If your kids are keen to try fishing – or you’re looking to share a favourite hobby with them – Perth has loads of family-friendly places to throw in a line. Many of these locations have calm water, easy access, Playgrounds and picnic areas nearby, so even if the fish aren’t biting, you’ll still have a great day out together.
Grab your rods, tackle and bait, pack some snacks, and check out these top fishing spots for kids in Perth.
Fishing Spots North of Perth
Chidley Point Reserve, Mosman Park
Chidley Point Reserve sits on a beautiful bend of the Swan River in Mosman Park and feels like a hidden local gem. The small jetty is an ideal spot for kids to fish from, with easy access and calm river water. When the children tire of fishing, there’s a large grassed area shaded by mature trees, perfect for a picnic or a game of chasey. It’s a tranquil setting, but you still have a good chance of catching something – Mulloway, Tailor and Flathead are all possible here. Even on days when the fish are quiet, the views and open space make it a lovely family outing. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Riverside Gardens, Bayswater
Riverside Gardens in Bayswater is a great all-round family destination on the Swan River. There’s a small jetty and sandy beach area where kids can safely cast a line and have a splash between bites. A fenced Playground nearby means younger siblings can play while older kids focus on their rods. On many days you’ll find a coffee van parked up, which is an added bonus for parents. Mulloway are sometimes caught here, and even if all you land are a few blowies, kids will still enjoy the excitement of reeling something in. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
AP Hinds Reserve, Bayswater
AP Hinds Reserve in Bayswater is another lovely Swan River spot for a relaxed family fish. Set along a wide stretch of river with plenty of open grass and trees, it has easy access to the water so kids can cast from the bank or near the small beachy sections. Bream are the main target here, with the odd flathead or tailor turning up, and there’s usually enough activity to keep little anglers interested. With walking paths, picnic areas and nearby Playgrounds along the river corridor, you can easily combine a fishing session with a scooter ride, picnic or play, making it a simple all‑round outing close to the city. Read our review of AP Hinds Reserve
On The Point, East Perth
On The Point in East Perth is a surprisingly handy inner‑city spot to wet a line with the kids. Set right on the Swan River near the Causeway, it offers easy access to the water from the jetties and river edge, with calm conditions most days that are ideal for younger anglers. Children can try for bream, tailor and the occasional flathead while watching the city skyline and river traffic go by, which helps keep them entertained between bites. With cafés, restaurants, toilets and plenty of parking close at hand, it’s a very convenient option if you want to fit a quick fishing session around a meal or a walk along the river foreshore.
Mindarie Marina, Mindarie
Mindarie Marina is a fantastic option for families in Perth’s far northern suburbs. Kids can fish from designated areas along the marina walls and jetties, where they might hook herring, whiting, small tailor or squid. The big plus here is the surrounding facilities – cafes, restaurants, toilets, and wide promenades that are pram-friendly. Once rods are packed away, you can grab fish and chips, an ice cream, or let the kids stretch their legs along the waterfront. With safe, sheltered water and plenty of things to do nearby, Mindarie Marina is a great introduction to fishing for younger children.
Mindarie–Quinns Coastal Stretch (various beaches)
Between Mindarie and Quinns Rocks you’ll find several beaches and small rock groynes where families can try simple shore fishing. Look for calm days and gentle swells, then cast from the sand for herring, whiting and the occasional flathead. There are often Playgrounds and parks set back from the beach, so you can mix a fishing session with a play and a picnic. This stretch is ideal if you want a more natural, less “built up” feel than the big marinas.
Two Rocks Marina, Two Rocks
Further north again, Two Rocks Marina offers another family-friendly fishing spot. Kids can fish from the jetties and inner walls for herring, skippy, whiting and small tailor. There’s parking close by, and on calm days the water inside the marina is fairly sheltered. Pack a picnic or grab takeaway from local shops, and enjoy the relaxed “small coastal town” feel while you fish.
