Mandurah
Postcode: 6210
Mandurah is the second-largest city in Western Australia located approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi) south of the largest city, the State Capital Perth.
Mandurah is the fastest-growing regional city in Australia, having experienced hypergrowth for several years.[citation needed] The city grew from isolated holiday communities along the shores of the Peel-Harvey Estuary, and, with the growth of Perth, it has become a popular lifestyle alternative for retirees. Mandurah’s connection with the Perth CBD has been strengthened with the opening of the Perth-Mandurah railway line in December 2007 with a direct road connection to the Kwinana Freeway built by late 2010. A housing affordability survey of 227 cities in 2008 ranked it the least affordable city in Australia.
The city centre foreshore is home to a variety of wildlife including dolphins, pelicans, shags, and an abundance of marine life including the blue manna crab which has become synonymous with the area.
The city welcomes thousands of tourists every year, including many international visitors. Mandurah is famous for its protected waterways, superb beaches and excellent boating and fishing activities. The City of Mandurah holds a nationally significant arts festival in April each year, called the ‘Stretch’ festival. The event attracts wide community participation.