Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) is a fantastic all‑round family hub, offering far more than just a quick dip. While it’s popular for its pirate‑themed water Playground, the broader centre has a strong focus on family fitness, learn‑to‑swim, kids’ activities and social sport, making it a great option whether you’re visiting for an hour or setting up a regular routine.
The standout for younger children is the indoor pirate Playground in the leisure pool. With a gentle, beach‑style entry, this area is perfect for toddlers and early swimmers to gain confidence in the water. The interactive water features and small waterslide create plenty of excitement, but the shallow, open layout makes it easy for parents to supervise. You’ll hear lots of squeals as kids race up the structure and zoom down the slide, then run straight back in for more.
Alongside the leisure pool are two indoor 25‑metre pools. One is dedicated to lap swimming, ideal for more serious swimmers or parents wanting to squeeze in a workout.
The other links to the family swimming area and is more versatile, with space for casual swimming and walking lanes, a learn‑to‑swim zone and an in‑built seated spa section with water jets. This zoning works well for families with mixed ages and abilities – confident swimmers can do laps, while younger or less confident swimmers stay in the leisure and teaching areas.
The aquatics offering extends outside with a 50‑metre outdoor pool, complete with spectator seating. This makes MARC a strong choice for squad training, school carnivals and swimming events. On warm days, the outdoor area is a really pleasant place to hang out, with sun loungers and public BBQs available so you can easily turn a swim into a half‑day outing. Families can pack a picnic, cook lunch on the BBQs and move between the indoor and outdoor pools without leaving the centre.
Inside the main pool hall you’ll find a café and a good amount of seating, including spectator benches, so non‑swimmers can relax with a coffee while still feeling part of the action. The wellness spa and sauna facilities are also accessed from this area, offering parents or carers the chance to enjoy a little downtime if they’re visiting without young kids or taking turns supervising.
Change facilities are modern, clean and designed with families in mind. There are baby change areas, family cubicles and accessible changing rooms, plus state‑of‑the‑art lockers so you can store your belongings securely. The combination of family and accessible facilities makes the centre welcoming for prams, young children and people with mobility needs.
Beyond casual swimming, MARC operates as a full aquatic and recreation centre for the Mandurah community. There’s a comprehensive swim school program with classes for babies and toddlers, kids, teens and adults, as well as structured swim school levels to progress through. The centre also offers a gym and fitness spaces, group fitness classes, social and competition sports, and a regular calendar of children’s activities and events. Kids’ birthday party options are available too, making it an easy one‑stop choice if you’re looking for an active celebration.
With memberships, multi‑visit passes and casual entry available, families can choose what works best for them – from occasional rainy‑day swims to regular lessons and weekly sports. If you’re in or around Mandurah and looking for somewhere that keeps the whole family active, Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre is well worth visiting.
Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Address
303 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210
Opening hours
Refer to the current timetable and opening hours on the City of Mandurah website, as these can change seasonally and for public holidays.
Official website
https://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/community/places/aquatic-and-recreation-centres
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Wendy loves nothing more than being out and about discovering the local area with her two beautiful girls. As part of a defence family, Wendy understands the huge importance of family time and a great support network, she is passionate about meeting new people, coffee, exploring new places and, of course, Buggybuddys!
