Perth, the most isolated city in the world, punches well above its weight when it comes to family-friendly attractions. From quokkas to science centres, nature playgrounds to unspoilt beaches, Perth truly has something for everyone.

Rottnest Island

Our day trip to Rottnest Island was the highlight of our family’s time in Perth. Home to the Insta-famous quokkas – those smiling, friendly marsupials – the island gets its name from Dutch explorers who mistook the animals for giant rats, dubbing it a “rat nest.”

Rottnest is easy to explore, with frequent hop-on, hop-off buses and bike hire options. The beaches are breathtaking – a true slice of paradise. While just a 30-minute ferry ride from the mainland makes it perfect for a day trip, there are plenty of dining and accommodation options if you’d like to stay longer.

For combination ferry and bike hire you’ll get good prices on Get Your Guide.

If you love beautiful islands with tropical beaches, you should check out Stradbroke Island – read all about it here.

Playgrounds Aplenty

Perth is spoilt for playgrounds, and we made the most of them! Our favourites included the nature-based Chevron Parklands, Elizabeth Quay Island Playground, and the wide range of play areas in the sprawling Kings Park.

Beaches

Perth’s stunning coastline is just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, with many beaches offering safe swimming conditions for families. We loved Mettam’s Pool, a beautiful swimming spot sheltered by a natural reef. At low tide, it’s ideal for paddling and snorkelling.

If you love beaches, how about the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast in Queensland? Also great spots for a family holiday!

Historic Fremantle

Spend an afternoon exploring the quaint 19th-century streets of Fremantle. Home to quirky shops, craft breweries, and an infamous convict-era prison, “Freo” (as it’s affectionately known) has a vibe all its own. Be sure to grab fish and chips at the harbour – our meal at Kailis Fish Market was unforgettable.

Scitech

Perth’s hands-on science centre is a fantastic day out for kids of all ages. The exhibitions are diverse and engaging, with various zones to explore. Our younger child enjoyed the specially designed pre-school area and Rhyme Time, while our older one spent hours in the space zone – especially loving the challenge of navigating a buggy on the moon!

If you’d like to explore Perth with your family, have a look at accommodation options on Booking.com or Expedia.