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Activities for Children

Some parents might scratch their heads wondering where next they can take their children on the weekend or school holidays for an interesting experience that won't break the bank. Quite a number of places around Perth cost a lot to get into and if you are on a bit of a tight budget, or simply want to go somewhere a little different, the list below might be of help. All of these places were visited by myself and little boy (aged between 4 and 8) and we had many wonderful times (and continue to do so).

Applecross

Visit the old Heathcote Hospital site with great river views. Take the long flight of wooden steps down to the river. Go down to Canning Bridge and underneath the bridge and watch people fishing and the boats going by. Good walking/bike tracks. Free.

Armadale

The Elizabethan Village together with the Heritage Village are goods places to amble around with an ice cream. Free.

Bassendean

The Train Museum is located on Railway Parade near Ashfield Station. A wonderland of old locomotives, carriages (most of which you can climb in and on) and a fine museum. A huge hit with the kids is the extensive model railway they have in a huge shed down the back. Open Sunday afternoons only (usually) and entry fee is really cheap - under $10 for one adult and child.

Bickley

Some fabulous scenery, you can walk along farm fences and see animals. Free.

Bicton

Point Walter, at the end of Stock Road. Fabulous place for messing about at the river, and walking out along the sand-spit right out into the river. Also a good restaurant and cafe for drinks and lunch. Free (apart from lunch).

Bindoon

Just before you arrive in the town-site from the south there is a fine complex of old buildings housing arts and crafts and a motor museum. The old Roads Board building is also here. Free.

Brigadoon

Located just a little east of the Henley Brook area. Great bit of river at Bells Rapids for clambering over the rocks and picnic lunch. The interstate train line is right there too so you might see a train if lucky. Get there via Cathedral Avenue. Go up to Campersic Road for some great views. Whilst in the area, visit the State Equestrian Centre on Cathedral Avenue. All free.

Bunbury

The way we saw Bunbury was to take a day-trip on the Australind which leaves Perth Station at approx 9.30am daily and gets you back at around 5.30pm. Great trip on the train. Perhaps a little expensive but kids often loves trains and there is room to move around. Usually needs to be pre-booked to make sure you get seats.

Caversham

Try walking around Lilac Hill Park and along the Swan River. You can start at the West Swan Road traffic bridge and go nearly all the way up to Mulberry Farm. Lovely stretch of river. Free. 1

Claremont

Obviously the Show when it is on, but there are also other (free) attractions on in the showground throughout the year. We like to also go into Claremont Oval, Home of the Tigers, (entrance off Davies Road) and mess around in the grandstands and on the oval, if the place is open. Just ask someone if it's OK before you go in! Free.

Crawley

Try Matilda Bay river-front. You can also walk around the U.W.A. campus with its fine buildings and gardens. Also, off Mounts Bay Road is the blue boat shed - worth a look. Free

Dalkeith

Drive up to Point Resolution off Jutland Parade, or Beaton Park off Birdwood Parade - both ideal for picnics and simply messing around by the river and on the jetties in the area. Good for the whole family. Free.

Dwellingup

A bit out of Perth but only about a one-hour drive. Lovely town and very rail-centric. Hotham Valley run steam trains into the forest, lots to see and do without costing an arm and leg. A really good day out!

East Fremantle

We like going underneath the old Fremantle Traffic bridge and walking along the river to the Stirling Bridge. Lots of boats, nice place to get some exercise and fresh air on a fine day. Free.

East Perth

The re-developed Claisebrook area is great. Try climbing the big grassy hill on the south side, near the river. You can also walk/bike across the Windan Bridge to the other side of the river (there is even a pathway slung underneath the bridge). Visit East Perth rail terminal before 12 noon on Sundays and see the Indian Pacific and displays inside the terminal building. Free.

Ellenbrook

This area is really taking off. They have an immense shopping centre (OK for parents but perhaps a bit boring for kids). In the "old" Ellenbrook area (east) are some great parks and lakes and picturesque walkways, bridges etc at Wood Lake. We really enjoyed a few hours there. Free.

Fremantle

There are many things to do around Fremantle. Oddly, one thing that my little boys has always liked in running around (and rolling down) the grassy banks in the park off Marine Terrace near The Esplanade Station, and having some lunch at the ld train carriage cafe. Keep an eye out for big passenger ships visiting port.

Gingin Gravity Centre

An hour's drive north of Perth, off Military Road. Suited to children probably 7 or over. Reserve 2-3 hours to go through the centre and climb the Leaning Tower of Gingin. There is entry fee although some exhibits and activities are "outside" the main area and are free.

