Indigenous Roots of the Estuary
Long before European contact, the Peel-Harvey Estuary and its waterways were central to the Bindjareb people of the Noongar Nation. For tens of thousands of years, this rich network of channels provided fish, waterfowl and plant resources vital for food, tools and ceremonial life. Dreamtime stories and spiritual traditions remain woven into the landscape, and today local art, language programs and community events continue to honour this legacy.
For a deeper dive into Mandurah’s Indigenous heritage, see our History of Mandurah page:
https://mandurahestuarydolphincruises.com.au/2025/03/22/history-of-mandurah/
Early European Settlement & Naming
In the 1830s, Thomas Peel’s settlement scheme brought the first European colonists to the Mandurah region. Despite hardships—poor roads, limited supplies and occasional clashes with the Bindjareb—the settlers recognized the estuary’s strategic and economic potential. They adopted the name “Mandjar,” an anglicisation of the Noongar word for “meeting place,” reflecting the area’s longstanding role as a gathering site.
Explore the trials and triumphs of these early years on our History of Mandurah page:
https://mandurahestuarydolphincruises.com.au/2025/03/22/history-of-mandurah/
From Fishing Village to Farming Hub
By the late 19th century, the Peel-Harvey Estuary supported a thriving commercial fishery—especially for crabs and bream—while surrounding lands developed into dairy and fruit farms. The arrival of the Perth–Mandurah railway in the 1880s enabled local produce and seafood to reach Perth’s markets, yet Mandurah remained a modest, close-knit community dependent on its natural bounty.
Read more about Mandurah’s transition from subsistence to market economy:
https://mandurahestuarydolphincruises.com.au/2025/03/22/history-of-mandurah/
Emergence as a Coastal Getaway
Mid-20th century improvements—like improved roads and holiday accommodations—started drawing Perth holiday-makers to Mandurah’s beaches and estuary shores. Seasonal events such as the annual crab festival and recreational fishing tournaments cemented its seaside appeal. Soon, dolphin-watching cruises became a signature experience, showcasing the playful bottlenose dolphins that thrive here.
Discover how tourism reshaped Mandurah’s identity:
https://mandurahestuarydolphincruises.com.au/2025/03/22/history-of-mandurah/
Carving the Modern Canals
Beginning in the 1970s and ’80s, developers excavated kilometres of man-made canals along Mandurah’s southern shoreline. These new waterways not only extended boating access deep into residential areas but also created premium waterfront allotments. Today, gliding through these tranquil canals lets you admire stunning canal-side homes—many with private jetties and landscaped gardens—set against the backdrop of native mangroves and wetlands.
Experience the luxury and natural beauty of Mandurah’s canals on our dedicated canal cruise:
https://mandurahestuarydolphincruises.com.au/2025/04/15/experience-luxury-and-natural-beauty-along-the-mandurah-canals/
Wildlife & Waterfront Living Today
Beyond architectural sights, the Mandurah canals remain a rich ecosystem. Seagrass beds, mangroves and shaded channels support birds, fish and our resident bottlenose dolphins—often spotted playing alongside passing boats. Whether you join a private Dolphin Cruise or a Christmas Light Cruise, you’ll immerse yourself in both natural wonder and waterfront charm.
Book your private charter today via our Contact page: https://mandurahestuarydolphincruises.com.au/contact-us/