Perth for Families - 10 Days
Highlights
- Discover Victorian history and funky street art in eclectic Fremantle
- Cuddle up to koalas and hand-feed kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park
- Cruise to the secluded bays and coral reefs of Rottnest Island
- Ride the rollercoasters at Western Australia's largest adventure park
- Surf down sand dunes and explore the lunar landscapes of the Pinnacles Desert
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Perth, Western Australia's Sunshine Capital | Perth |
| Day 2 | Fremantle Explorer Tour & Swan River Cruise | Perth |
| Day 3 | Caversham Wildlife Park & Perth Highlights Tour | Perth |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Rottnest Island: Watersports & Wildlife | Perth |
| Day 5 | Visit Adventure World Theme & Water Park | Perth |
| Day 6 | Morning Surf Lessons, Family Fun at Kings Park & Botanic Garden | Perth |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to the Pinnacles Desert & Lancelin Sand Dunes | Perth |
| Day 8 | Visit the Gravity Discovery Centre, Afternoon Beach Time | Perth |
| Day 9 | Behind the Scenes at the Aquarium of Western Australia | Perth |
| Day 10 | Depart Perth |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Perth, Western Australia's Sunshine Capital
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your hotel in Perth—the capital of Western Australia (and the sunniest capital city in the world). Closer to Singapore than Sydney, Perth's remote location gives it an outward-looking feel with a thriving arts culture and festival scene. Blending an effortless mix of laidback sophistication with plenty of parks, gardens, and watersports, it's also a perfect destination for families.
After settling in, head out for refreshments in a city that loves to eat! Bring your appetite to one of the many bustling bars, charming cafés, and award-winning restaurants before making your way to the historic Swan Bells. Hanging in a 270-foot-high (82 m) copper-and-glass campanile, the set of 18 bells dates back to 14th-century London and holds a fascinating royal history. Spend the rest of the day paddling in the turquoise waters at Perth's family-friendly Cottesloe Beach. Relax on the grassy terraces before enjoying a sundowner overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 2: Fremantle Explorer Tour & Swan River Cruise
It's your first full day in Perth, so take it easy with a half-day, kid-friendly driving tour that takes in the best of the city's sights. Wave at the Western Australia Cricket Ground (WACA) and new state-of-the-art Optus Stadium before passing the Perth Mint and Elizabeth Quay—a beautiful waterfront development with river and city views. Stop at Kings Park and Botanic Garden and take in the panorama from the war memorial back over the city skyline before continuing past the affluent western suburbs, known as Millionaire's Row.
Travel past the glittering Indian Ocean and arrive at heritage-listed Fremantle, where you'll have plenty of time to stroll the atmospheric streets, hip shops, cafés, and quaint period buildings. Meander through the renowned 125-year-old markets that hark back to the Victorian era, and browse the plethora of fresh produce, unique food offerings, and vibrant independent stalls. Then it's time to board a riverboat and cruise upstream as you discover the exclusive suburbs of East Fremantle before disembarking at Perth Jetty. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 3: Caversham Wildlife Park & Perth Highlights Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's excursion takes you beyond the city center for a look at the countryside and coast around Perth. Young animal lovers are sure to be delighted with the first stop: a private visit to Caversham Wildlife Park, where you'll have the chance to meet kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and over 200 native species. Your guide will share stories and fun facts about the animals as you skip the usual lines and enjoy a relaxed, up-close experience (including opportunities to feed kangaroos and hold koalas!).
Continue into the Swan Valley wine region, just outside Perth, for a family-friendly wine tasting and relaxed gourmet lunch among the vines at a boutique winery. Afterward, your driver will take you west to the Indian Ocean for a scenic drive along Perth's coastline. Stop at one of the city's sun-drenched beaches, where you'll have plenty of time to play on the soft white sands, dip your feet in the water, or simply relax with a coffee or ice cream.
Day 4: Day Trip to Rottnest Island: Watersports & Wildlife
Today you'll visit one of Western Australia's best-kept secrets— Rottnest Island. Situated 11 miles (18 km) west of Fremantle and covering 7 square miles (19 sq km), the island's 63 beaches, 20 secluded bays, and many coral reefs and wrecks create some of the most spectacular swimming and diving spots in the world. The kids will adore the 90-minute adventure boat tour of the island's rugged coastline and wild side as you experience the ocean breeze and sea spray on this fast-paced, heart-thumping trip. Spot New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks and look out for dolphins and osprey along the way.
Once you reach the island, enjoy a number of family-friendly activities above the water. Make your way to Aquaplay for paddle boards, inflatable Jet Skis, water bikes, and a giant inflatable roller for kids. Heading below the water is also a must, with over 135 species of tropical fish and 24 species of coral to discover. On land, explore Rottnest's inland lakes and spectacular coastal headlands via a series of hiking trails (and keep an eye out for the island's adorable quokkas). Later in the day, you'll catch the ferry back to Perth in time for an early dinner.