Guilderton

About one hour north of Perth. Fabulous family area on the Moore River with great views. Climb up to the lookout. Walk across the sandbar which crosses the mouth of the Moore River. Free

Guildford

So many things to see in Guildford but mostly for adults. We always like Fish Market Reserve on the Swan River, and King's Meadow Park, and the second-hand book shop on James Street. Another activity is to go and stand on East Guildford train station and watch inbound aircraft at very low altitude on their approach to Perth Airport.

Henley Brook

Henley Brook has vantage points on the river, the historic Church side, and of course, the Chocolate Factory which has free entry and a free sample!

Hovea

Hovea, better known as John Forrest National Park. I prefer spring when there is water in the creek and not so hot (or cold). The old railway easement runs through here - you can cross the old rail bridge, plus amble over and around rocks and pools in the creek. The hotel is a good place for lunch - it has many "tame" parrots, kookaburras and galahs (who will steal your lunch unless you're careful), plus a mob of tame-ish kangaroos watching on.

Jandakot

Jandakot Airport is a good place to go and spend a couple of hours watching light aircraft of al shapes and sizes come and go. There are also joy flights, but they cost of course.

Kalamunda

Our favourite attractions here are Stirk Park at the west end of town, Jorgensen Park (an old golf course and a good place for dogs to run), and the Heritage Park at the top end of Haynes Street (entry fee applies).

Lesmurdie

Lesmurdie is famed for its falls so a trip down Falls Road to the Lesmurdie Falls National Park is most agreeable. The falls themselves are usually dry in summer but nevertheless spectacular scenery all around.

Mandurah

We often go to Mandurah and the best way to get there is on the train. It's only about 45 minutes ex Perth and buy a family rider (weekends) for about $9.00. Great to walk along the fore-shore, go under the old traffic bridge and watch crabbers and fishers, and top it off with a lunch of fish and chips.

Maylands

Right down at the end of Peninsula Road is the Swan River, Tranby House, the old brickworks, parks and things - a wander around can take a couple of hours

Midland

Midland? What on earth is in Midland? We like looking in the old Railway Workshops and the major rail crossing to the east of the station is a good place for watching out for standard gauge freight trains. A trip up there by train is not bad.

Mosman Park

Buckland Hill, just off Stirling Highway, is home to a maze of old World War tunnels and underground rooms. These have been fully restored and you can go on a tour of the tunnels on Sundays and the cost is pretty nominal. It's a good experience!

Mount Pleasant

The waterfront here is a good attraction as the waters are usually clean, calm and safe. Some good jetties to run up and down. Further south is the Mount Henry Bridge with walking/bike paths - you can go and look underneath the bridge. Free

Mundaring Weir

A very popular destination up in the hills on the road between Mundaring and Kalamunda. Walk across the dam wall, buy an ice cream, visit the O'Connor museum. It's easy and interesting to spend a couple of hours here. Free

Noble Falls

A little past Gidgegannup is Noble Falls. Picturesque spot on the creek whether the Falls are flowing or not. Clamber around on the rocks, cross the bridge, take a picnic.

Ocean Reef

There is some really interesting coastline at Ocean Reef, some very rocky sandstone cliffs. Down at the water there is a small safe harbour where children catch small crabs (and anything else that moves) in nets.

Penguin Island

Only about a 5 minute gentle ride from the "mainland" over no more than about 2 -3 metres of water at the deepest. There is no shop of the island, so bring your lunch and drinks. Ferries generally run hourly between 10am and 3pm and only in the summer months. Good sheltered kids beaches, and watch the penguin feeding in the Discovery Centre.

Perth - Heirisson Island

Just east of Adelaide Terrace is Heirisson Island. Park on the island itself (accessible only heading out of the city), or pay parking at the end of Riverside Drive. The west side of the island has kangaroos. Good place to get a different view of the city and South Perth.

Perth - Airport

A good way to while away a couple of hours for the cost of parking the car is watching aircraft come and go from the viewing deck at Perth International Airport.

Perth - Airport

The Airport opened up a public viewing area for arriving and departing aircraft late in 2011. It is right down towards the southern end of the main runway. It is just off the internal airport road that connects the Domestic and International terminals. Best when aircraft are landing from the south

Perth - Arts Precinct

The Museum and its dinosaur bones is mostly a hit with kids. The Art gallery might be a bit "grown up" unless there is a special exhibition on.

