The Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet is a large system of shallow estuarine and saline, brackish and freshwater lakes and covers 134 square kilometres – twice the size of Sydney Harbour!

The estuary is comprised of the Peel Inlet which is connected to the Indian Ocean via the Dawesville Channel in Mandurah and the Harvey Estuary further south. In 1990, The Peel Harvey Estuary was listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland and ecosystem of international significance.

The Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet is regarded as one of Australia’s most spectacular playgrounds for boating, fishing and wildlife watching. Take to the water by hiring a boat, houseboat, kayak, canoe, jet ski or hop on a cruise. A dolphin-watching tour will also give you the chance to see one of Australia’s healthiest populations of dolphins.

Tens of thousands of waterbirds, including large numbers of migrant shorebirds from the northern hemisphere, use the estuary and lakes each year. The sheltered waters also provide a safe place to fish. Cast a line from the jetties or landings under the bridges to chase Herring, Sand Whiting, Bream and Tailor. Catch river Prawns in early summer, fish for King Prawns in autumn or go crabbing during late summer and autumn to scoop the famous blue swimmer crab. Or for a bigger catch, join a deep-sea fishing charter.