Day 5: Visit Adventure World Theme & Water Park
Today's excursion will earn you plenty of brownie points! Combine the best of a theme park and a water park in the landscaped botanical gardens at Perth's Adventure World. Make your way to the Abyss, where bigger kids and thrill seekers can experience the park's adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster. Younger adventurers will love the enchanting Dragon's Kingdom and ever-popular Hawaiian-themed Kahuna Falls. Don't miss Kraken, the longest, tallest, and steepest funnel waterslide on the planet.
Afterward, catch a cab to Fremantle, just 15 minutes away, and grab fish and chips at Kaili's Fish Market Café or eat and enjoy the view at the Bathers Beach House. Getting back to Perth couldn't be easier—catch a train, and you'll be there in 25 minutes to enjoy the rest of your evening.
Day 6: Morning Surf Lessons, Family Fun at Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Hit the water in true Aussie style this morning as you learn how to "hang ten" at one of the city's surf schools. Perfect for all ages and experience levels, your lesson with friendly, expert surf instructors will get you safely up onto your first wave before you've had time to worry about falling off! Afterward, you could grab lunch in the trendy nearby area of Scarborough to relax on the beach or go for a stroll around Hillarys Boat Harbour.
In the afternoon, spend some more time at Kings Park and Botanic Garden—an outdoor treasure trove for families with sweeping views of the Swan and Canning rivers, the city skyline, and the Darling Ranges to the east. One of the world's largest inner-city parks, it's home to the beautifully cultivated Western Australian Botanic Gardens and displays over 3,000 species of the state's unique flora. Explore the numerous play areas, climb all 101 steps of the spiraling DNA Tower, or do as the locals do and enjoy a picnic within the peaceful setting of the park's 988 acres (400 ha).
Day 7: Day Trip to the Pinnacles Desert & Lancelin Sand Dunes
Pack some games and snacks for the kids, then join your driver this morning for a 2.5-hour trip north along the scenic Indian Ocean Drive. You'll travel in 4WD comfort and enjoy the coastal views before your first stop in the fishing town of Cervantes. Famous for its rock lobster factory and pristine beachfront, you'll go behind the scenes at the town's giant shellfish processing plant, then dine on luxury lobster and chips before continuing your journey to Nambung National Park.
Stroll among the thousands of weathered limestone pillars that create the surreal moonscape of the world-renowned Pinnacles Desert, then hop back in the 4WD and traverse the vast Lancelin Sand Dunes. The whole family will love the memorable experience of sandboarding down these constantly shifting structures. Return to Perth via Indian Ocean Drive, and grab a bite to eat before recounting the day's highlights.
Day 8: Visit the Gravity Discovery Centre, Afternoon Beach Time
Venture north of the city again this morning to experience Perth's most kid-friendly (and educational) attractions: the Gravity Discovery Centre. Curious young minds will love exploring the Innovation galleries dedicated to Einstein and his science, while aspiring astronauts won't want to miss the Cosmos gallery, where they can learn about the universe's timeline. Make sure to visit to the Leaning Tower of Gingin, where you can watch your kids' excitement once they realize visitors can drop water-filled balloons from the purpose-built 147-foot-high (45-m) tower!
Later on, you'll have the rest of the day free to devote to the city's famously sunny beaches—19 of them to be exact! Take your pick from among the many pristine stretches of white sand, most equipped with lifeguards, bathrooms, and changing facilities. Head 15 minutes west of the CBD to City Beach for an easy, quick outing, or stake out a patch of sand on nearby Floreat Beach for fewer crowds, rolling dunes, and a kids' play area.
Day 9: Behind the Scenes at the Aquarium of Western Australia
Today's behind-the-scenes visit to the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Follow your guide into restricted, staff-only areas to see how AQWA's team cares for hundreds of marine species, and take part in a hand-feeding session with the resident crayfish. You'll also get to visit the Coral Bank of Western Australia—a living collection of local corals—and end with a cruise through the Shipwreck Coast shark aquarium in a glass-bottom boat. After your guided experience, you're free to continue exploring the aquarium at your own pace with your included all-day entry.
You could spend the rest of the afternoon at one of the nearby beaches—Sorrento's white sands and turquoise waters are just next door to the aquarium, while Mullaloo's family-friendly facilities are a 10-minute drive north. If you'd rather return to the city, head back to Cottesloe Beach, where the kids can snorkel in the protected Peters Pool area while you enjoy some shade under the Norfolk pines. It's also the perfect spot to catch a colorful sunset before strolling to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Day 10: Depart Perth
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