Just over an hour’s drive north of Perth, Moore River at Guilderton is still one of the most relaxing and easy family day trips you can do. Where the Moore River meets the Indian Ocean, you’ll find a beautiful estuary that feels like a giant natural swimming pool, backed by dunes and bush and framed by ocean views – it’s a spot that keeps kids happy for hours with very little effort. Known to the local Yued Aboriginal people as “Gabbadah”, meaning “mouthful of water”, this special place has been a favourite holiday escape for generations of Perth families.
The big drawcard for families is the calm, sheltered river. In the summer months, the river mouth often forms a lagoon, with a wide sandbar separating the river from the open ocean. The water here is generally shallow and warmer than the sea, making it ideal for toddlers through to confident swimmers. Bring along inflatables, pool noodles, stand-up paddle boards or a simple blow-up dinghy – kids will happily potter about close to shore, and parents can relax knowing there’s plenty of gentle, shallow water to play in. There are also lots of little fish darting about, so a cheap hand net can turn into hours of entertainment as children try to scoop and explore.
There is usually a pontoon anchored in the river as well, which is always a huge hit with older kids and teens who love swimming out, jumping off and using it as a base for games.
For families who like to be a bit more active, you can still hire canoes, paddle boats and other craft right on the riverbank during weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
Paddling further up the Moore River is a wonderful way to see more of the landscape – expect paperbark trees, birdlife and peaceful stretches of water away from the main swimming area. Even a short paddle feels like an adventure for kids, and it’s an easy way to burn off some energy before the trip home.
The grassy foreshore beside the river is perfect for setting up a base for the day. Many families bring gazebos or beach shelters and spread out along the bank.
There are free electric barbecues, picnic tables and a small Playground, so you can choose between a relaxed BBQ lunch, a picnic, or grabbing something from the café. It’s a very social spot on warm weekends, with plenty of other families, kayaks, beach cricket games and sandcastle building going on, but it still manages to feel laid-back and holiday-like rather than hectic.
Facilities are good and family-friendly. There are public toilets close to the main river area and a large paid car park right by the foreshore, which is very convenient if you’re juggling young kids, prams and lots of gear. On busy days this fills up quickly, but there’s also a free car park at the top of the hill – from there you walk down a flight of steps to reach the river and beach area, which is fine for older kids but something to keep in mind with prams or anyone with mobility issues.
Next to the main car park you’ll find the local café and attached general store. The café serves classic beachside fare – think fish and chips, burgers, pies and other easy family favourites, plus icy cold drinks and ice creams. It can be busy on peak summer days, so be prepared for a bit of a wait at lunchtime. The small store is handy if you’ve forgotten something important; from snacks and sunscreen to buckets, spades and basic supplies, it stocks a bit of everything, which can be a lifesaver on a spontaneous day trip.
If you fall in love with the place and want to extend your visit, Guilderton Caravan Park sits in a prime position right on the river’s edge. It’s an excellent base for a low-key family holiday, with the bonus of being able to wander down to the water first thing in the morning or stay for sunset without worrying about the drive home. The wider Moore River region also offers a range of holiday homes, bed and breakfasts and camping options, making it easy to turn a simple day trip into a weekend or school holiday escape.
Getting there is straightforward: head north from Perth along Mitchell Freeway/Indian Ocean Drive and turn left at Guilderton Road – in just over an hour you’ll be in holiday mode. For larger groups or those who’d prefer not to drive, Moore River Bus Tours offer group transport options to and from Perth, which can be a good solution for family gatherings or multi-family trips.
Moore River, Guilderton continues to offer that timeless, “old-school” WA holiday feel – kids in the sand and water from morning to late afternoon, simple food, lots of fresh air and no need for screens. With its safe, shallow river swimming, handy facilities and easy access from Perth, it’s an outing that works just as well for a relaxed couple of hours as it does for a full day or long weekend away.
Find more beaches in Perth
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
