-Harvey Estuary. The 2026 completion of Marina Edge apartments brings modern luxury to this established area, appealing to professionals and retirees seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Average block sizes of 800m² provide space for pools and outdoor entertaining.
Lakelands
WA’s fastest-growing family suburb (28% population increase since 2023) caters to young families with its $35m youth sports complex and upcoming Lakelands Train Station (Q2 2026). Median house prices of $689k make it 18% more affordable than Perth’s northern suburbs, while new playgrounds and schools cement its family-friendly reputation.
Dawesville
Boating enthusiasts flock to this laid-back coastal community surrounding the iconic Dawesville Cut. Spacious 750m² blocks dominate the market, with 65% of properties featuring boat sheds or jetty access. Popular with retirees and sea changers, it offers a peaceful lifestyle just 12 minutes from Mandurah CBD.
Coodanup
Transforming into Mandurah’s healthcare hub, this riverside suburb benefits from the $75m hospital expansion and new specialist medical precinct. First-home buyers appreciate its proximity to Mandurah Forum (8-minute drive) and direct access to the Murray River via the Coodanup Foreshore Reserve.
Falcon
The go-to for budget-conscious buyers, Falcon offers WA’s most active first-home buyer market (41% of 2024 sales). With median prices 22% below Mandurah’s average and the new Falcon Train Station opening late 2026, it’s ideal for Perth commuters wanting beach access without the premium.
Community at Heart: Family-First Living in Mandurah
Mandurah’s thriving family community stems from its innovative blend of education, accessibility, and cultural vibrancy. Over 65% of new residents cite “family-friendly infrastructure” as their primary relocation driver.
Education & Inclusivity
The city boasts 10+ highly rated schools, including Mandurah Baptist College and the STEM-focused Coastal Learning Hub. What truly sets Mandurah apart is its WA-leading accessibility initiatives:
- Permanent beach matting systems at seven foreshore locations
- Complimentary all-terrain wheelchair hire stations operational year-round
- Award-winning accessible playgrounds with sensory-friendly equipment
“We chose Mandurah for its schools, but stayed for the community spirit.”
– The Nguyen Family, Lakelands residents
Cultural Pillars
At the heart of Mandurah’s cultural scene stands its Performing Arts Centre, a year-round hub for:
- Theatre productions and live music
- Community workshops and artist residencies
- Free outdoor performances during the summer months
Check out the Mandurah Families Guide for more information.
Adventure Awaits: Top 10 Mandurah Experiences
- Dolphin Cruises
Mandurah Cruises – Dolphin & Canal Tours - Crab Fishing
Mandurah Crabbing Guide - Bibbulmun Track
Bibbulmun Track Official Site (Note: Coastal section near Mandurah referenced in local guides) - Craft Beer Trail
Peel Craft Beer & Wine Trail - Mandjar Markets
Mandjar Markets Official Site - Peel Zoo (Ranger Red’s Zoo)
Ranger Red’s Zoo & Conservation Park - Surf Lessons
Mandurah Surf Lessons (MSL) - Crab Fest
Crab Fest 2025 Official Site - Marina Dining
Dolphin Quay Restaurants (Boardwalk Bar located here) - Art Trails Mandurah Public Art Trail Guide
Your 4-Week Moving Checklist
Week 4: Preparation Phase
- 📦 Start packing non-essentials (seasonal items, decor)
- 🗓 Book removalist & confirm insurance coverage
- 📍 Research new local services:
Week 3: Declutter & Notify
- ♻️ Host garage sale or donate via Mandurah Recycling Centre
- 📧 Set up mail redirection (minimum 3 months)
- 💡 Notify key services:
- Electricity/gas providers
- Internet companies
- Subscription boxes
Week 2: Address Change Essentials
- 🏠 Update address with:
- Electoral Commission
- Driver’s license (WA Transport)
- Banks/insurance providers
- 📦 Pack room-by-room with color-coded labels
- 🔑 Arrange key pickup for new property
Week 1: Final Preparations
- 🧊 Defrost fridge/freezer 48hrs pre-move
- 🧴 Pack “Open First” box: toiletries, tools, chargers
- 🔌 Disconnect appliances (washer/dryer)
- 📞 Confirm moving day schedule with removalists
Moving Day
- 7AM: Supervise loading (use inventory checklist)
- 12PM: Quick lunch at Mandurah Forum food court
- 3PM: Unload using floor plan diagram
- 5PM: Basic furniture assembly complete
Pro Tips
- Use acid-free paper for wrapping heirlooms
- Take meter readings at both properties
- Keep important documents in separate folder
Navigating Mandurah’s Unique Moving Challenges
While Mandurah offers an enviable coastal lifestyle, its geography and popularity create specific moving considerations that demand local expertise:
1. Canal & Waterfront Access
- Narrow streets and low bridges in areas like Port Mandurah and Wannanup
- Body corporate restrictions on moving times/days in gated communities
- Specialized equipment required for canal home moves (2.1m wide trucks)
2. Seasonal Traffic Patterns
- Summer tourist influx causes congestion on Old Coast Road and near Dolphin Quay
- School holiday periods (Dec-Jan) increase marina precinct parking limitations by 40%
- Major events like Crab Fest (March) trigger road closures
3. Weather Considerations
- Summer heat extremes (35°C+ common) require early morning moves
- “Fremantle Doctor” sea winds (Nov-Mar) complicate furniture handling
- Winter rain showers necessitate waterproof packing protocols
4. Infrastructure Bottlenecks
- Mandurah Bridge creates peak-hour delays (6-8:30AM northbound)
- Limited estuary crossings slow cross-town moves
- High-rise apartments require booked lift access 72hrs+ in advance
Proven Solutions from Local Experts
✅ Morning scheduling to avoid heat/wind
✅ Advanced parking permit applications
✅ Tide table coordination for canal moves
✅ Local traffic pattern navigation (alternative routes via Pinjarra Rd)
The Moving Man Mandurah – Your local removalist
- 15+ years servicing Peel Region
- Specialized fleet:
- 2.1m narrow-body canal trucks
- Marine-grade wrapping systems
Let us help you get there
The Moving Man has many years of experience moving people from Perth to the Mandurah and the Peel region.