Two things Mandurah is famous for, its waterways and premium seafood dining, have joined together as part of the latest offering from Mandurah Cruises.
The Wild Seafood Experience will let passengers take part in a full farm, well waterway-to-table experience.
Passengers will harvest their own crayfish from the side of a Mandurah Cruises boat before it's prepared on board by a chef for a seafood lunch featuring beer, cider and local wines.
During the three hour tour, passengers can haul cray pots from the ocean floor, learn about the crayfishing industry, see dolphins frolicking in the water, view beautiful canal homes and sample the region’s exceptional seafood, all from the comfort of the luxuriously re-fitted cray boat, Reel Affair.
Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation CEO Karen Priest said the new experience was just another way to show off Mandurah's huge tourism offerings.
“This is a unique water and dining experience that gives people access to some of the best aspects of Mandurah, all in one inclusive tour,” she said.
“Last week we invited some of Western Australia’s leading Asian inbound tourism operators and Perth tour companies to sample the Wild Seafood Experience for themselves and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
"They are certain it will be very appealing to their clients.”
Mandurah Cruises Director, Myrianthe Riddy, said the cruise had already proven popular, particularly with Chinese visitors.
“They love seeing the crayfish go from the ocean to the barbecue but the most common feedback we get is how much they love being able to sit on
the boat and eat, surrounded by dolphins and other wildlife – they think it’s magical.”
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the Australian lifestyle clearly has increasing appeal in China, with approximately half of Australian residents born in China arriving here since 2008.
In December 2017 The Mandurah and Peel Tourism organisation said they anticipated a jump in Chinese tourism numbers.
MAPTO Business Development Manager Anita Kane said Chinese tourism in WA has grown by 11% over the last three years.
On board for the trial tour was Graeme Skeggs, ADAMS Coach lines General Manager - Tourism Services, who said he could see great potential in adding the tour to their itineraries, particularly for Chinese, Hong Kong and Singaporean visitors.
“This is a cruise that’s perfect for high-end conference visitors, as well as those looking for a unique experience amongst nature,” he said.
The cruise operates with a minimum of 12 passengers but can cater for up to 30. For more information visit www.mandurahcruises.com.au
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