Wanneroo Riding Centre – Beach Horse Rides at Whitfords Beach

Wanneroo Riding Centre’s beach horse rides at Whitfords Animal Exercise Beach are one of those “bucket list” Perth experiences that feel a bit magical, especially if you have horse-mad kids. We recently joined one of their early-morning sessions and it’s an outing I’d happily recommend to families looking for something special to do over summer.

The rides take place in the cooler part of the day, roughly between 8:00am and 10:30am. Arriving early makes a big difference – the beach is quieter, the light over the water is gorgeous and the horses are fresh but calm. Standing on the sand watching the group head down to the shoreline feels quite surreal; it’s not every day you see a string of horses splashing through the shallows at your local Perth beach.

My 13‑year‑old daughter has been riding for years, but this still felt completely different to a usual arena lesson. The sound of the waves, the changing sand under the horses’ hooves and the pure thrill of being in the water made it a brand‑new challenge for her. The instructors were excellent at reading both horse and rider, offering tips and reassurance to help everyone relax into the experience. Each horse is led by a staff member on foot, so riders don’t need any previous experience. This makes the beach rides suitable for complete beginners as well as more confident riders who simply want to tick off a unique adventure.

The ride itself runs for around 30 minutes, which turned out to be a perfect length. It’s long enough for the kids to settle into their horses, walk along the shoreline and then spend plenty of time wading through the shallows, but not so long that younger or first‑time riders become tired or overwhelmed. A highlight for my daughter was riding bareback through the water – you absolutely should expect to get wet, so bathers or clothes you don’t mind soaking are a must, and packing a towel for afterwards is a good idea.

Wanneroo Riding Centre has a 90kg weight limit for beach rides, and children can participate from around four years of age, provided they’re comfortable around animals and able to follow simple directions. The horses are clearly well cared for and very accustomed to working with children and nervous adults, and the team takes its safety briefings seriously. Helmets and safety equipment are provided, and staff stay close by throughout the session, which goes a long way to helping anxious riders feel at ease.

This is definitely a premium experience in terms of price. At $95 per person, it’s not something most families will do every weekend, but it does feel like good value for a carefully supervised, small‑group activity that’s quite unlike a standard day at the beach. It’s the sort of outing that’s perfect for birthdays, end‑of‑school‑year treats, or as a memorable gift from grandparents. Wanneroo Riding Centre also offers downloadable gift vouchers for beach rides and other horse experiences via their website, which makes present‑giving very easy.

The beach rides run on selected dates over summer rather than all year round. Each season, Wanneroo Riding Centre releases a number of sessions at Whitfords Animal Exercise Beach, and these tend to book out quickly, particularly around the school holidays. The simplest way to secure a spot is to book online through the Wanneroo Riding Centre website under the “Online Bookings” section by choosing the beach ride option, or by contacting the centre directly on 0412 922 588 if you need a hand. Once you’ve booked and paid, you’ll receive confirmation and any extra information you need ahead of the day.

Upcoming Summer Sessions 2025/26:

Because the rides are weather‑dependent, it’s wise to keep an eye on your messages and the forecast leading up to your session. Strong winds, rough seas or storms may mean rescheduling, but the team is very clear and communicative about any changes. On the day, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early so there’s time to check in, fit helmets and get everyone matched to a suitable horse without rushing. Parents watch from the beach, so bring your camera or phone, knowing you’ll be staying on dry land while the riders head into the water.

Overall, Wanneroo Riding Centre’s beach rides offer a truly memorable adventure for Perth families. The combination of calm, well‑trained horses, attentive instructors and that stunning Whitfords Beach backdrop makes it feel like a mini holiday without leaving the city. It’s best suited to families with children aged four and up who are keen to try something different, as well as tweens and teens who might be a bit over the usual Playground or water park outing. If you’re searching for a special experience or a gift for a hard‑to‑buy‑for child, this is one that they’ll be talking about long after their towel and bathers have dried.

Best for: Families with kids 4+, beginners through to experienced riders, special occasions and holiday treats.
Where: Whitfords Animal Exercise Beach, northern suburbs.
Bookings & info: Via the Wanneroo Riding Centre website’s Online Bookings page or by contacting 0412 922 588.