Moore River, Guilderton
Head out of the metro area to the seaside hamlet Moore River, Guilderton. Close enough to Perth for a day trip, this riverside and coastal spot is a popular spot for an action-packed family day out. Canoe up the Moore River and hook black bream upstream. When the river mouth is open, you may be able to fish for herring or mulloway. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Hillarys Boat Harbour, Hillarys
Hillarys Boat Harbour is well known as a family day out spot – with cafes, ice cream, AQWA and a sheltered swimming beach – but it’s also a solid option for kids’ fishing. The best action tends to be along the break walls, where you might hook herring, garfish, small tailor or tarwhine. From the north wall or off the boardwalks around the harbour, you’re more likely to find bream and whiting. With toilets, food options and plenty of parking close by, it’s a very easy place to introduce children to fishing without having to rough it. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Lilac Hill Reserve, Caversham
Set alongside the Swan River near Guildford, Lilac Hill Reserve is famous as a cricket ground, but it’s also a peaceful fishing spot. The grassy riverbank is a relaxing place to spend a few hours with the kids, having a picnic and trying your luck for bream. Even if the fish aren’t cooperating, children often spot turtles cruising close to shore, which adds some extra excitement. The wide open spaces mean there’s room to run and play as well as fish.
Fishing Spots South of Perth
Rockingham Foreshore, Rockingham
Rockingham Foreshore is a brilliant, family-friendly stretch of coast with plenty of fishing opportunities. Drop a line from the foreshore jetty and you might catch herring, whiting, snapper, mulloway or even squid. If you’re especially lucky, tuna or Spanish mackerel sometimes show up in the area. Mangles Bay and Palm Beach also offer various spots to fish from the beaches and jetties. With cafes, Playgrounds and calm swimming areas nearby, Rockingham works well for a whole day out that mixes fishing with play and a seaside stroll. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Point Walter, Bicton
Point Walter on the Swan River is a Perth classic for families, and it’s also a fantastic place to fish with kids. You can cast from the jetty or along the famous sandbar, which stretches right out into the river at low tide. Children will be thrilled if they hook black bream, flathead, flounder, tailor, herring, pilchard, mulloway, silver bream, yellowfin whiting, or even crabs and river prawns when they’re in season. On shore, there’s a Playground, change rooms, picnic facilities and a café, so you’ve got everything you need for a relaxed outing. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Woodman Point, Munster
Woodman Point is a popular ocean fishing spot south of Fremantle and a good choice for families who want to cast straight into the sea rather than the river. Little anglers might catch herring, tailor, salmon (in season), snapper, garfish, skippy, whiting, flathead and squid from the jetty or nearby rock walls. The adjoining reserve has beaches, BBQs and grassed areas, so you can easily turn a fishing session into a half-day excursion with a picnic and a swim. As always with ocean spots, keep a close eye on kids around rocks and swells.
W Wayman Reserve, East Fremantle
Wayman Reserve in East Freo is a good spot for a summer fishing trip. The Swan River spot is relatively quiet and a little beach is great for a paddle. The kids will have a great experience trying their hand at fishing and spend a bit of bonding time with parents. Find out more in the Buggybuddys review.
Fremantle Wharf, Fremantle
Down in Fremantle, setting up a rig along the wharf in front of E-Shed Markets gives you a lively backdrop for a family fishing trip. Tailor and herring are common catches in this area, and there’s always something interesting happening on the water to keep kids entertained between bites. If the fish aren’t playing along, you’re spoilt for choice with food and drink options nearby, including the family-friendly Gage Roads Brewery just a short walk away. It’s an easy spot if you want to mix fishing with a day exploring Freo.
Golden Ponds, Baldivis
Golden Ponds in Baldivis is a fun, low‑pressure spot to take kids for an easy first fishing experience. About 30 minutes south of Perth, the property is dotted with man‑made lakes stocked with coarse fish like silver perch, black bream, carp and koi, and many ponds have simple fishing platforms that make it easy for children to cast a line.
