Peel Region Running Routes: The Best Road and Trail Runs Around Mandurah, Pinjarra, and the Murray River

The Best Road and Trail Runs Around Mandurah, Pinjarra, and the Murray River

Most Perth runners drive straight past the Mandurah running routes on their way to Margaret River. That’s a mistake. The Peel region packs serious variety into an hour south of the CBD — flat coastal paths, quiet river trails, and bushland tracks that feel a world away from the Swan River foreshore crowds.

Whether you’re visiting from Perth or lucky enough to live down here, here’s where to lace up.

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Why Peel Region Running Is Worth Your Time

The Peel region doesn’t get the running hype it deserves. What it does have:

• Flat, fast terrain ideal for tempo runs and long slow distance
• Waterfront paths along the Mandurah Estuary and Murray River
• Low traffic compared to Perth’s popular corridors
• Year-round runability — the climate here is slightly warmer and drier than Perth metro
• Minimal crowding — you won’t be dodging dog walkers three abreast on a Sunday morning

If you’re training for a half or full marathon and need quiet long-run real estate, the Peel region is genuinely underrated.

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Mandurah Running Routes: The Best Options in Town

1. Mandurah Estuary Loop (5–12 km)

This is the go-to Mandurah running route for good reason. Starting from Dolphin Quay or the Mandurah Foreshore, you can trace the estuary edges in either direction and build a loop of anywhere from 5 to 12 kilometres depending on how far you push.

The path runs past the Mandurah Ocean Marina, under the Mandurah Traffic Bridge, and out toward the quieter residential foreshore sections south of the CBD. Underfoot is mostly sealed path and compacted gravel — easy going for road shoes, no drama in trail shoes.

Best for: Easy runs, recovery jogs, beginners getting comfortable with longer distances

Parking: Dolphin Quay or Mandurah Foreshore carpark

Surface: Sealed path and compacted gravel

Toilets/water: Yes, at the foreshore

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2. The Mandurah to Halls Head Coastal Path (8–16 km one way)

Head south from the Mandurah foreshore and the coastal path opens up toward Halls Head and beyond. This is flat, honest running along the Peel Inlet — expect pelicans, occasionally strong sea breezes, and almost nobody else on a weekday.

The path extends well past Halls Head towards Falcon, giving you a legitimate out-and-back of up to 30+ kilometres if you’re building for an ultramarathon or just having one of those days.

Best for: Long run days, marathon prep, recreational runners wanting coastal scenery

Surface: Mostly sealed

Note: Wind can be a genuine factor here. Run into the headwind on the way out.

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3. Mandurah Community Foreshore to Coodanup (10 km out and back)

Cross the Mandurah Traffic Bridge heading east, and you pick up the quieter, greener riverside path toward Coodanup. This section follows the Murray River estuary rather than the open inlet, so it’s sheltered, shaded in sections, and genuinely pretty.

It’s less used than the main foreshore, which makes it ideal for runners who want to zone out with a podcast and not worry about weaving through foot traffic.

Best for: Mid-week easy runs, recovery sessions

Surface: Mixed sealed and gravel

Shade: Moderate — better than the open foreshore

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Murray River Running Track Mandurah — What You Need to Know

The Murray River running track around Mandurah is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Following the Murray River upstream from the estuary gives you access to a long, largely flat corridor that serious runners can extend into genuine long-run territory.

The key section most runners use runs from the South Yunderup area along the river’s edge, connecting through to some of the rural fringe where the path gives way to quiet country roads. It’s not all marked trail — some of it requires navigation via satellite track or local knowledge — but that’s part of the appeal.

What to bring: Water (limited taps on the rural sections), a GPS watch or downloaded route, sun protection

Best season: April through October — summer heat here is real

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Running Routes Pinjarra Western Australia: The Murray River Town Loop

Pinjarra sits about 30 minutes east of Mandurah and it’s a legitimately good running destination if you haven’t been. The town itself is built around a bend in the Murray River, which means the river is basically your running track.

