Perth is a city bursting with vibrant, friendly family activities and outings. While a trip across the expansive Australian outback with kids in tow may initially seem like a challenge, there are plenty of reasons why it's one of the best family holiday destinations and you should consider making the journey to the City of Light. More than just a bustling city, Perth has good reason to be one of the top places to visit in Western Australia.
We’ve pulled together five fun outings in Perth the whole family will enjoy.
1. Walk the trails at Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
Kings Park is the largest city park in the world and locals would argue, amongst the most beautiful. Overlooking Perth’s central business district and housing the State War Memorial, the huge, 400-hectare space is overflowing with sights and activities for kids of all ages. Of particular note are the winding paths crisscrossing neatly manicured gardens which give way to lush bushland and spectacular views of the Swan River. These trails are an excellent way for kids to learn about native flora, discover their hidden affinity for the bush and learn about local indigenous culture. If you’re keen to see the park’s famous range of Western Australian flora, try the Botanic Gardens Discovery Walk or the Bushland Nature Trail. The Law Track is the park’s premier bushland trail while the Boodja Gnarning Walk explores the Nyoongar people’s connection to the land within Kings Park.
2. Explore Fremantle
There’s plenty for the kids to see and do in seaside Fremantle. Located an easy ferry or train ride from Perth, the city’s rich history as a port town and penal settlement makes for an entertaining and educational experience. Slip on some comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll around town to admire some of the famous buildings. There’s the Fremantle Roundhouse, WA’s oldest standing building and the Fremantle Prison, a World Heritage Site, where you can embark on a tour and learn about the fascinating history of Fremantle’s most notorious criminals. Visit the WA Maritime Museum, where you’ll find plenty of free activities to keep the kids occupied or visit the Shipwrecks Gallery to see artefacts from local shipwrecks. Ride the giant wheel at Esplanade Park or take a tram ride through the quaint town centre. There are also plenty of beaches in Freo; try Bather’s Beach, which is a short stroll from many of the town’s attractions, while Port Beach and Leighton’s Beach are popular for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Visit Yanchep National Park
Located 50 kilometres north of Perth, Yanchep National Park is overflowing with excellent activities for the kids. Stroll along 240 metres of purpose-built boardwalk and view the park’s koalas in their natural environment. Meet the park’s western grey kangaroo population early or late in the day. Take a walk on one of the park’s nine walking trails, with tracks suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There’s Tree Adventure Yanchep Park, a tree top ropes course and ziplining experience guaranteed to keep the kids occupied for hours. Yanchep is also home to over 400 limestone caves; highlights include the guided tour of Crystal Cave and the adventure tour of Yonderup Cave.
4. Cycle around Rottnest Island
There’s so much to see and do on stunning Rottnest Island that you may need to spend the night to fit it all in. The island is located offshore from Perth CBD, a comfortable 90 minute ferry ride along the Swan River. The island is most famous for its stunning views of the Indian Ocean and for being home to the quokka, Australia’s most intriguing marsupial. These cute creatures and the island’s beautiful beaches and landscape are best experienced by cycling around the island. Bikes are available for hire and are perfect for cruising along the island’s well paved, winding roads. Older children with solid cycling skills should be comfortable riding with adults while littlest family members can be towed along in buggies which attach to an adult bicycle and are also available for hire on the island. It's one of the best Australian islands that'll make you feel like you've gone overseas!
5. Swim at iconic Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is Perth’s most famous beach and a hugely popular swimming, snokelling and surfing destination for locals and tourists alike. Over a kilometre of pristine sand and the relatively calm waters of Cottesloe Main Beach make this an excellent spot to relax and rejuvenate with the kids. For the more adventurous, there’s surfing lessons to be had at the rocky outcrop that is South Cottesloe. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, relax with a picnic along the Esplanade or book a table at one of the many eateries around Marine Parade.