For families who love wildlife, Capes Raptor Centre in Margaret River is a must-visit. Just five minutes from town, this tranquil bushland sanctuary is home to Western Australia’s largest collection of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. It’s a beautiful place for kids to get close to these incredible birds, learn about them, and enjoy being out in nature.
Capes Raptor Centre is much more than a tourist attraction. Behind the scenes there’s a dedicated hospital and specialised facilities where injured, orphaned and displaced raptors are treated and rehabilitated. Birds that cannot return to the wild are given lifelong sanctuary here, while many others are released each year. The centre is self-funded and relies on visitor support, so simply by visiting with your family you’re helping to care for and protect these birds.
On arrival, families can enjoy a self-guided walk through the sanctuary, which takes around 1–1.5 hours including the bird encounter. There is a 1km bushland trail winding through native forest, with compacted gravel paths suitable for all-terrain prams and wheelchairs.
Aviaries housing the resident eagles, hawks, falcons and owls are dotted along the track, each with information plaques so children can learn the birds’ names, habitats and special adaptations. In spring, the walk is particularly pretty, with wildflowers and orchids to spot along the way.
The twice-daily Birds of Prey Encounters are the highlight of a visit and well worth planning your day around. These sessions, included with general admission, run at 11am and 2pm (weather permitting). Families sit on shaded benches while experienced wildlife staff introduce a series of raptors and explain their natural behaviours and incredible senses. It’s fascinating, very family-friendly, and pitched at a level that keeps both kids and adults engaged.
During the encounter, you’ll see smaller owls and larger birds of prey flying overhead, swooping down to collect food, and demonstrating how they would hunt in the wild.
For those wanting something extra special, Capes Raptor Centre also offers a VIP Owl Encounter. This is a private, behind-the-scenes experience where you enjoy exclusive time with one of the resident owls and can ask plenty of questions while learning even more about these charismatic birds. It’s a great option for keen young animal lovers or a special holiday treat.
Facilities on site are set up with families in mind.. Paths are compacted gravel and best suited to all-terrain prams and wheelchairs, so it’s worth considering your stroller choice if you’re visiting with very young children. The experience is suitable for children and seniors alike, making it a lovely outing for multi-generational family groups.
Capes Raptor Centre sits within the Capes Foundation family of attractions, alongside local favourites like Ngilgi Cave, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, Jewel Cave and the Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste lighthouses. It’s easy to combine a visit to the sanctuary with other Margaret River region experiences, and ticket bookings are recommended in advance, especially during school holidays when the centre is open seven days and sessions can fill quickly.
With its peaceful forest setting, impressive birds of prey, passionate staff and strong conservation focus, Capes Raptor Centre is a stand-out family activity in Margaret River. Kids will come away with a new appreciation for raptors, some great stories, and probably a few favourite feathered friends – and you’ll all know your visit has directly helped support vital wildlife care.
Capes Raptor Centre
Address: 341 Boodjidup Road, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285 (opposite Xanadu Winery)
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, 10:00am–4:00pm (last entry 3:15pm). Open 7 days during school and public holidays. Closed Christmas Day.
Official website: https://www.capesfoundation.org.au/visit-experiences/capes-raptor-centre/
Find other Family friendly things to do in Margaret River here.
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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.
