If you’re looking for a South West holiday park where the kids are entertained from sun-up to sundown and the grown-ups actually get to relax, Mandalay Holiday Resort & Tourist Park in Busselton absolutely lives up to the hype. Just across the road from the beautiful Geographe Bay, and a short drive from both Busselton and Dunsborough, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Margaret River Region – or for parking the car and barely leaving the resort at all.
Mandalay has a huge range of accommodation to suit almost every style of family getaway. As well as powered caravan and camping sites (including ensuite sites), there are self-contained cabins, chalets and cottages in one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, plus spa chalets and spacious two-storey villas that overlook the lawned play areas.
More recently, Mandalay has added stylish glamping tents, bringing a touch of “sleep under canvas” adventure without sacrificing real beds or creature comforts.
It’s also a pet-friendly park on selected sites and in certain seasons, so families with fur babies can often bring them along – just be sure to check the current pet policy before you book.
If you’re camping, the powered sites are well maintained and dotted with mature peppermint trees that offer plenty of shade. Many sites are close to the chalets and cabins, so if you’re travelling with a group spread across different accommodation types it’s easy for everyone to meet in the middle. At night, keep an eye (and a torch) on the treetops – kids love going on little possum-spotting missions along the internal roads and paths.
Mandalay is known for its resort-style facilities, and they really are a standout. There are three swimming pools, including an indoor heated pool that’s ideal for cooler days or shoulder-season stays, plus the famous waterslide that winds down into the main pool. Little ones are well catered for with a toddler-friendly pool area, while older kids will happily lap the slide and splash around for hours. Sun loungers and shady spots around the pool make it easy for parents to relax nearby while still keeping a good eye on the action.
On dry land, the park is peppered with fun. There are four separate adventure Playgrounds, including an impressive tower Playground with multiple levels to climb and a choice of slides of varying heights. The smaller straight slides are perfect for younger children who like to see you waiting at the bottom, while the taller twisty slides are a magnet for bigger kids and thrill-seeking parents.
A huge jumping pillow, a large grassy playing field and plenty of sealed internal roads and paths make Mandalay perfect for bikes and scooters during daylight hours. The Playgrounds really come to life in the early evening, when families spill out onto the lawns and kids race from one game to the next.
When it’s time to take things indoors, there’s a heated games and TV room that’s ideal for down-time or a rainy-day escape.
The camp kitchen is extremely well equipped, with ovens, gas hobs, fridges, microwaves and kettles, so you can cook up proper family meals even if you’re staying under canvas. The ablution blocks are known for being spotless, and extras like hairdryers in the bathrooms are a nice touch if you’re camping but still want to feel a little bit pampered.
Mandalay also adds a layer of holiday “magic” with regular on-site entertainment, particularly during peak school holiday periods. Families can expect movie nights featuring popular kids’ films, organised games, laser tag sessions and visiting food vans. Think pizza and burger nights, pancake breakfasts, curries and more – perfect when you’re not in the mood to cook. A mobile bakery-style van does the rounds in the mornings, selling freshly baked goods such as croissants and pastries, and there’s often a juice or coffee option on site too. Many guests also take advantage of local takeaway and pizza delivery right to the park gate.
One thing that really stands out at Mandalay is how safe and well managed it feels. On arrival, staff usually escort you to your site or cabin, which makes settling in simple even for first-timers. Security staff make regular patrols, and the park is quite strict about its rules – including helmet use for bikes and scooters, no riding after dark, and restrictions on certain types of wheels. While this may feel a bit firm at first, most families appreciate the focus on safety, especially in such a busy park with lots of children zooming around. The result is a relaxed atmosphere where parents can let kids explore within clear boundaries.
Step just outside the park and you’re moments from the calm, shallow waters of Geographe Bay. The beach opposite Mandalay is ideal for younger children, with gentle waves and a wide, flat stretch of sand for sandcastle building and paddling. Do keep an eye out for seasonal stingers and follow any local advice, but on most days it’s a postcard-perfect spot for a family swim. Beyond the beach, Mandalay’s location makes day trips easy – from the Busselton Jetty and foreshore Playground to caves, lighthouses, wineries, breweries and adventure experiences throughout the Margaret River Region. The resort’s own “Things to do” and “Mandalay Happenings” information is handy for planning outings between pool sessions.
Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or the full Christmas and New Year stretch, Mandalay Holiday Resort & Tourist Park is the kind of place that lends itself to creating family traditions. Many families rebook year after year, and school holiday dates in particular can fill quickly, so it’s worth planning well ahead or keeping an eye out for cancellations. Between the pools and waterslide, tower Playgrounds, glamping tents, spotless facilities and that idyllic beach across the road, it’s easy to see why Mandalay is often described as one of WA’s best family holiday parks.
Mandalay Holiday Resort & Tourist Park
Address: 652 Geographe Bay Road, Broadwater WA 6280
Opening hours: Open year-round; reception hours and check-in times vary seasonally – check directly for current details.
Official website: https://mandalayresort.com.au
Find more places to visit in Busselton and Bunbury
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Lorraine is co-owner of Buggybuddys and is a mother to Blake (15) and Lollie (12).
