Our home city Perth, Western Australia – offers a diverse range of family travel experience (not being bias here!). Sunny weather makes Perth a giant outdoor playground, with plenty of fun activities to do all year.
While we CAN list you the usual touristy spots to visit, we would rather mix it up with some of our own favourite places to visit.
Below are our family’s must visit guide to Perth, Western Australia:
Kangaroo spotting at Heirisson island
You can visit kangaroos at the zoo any day, but here you can meet friendly wild kangaroos! Just a few minutes outside of Perth CBD these kangaroos live on their very own gated island! Park at the Heirisson Island Car Park and walk under the bridge towards the western side of the island.
Our tip: this island is best visited late in the afternoon when the kangaroos tend to be more active. During our visit we spotted 5 kangaroos and they are very friendly.
Go on a (short) hike at Blackwall Reach cliffs and visit Point Walter
This local gem is an easy grade 1.4 km return walk trail. Many local families walk this trail regularly to exercise and enjoy views from several outlook points. Views from Blackwall Reach cliffs have a bit of Mediterranean vibes to it.
Afterwards enjoy a relaxing day at the nearby Point Walter. In this popular riverside area you can enjoy a picnic or hire a stand up paddle board. There are two shaded playgrounds for kids as well as a cafe. During low tides, you can walk out into the river along the Point Walter Sandbar.
Our tip: bring your camera!
Visit Kings Park and let your kids roam free
Located less than 5 minutes to the west of Perth city, take photos of picture perfect views at the Fraser Avenue tourist precinct. Afterwards kids will be spoilt to choose from 4 different play areas. Kings Park’s best and biggest playground is May Drive Parkland. Rio Tinto Naturescape is also worth visiting.
Checkout our full playgrounds around Perth post here
Meet happy Quokkas – Rottnest Island day trip
Planning a day trip outside of Perth? Then this is your must do. Rottnest Island is home to the happiest animal on earth: the Quokka. There are very few of them on the mainland. Quokkas can’t be found anywhere else but at Rottnest Island.
Visit one of 63 beaches on the island. The water is crystal clear. You will see lots of colourful fish swimming alongside you – bring your snorkeling gear!
Our tip: family friendly beaches include Little Salmon Bay and Pinky Beach.
Discover our stories at the WA Museum
“Boola Bardip” means many stories. Discover our state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Don’t forget to meet “Otto” the blue whale. This museum is HUGE! Displays are interactive and will keep you interested.
Our tip: recharge while dining at one of many yummy restaurants along William Street and then come back afterwards.
Fruit picking and tractor tour at Golden Grove Orchard
Situated in Chittering Valley, 45 minutes drive from Perth is this citrus orchard. Freshly pick your oranges and have a bite. It doesn’t get any fresher! You can also pick more fruits to take home. The tractor ride goes for one hour, afterwards you are free to feed the farm animals.
Our tip: there’s a small café serving drink and light meals. Go to Henley Brook or Swan Valley for more dining options.
Wild encounters at Penguin Island
The stunning colours of Indian ocean, wildlife and rocky landscapes made for a beautiful and relaxing day out. Just 30 minutes south of Perth, reach Shoalwater Islands Marine Park by hopping on a 5 minute ferry ride. The world’s smallest penguins are very cute!
Our tip: Take the one hour dolphin, seal and sea lions wildlife cruise option. It is a worthwhile addition!
When visiting Fremantle – sail into WA Shipwreck Museum
With our Indonesian background, we find this museum to be particularly fascinating. Its centrepiece are remains of the VOC ship Batavia and stone portico façade – carried as cargo to be used as a grand entrance to the city of Batavia (modern day Jakarta). Entry is FREE.
Explore Bells Rapids near Swan Valley
This area is known for picturesque nature walks. Find pretty area with waterfalls and rocky river that make up part of the Avon River. Walk along wooden bridge going over the white water rapids.
Our tip: explore nearby Swan Valley area for lunch or wine tasting after your visit.
Dine with friendly Kangaroos at John Forrest national park
About half an hour’s drive east of Perth, you can you go to a tavern and meet some kangaroos! Enjoy beer in a rural Australian setting while sitting next to local wildlife.
John Forrest national park is home to two waterfalls that flow in winter and spring.
Our tip: visit in September to see wildflowers.
Relax at Ngarkal beach at Port Coogee area
This family friendly protected (man made) beach and water playground is a hit with the locals and visitors.
For those who are more confident swimmers, check out the snorkel trail at Omeo shipwreck at Coogee beach.
Fly by Aviation Heritage museum – Bull Creek
This suburban museum features over 30 civilian and military aircraft, thousands of aviation artefacts and replicas of aircrafts. A few of their planes is open for kids to sit and pretend to be a pilot.
Look below Canning Bridge
For many years we would regularly cross this bridge. We never imagined discovering anything exciting underneath. Artists and non artists have been contributing to the many artwork under the bridge. From paintings, to staple vintage shoes, to picture frames. This place definitely has a wacky bric-a-brac charm to it. Locals come here to mainly catch fish or crabs.
Our tip: Eastern side of the bridge is more colourful. We were lucky enough to spot dolphins when we visited in the late afternoon.
If you decide to venture out of Perth you can head north to explore Kalbarri – Australia Coral Coast, set your sights south towards Margaret River wine region or explore nature in the great Southern Region.
