Mandurah Cruises Floating restaurant reflects growth in Peel culinary tourism

Chef Carolyn Ruscoe said the Mandurah Cruises Floating Restaurant, that launched three months ago, showcased the fresh, quality produce the Peel region has to offer.

“All the produce is locally sought and home made, except the oysters, that are from South Australia,” she said. 

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The floating restaurant has only been running for a short time but Ms Ruscoe said there could be more than one boat taking people through the canals in the future. 

“Everyone has really enjoyed the food and experience,” she said. “We have received really great feedback.”

The cruise starts from the Mandurah Boardwalk Jetty and navigates the stunning waterways and canals, with a backdrop of the sunset. 

The barbecue seafood dinner has three courses including a seafood grazing plate with local crab, oysters and prawns, barbecue seafood skewers and sweet delicacies to end the evening.

Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation chief Karen Priest said she had seen a jump in the quality and quantity of culinary tourism in the region. 

“Food and wine tourism in Western Australia attracts over 40,000 visitors each year and is one the fastest growing drivers of tourism worldwide,” Ms Priest said.

“This is great news for Mandurah and the Peel Region which has some of the best food and wine experiences on offer in the state.”

Ms Priest said data is reflective of the trend, with Tourism Research Australia revealing the number of day trips to the Peel Region jumped from 2.3 million in 2016 to 2.6 million last year.

She said Bar Therapy, Bridge Garden Bar, Eco BBQ boats and the “world class alfresco dining precinct” at the redeveloped Mandurah Forum were examples of the growing market.

She said Peel culinary tourism was being recognised in Western Australia with Redmanna Waterfront Restaurant named 2017 Seafood Restaurant of the Year at the Gold Plate Awards, Millbrook Winery and Restaurant’s Guy Jeffreys being named 2017 Chef of the Year at the Good Food Guide Awards and chef Kenny McHardy winning the Buy West Eat Best 2017 Signature Dish.