Whiteman Park’s Kids Woylie Walk is a magical way to introduce children to the wonder of Western Australia’s nocturnal wildlife. Held inside the park’s Woodland Reserve, this evening tour feels like stepping behind the scenes of a real conservation project, but in a way that is fun, engaging and very kid-friendly. Just 20 minutes from the Perth CBD, it’s a brilliant option for an after-dinner family adventure or a special school holiday treat.
Your experience begins in the Visitor Centre with a short, family-friendly film that explains what makes Woodland Reserve so important and introduces some of the native animals you’re about to meet. Before heading out, kids get the chance to meet the park’s education animals, Kate and Pretzel, which helps build excitement and gives them a close-up look at our local wildlife in a calm, well-lit setting. It’s a great way to ease younger or more nervous children into the idea of being out in the bush after dark.
As dusk falls, your guide leads the group through the electric gate into Woodland Reserve, Whiteman Park’s protected conservation area. Armed with red, low-output torches provided on the tour, kids are encouraged to help scan the bush for movement and listen out for frog calls and rustling in the undergrowth. Because the reserve is a genuine sanctuary for threatened species, the whole walk feels like a real-life wildlife documentary – only you’re in it. The paths are generally easy, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended as you’re on your feet for most of the 90-minute tour.
The highlight for most families is the soft‑release enclosure where critically endangered woylies and busy little quenda come right up to your feet. With a small cup of peanuts in hand, children can watch these gentle marsupials feed and dart around just centimetres away. Thanks to the subtle night lighting in the enclosure, you can see them clearly without disturbing them. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a short‑beaked echidna shuffling past, a tammar wallaby in the shadows, or tiny microbats flitting overhead, adding even more excitement to the experience.
Tours currently run on selected Friday evenings from 7.00pm to 8.30pm, departing from near Car Park 5A in the Village area of Whiteman Park. At the time of writing, tickets start from $17 per person for children (6–16 years) and concession/students, with adults priced at $22. Bookings are essential, and places do fill quickly, so it’s worth locking in your preferred date via the Whiteman Park website’s Nocturnal Woylie Walks page or by calling the bookings office on (08) 9209 6000.
Families should bring a warm layer (evenings can get cool), enclosed shoes and any personal insect repellent they prefer. Torches are provided, and there is an important allergy warning – peanuts are used during the tour, so be sure to advise staff when booking if anyone in your group has a nut allergy. Beyond being a memorable night out, the Kids Woylie Walk also directly supports conservation, with tour fees helping to fund the ongoing care of Woodland Reserve and its precious residents. It’s one of those rare outings that’s equal parts fun, educational and genuinely meaningful for the future of our local wildlife.
Kids Woylie Walk at Whiteman Park
https://www.whitemanpark.com.au/whats-on
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Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
