Take a trip close to home. You don’t have to drive far to discover something new with your family! Here’s 11 ideas for fun and kid friendly day trips in Perth;
Day Trips in Perth – North of the River
Hillarys Boat Harbour
There’s a tonne of fun things to get up to at Hillarys Boat Harbour. There’s shops, cafes and more ice creameries than you can shake a stick at. A great place to visit is AQWA, with its aquariums full of sea life and the Duyfken boat (moored at AQWA in winter months). In warmer months, there’s a mini fairground and the calm harbour beach is perfect for toddlers. Big kids will love sliding from the pontoon!
Scarborough
It might not seem that far for people living in the northern suburbs, but for southies, Scarborough is a brilliant spot for a family day out. There’s the long sandy beach, new ocean side pool, and loads of cafes – including The Lookout which even has a bowling alley! The amazing Whale MEGA Park is worth a trip alone. Be sure to pack the scooters for some skate park fun. With lots of lush lawns and BBQ facilities, Scarborough is an ideal spot for a coastal picnic too. Read our review on the whale playground here.
Day Trips in Perth – East and Perth Hills
Kalamunda & Bickley Valley
It’s very easy to spend an entire day in Kalamunda and the neighbouring Bickley Valley. Start your morning at a cosy Kalamunda Café for a family breakfast, or wandering around the Sunday farmers markets. Head to the fascinating Kalamunda History Museum or have a quick kid-friendly bushwalk at the stunning Lesmurdie Falls. Then drive the winding roads of the Bickley Valley discovering wineries and orchards. Stop at a family friendly spot like Mistelle or Core Cider House and finish your day in the Perth Hills with a spot of mini golf at Masonmill before driving down the Zig Zag. See our review on Kalamunda History Village here.
Delve a little deeper and see our guide to Kalamunda and the Bickley Valley here.
Swan Valley
A day in the Swan Valley is full with lots of fun and food! Enjoy crepes for breakfast, while the kids explore the playground at French favourite Maison St Hornore. Challenge your family to a game of Supa Golf or mini golf at The Vines. Taste Chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Co. Lunch at a winery or brewery and finish the day with a trip to the Swan Settlers Markets (open weekends) and a scoop of Oggies Ice cream!
Or start your day at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford and follow one of the trails:
Read our review of the Sweet Temptations Trail here.
See our review of the Fresh Produce Trail here.
Read our review of the Amazing Valley Chase here.
Mundaring
The Perth Hills town is full of history. Start your day with a play at the fantastic Sculpture Park, followed by some morning tea at lovely Café Mojo (which has an outside kids play area), just a short walk away. Then drive through the bush to the stunning Mundaring Weir. Take a walk along the dam wall, the kids will love to explore the CY O’Conner Hub playground and finish your day with a late lunch at the historic Mundaring Weir Hotel – their famous lamb on a spot is available from 3pm on Sundays and there’s a fun kids playground here too!
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park is a beautiful spot for a family picnic! Located in the Perth Hills, the national park is one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas and WA’s first national park. Entry to the park is $12 per car. It’s a great place to spend the day bushwalking and older kids will love the 5km Swan View Tunnel walk.
Lake Leschenaultia
Lake Leschenaultia is a fun place for a family day trip in the great outdoors. The calm waters of the lake with sandy beaches make it the ideal spot for small children to paddle and play. The popular picnic spot is teeming with wildlife and there’s lots of long and short bushwalk trails. A café and playground are also found at the lake.
Roleystone
The Roleystone area of the Perth Hills is beautiful, particularly in the secluded Araluen Botanic Park. During Autumn and Spring, visit the Raeburn Orchards, which come alive with falling leaves and blossom. There are also plenty of places to eat in Roleystone. Roleys on the Ridge is popular for a family dinner, while the kid-friendly Naked Apple Cider House has a great playground and kids menu too. Read our review on Naked Apple Cider House here.
Delve a little deeper and read our guide to Roleystone here.
South of the River
Fremantle
Freo must be Perth’s favourite spot for a family day trip, close to home – there is so much to see and do! Spend time exploring the historical port town at the Maritime Museum, or Fremantle Prison. Shop at the eclectic Fremantle Markets and take the scooters for a ride at the Fremantle Youth Precinct at Esplanade Park. Finish your day lazing in the beer garden at Little Creatures or with fresh fish ‘n chips at the Fishing Boat Harbour. Read our blog on the best family friendly restaurants in Fremantle here.
Rockingham
Enjoy a sausage sizzle at the Pirate playground on the Rockingham foreshore, which is also lined with tasty cafes. Penguin Island is also a beautiful place to visit for wildlife lovers. The boats leave from Shoalwater Bay, in Rockingham. Read the Buggybuddys blog on Penguin Island here.
And if you don’t want to drive…
Rottnest
The only driving you’ll have to do on this trip is to drive to the ferry departure point. Once you’re on Rottnest Island, kick back and enjoy the beaches, cafes and historical sights…. or just perfect your quokka selfie! Get active and cycle around the island or take the easy and inexpensive bus service to a part of the island you haven’t explored before. Can you spot the fur seals at the west end?
Have we missed your favourite Kid Friendly Day trips in Perth? Let us know in the comments below!
Find more things to do in Perth here.
- About the Author
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
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