Giants of Mandurah: A day trip from Perth
Away With Wonder contains affiliate links. This means that if you chose to make a purchase via one of the links I’ve provided, I may earn as small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
This guide about the Giants of Mandurah may contain affiliate links. This means that if you chose to make a purchase via one of the links I’ve provided, I may earn as small commission at no additional cost to you.
In the faraway lands of Western Australia, near the most isolated capital city in the world, five enchanting giants have found a home in Mandurah. Found in locations all around the world, these wooden figures, have been created in Western Australian by world-renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Five giants reside in Mandurah, with one giant that’s snuck away to find a home in Subiaco, and they all form an interactive outdoor adventure that invites you to follow clues to uncover these hidden giants. Made entirely from recycled wood, they are a symbol of Dambo’s mission to reconnect people with the natural world.
As a solo traveller aboard, I also love solo adventures at home, so in this post, you’ll find tips on how to prepare for day trip to Giants of Mandurah, plus a few other handy tips on getting around Mandurah, transport options from Perth CBD and more.
Table of Contents
About the Giants of Mandurah
The Giants of Mandurah were brought to life in November 2022 with the help of FORM WA, and are expected to remain for three years. Dambo’s stunning trolls have appeared around the globe, and each one serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and our connection to the environment.
While the Giants attract a lot of families seeking out adventure, these installations are a must-visit for everyone who appreciates art, and getting out into nature – it’s also a great for solo travellers. Not only do they provide a unique way to explore WA’s natural beauty, but they also spark curiosity and inspire a deeper appreciation for Dambo’s global mission and nature.
How and where to begin your adventure
If you’re an early bird like me, be aware that the Mandurah Visitor Centre opens at 9 AM. You’ll need to stop here to pick up the printed guide that helps you track down the giants.
Arriving earlier? You can download a digital map here.
Getting to the Giants of Mandurah
Self-drive
What I didn’t realise until I arrived is that the trails aren’t connected, so you’ll need a vehicle to drive between them. The drives between trailheads can range from 5 to 25 minutes, but parking is available at each starting point.
Join a guided tour
If you don’t want to hire a car or maybe you’re taking a solo adventure and you’d like to enjoy the day with some new friends, there are a number of guided tour options to find the Giants of Mandurah through Visit Mandurah.
How to plan your day
Allow enough time for all five trails
You’ll be following a new trail to reach each of the giants, in different locations around Mandurah. The time required for these hikes varies, with the shortest trail being 550 meters and the longest stretching 3.6 kilometers. You could be hiking for anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes per trail.
Make a day of it
Planning to see all of the Giants of Mandurah? Prepare for a full-day adventure! While it’s definitely possible, it’s a time commitment and, as I mention above, the giants are located in multiple locations around Mandurah.
What to wear & how to prepare
Wear proper footwear
Some trails are gravel or dirt paths. Trust me when I say it’s best to wear comfortable, closed-in shoes — learn from my mistake of wearing sandals!
Pack bug spray
One of the trails had more bugs than I anticipated! If you don’t want to be swatting them away constantly, bug spray is a must. One lady I passed was even wearing a fly net on her head — and honestly, at one point wished I’d had one too.
Prepare for the heat and sun
Some of the trails are long, have little shade and no shops, so don’t forget to pack a hat, sunscreen and water.
Facilities available
Public restrooms
While there are no toilets along the trails, a few of the trail starting points have toilet facilities nearby, and there’s also a public toilet available at the Mandurah Visitors Centre.
Entry fees
The Giants of Mandurah experience is completely free (unless you’ve chosen to take a guided tour), making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for budget or solo travellers and local adventures alike.
Getting to Mandurah from Perth CBD
Drive
From Perth CBD, the starting point of the Mandurah Visitor Centre is approximately 1 hour by car. View the map on Google here. If you don’t have a car and would like to hire one for the day, you can see options here.
Public Transport
From Perth CBD, the best public transport option is to, first, catch the train, taking the Mandurah line towards Mandurah. Secondly, catch a bus to get to the Visitor’s centre from Mandurah station, you’ll want to catch either of the following buses:
- 589: Get off at “Mandurah Terrace Before Cooper Street”. The stop is just past the Visitor’s Centre, so you’ll have a short walk after getting off the bus.
- 588: Get off at “Mandurah Tce Before Hackett St”. This bus stops just outside of the Visitor’s Centre.
Where to stay in Mandurah
Planning to stay in Mandurah for a night or two? To make finding accommodation in Mandurah easier, I’ve explored a range of options that cater to different budgets to help narrow down your search.
- Budget: Mandurah Coastal Holiday Park
- Mid-range: The Sebel
- Luxury: Seaside 112
Spending more than a day in Mandurah?
Have I missed something in this guide to the Giants of Mandurah?
Please leave any questions about the Giant of Mandurah or any general questions about Mandurah in the comments below and I will do my best to answer your queries. Or send me a message via my contact page.