Perth - Foreshore

We often take the ferry across to South Perth and wander down Mends Street and perhaps on to the zoo. Other options in this area is to take a boat ride to Fremantle and take the tourist red double-decker bus (sit upstairs at the front if you can). Alas the Ferris wheel has gone now.

Perth - Kings Park

Great walks, great views at Kings Park and it's all free. We like going to the lake and fountain which goes through a water-cycle, plus the tree-top walk.

Pinjarra

About one-hour south of the city. The big attraction for a little boy is the Hotham Valley Rail yards, the swing bridge across the river behind the Post Office, and messing around the river near the Anglican Church/traffic bridge. Free.

Quinns Rocks

Wonderful, endless white beaches. Obviously good for summer swimming but winter shell-finding and running away from encroaching waves can be good exercise and quite exhilarating. Free.

Rockingham

Our favourite spot down here (apart from the foreshore), is Cape Peron with its rocky walkways, "secret" beaches, and the lookout areas over either Safety Bay or north to Garden Island and the causeway bridge.

Rottnest Island

Many activities are nearly free and the biggest cost is the boat fare but I think it's worth it. Take an early boat - allow at least 4-5 hours on the island. Quokka's, an island bus trip, the light rail from Settlement Station, or just ambling around the bays, beaches, shops and historical buildings.

Shoalwater

Here we like to go to Mersey Point on Arcadia Drive. This is the best spot for viewing Penguin Island. You can take a boat trip over to the island during summer months. Mostly free.

South Perth

The Zoo is the most prominent feature. A little pricy to get in but once you're in everything is free (unless you buy lunch), and you can stay there until your feet drop off! We also like to go up around the old Mill at the end of Mill Point Road and walk underneath the Narrows Bridge and watch the world go by

Swanview

The big feature here is the old railway tunnel. It's about 200-300 metres long and you can walk right through. The rail lines were lifted decades ago but there is still some rocky ballast here and there underfoot. Park right at the end of Morrison Road. Go along the rail easement. The tunnel turn-off is not far but easy to miss. A torch is recommended in the tunnel. Might be a bit spooky for under 6's.

Toodyay

Another hour-trip from Perth up the Toodyay Road, but worth it. Sundays are always busy - a pleasant town with the Connor's Mill, Ye Olde Lolly Shoppe, grab an Prospector or Avon Link Burger at the Museum Cafe. It you're there at around 1.15pm on Sunday you'll see the Indian pacific race through. The bridge is a good vantage point.

Two Rocks

Two Rocks is one of our favourite beaches. At a time when the tide is out you can walk right out to the smaller rock. A walk along the breakwater next to the larger rock, or simply paddling in semi-sheltered waters also near the larger of the rocks is great

Wanneroo

In a word (or two) - mini-golf! The Botanic Gardens and Mini-Golf on Burns Beach Road, right near Wanneroo Road is a fantastic setting and offers 18 holes of mini-golf or 18 holes of billiards-golf. Play either, play both. Very popular even for very young children (probably 4-5 years is youngest). Take your picnic or dine in the restaurant. Playing golf is reasonably priced

West Leederville

Handy to the city, a walk around Lake Monger with the black swans, ducks and other water birds. There is a large playground for little kids west of the lake (with sponge flooring, not sand!)

West Perth

The big word here is SciTech. It's located in the shopping centre off Plaistowe Lane right opposite City West station. Good value for money ($23 - 1 adult, 1 child) which includes all or any Horizon Planetarium sessions (and they are worth it, just on their own!). A must for all ages - children and adults alike

Whiteman Park

A big must we think. Entry to the park is free. The park features a couple of machinery museums, an operating old Melbourne tram, a light rail ride commencing at the old original East Perth and Subiaco train station buildings. Parks, swimming, cafes. It's easy to spend a whole day here without spending much money at all

Wilson

Wilson is the home of Castledare Miniature Railway - a delight for little children (and even some bigger ones). The rail runs about every second Sunday and is well worth a visit. It's located off Fern Road next to the Canning River. The weir of the river is a good picnic spot - good place to watch the ducks and amble around.

Yanchep

Yanchep National Park is a great place to visit and spend half a day or more. There are picnic areas, lakes and hire boats, swimming pool, underground caves and a koala park. Mostly free when you get in but Park entry fees apply.

York

Last for now is York. Again about an hour from Perth. We drive up and I pack the scooter for fun locomotion around the footpaths. Lovely old buildings, the river and a relaxing lunch at the carriage cafe near the river!

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