Perth for Families - 10 Days
Highlights
- Discover Victorian history and funky street art in eclectic Fremantle
- Fly high with an exhilarating indoor family skydiving experience
- Cuddle up to the koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park
- Explore secluded bays and coral reefs on Rottnest Island
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Perth, Western Australia's Sunshine Capital | Perth |
| Day 2 | Fremantle Explorer Tour & Swan River Cruise | Perth |
| Day 3 | Indoor Skydiving Lesson & Free Afternoon | Perth |
| Day 4 | Rottnest Island Day Trip | Perth |
| Day 5 | Visit Adventure World Theme & Water Park | Perth |
| Day 6 | Free Day to Explore | Perth |
| Day 7 | Full-Day Caversham Wildlife Park, Pinnacles Desert & Sand Boarding | Perth |
| Day 8 | Free Day to Explore | Perth |
| Day 9 | Visit the Aquarium of Western Australia, Beach Afternoon | Perth |
| Day 10 | Depart Perth |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Perth, Western Australia's Sunshine Capital
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your hotel in Perth—the capital of Western Australia and famous for being the sunniest capital city in the world. Closer to Singapore than Sydney, Perth's remote location gives it an outward-looking feel with a thriving arts culture and festival scene. Blending an effortless mix of laid-back sophistication with plenty of parks, gardens, and watersports, it's also a perfect destination for families.
After settling in, head out for refreshments in a city that loves to eat! Bring your appetite to one of the many bustling bars, charming cafés, and award-winning restaurants before making your way to the historic Swan Bells. Hanging in a 270-foot-high (82 m) copper and glass campanile, the set of 18 bells dates back to 14th-century London and holds a fascinating royal history. Spend the rest of the day bathing in the beautiful waters at Perth's family-friendly Cottesloe Beach. Relax on the grassy terraces before enjoying a sundowner overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 2: Fremantle Explorer Tour & Swan River Cruise
This morning it's time to explore the rest of Perth's gems with a half-day driving tour that takes in the best of the city's sights. Wave at the Western Australia Cricket Ground (WACA) and new state-of-the-art Optus Stadium before passing the Perth Mint and Elizabeth Quay—a beautiful waterfront development with gorgeous river and city views. Stop at Kings Park Botanical Gardens and take in the stunning panorama from the war memorial back over the city skyline before continuing past the affluent western suburbs, known as Millionaire's Row.
Travel past the glittering Indian Ocean and arrive at heritage-listed Fremantle, where you'll have plenty of time to stroll the atmospheric streets, hip shops, cafés, and quaint period buildings. Meander through the renowned 125-year-old markets that hark back to the Victorian era. Browse the plethora of fresh produce, unique food offerings, and vibrant independent stalls. Join your riverboat and cruise upstream as you discover the exclusive suburbs of East Fremantle before disembarking at Perth Jetty. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 3: Indoor Skydiving Lesson & Free Afternoon
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to explore Perth as a family. Tour the Perth Mint to see the world's largest gold coin, watch gold melt in a historic melting house, and find your weight in gold.
If you're feeling adventurous, head to iFLY Perth Indoor Skydiving and get your adrenaline fix for the day! Today's excursion is an exhilarating and rewarding adventure for the whole family, without needing to jump out of a moving plane. Experience the flight equivalent of a 12,000-foot (3,657 m) outdoor skydive as you step inside one of the world's largest glass flight chambers. Kids, big and little, will love being lifted effortlessly onto a cushion of air and into flight, thanks to the massive wind generators.
Day 4: Rottnest Island Day Trip
Today's excursion is a visit to one of Western Australia's best-kept secrets— Rottnest Island. Situated 11 miles (18 km) west of Fremantle and covering 7 square miles (19 sq km), the island's 63 beaches, 20 beautiful secluded bays, and many coral reefs and wrecks create some of the most spectacular swimming and diving spots in the world.
