Whiteman Park is one of Perth’s best-value family days out, combining massive Playgrounds, heritage transport, bushland and wildlife, plus loads of space for picnics and bikes. Just 25 minutes from the CBD on the doorstep of the Swan Valley, entry to the park is free, and it’s now even easier to reach thanks to the Whiteman Park train station on the METRONET Ellenbrook Line, as well as plenty of parking if you’re driving in. The park is generally open daily from 8.30am to 6.00pm, though individual attractions have their own opening hours and admission fees, so it’s always worth checking the park’s official site before you go for the latest details and any fire-season closures that may affect bush trails, tram or train rides.
Here’s our guide to some of the best things to see and do at Whiteman Park with kids.
Explore Pia’s Place Playground
Pia’s Place is the park’s showpiece Playground and an absolute must-do with children. This huge, nature-inspired play space has been carefully designed to be as inclusive as possible, so everyone can join in the fun. There are climbing structures of all sizes, a towering 13‑metre lighthouse slide, water play, musical elements and quiet nooks. Children who can’t or don’t want to climb still get to enjoy the magical feeling of being “up high” thanks to TV screens at ground level that share the views from the top. The play equipment sits among mature trees and natural landscaping, and there’s good shade and seating for families. Pia’s Place is located at Mussel Pool East, opposite the dog park, and works brilliantly as a base for the day, with toilets, paths for scooters and nearby picnic spots. Read the Buggybuddys review of Pia’s Place Playground.
Get Close to the Animals at Caversham Wildlife Park
Tucked inside Whiteman Park, Caversham Wildlife Park is a full day out in itself and a favourite with both locals and visitors from overseas. Kids can meet more than 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles, including many native Australian favourites. The farm show is a real highlight, featuring sheep shearing, whip cracking, cow milking, lamb feeding and working sheepdogs, giving families a fun and interactive taste of life on an Aussie farm. In the walk‑through kangaroo enclosure, friendly roos will happily nibble from your hand, while keepers are on hand to answer curious questions. It’s the perfect place to introduce visiting grandparents or friends from overseas to koalas, wombats and other native wildlife in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting. Read the Buggybuddys review of Caversham Wildlife Park.
Splash About in the Water Playground
On warmer days, the free water Playground is the place to be. A shallow paddling pool, around 30cm deep, gives younger children the chance to cool off safely, while spouting jets and sprinklers provide plenty of giggles and squeals of delight. Soft-fall surrounds the pool, and shady shelters ring the area so adults can relax while still keeping a close eye on little ones. The water Playground typically operates from September to April and is best suited to children aged 10 and under, making it ideal for toddlers through to primary schoolers. Because it sits close to the Village area and other attractions, it’s easy to mix water play with a visit to the museums or a tram ride. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Whiteman Park Water Playground.
Get Car-Crazy at the Motor Museum of WA
For mini rev-heads and car‑mad grown‑ups, the Motor Museum of Western Australia is a must-visit. Home to one of the country’s largest collections of vehicles and motoring memorabilia, the museum showcases everything from early‑model cars to classic Holdens, American muscle cars, motorbikes and more. The exhibits change regularly, so there’s always something new to spot. Kids love comparing “old‑fashioned” cars with the ones they see on the road today, and many families enjoy hunting for favourites like Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 race car. With so many shiny vehicles under one roof, it’s a great way to spend a hot or rainy part of the day. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Motor Museum of WA.
Ride on Bennett Brook Railway
The Bennett Brook Railway is pure magic for train‑obsessed children. Climb aboard a heritage steam or diesel train and chug through the banksia woodland that surrounds Whiteman Park. The journey feels like stepping back in time, with open windows, whistles and the rhythmic clatter of the carriages. The ride is scenic and surprisingly calming, and families get to see a different side of the park as the train passes bushland, picnic areas and wildlife. Special event days, such as Ashley & Friends family fun days, add extra excitement with themed activities and additional services. Timetables and operating days vary, so it’s worth checking before you go. Read the Buggybuddys review of Bennett Brook Railway.
