The City of Mandurah is committed to creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for every visitor to the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest. This information provides practical information to help you plan your visit and make the most of the event.

Crab Fest Accessibility Guide

We've created an Accessibility Guide to help people with disability access all the information they need to confidently plan and attend Crab Fest. A limited number of hard-copy guides will be available at the information tents at the event and from the City of Mandurah Administration building and the Mandurah Visitor Centre prior to the event.

The 2025 guide will be available soon.

Venue accessibility and pathway access

Crab Fest offers a variety of activities and experiences across the Eastern and Western Foreshores, Smart Street Mall, Mandjar Square, and Keith Holmes Reserve, all connected by a network of pathways. While these pathways link key areas, some footpaths may include uneven surfaces.

Most areas of the event are wheelchair accessible, though assistance may be needed in grassy or uneven sections. The Cooking Stage tent includes priority seating for people using mobility devices. Accessible toilets, ACROD parking, and are available throughout the event.

The Mandurah Museum will be open during Crab Fest from 10am to 3pm, featuring a dedicated Crab Fest exhibition and children’s activities, with free entry. Located on Pinjarra Road near the Mandurah Bridge, the museum can be accessed easily via the Mandurah Bridge underpass. It offers an ACROD parking bay at the rear, a ramped front entrance, and an accessible toilet. While some areas are not accessible due to its heritage-listed status, many spaces provide universal access for all visitors.

Please note that ramp access from the Eastern Foreshore to the Mandurah Bridge is via Mandurah Terrace.

ACROD Parking Bays

Thirty (30) temporary ACROD parking bays have been provided to ensure convenient access to the event. These bays are located behind Mandurah Visitor Centre and can be accessed via Mandurah Terrace, near the Hackett Street roundabout.

Additional permanent ACROD parking bays can be found throughout the event in the following locations:

• 7 bays at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (9 Ormsby Terrace)
• 2 bays behind the Stage Door Restaurant (9 James Service Place)
• 7 bays at Mandurah Seniors and Community Centre (41 Ormsby Terrace) 
• 1 bay at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (63 Ormsby Terrace)
• 2 bays in the City of Mandurah administration customer parking (3 Peel Street)
• 1 bay at Council Chambers (83 Mandurah Terrace)
• 4 bays at  Mewburn Centre Car Park (off Sholl Street)
• 4 bays along Hackett Street
• 4 bays at Leslie Street all day parking
• 2 bays at Gibson Street public parking (corner of Sutton Street)
• 4 bays at Marco Polo public parking (corner of Vivaldi Drive)
• 2 bays at Keith Holmes Reserve.

Drop-off Bay

This area is reserved for drop-off and pick-up, providing easy access to the event for people who may find walking long distances difficult. Public seating is located nearby, offering a convenient place to wait while others park their vehicle or return for pick-up.

Location: Mandjar Square car park – James Service Place.

Universal Access Toilets

Universal Access Toilets (UATs) are conveniently located across the Eastern Foreshore. You’ll find them in the following locations:

• Adjacent to the Mandurah Visitor Centre (1)
• At the southern end of the Eastern Foreshore (2)
• Cooper Street (1 x portable accessible toilet).

Other UATs are available nearby at:

• Dolphin Drive Car Park in Dolphin Quay (1)
• Keith Holmes Reserve (1)
• Western Foreshore (2)
• Mandjar Square, behind Reading Cinemas (1 x portable accessible toilet).

National Public Toilet Map

The National Public Toilet Map is a helpful resource for planning a trip to the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest. It provides an overview of nearby public toilet locations, ensuring convenient access to facilities for a comfortable and enjoyable day at the event.

View the national public toilet map

Changing Places Facilities

Two Changing Places facilities are available within the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest event footprint to support people with disability who require assistance when using the bathroom. These are situated at 75 Mandurah Terrace, next to Mandurah Visitor Centre, and in the ablution block on the Eastern Foreshore.

Each Changing Places facility is equipped with a ceiling hoist, an adult-sized change table, a universal access toilet, a shower, and space for two support people. Access requires a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK), and visitors are reminded to bring their own, as loan keys are not available at these locations. To apply for an MLAK email support@masterlocksmiths.com.au.

More information can be found on the City of Mandurah Website.

Chill Out Zone And Sensory Container 

The Chill Out Zone is a sensory-safe space designed to support people who find busy or unfamiliar environments overwhelming. It provides a quiet, calming area where people of all ages can take a break before returning to enjoy the event.

