Caversham Wildlife Park is one of Perth’s classic family days out and a must‑do if you have visitors from interstate or overseas. Set within Whiteman Park in the Swan Valley, this family‑owned park is home to more than 2,000 animals, birds and reptiles across about 200 species, making it Western Australia’s largest privately owned collection of native wildlife. Despite its size and reputation, it still has a very relaxed, friendly feel, with a strong focus on hands‑on encounters that kids absolutely love.
The park is an easy size to explore with children, with flat, pram‑ and wheelchair‑friendly paths looping through different themed sections. Allow at least three to four hours so you can wander at your own pace and still catch the main shows and animal experiences. Much of the park is shaded and there are undercover picnic areas dotted around, though some open spaces like the kangaroo enclosure can be exposed, so it’s worth packing hats and sunscreen, especially in warmer weather.
A big drawcard is the chance to get properly up close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. The Kangaroo Walk‑Through runs through the middle of the park and is usually a highlight for families.
Here, kangaroos and wallabies roam freely around you and you’re welcome to pat them and hand‑feed them with the free kangaroo food provided. It’s relaxed, interactive and a real treat for kids and overseas visitors who may never have seen kangaroos this close.
Caversham also offers scheduled daily experiences that are well worth planning your visit around. The Farm Show runs three times a day and is a fun, surprisingly educational experience for both kids and adults. In the covered show arena, you’ll watch a sheep being shorn, see sheepdogs at work and meet a stockman on horseback. There are lots of opportunities for volunteers from the audience to have a go at old‑fashioned farm skills such as cracking a stock whip, milking a cow or swinging a billy, and younger children especially love the chance to bottle‑feed a lamb.
Another favourite is the Meet a Wombat & Friends experience, held in a themed homestead‑style arena. Families move around at their own pace, meeting a line‑up of furry, feathered and scaly Australian animals and chatting with the keepers.
At various times of the day you can also visit the koala area to meet resident koalas and take photos. The koalas are perched at around waist to shoulder height, so even small children get a clear view for that all‑important holiday snap.
The park also runs penguin feeding sessions and has an excellent reptile house, so if you have a little reptile fan in the family, make sure you factor those into your day.
For younger children, Molly’s Farm is a big hit. This interactive farmyard allows kids to wander through a large pen to meet friendly farm animals such as pigs, llamas, ponies, goats and sheep. The animals move freely around the space and are generally very happy to be patted and hand‑fed, giving city kids a lovely, low‑key farm experience.
Throughout the rest of the park you’ll encounter a wide variety of native birds, marsupials and reptiles, grouped into sections that highlight different Australian regions – from tropical north‑east to the arid interior and lush south‑west and south‑east. Parents will appreciate that there is plenty of interest for all ages, from toddlers right through to older kids and adults who enjoy photography or simply learning more about Australian wildlife.
Facilities are family‑friendly, with toilets, shaded seating and picnic spots available. There is an on‑site café serving hot and cold food, snacks, drinks and ice creams; the menu is fairly simple, so some families choose to bring their own picnic and use the shaded areas instead. Because Caversham is inside Whiteman Park, you can easily combine your visit with a Playground stop, a picnic in the wider park or another Swan Valley attraction to make a full day out.
Caversham Wildlife Park places a big emphasis on education and conservation, and the keepers are usually more than happy to answer questions and share stories about the animals. With its mix of close‑up encounters, entertaining shows and manageable size, it’s a brilliant option for families, whether you’re entertaining visitors or just keen to give the kids a special day immersed in Australian wildlife.
Caversham Wildlife Park
Address: 233B Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman WA 6068 (inside Whiteman Park)
Opening hours: Open daily 9:00am – 4:30pm (closed Christmas Day, 25 December). Last entry 3:30pm.
Website: https://cavershamwildlife.com.au/
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
