Things to do in Mandurah and Peel Region, Western Australia: The Best Museums

The beautiful rammed earth Forest Heritage Centre (FHC) links Forest to Arts and Environment. It offers a hub for artisans to work, school groups to meet curriculum outcomes and visitors to enjoy the arts and explore the forest. The FHC houses a fine art gallery, retail shop of local artisans work, a forest interpretive centre, walking trails with education signage and a full equipped workshop.

Built in 1896, the Old Post Office provides a wealth of information on the attractions of Jarrahdale, its rich history, as well as a range of local crafts at reasonable prices. The Old Post Office not only serves as a tourist centre, but also as a museum, documenting the history of the area. It is home to a large collection of historical records and photos, unique to this museum.

Emma’s artworks portray scenes from Australia’s rugged outback to the beautiful beaches and forests of WA’s southwest. Visit Black Stump Gallery by Emma Blyth for locally inspired paintings, prints and art gifts by Emma and other select artists of the region including Indigenous paintings and artefacts. Open 7 days.

This wonderful attraction has an extensive display of scale model miniature buildings and railways. Many of the models are exact replicas of well known historic buildings from Abingdon Village, parts of the United Kingdom and Germany. Set amongst four acres of beautifully manicured gardens it is a superb must see attraction to visit. Walking through the extensively landscaped gardens is like stepping back in time. The grounds provide you with a self-guided tour past the ornamental lake and miniature steam and diesel trains, canals, locks and barges to the town of Abingdon, the oldest continually inhabited town in England. Included in your entry is the enjoyment of a hedge maze, circular maze, secret garden, lakes, water features, playground and other activities. The grounds also have on offer a challenging 12 hole miniature golf course. After strolling through the gardens, treat yourself to some delicious chocolate, cakes or light lunch at Decandent C's Chocolate Factory just across the road, with ample seating indoors and a great outdoor area for families with children.

Lisa Payton Creative Arts Resin Studio & Gallery showcases a working artists home studio with a gallery of her handmade resin home ware and resin jewelery. You can see Lisa in action working in her studio creating acrylic and resin paintings by using fabric hardener, textures, resin, acrylic paints and recycled materials. Tourists are welcomed to visit Lisa's working art studio in the heart of the City of Mandurah. Lisa's Abstract Earth art resin paintings, resin home wares and resin jewelery are available to purchase.

Check out the 20th century cars and tractors at Parolo’s and see how families lived at the turn of the century. Historic Whitnish Cottage is furnished with period furniture to recreate an image of how the Whitnish family lived the 1920's. It is a worthwhile stop and takes around 30 minutes to go through the cottage with the resident tour guide.

Vivid Art Collective evolved from an Artpreneur 101 project developed by City of Mandurah for artists and creatives. A core group of the original students continued to meet and new artists from Mandurah joined to form an art collective. Run by artists, the members have a collective approach to running their organisation, by working together to support each other and to promote and sell their artwork. The Vivid Art Collective is a ‘not for profit’ incorporated association and is supported by the City of Mandurah. ​“We aim to build the capacity and social environment of our artists, enhance social well being and help build an artists network. We will support each other to create trade opportunities and to exhibit and sell artwork on behalf of members.”