Discover Farming History at the Tractor Museum
If your kids love machines, the Tractor Museum will be a huge hit. You’re greeted outside by colourful murals, and inside you’ll find rows of tractors and historic farming equipment that tell the story of Western Australia’s agricultural past. Children can see how tractors have changed over the decades and will especially enjoy climbing aboard the impressive 1929 “Hart Parr” tractor to “drive” it, complete with authentic engine sounds at the push of a button. Another favourite is “Lana,” a red home‑made tractor that always attracts curious little drivers. The museum is typically open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, offering a relaxed, hands-on history lesson that’s fun as well as educational. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Tractor Museum of WA.
Spot Nocturnal Wildlife on the Kids Woylie Walk
Whiteman Park’s Kids Woylie Walk is a magical way for families to experience Perth’s bush after dark and get incredibly close to some of WA’s most precious native animals. Set inside the Woodland Reserve conservation area, this small‑group evening tour sees kids armed with red torches, scanning the trees and undergrowth for movement as guides share fun, age‑appropriate facts about woylies, quenda, echidnas and more. Along the way, children can help look and listen for wildlife, before stepping into a softly lit enclosure where curious woylies and quenda often scurry right up to their feet to snack on peanuts. With easy paths, a friendly, educational vibe and the thrill of being out in the bush at night, the Kids Woylie Walk is a memorable mix of adventure and conservation, perfect for primary‑schoolers and tweens. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Kids Woylie Walk at Whiteman Park.
Get Close to Nature in the Children’s Forest and Bushwalks
The Children’s Forest is a beautiful introduction to Whiteman Park’s conservation side. This fenced area has been planted and cared for as a community project to help children learn about native bushland, revegetation and local wildlife. Pick up the “50 things to do in the Children’s Forest” checklist from the Visitor Centre and set off in search of huts, bridges, stepping stones and hidden animals tucked among the trees. It’s a lovely way to get kids excited about nature and to stretch little legs between Playground stops. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Children’s Forest.
Beyond the Children’s Forest, Whiteman Park offers several marked bushwalking trails through jarrah, marri and banksia woodland, wetlands and along Bennett Brook, making it a fantastic spot for families who enjoy nature walks, birdwatching and wildflowers. Trail maps and information about walks such as Goo Loorto, Werillyiup and Wununga are available via the Visitor Centre and the park’s website, helping you choose a loop to suit your children’s ages and energy levels. Fire season can affect access to some bush trails, so it’s always best to check current conditions before heading out into the bush.
Use Your Pedal Power at Pedal Play Go Karts
Pedal Play offers one of the most fun ways to explore Whiteman Park. Families can hire single go‑karts for older children and teens or opt for family karts where adults and younger kids ride together. Some karts even have trailers that are perfect for carrying an esky or picnic supplies. With around 14 kilometres of paths to explore, you can pedal past Mussel Pool, loop around the Children’s Forest, cross bridges and discover different Playgrounds and lookouts along the way. It’s energetic, eco‑friendly and a big hit with kids who love a bit of speed and independence, while still staying safely on shared park paths. Read the Buggybuddys review of Pedal Play.
Play on the Village West Playground
The Village West Playground is a fully fenced family favourite, especially for parents of toddlers and preschoolers who appreciate the extra peace of mind that comes with secure fencing. Almost the entire play area is shaded, making it a great option on hot sunny days. Equipment includes slides, swings, rope climbing frames, balance elements and small climbing walls, ensuring there’s something to suit both cautious climbers and more adventurous kids. Being close to the Village hub, it’s easy to combine a play here with a café stop, museum visit or a spin through the shops. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Village West Playground.
Enjoy a Family Tram Ride
Whiteman Park is home to Western Australia’s only operating heritage electric tram, and passengers can enjoy free rides on operating days. Hopping aboard a beautifully restored tram is a highlight for many families, with kids delighted by the ding of the bell and the feel of wooden seats and open windows. The tram journey starts in the Village and trundles through the park to Mussel Pool, passing paddocks and bushland along the way. It’s a relaxing way to get around the park and a charming way to experience living transport history. Because heritage experiences can be affected by fire danger ratings and maintenance, it’s always wise to confirm operating times on the day of your visit. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Whiteman Park Tram Ride.
