There’s something magical about watching your child’s face light up as an old-fashioned train chugs into the station, steam billowing into the air and the whistle echoing through the trees. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bennett Brook Railway in Whiteman Park, one of Perth’s most charming family attractions and a destination that’s just as much fun for adults as it is for little train lovers.
Operated entirely by passionate volunteers, the heritage railway has been delighting families for decades, offering a nostalgic journey through the beautiful bushland of Whiteman Park aboard lovingly restored vintage trains. Whether your child is obsessed with locomotives or simply loves a new adventure, this is one of those classic Perth experiences every family should enjoy at least once.
The adventure begins at Whiteman Village Junction Station, where families can watch the trains arrive before climbing aboard for a relaxing journey through the park.
The approximately 30-minute ride winds through banksia woodland, passing native bush and open spaces where it’s not uncommon to spot kangaroos grazing nearby. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even be lucky enough to see wallabies, quendas and other local wildlife along the way.
If you’re travelling on the Bushland Loop, be sure to keep an eye out for the collection of quirky scarecrows dotted alongside the tracks – they’re a fun surprise for little passengers and add an extra touch of charm to the journey.
One of the best things about visiting Bennett Brook Railway is that your admission generally includes unlimited train rides for the day. That means there’s no pressure to fit everything into a single journey. Little ones can happily hop back on for another ride, while parents can spend time exploring everything else Whiteman Park has to offer between departures.
The railway has also made accessibility a priority, with a purpose-built carriage designed to accommodate wheelchair users and their families, ensuring more visitors can experience this much-loved attraction together.
The railway itself is a fascinating piece of Western Australian history. The volunteer-run organisation has carefully preserved heritage locomotives, carriages, station buildings and railway equipment collected from across Australia. Be sure to allow time to visit the small museum at Whiteman Village Junction, where many of these historic pieces are on display. Even if your children are more interested in waving to the driver than learning about railway history, adults will appreciate the incredible effort that has gone into restoring and preserving these treasures.
If you’re visiting during the cooler months, you’re in for an extra special experience. Steam locomotives typically operate on weekends, public holidays and selected school holiday dates between mid-May and mid-September, adding even more excitement and nostalgia to your day.
Bennett Brook Railway is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and primary school-aged children, although train enthusiasts of any age will find plenty to enjoy. It’s also just one part of an unforgettable day out at Whiteman Park. After your train ride, you can explore the nearby playgrounds, enjoy a picnic, visit the museums, ride the vintage trams or simply let the kids burn off some energy in the park’s wide-open spaces. It’s one of those rare destinations where it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring without running out of things to do.
Looking for a unique birthday celebration? Bennett Brook Railway’s Party Coach offers a memorable alternative to a traditional party venue. The restored carriage becomes your private base for the day, with unlimited train rides included for your group, making it an experience young train lovers won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re introducing your children to the magic of heritage railways, entertaining a train-obsessed toddler or simply looking for a relaxing family outing that combines history, nature and adventure, Bennett Brook Railway is well worth a visit. Tickets are available on the day, and with unlimited rides generally included in your admission, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the experience at your own pace. Pair your railway adventure with the many other family-friendly attractions throughout Whiteman Park and you’ve got one of Perth’s best-value days out.
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For more information visit bbr.org.au and https://www.whitemanpark.com.au/things-to-do/heritage-experiences/vintage-train-rides
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Scott Bignell is a proud dad and uncle who’s passionate about exploring Perth with his kids and creating meaningful family adventures. From beach days and nature trails to urban discoveries and local events, Scott is always on the lookout for the best family-friendly spots that Perth has to offer. He captures their adventures on his Instagram page @thatdadgram, sharing hiking trails, WA’s hidden gems and the odd DIY project in the hope of inspiring other dads, mums and guardians to explore, play, and create lasting memories with their kids.
