Family-Friendly Walks Near Mandurah, WA: Explore Nature Together
Looking for a weekend activity that gets your kids off their screens and into nature?
Kids fighting? Running out of school holiday ideas? Just want to get some fresh air and let them run off a bit of energy?
Mandurah is a haven for families seeking outdoor adventures. With its diverse landscapes of serene wetlands, bushwalks, and coastal paths, there's a trail for every family to enjoy, plus plenty photo opportunities along the way!
I’ve walked many of these paths with my two daughters. My eldest loves learning from the educational signs dotted around many of the trails, and my youngest loves a rainy day walk with lots of puddles to jump in.
Whatever your family enjoys, sometimes just getting out in nature together can be the breath of fresh air and connection you need.
Here are some of my top picks for family-friendly walks in and around Mandurah.
Joseph and Dulcie Nannup Trail
Location: Greenfields
Distance: 4 km one way (8 km return)
Difficulty: Easy
This scenic trail follows the Serpentine River, offering views of diverse birdlife, native quenda, and even dolphins! (Or so I’m told, we’ve never been lucky enough to see them here). I highly recommend this trail, it’s one of my kids favourites, there’s plenty of culture, wildlife, and shade, but mozzie repellent is a must! The path includes sealed sections, compacted limestone, and accessible boardwalks, making it suitable for prams and wheelchairs. We usually end our walk with a picnic at Riverside Gardens Reserve/ Eacott Park, near the boat ramp.
Len Howard Conservation Park Trail
Location: Erskine
Distance: Approximately 6 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Winding through the Ramsar-listed Peel-Harvey Estuary, this trail is a birdwatcher's paradise. Early mornings or evenings might reward you with sightings of kangaroos or quendas and golden hour makes for some amazing photographs in this area. The crabbing in this area is great and fun for all the family, so, why not give it a try the next time crabbing season rolls around? The paths here are pretty good but not quite as flat as the Nannup trail, some prams and wheelchairs might struggle. Toilets are available nearby and dogs are welcome here on-lead, making this a trail that the whole family can enjoy together.
Erskine Nature Trail
Location: Erskine
Distance: 6 km (12km return)
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is is a one-way that includes part of the Len Howard Conservation Park loop making it easy to do both trails in one. Set on 60 hectares of bushland, this trail skirts the Peel Inlet, offering fantastic views year-round, and this is one of the trails where we have actually spotted dolphins! It's abundant with flora and fauna, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature appreciation. The educational signs along the track are a little worn but great for curious kids. Bring sun hats as the paths by the inlet can be quite exposed and mozzies can be a little aggressive in the summertime.
Halls Head Coastal Trail
Location: Halls Head
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Moderate
This is my go-to for a last-minute walk or bike-ride with the kids, although I may be a bit bias as I’m lucky enough for it to be walking distance from home. The scenic coastal path skirts the beach and offers stunning Indian Ocean views, with plenty of spots to relax. This trail is a good one for older kids with bikes or scooters but the hills can be challenging for little legs. Stop to visit the Mandurah giant that sits beside the path above the sand or take a break and relax on the beach.
Island Point Reserve Trails
Location: Herron
Distance: 2–3 km depending on which trail you choose
Difficulty: Easy
A popular bird-watching and picnic spot, Island Point Reserve offers short walks suitable for all ages and abilities. It's beautiful in wildflower season but I’d avoid it for the high weeks of spider season unless you’re a fan of our 8-legged natives. It’s an ideal location for a relaxed family outing or crabbing when in season. If you’re quiet, and lucky, you might see an endangered ring-tailed possum.
Samphire Cove Nature Reserve
Location: Halls Head
Distance: 1.4 km
Difficulty: Easy
This short trail is perfect a quick walk on days where you just need to get out of the house. There’s plenty of opportunities to spot various birds from the boardwalk that extends over the wetlands. The walk is easy, you’ve just got to watch little ones as the boardwalk is narrow in places. The only downside is for dog owners who will have to leave their furry friends at home for this one.
Plan Your Walk for Fun & Connection
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this, but I will, just in case…
Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, mozzie repellent, and hats. (And a camera!!)
Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Engage the Kids: Turn the walk into a nature scavenger hunt or give them a disposable camera each to keep kids entertained.
Safety First: Always stay on marked trails, be mindful of wildlife, and supervise children, especially near water.
Quick view: Top family-friendly walks in Mandurah
🌿 Walks to Explore:
Joseph & Dulcie Nannup Trail (Greenfields)
Distance: ~4 km one‑way (8 km return)
Difficulty: Easy
Len Howard Conservation Park Trail (Erskine)
Distance: Roughly 6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Erskine Nature Trail (Erskine)
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Halls Head Coastal Trail (Halls Head)
Distance: 10 km (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Island Point Reserve Trails (Herron)
Distance: ~2–3 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Samphire Cove Nature Reserve (Halls Head)
Distance: ~1.4 km
Difficulty: Easy
👟 Tips for Walking with Kids:
Go early or late to avoid the heat.
Pack snacks, hats, and water.
Choose shorter loops and trails with shade.
Let kids lead and explore at their own pace.
Stop for nature play or a picnic to break up the walk.
Create Moments Worth Capturing
Exploring Mandurah’s natural beauty is more than just a walk, it’s an opportunity to reconnect, slow down, and make meaningful memories with your family.
These trails offer stunning backdrops, peaceful memories, and all the little in-between moments that make up a childhood. If you're looking for the perfect place to capture that magic, these are also some of my favourite locations for Adventure family sessions.
Got a favourite local trail that I missed? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your recommendations.
