Iconic. End of an era. A sign of the times.

A lot of cliches fit the final day of Mandurah’s King Carnival and it’s tempting to use them all. Plenty were used in the lead-up to the carnival’s last day of trading, with its closure protested by some and a shock to others.

I arrived early for the last hurrah and there were already families playing mini golf, enjoying the rides and meeting the animals.

A pensive pirate sat on a bench near the entrance gazing into the distance, perhaps at the pirate ship passing by on the river.

Dogs and kids chased flying bubbles; there were shrieks of delight as prizes were won, rides spun and arcade games whizzed and whirred. It was all colour, fun and music. There was a sense of soaking up the atmosphere; storing enough new memories to soothe the fact no more would be made there.

In its more than 70-year history the carnival earned its place in the hearts of thousands of locals and visitors. Some met partners there; wedding photographs were taken amongst the amusements. Parents and grandparents treated their offspring to the ferris wheel and games they had enjoyed as kids.

I’m nostalgic enough to ask ‘What’s the appeal of shiny and new?’

I’d rather visit an old-school carnival, a drive-in movie or a country show. I like places, things and people with a few miles on them, a bit of dust around the edges … lives lived if you will. 

King Carnival on the Mandurah foreshore was one of those places. I can’t imagine being able to take photographs like these somewhere shiny and new. And where else could you win a blue plush axolotl on the Laughing Clowns?

Story and photographs © Danielle Berryman 2025