The long-awaited exploration of internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s whimsical, larger-than-life wooden sculptures, Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah, is now live. In five secret locations throughout Mandurah and the wider Peel region, this free world-class event invites visitors to hunt for Dambo’s Giants – each five metres tall – starting with a clue to the locations from the Mandurah Visitor Centre. Visitors will then need to explore the region to locate each Giant, collecting a special symbol at each site along the way. All symbols need to be entered into a special codebreaker at the Mandurah Visitor Centre to reveal the location of the final secret Giant.
Dambo’s practice celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with the Giants of Mandurah intentionally designed as a game of self-discovery that celebrates and encourages stewardship and protection of the Peel region’s natural environment, Traditional Owners of the Bindjareb people. This unique public art event is initiated and produced by FORM – Building a State of Creativity Inc., and further information including tips, resources and a map can be found through the Giants of Mandurah website.
The Giants of Mandurah can be explored until 12 November 2023 in Mandurah and Subiaco.
For more information: https://www.giantsofmandurah.com.au/
Visitors to Perth and Peel regions can explore dreamlike experiences at every turn:
Bathed in natural light, Australia’s sunniest capital city sits on the banks of the glittering Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan. Get your bearings from Kings Park / Kaarta Koomba, where wildflowers bloom in spring and concerts ring out under starry skies. There are 19 beautiful beaches to swim, surf and sunbathe, or watch Mother Nature paint another sensational sunset over the sparkling Indian Ocean. Culinary delights abound and award-winning wineries are just up the road (or river). There are ancient stories to be told and art to admire at the WA Museum Boola Bardip. And a short ferry ride away on Rottnest Island, the world’s happiest animal awaits the next quokka selfie. We can’t wait to welcome you, too.
GO WILD WITH DOLPHINS
So close to the city centre, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle, the pristine bays and islands off Rockingham are home to more than 200 wild dolphins. Perth Wildlife Encounters provide all you need to maximise your time in crystal clear, sheltered waters with the adorable bottlenose. As you sink into a playground like no other, experience the magic of dolphins dancing around you, making your heart sing with joy.
STRIKE A POSE UNDERGROUND
Enter a chamber of secrets for an unforgettable soul session. The scene of clandestine dances in the 1930s, Cabaret Cavern is transformed into a yoga and meditation studio before The Hike Collective guides you to the surface to wander flourishing wetlands and woodlands. If bubbles and sunsets are more your thing, the 4km hike to lovely Lesmurdie Falls is just 30 minutes from the city, a hidden lookout providing just the platform.
REACH FOR THE STARS
As the Milky Way lights up the night with millions of stars, ancient wonders send ripples of the past under the boardwalk and beyond. Stargaze with Salt and Bush Eco Tours from the enchanting Lake Clifton Thrombolites. Linked to the oldest forms of life on the planet, the 2,000-year-old organisms dot the lake like domed rocks. Bathed in moonlight, the white spheres add an ethereal quality to an evening exploring our glorious galaxy.
FLOAT TO VINEYARDS
Wend your way up shimmering waters from the city centre to ripening vineyards. Captain Cook Cruises follows the snaking Swan River to Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley. Enjoy an exclusive tour of celebrated Sandalford Estate, taste award-winning wines and linger over a superb two-course meal against the backdrop of colourful vines. Live entertainment and delicious desserts keep the fun flowing on the return cruise.
WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Charming streets echo with the stories of bygone eras in the historic port city of Fremantle / Walyalup. A place where convicts dared to dream and fishermen flourished; a place of enormous cultural significance for the Whadjuk people. Fremantle Tours walks you through Freo, as it’s fondly known, fromthe State’s oldest building and former prison to its newest bars and restaurants. Finish as twilight casts heritage-rich High Street in moody hues.
DISCOVER OUR SANCTUARY
Kaya, wanjoo (hello, welcome). Join Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours for an enlightening wander through Mount Eliza / Karrgatup) and Kings Park / Kaarta Koomba. Traditional owners take you into the heart of the city sanctuary, sharing its ancient past and the many uses of its rich flora (some 3,000 native species). Hear a Dreamtime story, listen to traditional song and wrap your lips around language as you soak up spectacular views of the city below.
PULL UP IN PARADISE
It’s just another day in paradise. Pluck a lobster from the ocean — one of seven superb courses a chef will prepare on your private charter boat. Float in clear, turquoise waters or catch a few rays on deck as the drinks chill. Rottnest Cruises dishes up a luxurious experience in Perth’s heavenly haven, so all you need to do is make the most of Rottnest Island’s (Wadjemup) astounding 63 beaches and 20 bays.
SOAK UP THE SUNSET
Sunsets over the Indian Ocean are extraordinary, vast skies emblazoned in red and orange or brushed with dusky pinks, sending glittery trails to shore. Watch from the comfort of a lounge chair at Bathers Beach House, Australia’s first licensed beach. Feel sand between your toes as you sip cocktails and share a seafood platter. Down the road at Gage Roads Freo, the sky show goes hand in hand with local ales and passing ships in Victoria Quay.
SAVOUR SIX SUPERB SEASONS
Wildflower takes you on a mouthwatering culinary journey revolving around the six seasons of the Noongar calendar. This elegant restaurant overlooks the sparkling Swan River but it’s the inspired menu you’ll never forget. Farmer and forager-driven, chefs fuse the freshest local produce (think marron, line-caught wild fish, wagyu beef) with native ingredients (finger lime, geraldton wax, sandalwood nuts and many more). Leave with fabulous new flavours tripping off your tongue.
TAKE FLIGHT AT TWILIGHT
Exhilarating at any time, the Matagarup Zip+Climb is simply magical at twilight. The distinctive arches of Matagarup Bridge intersect like flying swans soaring along the river, inviting you to do the same. Ascend the 314 steps to the SkyView Deck and look over the city on one side, Perth’s world-beating stadium the other, reflections dancing on the water. Then it’s time to launch: Feel the freedom as you whizz 400 metres down the zipline to the riverbank.
