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It’s all-ages-friendly in the Land Down Under! Check out our list of exciting family activities in Perth and discover the best places to call your home away from home.
Fun for All Ages
Western Australia’s major metropolis presents a captivating fusion of urban life and outdoor adventures, be it for solo travelers, honeymooners, or visiting families. In fact, family activities in Perth set the standard for all-ages-friendly vacations with the city’s endless sunshine, picturesque parks, adventure opportunities, stunning beaches, and historical attractions.
We’re not exaggerating about the endless sunshine, either. Perth receives around 3,200 hours of sunshine every year, more than any other major Australian city. And where the weather is reliable, fun follows!
From educational museum trips to exciting kayaking and sandboarding adventures, your tribe will surely have a blast with our list of must-try family activities in Perth. Keep reading because we’re also recommending the best vacation districts where you can unwind and still be close to family-friendly attractions!
Top 10 Family Activities in Perth, Australia
Ready for your dose of Perth’s warm sunshine and vibrant city life? Let’s jump straight into the heart of the fun with these 10 unforgettable family activities in Perth that will keep everyone entertained, regardless of age:
1. VISIT THE PERTH ZOO
Location: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth
The Perth Zoo is a must-visit for families who appreciate wildlife and nature. With more than 1,200 animals of 170 different species, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. You can roam the Australian Bushwalk, gaze at the African Savannah animals, or get up close with the adorable penguins. For eco-conscious parents, the zoo also offers various interactive experiences focused on teaching kids about conservation.
2. TAKE A CRUISE ON THE SWAN RIVER
Location: Departs from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth
What’s more relaxing than a scenic cruise down the Swan River? Enjoy the cityscape and riverside vistas, spot the black swans, or get off at Swan Valley for a delightful picnic. A cruise is among the few family activities in Perth that balance adventure and relaxation.
3. EXPLORE KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
Location: Fraser Avenue, West Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks. While nearby hotels share the view of the city skyline and Darling Ranges, you can enjoy the same, plus a family picnic in the park! Explore manicured gardens filled with native and exotic plants and let kids burn off energy at any of the playgrounds.
4. WANDER AROUND FREMANTLE MARKETS
Location: Corner of South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle
Fremantle Markets is a vibrant hub of activity where families can immerse themselves in the local culture. With stalls selling everything from fresh produce to unique crafts and street food, it’s a sensory experience that captures the spirit of Perth. Plus, a little shopping never hurt anybody!
If you want to do some more shopping and socializing, we’ve got a guide to Perth’s best markets right here.
5. GO KAYAKING IN LANE POOLE RESERVE
Location: Dwellingup, Peel Region
Immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of Perth by kayaking in Lane Poole Reserve. This place is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, but paddling down the Murray River offers an extraordinary perspective of the Australian bushland. Not only is it a great way to enjoy the reserve’s beauty, but it’s also an enjoyable way to engage in a bit of physical activity.
Mandurah has many riverside rentals with private jetties and free-to-use kayaks and bikes. If you consider setting up camp here for these amenities, just remember that Perth is an hour’s drive away. Plan your family activities in Perth accordingly!
6. ENJOY A DAY AT WHITEMAN PARK
Location: Lord Street, Whiteman
Covering nearly 4,000 hectares of natural bushland, Whiteman Park is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Perth. Ride the vintage trains, meet native wildlife, or enjoy a picnic amongst the eucalyptus trees – there’s plenty to do and see!
Plus, Whiteman Park is only 30 minutes from the CBD, so you can always check out the must-see landmarks in Perth once you’ve fully recharged.
7. RELAX AT COTTESLOE BEACH
Location: Marine Parade, Cottesloe
A trip to Perth wouldn’t be complete without a day at the beach. Famous for its clear turquoise waters, pristine sands, and relaxed atmosphere, Cottesloe Beach is an idyllic location for families. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean. Cottesloe Beach also has designated dog-friendly areas as well as pet-friendly beachside rentals.