Located at Keith Holmes Reserve, the Chill Out Zone offers bean bags, seating, noise-reduction earmuffs, mindful colouring activities, and sensory tools. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian, as staff supervision is not provided. The Chill Out Zone will be open from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

A Sensory Container will also be available along the Eastern Foreshore, offering another space for people to take a break from the event. This space is suitable for all ages but may be more suited to children and young adults. The Sensory Container will be open from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Sensory Resources

To support sensory needs during the event, Chill Out Kits are available to borrow from the Chill Out Zone between 10am and 5pm. Each kit includes fidget toys, hand sanitiser, and disposable earplugs, neatly packed in a convenient belt bag. Noise-reduction earmuffs are also available to help reduce unwanted sounds and provide added comfort.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own sensory resources. Borrowed items should be returned to the Chill Out Zone before leaving, helping to minimise waste, support environmental sustainability, and ensure the kits and earmuffs are cleaned and ready for others to enjoy.

Communication Board

A communication board is a visual tool used by people who have difficulty with verbal communication. It contains symbols, pictures, or words that people can point to in order to convey their messages. A Crab Fest-specific communication board is available to download for printing or digital use.

Download the communication board here.

Sensory and Access Map

A Sensory Access Map has been created to help people plan their visit to Crab Fest. This map aims to make new environments easier to navigate by providing information about the surroundings and highlighting calmer, quieter areas. It also shows the locations of accessibility facilities at the event.

General Event Map

A general event map has been created to assist people to plan their visit to the event. The accessible facilities have been added to the sensory map to ensure that the facilities were easily identified and not lost within the general map.

Information Tents

Event volunteers, easily recognisable by their fluorescent yellow long-sleeve t-shirts, will be available at three information tents located in Mandjar Square and at the southern and northern ends of the Eastern Foreshore. Ready to assist with event information and answer accessibility-related questions, our volunteers have been briefed on the event's accessibility features to ensure visitors feel supported and confident as they navigate the event.

The information tents will also have limited hard copies of the Accessibility Guide, General Event Guide, Sensory Access Map, General Event Map, and Communication Board to further enhance your visit.

Shuttle Bus

A complimentary shuttle bus service will be available throughout the weekend, offering pick-up points at John Tonkin Tindale Street Oval, Leslie Street Reserve, and Mandurah Train Station, where multi-storey car parking is available. The wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus will operate approximately every 45 minutes.

Social Story

A social story is a document that uses storytelling techniques to explain new experiences and environments to people who are autistic or who have sensory sensitivities. Anyone who experiences anxiety or is nervous when attending a place or event for the first time, may benefit from access to a social story.

A social story for the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fes is available now.

Assistance Animals

While Crab Fest is a dog-free event, Assistance Animals are welcomed when identifiable by their vest.

Assistance Animals are permitted in all public spaces under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, with the exception of some zoo enclosures and operating theatres.

Toileting zones for Assistance Animals are available near Administration Bay behind Mandurah Visitors Centre and behind Betty’s Burgers on the grass next to the estuary on Mandurah Terrace. Please use the grass areas provided.

Drink fountains with dog water bowls are located throughout the event including Mandjar Square and the Eastern Foreshore.

Hearing Loop

A hearing loop enhances sound clarity for people who are hard of hearing by transmitting audio directly to compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants.

A hearing loop will be available in the Cooking Stage tent. To access the service, simply activate the T-coil setting on your hearing aid or use a compatible app on your smartphone. If you’re unsure how to use this feature, consider meeting with your audiologist before the event to ensure your device is set up and ready to use.

Mobility Scooter Charging Stations

To support people using mobility devices, charging stations are available to help keep electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters powered throughout the day.

Two stations are located outside the Seniors Centre at 41 Ormsby Terrace and are operational during daylight hours. Another station is at the southern end of the Eastern Foreshore, near the Smart Street Mall roundabout.

These stations are equipped with standard GPO (General Power Outlet) connections. Please bring your own power cord, as these are not supplied.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) is a discreet symbol that indicates the wearer has a hidden disability. It helps staff and volunteers recognise that the individual may appreciate extra assistance, understanding, or patience, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive experience during the event.

Visitors with a hidden disability can request a complimentary green sunflower lanyard from the Chill Out Zone. Lanyards are available in limited quantities, with one provided per person while supplies last. For additional lanyards please visit the Hidden Disabilities website: https://hdsunflower.com/au/.