The Pinjarra Town Loop (6–10 km)

Start from the Pinjarra Suspension Bridge on Edenvale Road and you’ve got an excellent loop combining riverside path, parkland, and quiet residential streets. The suspension bridge itself is a notable landmark — cross it, run the eastern bank downstream, cross back via the old bridge, and you’ve covered about 6 kilometres with minimal effort.

Extend by running further south along the river on either bank to push toward 10 kilometres.

Best for: Recreational runners, anyone doing a country running trip through WA

Parking: Ample near the suspension bridge

Surface: Mixed — sealed sections, compacted gravel, and some short grass sections through the parkland

Facilities: Pinjarra town centre is close for coffee post-run

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Dwellingup to Pinjarra Trail (Munda Biddi Connection — Advanced)

For competitive runners and trail enthusiasts, the Munda Biddi Trail passes through this region and connects Dwellingup to areas north toward Pinjarra via genuine bushland singletrack. This is Peel region trail running WA at its proper best — jarrah forest, undulating fire trails, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget you’re less than 90 minutes from Perth.

Distance: Variable — can be run as a point-to-point with car shuttle or as an out-and-back from Dwellingup

Elevation: Moderate — not as technical as the Bibbulmun Track in the south, but not flat either

Surface: Dirt singletrack, fire roads

Best for: Trail runners, ultra training, runners wanting real bush feel without a 3-hour drive

For more on WA’s trail network, the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation has downloadable maps and detailed route information.

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Peel Region Trail Running WA: Off-Road Options Worth Knowing

Lake Clifton and Yalgorup National Park

About 30 kilometres north of Mandurah, Yalgorup National Park offers sandy trails through tuart woodland and past the famous thrombolite lakes. The trail running here is low-key — mostly flat, slightly soft underfoot, and very quiet.

It won’t satisfy your need for elevation, but it’s an excellent easy trail run on tired legs or a great option to add novelty to a training week.

Distance: 4–10 km loops possible

Surface: Sand and hard-packed dirt

Unique feature: Running past 2000-year-old thrombolites is a slightly surreal experience

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Serpentine Falls Loop (Competitive/Trail Runners)

On the northern edge of the Peel region, Serpentine National Park offers short but punchy trail running around the falls and through the surrounding bush. The main loop near the falls is only 4–5 kilometres, but the broader trail network extends significantly.

It connects loosely to Serpentine Dam and the surrounding state forest, where unmarked tracks give experienced trail runners room to build longer sessions.

Heads up: Parking at Serpentine Falls can fill fast on weekends. Get there early or on a weekday.

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Gear for Peel Region Running

The terrain variation across the Peel region means your gear choices matter. Here’s a quick guide:

You’ll find trail shoes, hydration vests, and running caps in our Perth Running Clubs shop — worth checking before you head south.

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Practical Notes for Running in the Peel Region

Getting there: Mandurah is about 75 km south of Perth CBD via the Kwinana Freeway. Pinjarra is a further 30 km east on the South Western Highway.

When to go: Autumn through spring (April–October) is ideal. Summer temperatures regularly hit 38°C+ and the exposed foreshore and river flats offer minimal shade.

Water: Mandurah’s foreshore routes have drinking fountains. The Murray River rural sections and Munda Biddi trails do not — carry your own.

Wildlife: Snakes are present in the bushland sections from October through April. Stay on marked paths and watch your step.

Local clubs: If you’re based in the Peel region or visiting for an extended stay, check the Perth Run Clubs Directory to see if there are local groups running out of Mandurah — a local club will know shortcuts and conditions better than any blog post.

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The Peel region doesn’t need to sell itself harder than this. Flat routes for marathon prep, river trails for something quieter, and genuine bushland tracks for when you need to feel like an actual trail runner — it’s all sitting there an hour south of Perth, largely uncrowded, mostly free, and very runnable.

Put it in the rotation.