Family road trips around Perth offer the perfect mix of short drives, open spaces, and easy adventures. With scenic beaches, playful parks, and charming farms close by, we can explore plenty without long travel days.
This guide shares practical tips on where to go, what to pack, and how to keep kids relaxed and entertained, making every trip enjoyable from the moment we leave the driveway.
Why a Perth road trip works for families
Perth makes family travel simple, with plenty of exciting spots less than 90 minutes away. Kids thrive on easy adventures.
Whether we’re heading to a beach, a farm to pick fresh fruit, or a playground. We can plan departures around nap times or when everyone’s feeling alert, keeping stress low for parents and children alike.
With no airport queues or heavy packing lists, all we need is our car, some snacks, and a plan for the day ahead.
Top family-friendly day trips (easy drives from Perth)
Perth is surrounded by fun, low-stress destinations that kids of all ages will love. Each stop offers a mix of nature, play, and family-friendly amenities, all within an easy drive:
Hillary’s Boardwalk:
This coastal hub is perfect for a relaxed day by the water.
- Shallow, calm beaches are ideal for little swimmers
- Playgrounds to burn off energy
- Cafés and restrooms close to the sand for convenience
- Plenty of spots to set up a picnic and enjoy the view
Whiteman Park:
Families can easily spend a whole day here exploring wide-open spaces.
- Cycling paths, picnic grounds, and nature trails
- Farm animals and transport exhibits for curious kids
- A heritage tram ride adds a nostalgic touch
- Bring scooters or bikes for extra fun
Araluen Botanic Park:
This scenic park offers a slower pace, perfect for younger children.
- Shaded gardens and gentle walking paths
- Wide lawns for play or a quiet picnic
- Spring visits showcase spectacular blooms
- A great spot for a simple nature scavenger hunt
Sue and Tim’s Strawberry Farm (Wanneroo)
Turn fruit-picking into a hands-on family adventure.
- Seasonal strawberries ripe for picking
- Teaches kids where their food comes from
- A fun, sensory experience that ends with a tasty snack
Amaze Miniature Park (near Mandurah)
Variety keeps everyone entertained here.
- Mini golf, model trains, and whimsical gardens
- Activities for all ages in one place
- Easy to spend a full afternoon exploring
Quick planning checklist before you leave
A little preparation makes every road trip smoother. Here’s what to double-check before starting the engine:
- Confirm opening hours and look for any school holiday activities
- Review the weather forecast and plan for shade or rain cover
- Ensure all car seats are securely installed
- Run a quick vehicle check (tyres, oil, and lights included)
- Review insurance coverage; NRMA Insurance offers comprehensive quotes in Western Australia to keep families protected on the road
What to pack: Simple, smart and kid-tested
Packing once and checking everything off saves stress later. Clear bags make it easy to find what we need quickly.
Essentials
- Water bottles for everyone, plus a refillable container
- Kid-friendly snacks in small tubs (crackers, fruit, cheese sticks)
- Wet wipes, tissues, and hand sanitiser
- Sunscreen and wide-brim hats
- A basic first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and antihistamines
- Fully charged phone and car charger
- Spare clothes and a lightweight blanket
Car Comfort Kit
- A pillow or rolled jumper for naps
- Window sunshades to block glare
- A small bag for rubbish
- A reusable placemat for snack breaks
For Babies and Toddlers
- A well-stocked nappy bag with four nappies for an hour away from home
- A portable change mat
- Favourite comfort toy and teether
Activity Kit to Beat Boredom
- Colouring pads and crayons
- Simple sticker books or magnetic games
- Audiobooks, playlists, and sing-along songs
- A small surprise toy to hand out mid-drive
Easy half-day and full-day itineraries
Half-day (under 4 hours)
- Morning: quick drive to a nearby playground or beach.
- Snack at the playground, short walk, then head home for naps.
- Great for toddlers and rainy mornings when you want a short outing.
Full-day (6–9 hours)
- Drive to a natural spot, such as a botanical park or farm.
- Morning: play and explore.
- Lunch: picnic on the lawn.
- Afternoon: Visit a nearby café or farm shop for treats, then head to a playground before heading home.
Weekend mini-break
- Day 1: Explore a nearby nature park and town for coffee and ice cream.
- Day 2: Visit a themed attraction like Amaze Miniature Park, then travel home after a relaxed lunch.
Final tips and useful links
Family road trips run smoother when we stay flexible and travel light.
- Keep plans loose to give kids time to explore and rest
- Pack only what’s essential; we can always pick up extras along the way
- Check event listings before leaving to catch family activities happening nearby
For more inspiration, explore our site for Perth park guides, seasonal events, and kid-friendly day trip ideas tailored to toddlers and older children.
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