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A Scenic Culinary Journey Along the Murray River
Embark on a delightful four-and-a-half-hour half-day cruise from Mandurah, where stunning natural beauty meets exceptional dining. Travel aboard the Dancing Dolphin, a spacious twin-level vessel, as you glide across the Ramsar-listed Peel-Harvey Estuary and journey up the serene, undammed Murray River. 🐬
Cruise Highlights
- Gourmet Dining: Indulge in a delicious four-course feast prepared fresh on board by our talented chef, featuring a morning tea of warm scones with jam and cream, an antipasto board, a homemade Australian buffet, and a decadent dessert. 🍽️
- Historic Cooper’s Mill: Step ashore at Cooleenup Island for an exclusive, guided walking tour of this beautifully restored heritage wind-driven mill, accessible only by boat.
- Abundant Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for Mandurah’s resident wild bottlenose dolphins and vibrant birdlife throughout the wetlands.
- Luxury Canals: Wind your way back through the prestigious Port Mandurah canals, admiring the spectacular waterfront homes. 🛥️
Onboard Comforts & Entertainment
Relax with live commentary from our expert local guide, complimentary tea and coffee, and a fully licensed bar on board to purchase your favourite refreshments. We also provide cosy blankets in the cooler months, board games, books, and a fun game of bingo with prizes on our return journey!
Important Guest Information
All guests must be able to move around the vessel independently and safely. This includes boarding, handling small steps or walkways, moving around, and staying seated during small waves without crew assistance.
We get off the boat at Cooleenup Island, which is a public location managed by local government. Access is via a public jetty and very occasionally this can be delayed or even prevented by other vessels. Guests must be able to offboard and onboard at a fixed jetty or via an onboard ramp on their own, and they visit the island at their own risk. There is a marked path which is very flat, but the path is not paved and is not suitable for guests unsteady on their feet. We strongly request guests do not wander into the uncleared bush for safety reasons.
Mandurah’s dolphins are wild creatures viewed in their natural environment and we are unable to guarantee sightings. This cruise does not carry our Dolphin Guarantee, which is included on the Dolphin Cruise & Views and the Giant & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise.
Dietary Requirements & Accessibility
We can cater for gluten-free, vegetarian, and halal dietary requirements if noted at the time of booking (at least 72 hours prior to departure). Unfortunately, we cannot cater for food allergies owing to the vessel galley size, and we regretfully cannot take bookings from guests who suffer from severe or anaphylactic allergies.
The Dancing Dolphin is wheelchair and walking-frame friendly. Please select this option when booking online so our crew can prepare. Please note that the public jetty landing at Cooper’s Mill is not wheelchair or walking-frame friendly, but guests are welcome to remain on board and relax with our crew.
Seating & Bookings
Our vessel is configured with tables of 4 to 6 people across two levels. The crew will endeavour to seat larger groups of 6 or more together. As tables seat 6 guests, you may share a table, offering a wonderful opportunity to socialise. Online bookings close 5 hours prior to departure.
Exclusive Guest Rewards
All guests receive a 10% loyalty discount for future bookings of any Mandurah Cruises’ cruise or hire experience, excluding Christmas Lights and special event cruises. You will also receive 50% off churros at Mandurah San Churros.
Enjoy a 10% discount at our souvenir and local artisan Gift Shop.
Murray River Lunch Cruise
We look forward to welcoming you aboard our relaxing half-day Murray River Lunch Cruise. We will take you on a journey back in time to explore Mandurah’s winding waterways and the serene Murray River.
The majestic Murray is WA’s most history-rich river. It is the longest permanent river in the Jarrah Forest and one of the few major rivers in Australia that remain undammed. Lined with quaint homes, houseboats and an array of wild flora and fauna, it is one of the Shire of Murray’s most picturesque attractions.
- Start the morning cruising across Mandurah’s magnificent estuary.
- Continue past the world-renowned RAMSAR-listed Creery Wetlands, teeming with birdlife.
- Cross the Peel Inlet and be on the lookout for Mandurah’s famous Bottlenose dolphins as they surf and play in the wake of the boat.*
- On entering the Murray River, stop at Cooper’s Mill heritage island site for a brief, easy walking tour. This restored wind-driven mill, located on Cooleenup Island, is only accessible by boat. Explore and wander, or follow our tour guide to learn more about the Mill, native flora and bush tucker on the island.
- Dine on a delicious buffet lunch and dessert, served while cruising the Murray River.
- Return back across the Peel Inlet and through the Port Mandurah canals, lined with luxury homes.
- Enjoy refreshments along the way, with a fully licensed bar available for you to purchase drinks.
- Help yourself to complimentary tea/coffee (bring your own keep-cup).
Important Note
All guests must be able to move around the vessel independently and safely. This includes boarding, handling small steps or walkways, moving around and staying seated during small waves without crew assistance.
Bush Walk
We get off the boat at Coolenup Island, which is a public location managed by local government. Access is via a public jetty and very occasionally this can be delayed or even prevented by other vessels. Guests must be able to offboard and onboard at a fixed jetty or via an onboard ramp on their own, and they visit the island at their own risk. There is a marked path which is very flat, but the path is not paved and is not suitable for guests unsteady on their feet. We strongly request guests do not wander into the uncleared bush for safety reasons.
Mandurah’s dolphins are wild creatures viewed in their natural environment and we are unable to guarantee sightings. Stop at Cooper’s Mill heritage island site is dependent on weather and suitable jetty access on the day.
Menu
* Note: This menu is subject to seasonal variation.
Beverages
- Help yourself to complimentary tea and instant coffee if you bring your own keep-cup.
- Beer, wine and soft drinks available for purchase on board (no BYO).
Access
The vessel for this cruise ~ Dancing Dolphin ~ is wheelchair / walking frame friendly. The landing at Cooper’s Mill is not wheelchair / walking frame friendly, so guests with these supports will be asked to remain on the boat during this short stop.
Boarding & Departure Information
Our cruise departs from Mandurah Cruises Jetty in Mandjar Square, located in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. Our Booking Office and Gift Shop is 200m from here.
Boarding will commence ~15 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. All cruises depart on time and do not wait for those who arrive late. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to arrive for your tour as our cruises run to schedule and cannot be extended.
Simply bring a print out of your booking confirmation OR present it on your mobile device to board the cruise.
Seating
Crew will endeavour to seat groups of 6+ together. Seating may be on either level, unless constraints are notified in advance. Tables are for 6 guests, so you may need to share with others. The crew’s judgment on seating is final, as they are balancing overall safety and experience.
Parking
Free all-day parking (no ticket required) is available at the Reading Cinema / Mandurah Performing Arts Centre carpark on Ormsby Terrace.
Special Offer
Receive 10% OFF at Boundary Island Brewery! Terms & Conditions: Valid for 1 use per ticket. Offer expires 30 days from cruise date.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Terms & Conditions
- Minimum numbers apply for the tour to depart. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Cruises operate in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately.
- No smoking is permitted on board any of Mandurah Cruises vessels or on the departure jetty.