8. TRY SANDBOARDING AT THE PINNACLES DESERT
Location: Nambung National Park, Cervantes
Add a dash of thrill to your trip with sandboarding in the Pinnacles Desert. This unique activity promises an adrenaline rush like no other as you glide down towering sand dunes against the backdrop of surreal limestone formations. A perfect end to your day of bonding over fun family activities in Perth!
If thrill-seeking runs in the family, be sure to check out our guide to more adventurous things to do in Perth.
9. DISCOVER SCITECH
Location: City West Centre, Sutherland Street, West Perth
SciTech is the ultimate science discovery destination. This place is perfect for families with curious young minds and even equally curious adults! The interactive exhibits and fascinating science shows are designed to make learning fun and generate a more profound interest in how technology and the natural world work together.
10. JOURNEY THROUGH AQWA
Location: 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys
The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) offers a journey of discovery into the marine life of Western Australia. From the icy waters of the Southern Ocean to the tropical wonderland of coral reefs, families can explore 12,000 kilometers of Western Australia’s coastline in just a few hours!
Where to Stay in Perth, Australia
After exploring the vast array of family activities in Perth, you’ll need a welcoming place to rest and recharge. We previously published a list of top Perth accommodations for different kinds of travelers, which you can check out. For now, though here are five family-friendly districts in Perth, each offering a distinct charm and unique array of attractions:
SOUTH PERTH
Just a short ferry ride from the city center, South Perth is an idyllic residential suburb close to the Perth Zoo. The area offers lush parks, beautiful river views, and an array of dining options like the famous Coco’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant. Don’t forget to take a leisurely walk along the scenic South Perth Foreshore.
WEST PERTH
West Perth is the perfect spot for families interested in science and nature. Close to Kings Park and SciTech, the area also boasts trendy cafes like Gordon St Garage and fine dining at Black Tom’s. The iconic Watertown Brand Outlet Centre is a haven for shoppers.
COTTESLOE
For beach-loving families, Cottesloe is the ideal location. Besides the iconic Cottesloe Beach, the area is also known for the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. Enjoy seafood at the famous Cottesloe Beach Hotel and indulge in a cuppa at the trendy John Street Cafe.
FREMANTLE
Fremantle, or “Freo” as the locals call it, is a vibrant district with a rich history. Close to Adventure World, it’s home to the iconic Fremantle Markets and the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. Dine at the famous Cappuccino Strip and relish gelato at Dolce Vita Gelato.
HILLARYS
Hillarys is a coastal suburb north of Perth, home to the Aquarium of Western Australia. Spend your evenings at the vibrant Hillarys Boat Harbour, filled with eateries like 3Sheets on the Harbour. The area also boasts attractions catering to all types of family activities in Perth.
Find Your Home-Away-From-Home With Rent By Owner
Now that you’ve glimpsed the plethora of family activities in Perth, you’ll want to lock in on the most important piece of your Aussie vacation — your home away from home!
With Rent By Owner, you can find the perfect holiday rental that provides ample space for the whole family, has all the amenities you need, and fosters the best bonding experience for everyone. We list thousands of properties in Perth and over 10 million vacation home listings worldwide. Wherever you decide to create memories with the gang, we’ll be there to help you from square one!
Start planning your trip to the Land Down Under with Rent By Owner today.
TLDR
Perth, Australia, is a gold mine of experiences, especially for families looking to create unforgettable memories. There are many exceptional family activities in Perth, including visiting the Perth Zoo, cruising the Swan River, and exploring Kings Park and Botanic Garden, amongst others. Unique experiences like sandboarding at the Pinnacles Desert and kayaking at Lane Poole Reserve are guaranteed favorites for the more adventurous families. Five districts, namely South Perth, West Perth, Cottesloe, Hillarys, and Fremantle are within close proximity to key attractions and rich in facilities, making them perfect as a home base for your tribe.
Start planning your Aussie vacation with Rent By Owner, a platform that lists a wide range of vacation rentals worldwide. Create unforgettable family memories in Perth with Rent By Owner today!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Ana Williamson
