The Western Australian Rail Transport Museum in Bassendean is a brilliant outing for little train lovers and history buffs alike. Tucked just off Railway Parade, this volunteer‑run museum brings WA’s rail past to life with an impressive collection of steam and diesel locomotives, historic carriages and quirky industrial engines. Rather than everything being “look but don’t touch”, many of the exhibits are open, so kids can climb aboard, explore the carriages and imagine what long‑distance rail travel was like before cars and planes took over.
Inside the grounds, families can wander among towering steam engines, compact shunting locos and even tiny industrial locomotives that once worked mine sites and timber lines. A highlight is “Katie”, the light‑green engine that dates back to 1881 and worked on the original Fremantle–Guildford Railway – a lovely way to connect kids with the early days of Perth.
At the other end of the timeline are more modern diesel locomotives, showing how rail technology evolved. With four different track gauges represented, it’s a great conversation starter about why trains and tracks look different around WA.
The real magic for children is being allowed to step inside the carriages. You can stroll down narrow corridors, peek into bunks and tiny bathrooms, and see old‑fashioned bar and dining areas on the long‑distance passenger stock.
The beautifully preserved 1947 “Australind” buffet and dining cars often steal the show and can even be hired for children’s birthday parties, giving kids their own special train carriage for the day.
There’s also a royal carriage in the collection, once used by visiting royalty, which adds a fun “posh train” element to the visit.
Beyond the big locomotives, there’s an indoor exhibition building with photos, artefacts and models that tell the wider story of rail in Western Australia. Old images of trains in the outback and at busy country stations are fascinating for adults and older children, while a few interactive displays help younger visitors grasp how steam trains work.
Another shed houses detailed model railway layouts, which you can view from the front – perfect for sparking inspiration in any budding model‑train fan.
The museum is run by Rail Heritage WA volunteers, and there’s a small kiosk on site selling drinks, snacks and ice creams. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy on the grassed areas between exploring the exhibits.
Near the entrance there’s also a simple sand‑based play area best suited to under‑8s, handy for a run around if younger siblings need a break from looking at trains.
Before you leave, the gift shop is worth a browse, with rail‑themed books and plenty of Thomas the Tank Engine titles to tempt little conductors.
Accessibility is mixed, as you’d expect in a heritage rail yard. Paths around the site are generally manageable with a pram, but many of the carriages and locomotives are only accessible via steps and have narrow doorways and corridors, so they’re not pram‑ or wheelchair‑friendly. For this reason, it’s best to bring a baby carrier for non‑walkers. Older toddlers, preschoolers and primary‑aged kids will get the most out of the hands‑on exploring, especially if they’re already fans of Thomas, Chuggington or just anything with wheels.
The Western Australian Rail Transport Museum also hosts special open days and events throughout the year, including larger “Railfest” style days with extra activities, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their updates. Whether you pop in for a quiet Sunday or Wednesday afternoon or time your visit with a bigger event, this is a wonderfully nostalgic and tactile way to spend a few hours, and a great way to show children how rail helped shape our state.
Western Australian Rail Transport Museum
Address: 136 Railway Parade, Bassendean WA 6054
Opening hours: Sunday 1pm – 5pm; Wednesday 1pm – 4pm, and 11am – 4pm on Wednesdays during school holidays (check for any special event days or changes before visiting).
Website: https://www.railheritagewa.org.au/museum/museum.php
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots, as well as lots of WA travel, and fun family activities with the kiddos in tow. Part of a blended family of 6, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly recs. Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