Discover the Past at Revolutions Transport Museum
Revolutions Transport Museum is an engaging, family‑friendly look at how people have moved around Western Australia over the decades. The exhibits cover everything from early settlers and horse‑drawn vehicles through to buses, trains and modern cars. Young children who adore wheels and tracks will love wandering among the displays, while older kids can connect what they’re learning at school about WA history with the real‑life vehicles that helped shape the state. Interactive elements and clear storytelling make it a great all‑ages museum stop, and it’s another excellent option for hot afternoons or rainy days. Read the Buggybuddys review of Revolutions Transport Museum.
Refuel at The Village Café
In the heart of the Village, The Village Café provides a welcoming spot to recharge after all that exploring. This family‑run café offers an extensive menu with all‑day breakfast favourites, fresh salads, hearty burgers and a tempting range of cakes and slices. Families love the Kids Eat Free deal on Sunday mornings (usually 8.30–11.00am with a paying adult meal), which makes a weekend visit extra affordable. For parents, options like Bottomless Brunch or Deluxe High Tea add a special‑occasion feel to a day out. The café is fully licensed with a selection of wines and beers, is wheelchair accessible and dog‑friendly, and has plenty of nearby free parking. It’s the ideal place to start your day with coffee or wind down in the afternoon before heading home.
Watch the Monthly Tractor Parade
Once a month, the vintage tractors from the Tractor Museum roar (and sometimes splutter!) into life and parade through the Village Mall. Children who are fascinated by big machines will be glued to the sight and sound of the restored tractors clanking and chugging past. The Tractor Parade usually takes place on the second Sunday of each month at 1.00pm and is a fantastic way to see the historic machinery in action rather than simply parked in the museum. It’s worth timing your visit to coincide with parade day if you have a tractor‑obsessed child in the family. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Tractor Parade.
Discover the Village East Playground
The Village East Playground is a bright and inviting play space close to the seasonal water Playground. The equipment has been cleverly designed so that it’s simple enough for toddlers to access independently, yet still interesting and challenging for older children. Shade sails cover much of the equipment, and the location near the Village makes it easy to incorporate this Playground into a broader day of museum visits, tram rides and café stops. It’s an excellent choice if you have siblings of different ages who want to play together. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Village East Playground.
Play with Your Pooch at Whiteman Dog Park
Whiteman Park is wonderfully dog‑friendly, and the dedicated dog park is a huge bonus for families who like to bring their four‑legged member along. This fully fenced, grassed area covers around 2.5 hectares and includes a doggie obstacle course, open space for zoomies and plenty of natural shade from mature trees. There is also a separate enclosure for smaller breeds, which can be reassuring for owners of little dogs. After a run at the dog park, you can wander the broader grounds on lead, relax at one of the many picnic spots or enjoy a coffee at the dog‑friendly café areas. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Whiteman Dog Park.
Enjoy Events, Picnics and Easy Access
Alongside its everyday attractions, Whiteman Park regularly hosts special events such as nature programs, guided night walks, EnviroFEST and school holiday activities, all designed to help families connect more deeply with local wildlife and the park’s conservation work. Picnic shelters and shade shelters are available to hire for birthdays and gatherings, and free public barbecues and open grassed areas make it equally easy to keep things low‑key and budget‑friendly. With main entries from Beechboro Road North and Drumpellier Drive, plus the dedicated Whiteman Park train station on the Ellenbrook Line giving direct public transport access, it’s simpler than ever for Perth families to enjoy everything the park has to offer. Whether your children love Playgrounds, animals, trains, bushwalks or simply running free in wide open spaces, Whiteman Park is one of those places you can return to again and again and still find something new to explore.
Whiteman Park
Address: Entry via Beechboro Road North or Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman, WA 6068
Opening hours: Park grounds generally open daily 8.30am–6.00pm (individual attractions may vary; check for seasonal and fire‑season changes)
Official website: https://www.whitemanpark.com.au
Find more things to do in the Swan Valley here.
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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.
