TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERTH FOR FAMILIES

“Ermmm…. Perth?”, we asked dubiously, when my parents suggested we do a family trip there. “Isn’t that kind of…. BORING?”

And in a way, that’s true, IF you are young and single and looking for a pumping city to shop and party your holiday away.

But for a family? Perth is FABULOUS. And we are totally grateful for having that suggestion plonked upon us, because it was one of THE best holidays-with-kids we’ve been on!

I was woman-in-charge of planning our itinerary, and being clever sneaky, I asked my girl friend Karen Cheng (who lives in Perth with her three young kids) to help me out. And help she did. She planned the entire holiday for us!! And so I would like to share our itinerary, because:

1. It was planned by a local, so we trusted that it would work.
2. It focuses on kids as #1 priority. Which means if you’re planning to make Perth a family-friendly holiday, then this guide is for you.

I hope this gives you a few helpful tips when you pop into Perth with your family!

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERTH FOR FAMILIES

For hanging out with animals:

1. Landsdale Farm (80 Landsdale Rd, Darch WA 6065) – a small farm that knocks many other larger animal farms out of the ballpark. At only AU$6 per person, it’s an amazing deal. Check out all the farm animals roaming around freely, or their Sensory Garden for herbs and vegetables. They even have a large playground with a shaded dome over it, that’s contained so you can throw the kids in there without worrying about them running off. There is a cafe there with lots of high chairs, and full washing-up and changing facilities. (TIP: bring a blanket and have a picnic under the trees, whilst the kids run around on the grass)
2. Caversham Wildlife Park (Lord St, Perth WA 6068) – this large park is privately owned and charges $25/adult and $11/kid. It’s a must if you want to check out Australia’s native animals – up close and personal. Hand-feed the kangarooms roaming around the park, and check out the amazing Meet The Wombat & Friends Show and Farm Show – both are a hit with kids! (TIP: the cafe there only stocks snacks and drinks, so bring along a packed lunch for the family)

For outdoor fun:

1. Perth Cultural Centre (between Roe, Beaufort, Francis and William Streets) – there is a large beach installation there at the moment, which features loads of clean sand for the kids to roll around and play in. Nearby is a fantastic sensory playground based on nature and sound for young kids – with ‘musical instruments’ to play with. And it’s all free! (TIP: bring your scooter if you have one. There’s loads of open space here)
2. Cottesloe Beach – Great outdoor playground and lots of grassy patches to play on. Lovely beach for kids, but go early in the morning to beat the sun. (TIP: eat at The Beach Club cafe for lunch. The food is top notch)
3. South Beach – lovely beach for young children, thanks to the relatively shallow and calm waters. Great for an evening dip. (TIP: eat at the Pickled Fig, a gorgeous little cafe right on the beach)

For indoor fun:

1. Scitech (Sutherland St, West Perth WA 6005)  – this non-profit organisation was so good the kids went there twice! It’s chock-full of young kid friendly activities, and features loads of hands-on exhibits. They have a sectioned-off area for young toddlers that my kids loved. (TIP: buy your tickets online at the Scitech website, to save time queuing)
2. Fremantle Markets (Corner South Terrace & Henderson Street) – poke around all the little shops and stalls, and check out the produce section for excellent fruit and vegetables. You can wander outside to the Market Street area, which is full of cute little boutiques. (TIP:Walk to the Esplanade by the harbour and eat at Cicerellos, it has a huge fish tank snaking through the middle of the casual cafe!))
3. Triassic Fun Park (410 Ranford Road, Canning Vale, WA 6155) – a winner if the weather is too hot/cold and you want to hide out indoors for 2 hours or so. Best for 3 yrs old and up, though there is a separate section for the toddlers. Dinosaur themed and excellent climbing fun for the kids! With blacklight mini golf, ride-on dinosars and motorised cars (all extra charges), this is an indoor playground on steroids.

The sun in Australia is a bit of a killer, so remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP! Make sure you pack your sunglasses, as well as sunscreen and wide-brim hats for the kids.

Lipbalm and moisturizer are great too, since Australia’s air is drier than Singapore’s.

Have a great trip!