Mindarie is one of those easy breezy Perth coastal suburbs that works brilliantly for a day out with the kiddos. I’ve been taking my son there since he was a toddler, and now, as a teen, he loves to fish off the rocks there. You’ve got a marina packed with dining options, a scenic foreshore trail, calm water for little paddlers and a surprising number of playgrounds to keep playtime going for hours.
It’s as easy as a morning walk or SUP, a playground stop, lunch by the water and an ice cream before heading home. Here’s our family-friendly guide to Mindarie.
Things to Do in Mindarie
Mindarie Marina is the heart of this coastal suburb, and I love its holiday vibe. With boats bobbing on the marina, waterfront restaurants, a relaxed boardwalk vibe and beautiful views, it’s an easy spot to wander with kids, stop for a bite to eat or simply soak up the atmosphere.
If your family enjoys a scenic stroll, the Mindarie Foreshore Trail is a lovely spot to wander. This paved coastal path runs from Mindarie Keys Beach towards Quinns Rocks and is ideal for walkers, scooters and bikes thanks to its gentle gradients. Along the way, you’ll get ocean views, lots of lookouts and the secluded Mindarie Keys Beach, where kids can explore rock pools. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
For families with toddlers, Rosslare Park is a gem. Tucked inside Mindarie Marina, this sheltered little beach has calm, shallow water, making it perfect for paddling, splashing, and even hopping on a paddleboard. Shaded grassed areas, picnic shelters, plus a fully fenced playground make it an easy morning out. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Kid-Friendly Dining in Mindarie
For a relaxed family meal with built-in entertainment, The Life Boat is a winner in summer. This casual pop-up bar and eatery sits behind The Boat and has a shaded playground to keep kids busy. The menu is simple and family-friendly, while adults can enjoy the laid-back setting from shaded tables. Keep your eyes peeled for nightly free family movies on the big screen at sunset, plus Sunday kids’ activities. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Six Degrees is a boutique ice cream spot and definitely one to bookmark if your family loves a treat by the water. It has outdoor seating with sparkling marina views and nearly 30 ice cream flavours, from classics through to indulgent options like honeycomb, tiramisu and Ferrero Rocher-inspired scoops. There are also gluten-free cones and dairy-free sorbets in yummy flavours, handy for dietary needs. If not everyone is in an ice cream mood, there are also smoothies, shakes, coffee, sandwiches and light snacks. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
If you’re after a sit-down pub-style meal, The Boat is always a solid choice. Right on the water, it has a spacious indoor dining room with big marina-view windows, but the outdoor beer garden is the place most families will want to be on a sunny day. The kids’ “Little Sailors” menu has plenty of choice, plus there are ice cream cups for dessert. Adults can tuck into classic pub food with a British slant, like beef and Guinness pie, bangers and mash, plus fish and chips. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Indian Ocean Brewing Co is another marina favourite that works well for families. This independent microbrewery is great for those craft beer-loving parents, with a good selection of on-site made brews and a rotating guest lineup of other WA craft beers. Families will find a relaxed waterfront setting, plenty of space, highchairs and a menu with sharing plates, pizzas and a “Nippers” kids’ menu. More in the Buggybuddys review.
If your family likes bold flavours and a bit of fun with dinner, On the Border is a great pick. This Mexican-inspired restaurant brings a colourful vibe to suburban Mindarie, with playful décor including cacti, sombreros and quirky Donald Trump wall art. Families are well looked after here, with highchairs, and colouring-pages for the kids. The menu covers tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, chimichangas and more, with a kid’s menu too. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Playgrounds in Mindarie
If your kids are thrill-seekers, Catalina Beach Park is likely to be the standout. The big attraction is the huge 8-metre tower, which kids can climb before zooming down seriously the steep tunnel slides. There are multiple levels, rope elements, a lookout with ocean views and a lower level with a smaller double slide that suits younger children. On the ground you’ll find in-ground trampolines, tunnels, and a spinner. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Bellport Park is a full community space. Alongside wide grassy areas for picnics and ball games, there are free-to-use tennis courts, a half squash wall and a play space packed with things to do. Kids will find swings, slides, monkey bars, a climbing wall, a scramble net, wobbly surfboard and more. Best of all, there’s an inclusive wheelchair-friendly carousel, which is always lovely to see. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Napoli Park has a little bit of everything. The hero piece is a multi-level play tower with climbing nets and a fireman’s pole, a flying fox, interactive games and a pretend play shop. There’s also a lovely nature-play feel, with balancing logs, and a mini maze encouraging kids to explore. The sand and water play area is another standout. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
If your kids love climbing, Abbeville Park is a brilliant choice. Set within a large reserve, it’s packed with challenges including steppers, a mini zipline, rope bridges, rope tunnels, a spider web, monkey bars and a climbing wall, all linked into a mini adventure course. There are also two slides, plus features for younger kids like sensory boards, counting beads, tic tac toe and a pretend shop. The wider reserve adds scooter-friendly paths, open grass and even a basketball hoop, so older kids and tweens won’t be bored either. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Places to Stay in Mindarie
If you’re turning your visit into a long weekend, staying at The Marina Hotel makes sense. It puts you close to the waterfront dining, the foreshore trail, sheltered family beach spots and playgrounds, so you can leave the car parked and really enjoy the area.
Mindarie, in Perth’s north, is a marvellous idea for a day out!
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
