Mandurah is abuzz with large numbers of residents and visitors daily. In fact, the name Mandurah was actually derived from the Aboriginal word, "mandjar", meaning the "meeting place".

In the past 15 years, Mandurah has grown from a small town with a population of 12,700 to a City of just over 50,000. Driven by subtantial land development and the construction of the Perth to Mandurah Highway, Mandurah is experiencing a major economy boom. The Real Estate Institue of WA figures show Mandurahs median house prices rose 32.5% in the year ending June2006. Projects worth $6 billion are proposed in the area - many are already under way, not included in that total is the Perth to Mandurah rail project which is nearing completion.

Yet, despite the rapid growth in population, the City has retained its relaxed, holiday atmosphere. Mandurah has all of the modern facilities available but with the added bonus of a country life style. Creative planning - including a number of residential canal developments with boat access to the Peel Inlet demonstrates just how Mandurah retains its uniqueness compared to other cities.

The cosmopolitan, word-class marina is rapidly expanding and offers unequalled boating facilities. It will soon allow people to venture out to a vibrant mix of waterfront restaurants, boutique shops and stylish apartment living. A rich arts and festival culture has also become a unique feature of Mandurah with many annual events attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

Mandurah’s town centre is situated around Mandjar Bay, its broad esplanade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and barbecue and picnic facilities with a number of picturesque walks along wide tree lined paths. Dolphins even come right into the bay and can often be spotted from the beach.

Mandurah is an absolute water wonderland that brings thousands of tourists to its clean waters all year-round, and offers activities such as surfing, crabbing, dolphin watching, boating, swimming, fishing and world-class golfing are all part of the abundance of attractions of Mandurah. Just outside Mandurah golfer lovers have the luxury of having a public golf course that will put some private UK courses to shame! Meadow Springs is golf as nature intended. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, the course presents a highly regarded test for all players. The course winds its way through 200 year old trees with greens that are equal to the best in Australia.

The Peel region, since its early days, has been an important agricultural area. As with much of Western Australia, there were vineyards established during the 1930's by Italian immigrants, but it wasn't until the 1970's that sustained development took hold. Blessed with superb grape growing soils and a favourable climate, the region now boasts 20 producing vineyards of which many have cellar door wine sales and produce award-winning wines. The region's major wineries all have their own unique character and welcome visitors to taste their vintages and enjoy a delightful meal or a relaxed picnic-style lunch amongst the vines.

Peel Zoo is situated just 10 minutes from Mandurah and is a newly opened interactive wildlife park. The zoo encourages interaction when in amongst the animals, you can feed and cuddle animals like koala, kangaroo, deer, foxes, baby alpacas, and baby goats. Peel Zoo has an extensive collection of some of the most colourful and interesting native and exotic birds in Western Australia, as well as some fascinating snakes and reptile: Black Headed Pythons, Western Stimson's Pythons and Ridged Tailed Monitors.