Start with a relaxed breakfast in Fremantle or central Perth where kids can have pancakes and adults decent coffee — many cafés open from 7:00–7:30am. It’s a pleasant way to fuel for the drive south.
Small, family-friendly park with native Australian animals where children can see kangaroos, emus and a small reptile enclosure; perfect for young kids and a gentle first activity. Check current opening hours (often 9:00–4:00pm).
Visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre to learn about local dolphins and try dolphin-spotting from the shore; guided boat tours may be available but shore-spotting is free. Check centre opening times (typically mid-morning to late afternoon) and tour schedules.
Spend a late-afternoon beach hour at Back Beach or check for a community market (markets vary by day). A good time for kids to swim and explore rock pools.
Walk the timber jetty and ride the little jetty train out to the Underwater Observatory to see the reef without getting wet; the Observatory usually opens from around 9:00am to late afternoon — check exact times and book tickets in advance.
Explore Ngilgi Cave on a guided self-paced tour to see stalactites and stalagmites (cave tours often run mid-morning and early afternoon) or choose a beach swim and rockpooling at Meelup; both are family favourites.
Book a family surf lesson or kids’ beginner lesson — surf schools provide wetsuits and instructors; morning sessions are best for calmer conditions. Confirm session times with the surf school in advance.
Take a guided cave tour to see dramatic chambers and cave formations — tours typically run from mid-morning through the afternoon; book ahead for family-friendly tour times.
Treat the kids (and adults) to chocolate, fudge and ice cream at the Chocolate Company outlet in the region — a favourite stop that’s a hit with children.
Visit a family-friendly winery with lawns and non-alcoholic options (many estates welcome children on the lawns) for a relaxed afternoon; check venue policy on children and opening times (often 10:00–5:00).
Drive approx. 45–60 minutes to Augusta to visit the lighthouse at the south-western tip of WA where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet — the scenic drive is pleasant and family-friendly.
Take a guided lighthouse tour (check tour times; often 9:30–4:00) then walk the coastline to spot sea life. Tours provide great local history and kids usually enjoy climbing to the lantern room (tour dependent).
Drive to Hamelin Bay to see the famous friendly rays that often feed in the shallows — this is a memorable wildlife moment for children; check local guidance and supervise interactions.
Let the kids burn off energy on a playground (e.g. in Dunsborough town) or paddle at a calm family beach — good downtime before the drive back towards Perth.
Option to overnight closer to Perth if you prefer a shorter drive the next day (approx. 2–3 hours from Dunsborough to Perth), or stay one more night in Dunsborough for a relaxed morning departure.
If you want more wildlife, visit Caversham (sheep shearing, farm shows) or Yanchep National Park to see koalas and enjoy short walks — check opening hours (Caversham often 9:00–5:00 and requires tickets).
Explore the treetop walk, large lawns and the Lotterywest Family Area (playgrounds); great views over the city and Swan River. Park open daily from early morning; the botanical areas are ideal for kids to explore safely.
Take the short ferry or drive to Perth Zoo to see native and exotic animals; zoo hours commonly 9:00–5:00 so an afternoon visit still allows plenty of time to see main exhibits. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Catch an early ferry so have a quick breakfast or takeaway for the trip. Ferry departure times vary — book in advance (ferries often start 7:00–8:00am).
Hire bikes and explore secluded beaches, look for quokkas (very tame island marsupials), and enjoy gentle snorkelling in calm bays; bike hire typically opens with first ferries and is essential in peak season.
Enjoy easy snorkelling for kids at safe bays or take a glass-bottom boat/short cruise if available to see reef life; check operators’ hours and age/height restrictions for safety.
Take a short Swan River cruise or stroll through Elizabeth Quay and the CBD for some last-minute photos and souvenirs; most cruises operate mid-morning, but confirm times.
Have an easy lunch near your accommodation or en route to the airport depending on your flight time; choose quick family-friendly options if heading to the airport.
Leave plenty of time for airport check-in and security; aim to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours for international flights.