14‑Day Family Adventure: Perth, Rottnest Island & Margaret River Coastline

Day 1: Arrival in Perth & City Walk

Morning: Arrive at Perth Airport, collect rental car and settle into a family‑friendly hotel in the CBD. Take a quick rest before a gentle stroll.

Afternoon: Explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden with its interactive playgrounds and spectacular views of the skyline and Swan River.

Evening: Dine at Northbridge for a relaxed family meal, then unwind back at the hotel.

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Day 2: Perth Highlights

Morning: Visit the Western Australian Museum for hands‑on exhibits perfect for kids.

Afternoon: Take a river cruise on the Swan River to see the city from the water, followed by a walk along the vibrant Elizabeth Quay promenade.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset picnic in South Perth Foreshore with playgrounds for the children.

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Day 3: Fremantle Exploration

Morning: Drive to Fremantle (≈30 min) and tour the historic Fremantle Prison (family‑friendly guided tour).

Afternoon: Wander the bustling Fremantle Markets, sampling local treats and browsing craft stalls.

Evening: Savor dinner at the waterfront Little Creatures Brewery with a kids' menu and live music.

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Day 4: Rottnest Island – Arrival

Morning: Catch the ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island (≈25 min). Rent bicycles for the family.

Afternoon: Cycle to the famous Pinky Beach for sandcastle building and shallow swimming.

Evening: Check into family cabins, then enjoy a beachfront BBQ while watching the sunset.

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Day 5: Rottnest Island – Wildlife & Exploration

Morning: Join a guided walk to meet the friendly quokkas and learn about island ecology.

Afternoon: Snorkel at The Basin, a calm lagoon perfect for kids.

Evening: Return to the cabins for a relaxed dinner and stargazing on the beach.

**Day 6: Return to Perth & Day Trip to Swan Valley**

Morning: Take the ferry back to Fremantle and drive to the Swan Valley wine region.

Afternoon: Visit family‑friendly wineries such as Houghton Winery with a playground and chocolate tasting.

Evening: Return to Perth, enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel.

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Day 7: Perth to Bunbury

Morning: Depart Perth and drive south to Bunbury (≈2 h). Stop at the Leschenault Inlet** for birdwatching.

Afternoon: Explore the Bunbury Wildlife Park, where kids can feed kangaroos and meet koalas.

Evening: Dine at the waterfront Harrisdale Marina and settle into a family resort.

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Day 8: Busselton & Margaret River Arrival

Morning: Drive to Busselton (≈45 min) and walk the iconic Busselton Jetty, taking the train to the end.

Afternoon: Continue to Margaret River (≈30 min) and check into accommodation.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local eatery with a kids' menu.

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Day 9: Margaret River – Caves & Beaches

Morning: Explore the spectacular Lake Cave with its illuminated underground lake.

Afternoon: Head to Surfers Point at Prevelly for beach play and safe swimming.

Evening: Picnic at Margaret River Chocolate Factory with ice‑cream treats.

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Day 10: Margaret River – Wineries & Farm Stays

Morning: Tour family‑friendly wineries such as Vasse Felix offering grape‑juice tasting for kids.

Afternoon: Visit the Margaret River Farmers Market** for fresh produce and local crafts.

Evening: Return to the farm stay for a BBQ and outdoor games.

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Day 11: Augusta & Cape Leeuwin

Morning: Drive to Augusta (≈30 min) and visit the historic Augusta Jetty.

Afternoon: Explore the dramatic meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, climbing to the top for views.

Evening: Stay overnight in Augusta, enjoy dinner at a seaside café.

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Day 12: Pemberton – Giant Trees

Morning: Travel inland to Pemberton (≈1 h) and walk among the towering Tingle Giant Forest.

Afternoon: Take a scenic rail ride on the Pemberton Tramway for a relaxing view of the forest.

Evening: Overnight in a cozy cabin, stargazing from the garden.

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Day 13: Return to Perth via Bunbury

Morning: Depart Pemberton and head back north, stopping at Walpole for a quick walk to the Valley of the Giants canopy walk.

Afternoon: Continue to Bunbury for a final beach break at Back Beach.

Evening: Arrive in Perth, enjoy a farewell dinner at Elizabeth Quay.

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Day 14: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Return the rental car and catch your flight home from Perth Airport.

Evening: Safe travels!

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Time and Cost Estimates

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden – 2 hrs – Free (parking $5)
• Western Australian Museum – 2 hrs – $20 (family ticket)
• Swan River Cruise – 1.5 hrs – $40 (family ticket)
• Fremantle Prison Tour – 2 hrs – $35 (family ticket)
• Fremantle Markets – 2 hrs – Free (shopping optional)
• Rottnest Island Ferry (round‑trip) – 1 hr each way – $120 (family)
• Rottnest Bike Hire – 4 hrs – $80 (family)
• Pinky Beach – 3 hrs – Free
• Quokka Guided Walk – 1 hr – $30 (family)
• The Basin Snorkelling – 2 hrs – Free (equipment rental $20)
• Swan Valley Wineries (Houghton) – 3 hrs – $50 (tasting + lunch)
• Bunbury Wildlife Park – 2 hrs – $45 (family)
• Busselton Jetty Train – 1 hr – $30 (family)
• Lake Cave – 1.5 hrs – $45 (family)
• Surfers Point Beach – 2 hrs – Free
• Vasse Felix Winery – 3 hrs – $55 (family tasting)
• Margaret River Farmers Market – 2 hrs – Free (shopping optional)
• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – 2 hrs – $25 (family)
• Tingle Giant Forest Walk – 2 hrs – Free
• Pemberton Tramway – 1.5 hrs – $35 (family)
• Valley of the Giants Canopy Walk – 1 hr – $30 (family)
• Back Beach, Bunbury – 2 hrs – Free
• Rental Car (14 days) – – $800
• Accommodation (14 nights, family rooms) – – $2,800
• Meals (average $25 per person per day) – – $1,400
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, extra activities) – – $300
• Total Estimated Cost: – $9,385

Tips

To shorten the trip, consider skipping the Pemberton leg and heading straight from Margaret River back to Perth, saving two travel days. For a longer stay, add an extra night in Rottnest for more beach time and a day trip to the nearby Yanchep National Park for kangaroo encounters. Adjusting accommodation to self‑catering apartments can also reduce meal costs while giving the family more flexibility.