There has been a giant, crab-shaped hole in Western Australia's heart for the past three years. In 2023, the much-loved
Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest will finally return to WA for a two-day celebration of all things crustacean.
As Mandurah's signature FREE event and a favourite on the city's community and tourism calendar, Crab Fest is back with a bang on Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th March 2023.
Mandurah's Waterfront redevelopment has been completed since the last Crab Fest, meaning the event will further showcase the city and stretch further than ever to welcome visitors from near and far.
Image: Courtesy of City of Mandurah
With the tasty Blue Swimmer Crab a local speciality around the shores of Mandurah, you can get your claws on plenty of fresh, regional shellfish products to enjoy alongside the Peel's best brewers and wineries, plus pop-up food stalls for every taste.
It's not all just about the crab through. Despite the name, Crab Fest features a huge range of activities for all ages. From iconic Australian entertainer Vanessa Amorosi on the Main Stage, to celebrity TV chef and author 'Fast Ed' Halmagyi cooking up a storm on the Spud Shed Cooking Stage, and from kids activities to family entertainment, workshops and displays, it's easy to see why this event has been so sorely missed.
Image: Courtesy of City of Mandurah
This year, My Kitchen Rules' season 12 contestants and Albany locals Dave and Che will be bringing the heat to Crab Fest as they recreate the dish that afforded them a score of 10/10 on the show: Crispy Skin Barramundi with Hot Thai Green Curry Sauce and Garlic Rice. Delicious!
The first CrabFest was held in 1999 when the city of Mandurah was home to a modest 30,000. Since then, the population has increased to 93,000 and in 2018, on its 20th anniversary, Crab Fest welcomed a MASSIVE 124,000 people through the gates. Will a three year absence help break that record?
Image: Courtesy of City of Mandurah
Speaking at the Crab Fest Media Launch on Tuesday, 7th February, Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams said the festival being cancelled due to the pandemic was the moment the seriousness of the situation hit home for the city.
"Crab Fest is part of Mandurah's DNA. It not only provides an opportunity to celebrate all the parts of our city that we love, but importantly, provides a strong economic boost to our local hospitality and tourism operators. We're feeling very proud to see the return of this event."
Mayor Williams encouraged visitors to make a weekend of the event by booking accommodation from Friday to Sunday and truly enjoying all that Mandurah has to offer.
Image: Courtesy of City of Mandurah
This award-winning event will stretch from the City Centre and along Mandurah's Eastern Foreshores, to Mandjar Square and over to the Mandurah Ocean Marina.
The Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest is proudly delivered by the City of Mandurah and supported by the State Government, through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program.
Entry to Crab Fest is FREE, although visitors can participate in ticketed events for a fee. For more information, head over to the website.
Crab Fest is back. Let's get behind the return of this beloved event and make it the biggest and best year ever.
