Mandjar Bay - Mini Toot | The Abroad Guide

If you’re visiting Mandurah and are looking for a delightful way to entertain the little ones while soaking up the tranquil views of Mandjar Bay, the Mini Toot train might just be your perfect pick. While we haven’t ridden it ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of charming, kid-friendly fun that mixes scenery, wildlife, and simple pleasures.

What genuinely stands out about this experience is its affordability—at just $7 per person, it offers a quick yet memorable 15-minute scenic ride. We also love how it combines a gentle train journey with opportunities to spot dolphins, black swans, and pelicans. Plus, the nearby foreshore playground makes it an ideal stop for families wanting a complete day of relaxed outdoor fun.

One thing to consider is that the train operates only on weekends and school holidays, so if you’re visiting outside those times, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Still, for families with young children or visitors seeking a lighthearted, scenic activity, the Mini Toot offers great value. It’s especially suited for those wanting a brief, enjoyable introduction to Mandurah’s waterfront while keeping the kids engaged.

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Key Points

Affordable Family Fun: A fun, scenic ride for just $7 per person.
Short & Sweet: 15-minute rides perfect for young children.
Wildlife Watching: Opportunities to see dolphins, swans, and pelicans.
Convenient Location: Operates directly across from the children’s playground.
Limited Operating Days: Available mainly on weekends and school holidays.
Additional Options: Larger train tours are also available if you want to extend your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Mini Toot Experience?

The Mini Toot in Mandurah is a small, child-sized train that runs along the eastern foreshore of Mandjar Bay. It’s not just about the ride but about enjoying a picnic by the waterfront, watching wildlife, and watching kids smile as they experience something special. The route is short—only about 15 minutes—making it a perfect break in your day for families with limited time or young children needing a quick adventure.

The train is operated by the Tourist Fun Train Company, which also runs a larger, more extensive tour called The Spirit of Mandurah (or “Big Toot”), lasting around 30 minutes. The Mini Toot is parked conveniently opposite the children’s play area, making it easy for families to hop on and off without fuss.

Looking for more options in Mandurah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Since the Mini Toot is a short, scenic ride, the actual “itinerary” involves a single loop along the waterfront. But what makes this route appealing is the scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.

Starting Point: The train departs from a spot directly opposite the foreshore playground, which is a real bonus for families who want a combined playground and train experience.

The Ride: Over approximately 15 minutes, your little ones will get a chance to enjoy a leisurely tour of Mandjar Bay’s eastern foreshore. The train’s design is geared specifically towards children—small seats, bright colours, and a friendly driver who likely keeps things lively.

Wildlife Watching: During your ride, you’re likely to spot dolphins frolicking in the bay, a highlight for many reviews. The presence of black swans and pelicans also adds to the charm of the scenery, with some users mentioning how engaging it is to see these birds glide past the train windows.

Post-Ride: After your trip, you’re right next to the foreshore playground, making it easy to extend your fun with some outdoor play or a picnic. The area is well-equipped and family-friendly, which adds to the overall value of the experience.

What Makes the Mini Toot Stand Out?

The charm of the Mini Toot largely comes from its simplicity and focus on family-friendly fun. Unlike the larger, more extensive train rides, this one hits the sweet spot for young children who might tire quickly and need a shorter adventure.

Affordable Price: At just $7, it offers an inexpensive way to introduce younger kids to scenic travel, wildlife, and outdoor fun. For families on a budget, this is a low-cost yet memorable activity.

Wildlife Encounters: The chance to see dolphins up close is a real highlight, and it’s something that makes this experience feel special rather than just a rideshare. Several reviews mention how impressive it is to spot dolphins during the ride, which adds a layer of excitement for kids.

Ease of Access & Convenience: With the train positioned right across from the playground and operating hours that fit well into a relaxed day, it’s a practical option for families fitting in multiple activities.

Guides & Atmosphere: The driver, who speaks English, is described as friendly and knowledgeable, adding a personal touch to the experience. The optional audio guide, also in English, can enhance the ride with interesting facts, although it’s not explicitly detailed if it’s included at no extra charge.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This experience is ideal for families with young children looking for a budget-friendly activity that combines scenic views and wildlife watching. It’s perfect for those who want a short, leisurely outing without the fuss of longer tours or complicated logistics.

If you’re visiting Mandurah during weekends or school holidays, the Mini Toot provides a charming, relaxed way to enjoy the waterfront. It’s also a good choice for visitors who prefer outdoor activities that don’t require extensive planning or commitment.

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Practical Details & Tips

Operating Days: Only available on weekends and during school holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Ticket Purchase: All tickets can be bought directly from the friendly drivers, making it straightforward and hassle-free.
Duration: The 15-minute ride is quick but packed with enough sights to make a lasting impression.
Location: Parked opposite the Eastern Foreshore Playground, which is convenient for combining activities.
Price: $7 per person—excellent value considering the scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Language: Guides operate in English, with an optional audio guide also in English.

There's plenty more to explore in Mandurah

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer, Fredrick from Australia, sums it up perfectly: “It was great fun for the kids, we really enjoyed it.” This straightforward praise highlights how well the experience resonates with families seeking simple, happy activities.

Another observer mentioned how the friendly guides add a personal touch, making a short ride feel special and engaging for children. The chance to see dolphins was a frequent highlight, with many comments about how impressive it was to spot wildlife during the ride.

The Sum Up

The Mandjar Bay Mini Toot offers a charming, affordable way for families to enjoy Mandurah’s waterfront. Its short, scenic ride, wildlife sightings, and proximity to the playground make it a practical choice for those with young children or families wanting a relaxed outdoor experience.

While it might not satisfy those seeking longer excursions or more elaborate adventures, it excels in delivering a simple, joyful, and memorable outing that captures the essence of Mandurah’s coastal charm. If you’re in town during a weekend or school holiday and want a fun, fuss-free activity that’s easy on the wallet, this little train is worth considering.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Mini Toot ride?
The ride lasts for approximately 15 minutes, providing a brief but scenic experience around Mandjar Bay.

When does the Mini Toot operate?
It runs on weekends and during school holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Where exactly does the train depart from?
The train is parked directly opposite the Eastern Foreshore Playground, making it very convenient for families.

How much does a ticket cost?
Tickets are priced at $7 per person, offering good value for such a scenic and wildlife-rich tour.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?
No, tickets are generally purchased on the spot from the friendly drivers, which keeps things simple.

Is wildlife watching a common part of the ride?
Yes, many travelers enjoy spotting dolphins, black swans, and pelicans along the route, adding to the experience’s appeal.

In brief, the Mandjar Bay Mini Toot is a delightful, budget-friendly activity for families, perfect for a quick scenic break and wildlife encounter in Mandurah. It’s a straightforward, relaxed way to enjoy the waterfront with young children, making memories that last well beyond the short ride.