Travel in exhilarating style on the high-powered Eco Express. Kids will adore the 90-minute adventure boat tour of the island's rugged coastline and wild side as you experience the ocean breeze and sea spray on this fast-paced, heart-thumping trip. Spot New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks and look out for dolphins and osprey along the way.
Once you reach the island, enjoy a number of family-friendly activities above the water. Make your way to Acquaplay for paddle boards, inflatable jet skis, water bikes, and a giant inflatable roller for kids. Heading below the water is also a must, with over 135 species of tropical fish and 24 species of coral to discover. On land, explore Rottnest's stunning inland lakes and spectacular coastal headlands via a series of hiking trails. Journey back to Perth, where the evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 5: Visit Adventure World Theme & Water Park
Today's excursion will earn you plenty of brownie points! Combine the best of a theme park and a water park in the beautifully landscaped botanical gardens at Perth's Adventure World. Make your way to the Abyss, where bigger kids and thrill seekers can experience the park's adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster. Younger adventurers will love the enchanting Dragon's Kingdom and ever-popular Hawaiian-themed Kahuna Falls. Don't miss Kraken, the longest, tallest, and steepest funnel water slide on the planet.
Afterward, catch a cab to Fremantle, just 15 minutes away, and grab fish and chips at Kaili's Fish Market Café or eat and enjoy the view at the Bathers Beach House. Getting back to Perth couldn't be easier—catch a train, and you will be there in 25 minutes to enjoy the rest of your evening.
Day 6: Free Day to Explore
Today you will explore Perth at your own pace. Learn how to "hang ten" at one of the city's surf schools, where you'll get safely up onto your first wave before you've had time to worry about falling off! Alternatively, head to the trendy area of Scarborough to relax on the beach or go for a stroll around Hillary's Boat Harbour.
In the afternoon, discover Kings Park Botanical Gardens—an outdoor treasure trove for families with sweeping views of the Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline, and the Darling Ranges to the east. One of the world's largest inner city parks, it's home to the beautifully cultivated Western Australian Botanic Gardens and displays over 3,000 species of the State's unique flora. Explore the numerous play areas, climb all 101 steps of the spiraling DNA Tower or do as the locals do and enjoy a picnic within the stunning setting of the park's 988 acres (400 ha).
Day 7: Full-Day Caversham Wildlife Park, Pinnacles Desert & Sand Boarding
It's an early start for today's excursion as you visit the kangaroos, wombats, and koalas of Caversham Wildlife Park, then travel north along quiet back roads in 4WD comfort to the fishing town of Cervantes. Famous for its rock lobster factory and pristine beachfront, you'll go behind the scenes at the town's giant shellfish processing plant, then dine on luxury lobster and chips before continuing your journey to Nambung National Park.
Stroll among the thousands of weathered limestone pillars that create the surreal moonscape of the world-renowned Pinnacles Desert, then hop back in the 4WD and traverse the vast Lancelin Sand Dunes. The whole family will love the unforgettable experience of sandboarding down these constantly shifting structures. Return to Perth along the scenic Indian Ocean Drive, and grab a bite to eat before recounting the day's highlights.
Day 8: Free Day to Explore
After yesterday's adventure, today is yours to spend as you wish. Relax by one of Perth's many beaches or catch up on some sightseeing. Visit the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory, where curious young minds will love exploring the Innovation galleries dedicated to Einstein and his science. Head to the Cosmos gallery and learn about the universe's timeline before making your way to the Leaning Tower of Gingin. Watch your kids' excitement once they realize visitors can drop water-filled balloons from the purpose-built 147-foot-high (45-m) tower!
Day 9: Visit the Aquarium of Western Australia, Beach Afternoon
This morning you'll pay a visit to the family-friendly AQWA—the Aquarium of Western Australia. Here you'll discover incredible marine life, much of which is found nowhere else on earth. Encounter deadly stingers and biters in the DANGERzone before coming face to face with giant sharks, stingrays, and turtles in Australia's largest underwater tunnel.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach or do some last-minute shopping, then spend your last night dining at one of the city's terrific restaurants as the sun sets on your Australian adventure.
Day 10: Depart Perth
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