If you haven’t visited the Wanneroo Regional Museum recently, it’s well worth another trip. While the museum has always been a fantastic free destination for families, its brand-new interactive children’s play space has transformed it into an even more engaging place for little explorers.
Located in the heart of Wanneroo on the ground floor of the Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre, the museum continues to tell the fascinating story of the region, from its rich Noongar history and early pioneers through to the thriving community we know today. As soon as you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed by the iconic road roller that once travelled along Wanneroo Road and has long been a favourite with visiting children, setting the scene for a journey through Wanneroo’s past.
The museum’s permanent exhibits remain just as interesting, with more than 550 historical objects, photographs and interactive displays to discover. Among the highlights are precious artefacts rescued from shipwrecks and intriguing items salvaged from historic market garden sheds.
One of the biggest crowd-pleasers is the genuine beach shack that once stood on the shores of Quinns Rocks, where kids can experience the thrill of “surfing the waves.”
Throughout our visit, the children also loved completing the museum’s scavenger hunt, searching for 20 objects hidden in plain sight, along with puzzle activities that encouraged them to slow down, observe the displays and learn while they explored.
The biggest addition, however, is the beautifully designed Museum Play Space. Created for young children aged 0 to 8 and their families, it encourages little ones to imagine, explore and play while connecting with Wanneroo’s history, culture and environment through hands-on, imaginative and sensory play. It’s easy to spend just as much time here as in the exhibition itself.
One of the highlights is the adorable garden shed complete with pretend vegetable gardens, planting boxes and harvesting baskets. Children can plant, pick and role-play as little gardeners while learning about Wanneroo’s long farming and market gardening history and the importance of the land. The play space also celebrates the area’s Indigenous heritage, acknowledging that for thousands of years Noongar people have cared for the land through their deep knowledge of the seasons, plants and animals.
The dress-up corner is another favourite, with a collection of costumes and hats encouraging children to become local heroes, community helpers or whoever their imagination chooses for the day.
Little ones will also love the flexible pretend play area, which can become a shop, post office, school or almost anything else they dream up. Nearby, a calming coastal textured wall inspired by Wanneroo’s coastline invites children to spot marine animals including dolphins, octopus, fish, crustaceans and birds while taking a quiet break.
Creative children will enjoy the arts and crafts table, where colouring and hands-on construction activities are available, while younger visitors have their own comfortable mat area perfect for babies and toddlers to safely explore.
There are also multiple discovery checklists and puzzles available throughout the museum, giving children different challenges to complete as they explore the galleries.
The museum runs some lovely ongoing programs too. The free weekly Colouring Club welcomes all ages and runs every Monday and Thursday from 11am to 12pm during school terms, with materials provided or bring your own. There is also “It’s All About the Past,” a free, self-led drop-in program best suited to children aged 2 to 5 attending with an adult, where little ones explore a new theme each month through games, books and crafts. For families interested in the region’s heritage, the Community History Centre forms part of the museum space and holds an extensive collection of books, photographs, maps, oral histories and archive material.
Once you’ve finished exploring, there are plenty of family-friendly facilities to make your visit even easier. The Wanneroo Library is located in the same building, making it simple to combine your museum visit with borrowing a few books. Clean public toilets are available on the same level, and just outside the museum you’ll find a comfortable outdoor seating nook that’s perfect for enjoying a packed snack after your visit.
If you’re after something more substantial, Café Elixir sits adjacent to the museum and remains a popular spot for breakfast, lunch or coffee, famous for its delicious pancakes and great coffee. Just note that the café is closed on Mondays.
With free entry, hands-on learning, imaginative play opportunities and fascinating historical displays, the Wanneroo Regional Museum is one of Perth’s hidden family gems. The museum also regularly hosts school holiday activities and has plans to introduce future playgroup sessions within the new play space, making it an exciting destination to keep on your radar. If you’d like a preview before you go, there’s even a virtual tour available online. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover the new children’s area, it’s an affordable outing that perfectly blends history, creativity and play for the whole family.
Wanneroo Regional Museum
3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo WA 6065
Open:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Sunday and public holidays: Closed
Website: https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/wannerooregionalmuseum
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Amelia Strachan is a South African-born stay-at-home mum living in Perth, Australia. As Perth Play Guide found on Instagram, her family roams far and wide, from the North to the South, and from the valleys to the hills. Passionate about family, adventure, and the outdoors, Amelia captures treasured Aussie moments while celebrating the joys of motherhood and life Down Under.
