Mandurah is situated less than an hour’s drive south of Perth. A coastal mecca for holidaymakers and day-trippers alike, it’s the quintessential Aussie seaside township. But while Mandurah’s seaside charms are no secret among Western Australians, there is another, quieter side to this popular destination – Mandurah Quay, a waterfront sanctuary overlooking the beautiful Peel Inlet, set amid the protected waterways and natural splendour of the estuary.

There is a vast array of leisure options to enjoy here at Mandurah Quay. With 50km of glorious Western Australian coastline to explore, it’s little wonder that many are drawn here by the beaches and the plethora of water-based activities – water sports, superb fishing, crabbing, sailing, boating … the list goes on.

Landlubbers won’t feel left out though. There are a host of opportunities available, for those keen to explore the region. There are wineries, wildlife parks, a fun park, greyhound racing and the trotting park at Pinjarra. For golfers, there are four international golf courses The Cut, The Fairways, Meadow Springs and Secret Harbour. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more strenuous, how about a spot of abseiling, cycling or any of a multitude of local adventure activities.

And let’s not forget vibrant Mandurah city itself, with its shops, cafes, restaurants, the Performing Arts centre, museums and art galleries.

Aqueous is set amongst 155km2 of protected inland waterways at Mandurah Quay. It is the perfect place to get away from it all. The Mandurah Quay resort and marina are surrounded by pristine bird and kangaroo conservation areas that you can enjoy on the walk trail network. Moreover, the adjacent marina provides boat launching ramps and moorings with power and water.

Enjoy a meal at the renowned Waterside Restaurant at Mandurah Quay. The setting is as perfect as the a la carte menus are mouth watering. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, sit back and enjoy a cappuccino on the boardwalk as you watch the dolphins playing in the marina.

The facts. Once a sleepy seaside weekend or holiday getaway for Perthites, the thriving city of Mandurah is now firmly established as one of Western Australia’s most exciting regional centres. Indeed, given its phenomenal popularity with tourists and new residents alike, not to mention the Perth to Mandurah Railway and Bunbury Freeway, Mandurah is perfectly named – it derives from the Aboriginal word “mandjar” meaning “meeting place”. And it’s little wonder people are flocking here. With its convenient location less than an hours drive south of Perth, Mandurah has a vibrant yet laidback ocean-side ambience all of its own – a flourishing gateway to the South West beside the calm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The lifestyle. You’ll find a diverse range of community facilities in Mandurah, from barbecue areas and a network of cycle ways and pathways spanning the picturesque marina and foreshore to a host of cosmopolitan waterfront cafés and restaurants.

The centre. In addition to some of the region’s best recreation and sports amenities, you’ll find an equally impressive array of shops in the vibrant town’s civic and cultural centre, including a host of museums and art galleries.

The ocean. Clearly, Mandurah has some of WA’s finest beaches, from family-friendly swimming beaches to popular surfing beaches. Then there are the tranquil waters of the beautiful Peel Inlet, surrounded by waterways and nature reserves. But there’s more to Mandurah’s waterside credentials than that. Here’s just a selection of the activities this unique aquatic playground has to offer:

The Countryside. Of course, in addition to a bustling cultural and commercial centre, the city sits amidst some of the region’s most beautiful natural bushland and countryside. The more adventurous can explore it on the Bibbulmun Track and Mundi Biddi Bike Trail which are within easy reach at nearby Dwellingup. Or if you’re looking for something a little more sedate, there are a number of prime wineries within easy driving distance. Whatever your interest though, there’s a multitude of activities and attractions right on your doorstep in Mandurah, from greyhound and horse racing to skydiving and parasailing.

The employment opportunities. A lively city centre. A growing community. An incredibly healthy tourism industry. Given Mandurah’s ongoing prosperity and thriving commercial heart, there are a number of employment options to choose from, whether you’re looking to develop your career or work part-time. And with a number of major engineering and mining operations within an hour’s drive, Mandurah really is the ideal place to find that perfect work/life balance.