Mandurah Crab Fest: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Responsible Tourism
Taking place on 14 and 15 March, the Mandurah Crab Fest invites visitors to experience one of Western Australia’s most iconic coastal events — where food, culture, and community come together in a vibrant celebration of place and sustainability.
Held in the heart of Mandurah, Western Australia’s largest regional city, this free, award-winning festival pays tribute to the region’s most famous local delicacy: the blue manna crab. More than a food event, Crab Fest is a sensory journey that reflects Mandurah’s deep connection to its waterways, its people, and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle shaped by the Indian Ocean.
A Festival Rooted in Local Heritage
Crabbing has long been part of Mandurah’s identity, woven into family traditions, leisure, and local storytelling. Born in 1999 from a strong sense of community memory, Crab Fest was created to celebrate this shared heritage while encouraging sustainable visitation to the Peel region.
From its beginnings as a small local gathering, the festival has grown organically into one of Western Australia’s largest free events, welcoming over 100,000 visitors each year. Despite its scale, Crab Fest has remained true to its roots — grounded in local culture, community pride, and respect for the natural environment.
Set against spectacular waterways, including an estuary larger than Sydney Harbour, Crab Fest offers an immersive experience for all ages. Over two days, the festival brings together seafood-inspired cuisine, local produce, live cooking demonstrations, family-friendly and water-based activities, as well as an impressive program of free live entertainment, music, fireworks and alfresco dining. At its heart, Crab Fest showcases local businesses, producers, artists and performers, ensuring that the economic and social benefits of the event remain firmly rooted within the community.
Responsible Tourism in Action
Mandurah Crab Fest exemplifies how major events can support responsible and sustainable tourism. By extending the tourism season beyond peak periods, the festival contributes to long-term economic resilience while avoiding over-tourism pressures.
The event promotes local sourcing, celebrates marine heritage, and encourages visitors to engage respectfully with Mandurah’s waterways and ecosystems. It highlights the importance of balancing enjoyment with environmental awareness — an increasingly vital approach in coastal destinations.
The festival’s success has been widely recognized within Australia’s tourism sector. Mandurah Crab Fest has received multiple tourism awards and was inducted into the Western Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, acknowledging not only its popularity but also its consistency, quality, and strong community foundations.
The Mandurah Crab Fest is an invitation to discover a destination shaped by water, heritage, and hospitality. It reflects a way of life — connected to nature, community-driven, and proudly local.
For travelers seeking authentic experiences rooted in culture and responsibility, Crab Fest offers a meaningful gateway to Western Australia’s coastal spirit.
