When the Perth weather warms up, few things beat an afternoon by the water, and The Life Boat at Mindarie Marina is a lovely place to enjoy it. This relaxed, laid-back bar and eatery sits right next to The Boat. It’s a good spot to catch up with friends, share a long lunch or watch the sun go down over the marina with a drink in hand. If the grandchildren are visiting, it works well for them too.
The menu keeps things simple. The Life Boat serves classic fish and chips with no frills and no fuss. The fish is locally caught, and the chips are salty and crispy, doused in vinegar and wrapped in paper. Pair it with a glass of wine or an ice cold beer and you have a very satisfying meal.
For fussier eaters, such as little ones in your group, there are chicken nuggets and chips. The Life Boat is a fully licensed venue, so leave the picnic basket and esky at home. BYO food and drinks aren’t allowed.
Photo Credit: Mindarie Marina
There’s plenty of room to settle in, with large shaded tables dotted around the venue. They’re a comfortable place to sit back and enjoy good company in the shade. If you have grandchildren with you, they can play in the sandy Playground under shade sails. It has a small climbing frame with a slide, monkey bars, a play boat and beach toys. You can keep an eye on them from your table.
Make sure you visit the Upper Deck, perched on top of the shipping container bar. The views across the marina are beautiful, and it’s a popular spot for a sunset drink. It’s worth checking access before you go if stairs are a concern.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, once the sun has set, The Life Boat hosts free family movie nights on a big projector screen. Grab a bucket of hot buttered popcorn and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars. The schedule is posted on The Marina Mindarie website, so check what’s showing before you head out. On Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm there are free activities, which have included face painting, a magician, giant bubbles, pencil case decorating, sand art and bath bomb making. The activity changes each week.
Mindarie Marina is also a pleasant place for a stroll before or after your meal. A wander along the boardwalk and past the boats is a gentle way to enjoy the sea breeze, and the flat paths make for easy walking. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny afternoons, and a light jacket for when the breeze picks up in the evening.
The Life Boat is seasonal and weather dependent, and it may close when conditions aren’t suitable. Check the Marina Mindarie’s social media pages or app for the latest opening information before you leave home. If you have questions, you can call the venue on (08) 9305 9305.
The Life Boat, Mindarie Marina
Address: Next to The Boat, The Marina Mindarie, 33 Ocean Falls Boulevard, Mindarie WA 6030
Opening hours: Friday from 4pm until late, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm until late (seasonal and weather dependent)
Phone: (08) 9305 9305
Website: themarinamindarie.com/lifeboat
