Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury

Located in Koombana Bay, this not-for-profit ecotourism hub is home to more than 100 bottlenose dolphins that often visit the shallow waters of the Dolphin Interaction Zone, giving visitors the chance to see them up close in their natural habitat.

Sightings are most common in the warmer months, but there are year-round eco-cruises with guaranteed dolphin sightings in the bay. Inside the Marine Discovery and Interpretive Centre, visitors can explore immersive displays, aquariums, and even a 360-degree dolphinarium.

Interactive experiences include octopus and turtle feeding sessions, touch pools, virtual reality exhibits, and a small theatre showing marine films.  Best time to visit is from November to April for the “Swim With Dolphins” tour, which gives you the chance to snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures.

Rottnest Island

A short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a coastal paradise and home to one of Australia’s most famous residents — the quokka. Known as the “world’s happiest animal,” these friendly marsupials are found only in Western Australia and are happy to pose for family selfies.

The island’s car-free environment makes it safe for kids, with bicycles as the main mode of transport. Families can pedal between white-sand beaches, sheltered bays, and scenic lookout points at their own pace.

Younger children will love the calm, shallow waters at The Basin, while older kids can snorkel among colourful fish or join reef tours. The island also offers cultural walking trails, historic sites, and optional scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view of the turquoise coastline.

Ludlow Tuart Forest, Busselton

Soak in the great outdoors at Ludlow Tuart Forest in Busselton, one of the last bastions of this rare species of tree that still thrives in the wild.  Set among towering tuart trees,  Forest Adventures offers a thrilling high-ropes experience for children aged seven and above. The park features six obstacle courses and more than 70 activities, from flying foxes to suspended bridges, balancing beams, and cargo nets. 

Lake Leschenaultia, Perth Hills

Less than an hour from Perth, Lake Leschenaultia’s sparkling blue waters and shaded picnic spots makes it a natural draw for a fun day out. Originally built as a dam in the late 1800s, it is now a popular recreation area where families can swim, canoe, or paddleboard in calm waters.

There’s also a playground, barbecue facilities, and scenic walking and cycling trails circling the Lake. For those who want to spend more time in nature, the lake has a camping ground too for overnight stays. 

Scitech, Perth

Scitech is Perth’s hands-on science and technology centre that makes learning exciting for kids of all ages, with interactive exhibits spanning physics and chemistry to engineering and robotics.

The centre is home to Australia’s largest planetarium, with immersive shows on space and astronomy. Visit during the school holidays for special workshops for kids where they can build, create, and problem-solve in a fun and supportive environment. 

Yanchep National Park

North of Perth, Yanchep National Park is a place where wildlife, culture, and adventure come together. Families can stroll along the koala boardwalk to see these sleepy marsupials up close or spot kangaroos grazing in the open fields.

The park also offers guided tours of the fascinating Crystal Cave, filled with shimmering limestone formations. For a deeper cultural connection, visitors can join Aboriginal experiences to learn about Noongar traditions, stories, and bush tucker. For older kids and teens, the park’s Tree Adventure ropes course provides an exciting way to explore the treetops. 

Caversham Wildlife Park

Located in the heart of Swan Valley, Caversham Wildlife Park is the perfect spot for families to meet Australia’s most beloved animals up close. Children will love hand-feeding kangaroos in wide open enclosures and capturing unforgettable moments posing with friendly koalas. The park is also home to wombats, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife. 

Beyond animal encounters, Caversham offers engaging live shows such as sheep shearing demonstrations and farm experiences that showcase the charm of rural Australian life. 

For more information, visit www.tourism.wa.gov.au.

*Photos courtesy of Tourism Western Australia