There aren’t too many kids that don’t go through a mad about trains phase, with Thomas and Friends trains scattered all over the house and episodes set on replay driving you mad. Or maybe you are mad about trains and would love to share this love with your kids. If this is your kid (or you), there are lots places you can take them across Perth for a hands on train experience.
Please note: train rides may not run where there is a high to extreme fire danger or where a total fire ban is in place. Please also check with your local council on requirements for holding birthday parties or other gatherings in public places.
Whiteman Park Bennett Brook Railway
The Bennett Brook Railway runs all year round (except Christmas Day) Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun, and each day during the school holidays at Whiteman Park. Entry to Whiteman Park is free and you can purchase tickets to enjoy vintage steam and diesel train rides. On weekends and public holidays trains leave the Village Junction Station half hourly and hourly from Mussel Pool between 11 & 4pm. During the week (Wed & Thurs) you can enjoy a round bushland loop scenic trip departing from Village Junction Station on the hour between 11am & 1pm (11am – 3pm school holidays). See website for current prices and to contact Bennett Brook Railway about hiring the party coach for your child’s birthday party too. www.bbr.org.au
Friends of Ashley Day Whiteman Park
Ashley and Friends Days are held annually at Whiteman Park in May & September. Ticket prices include unlimited heritage train rides on all three trains, unlimted bus rides, bus museum displays, exhibits and displays, farm animals and more. Find out more about the upcoming Friends of Ashley Day here. www.bbr.org.au
Neil Hawkins Park Joondalup
Little ones will love the train and carriage play equipment at Neil Hawkins Park here. Perfect for a train party at the park or just for a play. Neil Hawkins Park is located in a beautiful natural setting with lots of nature shade, wildlife and a jetty that overlooks Lake Joondalup. Read the Kids Around Perth Neil Hawkins Park review here .
Stirling Miniature Railway Balcatta
Held on the last Sunday of the month, the Stirling Miniature Railway gives kids unlimited miniature train rides all day and has a lovely grassed area so you can bring along a picnic or use the free to use BBQs. Cost is just $40 (for family up to 6 people) or $10 per individual – under 3 FREE. They often have school holiday open days too. Don’t forget to wear your covered shoes and keep up to date on Stirling Miniature Railway events at www.facebook.com/stirlingminiaturerailwaybalcatta. Read the Kids Around Perth Stirling Miniature Railway Review here .
Morgan John Morgan Reserve Glen Forrest
This reserve was formerly the site of the Smiths Mill railway station platform and the park named after the community’s longest serving station master. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail passes through the Reserve and, in keeping with the rail history, a steam train model complete with carriages forms the Reserve’s centrepiece. The Reserve has recently undergone redevelopment of the play equipment and grassed areas so makes a great place for a play or train themed birthday party. Read the Morgan John Morgan Park Kids Around Perth Review here
Railfest Bassendean
Railfest is an annual event held in October at the Rail Heritage Museum WA. Your entry includes entry into the museum as well as exhibits, historical displays, kids activities, snacks and more. Find out more about this years Railfest event at www.railheritagewa.org.au .
Rail Heritage WA Bassendean
The Railway Museum at Bassendean is WA’s premier museum devoted to railway history. It’s open Sundays and Wednesday afternoons to the public and group and school visits can be arranged by contacting the museum. During your visit your can climb aboard lots of restored trains, train carriages an buses. You can even organise to have a birthday party in in the buffet car or dining car. Read the Kids Around Perth Rail Heritage Museum Review here .
Cohunu Koala Park
You may not realise that in addition to an affordable wildlife experience, Cohunu Koala Park also operates a miniature railway. It runs weekends, school holidays and public holidays and costs $4 per person in addition to your entry fee. Read the Kids Around Perth Cohunu Koala Park Review here .
Model Railway Exhibition Claremont Showgrounds
Each year AMRA hosts the popular Model Railway Exhibition at the Claremont Showgrounds over the long weekend in June. Families can enjoy lots of model train exhibits, train related activities, lego train exhibits, miniature train rides and more at this affordable family event. Find out more about these events in the Kids Around Perth Model Railway Exhibition Review.
Dome Bassendean
Take your train fanatic out for a special breakfast, lunch or morning/afternoon tea at Dome Bassendean. Inside the cafe is a fully restored and refurbished ARS 348 train carriage. Find out more in the K ids Around Perth Dome Bassendean Review.
Boardwalk Betty Hillarys Boat Harbour
Every Sunday and during the school holidays the free Boardwalk Betty train drives around the Sorrento Quay Boardwalk 10.30-3pm. www.sorrentoquayboardwalk.com.au
Transperth Train
Lastly of course there is a ride on the Perth train line. If you purchase a family rider up to seven people can ride all day long (max two full fare passengers) you can ride all day long and spend the day exploring Perth by train. Find out when you can enjoy unlimited travel on a family rider at www.transperth.wa.gov.au .
Know of any other Perth train activities, events or playgrounds? Contact us to let us know
We make every effort to ensure all this information is up to date but should be used as a guide only. Events do get cancelled or changed and venues can close without notice. Always follow the links provided for up to date information on an event or activity. If you know of a change or cancellation we’ve missed then please contact us to let us know.
