We started our day by checking out from Bunbury and hitting the road. The drive to Mandurah took about two hours, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way. Road trips like this are a great way to bond as a family while taking in Western Australia's beautiful landscapes.
Once we arrived in Mandurah, we decided to look for the Giants of Mandurah, an outdoor art installation we had heard a lot about. These sculptures were supposed to be hidden across different locations, blending nature and art. However, after some searching, we couldn't find them. It was a bit disappointing but also part of the adventure.
Instead of spending more time looking aimlessly, we headed straight to the Giants of Mandurah information center for better directions. This turned out to be helpful because it was close to our next activity—something that made up for our earlier setback.
Next on our list was the Mandurah Dolphin Cruise, which we'd booked in advance. This one-hour scenic cruise is perfect for families, especially since it gives you a chance to see dolphins up close in their natural habitat. Mandurah is home to around 90 wild dolphins, making it one of the best spots in Western Australia for dolphin watching. As soon as we boarded the comfortable boat, everyone got excited about spotting these amazing creatures. The crew was friendly and shared interesting facts about dolphins and local marine life.
During the cruise, we saw several dolphins swimming alongside us—feeding, playing, and even jumping out of the water at times! Watching them in their element while gliding through Mandurah's scenic waterways felt magical. The experience was both relaxing and thrilling, making it one of the trip highlights.
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After all that excitement on the water, we were ready for lunch. We stopped at Mandurah Forum, a large shopping mall with plenty of dining options that cater well to families. Everyone picked what they wanted from different food outlets.
We drove to Flag Motor Lodge to check in. This spot was perfect for an overnight stay before heading back home. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which is all we needed after a long day of activities. We unpacked just the essentials for the night.
The morning started early as we prepared to board our flight back to Kuala Lumpur. However, things didn’t go as planned—the flight was delayed by over eight hours! This was frustrating but not entirely unexpected when traveling. We tried to make the best of it by finding ways to keep everyone entertained at the airport.
We were given lunch coupons during the delay, though they only covered enough for a light snack per person—not exactly satisfying after hours of waiting around. Still, it gave us something to do while passing time. Eventually, we boarded and made it back home late at night, arriving at KLIA airport close to 11 p.m. By then, everyone was exhausted but relieved that the journey had finally come to an end.
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| A meal voucher worth 10 AUD |
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There will inevitably be setbacks during your travels. But what matters most are those little moments that stick with you long after you’ve returned home—the laughter shared during car rides or seeing your kids’ faces light up when they see dolphins for the first time.
This road trip reminded us why family travel is so special: it’s not just about where you go but how you spend that time together along the way. Would we do it again? Absolutely—with maybe just a bit more planning next time!
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