If your family loves Christmas lights, this is the outing to put on your festive bucket list. Each summer Mandurah’s canals turn into a Christmas water wonderland. More than 200 homes along the waterways are decorated with millions of twinkling lights, and their colours bounce off the water as you float past. It’s known as the biggest Christmas lights display in Western Australia, and seeing it from the water is pure magic. Mandurah Cruises runs the Christmas Lights Cruise every night from late November 2026 to early January 2027, so there’s plenty of time to fit it into the silly season.
The Christmas Classic cruises run for 1 hour and are the most popular choice for families. You can choose from several boats, and each one suits a different crowd. Mandjar and Dancing Dolphin both have a fully licensed bar with drinks and snacks to buy, and both have wheelchair and walking frame access, which is also handy if you’re bringing a pram (just choose the access option when you book). SuperCat, Reel Affair and Libby J are BYO, but you’re limited to a small cooler bag with no eskies and no stemmed wine glasses. These three boats aren’t accessible for wheelchairs or walking frames. SuperCat and Libby J also have a longer 1.5 hour option early in the evening, which is lovely if your kids can last a bit longer.
If you want to really soak it all in, the 2-hour Christmas Extended cruises run only from 18 to 22 December, in the lead-up to Christmas. Then on New Year’s Eve there’s a 2-hour Christmas Lights and Fireworks Cruise, where you cruise past the lights and then get prime views of Mandurah’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. It’s a great way to see in the new year with older kids who are keen to stay up.
I love that Mandurah Cruises also runs a Sensory-Friendly Christmas Lights Cruise on Dancing Dolphin. Families can board straight away from 6.45pm, so there’s no waiting in a queue. There’s no music on board, the lighting inside is dimmed and fewer guests are booked. You can bring your own snacks and water bottle, but hot food isn’t allowed. This cruise is only for people with real sensory needs, and the team encourages families to call the booking office first to talk about what they need.
We sailed on Mandjar from the Mandurah Cruises Jetty in Mandjar Square, right in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. Carols played as we wound through the canals, and we could move around the boat to see the lights from different angles. Some homes go all out with giant inflatables and dazzling displays. Our little one was wide-eyed the whole time and still talks about “the house with the big Santa!” A local Mandurah expert gives live commentary along the way, which adds some fun stories to the trip.
The fun starts before you even get on the boat. We arrived a little early and enjoyed the festive buzz on the jetty, with carols, live local musicians and Santa and his helpers popping by to say hello. The crew were friendly and helped everyone find the right queue, and boarding was smooth. It’s worth dressing the family in your festive best, because there’s a best dressed competition. Bring your camera too, since there’s a Christmas Lights Photo Competition with great prizes. Pack a warm top as well, because the evening breeze off the water can be cool, even in summer.
Your ticket comes with some nice extras. Parking is free and easy to find, and Christmas Lights ticketholders get special “eat & play, shop & stay” offers around Mandurah. You also get a 10% loyalty discount on other Mandurah Cruises experiences and 10% off at their souvenir and local artisan gift shop. That makes it a good chance to start on the Christmas shopping or come back for a dolphin cruise later on.
Prices for the 1-hour and 1.5-hour cruises and the Sensory-Friendly Cruise are $55 for adults, $38 for children aged 3 to 12 and $10 for children aged 1 to 2. Infants under 12 months go free. The 2-hour Extended cruises cost $105 for adults, $75 for children aged 3 to 12 and $20 for children aged 1 to 2. The New Year’s Eve cruise costs $90 for adults, $60 for children aged 3 to 12 and $30 for children aged 1 to 2. Infants are free on all cruises.
Please note that Christmas Lights bookings are non-refundable, even if you can’t make it on the night. The team will try to move you to a new date if they can. If they cancel because of weather or unsafe conditions, you can choose a full refund or a new date. Weekends book out fast, so get in early, and read the official cruise guidelines before you book. They cover what to bring, boarding times, departure points and public transport.
This is one of the most relaxing ways to get into the Christmas spirit with the kids. Sitting back and gliding past sparkling backyards is something the whole family will remember, and it has become a festive tradition for us.
Mandurah Cruises Christmas Lights Cruise
Address:
Mandurah Cruises Jetty, Mandjar Square (in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre), Mandurah WA. Mandjar, Dancing Dolphin, SuperCat and Libby J leave from here.
Stingray Point Jetty, behind the Sebel Hotel, 14 Vivaldi Drive, Mandurah WA. Reel Affair leaves from here.
Cruise dates and times:
Every night from late November 2026 to early January 2027
Classic cruises: 7.15pm and 8.45pm. SuperCat leaves at 7.15pm (1.5 hours) and 9pm. Libby J leaves at 7pm (1.5 hours) and 8.45pm.
Extended 2-hour cruises: 7.15pm, 18 to 22 December
Sensory-Friendly Cruise: Sunday 6 December, 7.15pm (boarding from 6.45pm)
New Year’s Eve Lights and Fireworks Cruise: Thursday 31 December, about 7.15pm to 9.15pm
Phone: 08 9581 1242
Website: mandurahcruises.com.au/cruises/christmas-lights-cruise
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Claire Tondut is currently a stay-at-home mother of one daughter and a puppy. When she is not chasing little Miss around she loves to spend time with hubby, friends and family.
