September is a milestone month for Whiteman Park. As well as marking 40 years since the Park first opened its gates, two much-loved Whiteman Park favourites are celebrating their own birthdays: The Lolly Stop turns 20, and Stage 1 of the Children’s Forest has just clocked up 25 years.
It’s also shaping up to be the perfect time to visit, with spring wildflowers in full bloom and a great line-up of events. And with the September/October school holidays just around the corner, it’s a brilliant excuse to plan a full day out with the kids.
Wander through wildflowers in the Children’s Forest
If you’re after a slower-paced, nature-based outing, the Children’s Forest is hard to beat this time of year. Tucked between the Village and Mussel Pool, this fenced community forest has been purpose-built for kids to explore, learn and feel a genuine sense of ownership over “their” patch of bush.
Spring brings the forest to life with wildflowers aplenty, including:
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Big cottonheads and tiny tinsel lilies
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Bottlebrush and spearwoods
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Banksias and kangaroo paws (a favourite snack of the local kangaroos!)
Because the forest is fenced off from larger animals, it feels safe and contained for little explorers while still being wonderfully wild. Pick up the “50 Things to do in the Children’s Forest” checklist or one of the free activity sheets from the Visitor Information Centre — there are “spotto” sheets for birds, fauna and flowers, a Fairy Door Trail, and age-targeted clue trails that turn your walk into a proper nature treasure hunt. Along the way, keep an eye out for hidden animal sculptures, a life-sized steel wedge-tailed eagle’s nest and the Forest’s whimsical guardians, the Boy of the Bush and his sister Fern.
The paths are flat gravel and easy for prams, and entry is free, with the forest open daily from 8.30am to 6pm (weather and fire danger ratings permitting)
Doggies Day Out – Sunday 27 September
Got a four-legged family member? Bring them along for Doggies Day Out, a fun-filled celebration of Whiteman Park’s pooch pals, running from 10am to 3pm at Mussel Pool West.
There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, from local pet services and stalls selling pet products to some light-hearted doggo competitions, think best crooners, top tricks and best dressed pup. The kids aren’t forgotten either, with free face painting and a doggy-themed bouncy castle on offer.
If you’ve got a family member who’s sensitive to noise and crowds, the first hour (10am–11am) is set aside as a Quiet Hour, offering a lower-sensory experience before things pick up.
A few practical notes for the day:
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Dogs must be on a lead and under control at all times, and any dog legally required to wear a muzzle must do so throughout the event
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Parking is available in Mussel Pool car parks 20, 22, 24, 25 and 27 (with ACROD parking at car park 26)
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Alternatively, park in the Village and catch a train to the event (weather and capacity permitting) — a fun option in itself for train-loving kids.
See the Park after dark on a Kids Woylie Walk
For something a little different, book in for the Kids Woylie Walk — a magical evening tour through Woodland Reserve that’s especially popular during the school holidays. It’s a genuinely unique way to introduce kids to WA’s nocturnal wildlife.
The experience starts with a short, family-friendly film at the Interpretive Centre and a chance to meet the Park’s education animals before heading out into the reserve. Armed with red, low-output torches, kids help scan the bush for movement and listen for rustling and frog calls as dusk falls.
The highlight is the soft-release enclosure, where critically endangered woylies and busy little quenda come right up to your feet to feed, lit gently by special night lighting so you can watch them clearly without disturbing them. Keep an eye out too for echidnas, tammar wallabies and microbats.
A few things to know before booking:
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Tours run for two hours, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended
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Bring a warm layer, enclosed shoes and insect repellent
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Peanuts are used to feed the animals, so let staff know about any nut allergies when booking
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Tour fees help fund the ongoing conservation work in Woodland Reserve
Finish with a sweet treat at The Lolly Stop
No Whiteman Park day is complete without a stop at The Lolly Stop, the old-school sweet shop in the heart of the Village that’s just celebrated 20 years at the Park. It’s packed with jars of nostalgic lollies, chocolates and treats, plus a proper pick ‘n’ mix where kids can fill a bag with jelly snakes, sour lollies, fizzy peaches, chocolate-coated honeycomb and more.
It’s the perfect reward after a big day exploring — pop in after the Children’s Forest, a play at Pia’s Place, or a ride on the Bennett Brook Railway or tram. It’s open daily from 10.30am to 3pm.
Plan for the whole day
With so much on offer, it’s well worth setting aside a full day at Whiteman Park, especially over the school holidays. Whether you’re riding, driving or railing in, pack a picnic, wear comfortable shoes, and take your time exploring while the wildflowers are out and the Park celebrates 40 years of family memories.
Getting to Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park is located about 22km north of the Perth CBD, in the Swan Valley. The main entrance is off Drumpellier Drive, with additional access from Beechboro Road North.
Families can also arrive by public transport, with the Whiteman Park train and bus station on the Ellenbrook line sitting right near the main entrance. Weekends are the best time to visit to take advantage of the shuttle bus service or heritage electric tram rides to save the 2km walk!
For full details on attractions, opening hours, events and bookings, visit the official Whiteman Park website.