It’s all catch and release these days, so the focus is on the excitement of the bite, a quick photo and gently popping the fish back – great for teaching kids about caring for wildlife. You’ll need to BYO rods, tackle and bait (think corn, bread, prawns or small bits of meat), and come prepared with hats, sunscreen and camp chairs as some areas are quite open. With coin‑operated BBQs, canoe hire and The Ponds Bistro and pirate‑themed Playground on site, it’s very easy to turn a quick fish into a relaxed family day out.
Read our review of Golden Ponds.
Mandurah Foreshore & Canals, Mandurah
Mandurah is known for its waterways, and there are loads of easy spots for kids to try fishing along the foreshore and canals. Fish from one of the many jetties for herring, bream and whiting, or try the estuary bridges for a bit more variety. Between casts, families can enjoy Playgrounds, cafes, and dolphin spotting. Mandurah makes a great “mini getaway” if you want to make fishing part of a weekend away.
Fishing with Kids in Perth – Handy Tips
Taking kids fishing in Perth is as much about the experience as it is about what you catch. Choose spots with easy parking, toilets, shade, a Playground or beach, and somewhere to grab a coffee or snack nearby. That way, if the fish are quiet, the outing still feels like a win for everyone.
Before you head out, it’s worth having a quick look at the latest recreational fishing rules and size or bag limits for common Perth species. Regulations can change, so always check current guidance and encourage kids to release undersized or unwanted fish gently. Teaching them to respect the rules helps protect our rivers and coastline for future trips.
Safety First
Safety is the most important part of any family fishing trip. Always stay close to children near the water and avoid spots with strong currents, big swells or slippery rocks when you have little ones in tow. Life jackets are a good idea for younger kids on jetties or near deeper water, and enclosed shoes protect small toes from hooks, rocks and crabs. Sun safety is essential in Perth, so pack hats, sunscreen, plenty of water and light long sleeves if you’re planning to stay out for a while.
Hooks, knives and other sharp bits of gear are fascinating to kids, so set up a clear “grown-ups only” area for baiting hooks and handling fish. Show children how to cast safely, looking behind them first and keeping plenty of space between themselves and others.
Gear, Bait and Simple Set-Ups
You don’t need fancy equipment for kids to enjoy fishing. A simple light spinning combo or even a hand line is enough for younger children. Lighter gear means they can feel nibbles more easily and are more likely to successfully reel in smaller species like bream, herring or whiting. Start with simple rigs and keep things tangle-free so you spend more time fishing and less time undoing knots.
For bait, tried-and-true options such as prawns, squid strips, worms or small pieces of fish work well at most of the spots in this guide. Some families prefer soft plastics or lures once kids have more experience. Let children help choose bait and set up; they’ll feel more invested and extra proud when they finally land a fish.
Best Times to Go
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most pleasant times to fish with kids in Perth. The sun is softer, the wind can be lighter, and many species are more active during these times. On very hot days, shaded river spots like Riverside Gardens or Chidley Point Reserve tend to be more comfortable than fully exposed rock walls. Think about your child’s age and energy levels too – shorter, fun sessions work better than marathon days for most younger kids.
If the Fish Aren’t Biting
Even on quiet days, you can turn a fishing trip into a fun little outdoor adventure. Many of the spots in this list have Playgrounds, beaches, grassed areas, cafes or ice cream nearby, so you can mix in a play, a paddle or a picnic. Bring a bucket or clear container so kids can safely look at the fish or crabs you catch and release. Watching dolphins, spotting birds, collecting shells or skipping stones all add to the magic of being by the water.
Even if the kids just end up catching blowies, they’ll still have a whale of a time fishing around Perth.
If we’ve missed your favourite fishing spot for kids in Perth, let us know in the comments below!
- About the Author
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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.
