Travel Western Australia – Western Australia has so many family friendly adventures, holiday destinations and must see attractions for you and your family to travel and explore. Occupying over 1/3 of Australia’s land experiencing the different regions of Western Australia may require long road trips or a flight or two to get where you want to go. The weather can also vary greatly across the different Western Australian Tourist Regions at the same time of year, so you can always choose a destination ot escape the cold or heat depending on what your prefer.
There are 4 other Tourist Regions outside of Perth, you can travel and explore that include the South West, North West, Coral Coast and Golden Outback . These regions all have very different experiences, attractions and weather conditions and have plenty of things to do for that perfect family weekender, adventure or getaway.
Western Australia’s Tourist Regions
South West North West Coral Coast Golden Outback
Travel Western Australia – Western Australia Tourist Regions
South West
The South West Region of Western Australia is traditionally cooler than the reist of Western Australia and is best know for it’s tall anceint trees, long white beaches and loads of family friendly breweries and wineries. There are literally hundreds of towns across the South West of Western Australia to explore. Some of the popular tourist destinations are Bunbury, Busselton, Dardanup, Donnybrook, Dwellingup, Lake Clifton, Margaret River, Albany, Pemberton and Manjimup.
Bunbury
Bunbury is located a couple of hours south of Perth and is best know for the bottlenose dolphins that swim close to the shore in Koombana Bay. There are lots of things to do in Bunbury for families and you can compare prices and read reviews on family friendly places to stay in Bunbury accommodation here .
Busselton
Busselton is located approximately 2 and 1/2 hours drive from Perth and is best know for it’s 19th century, 2km long jetty, sheltered beach and family friendly foreshore. There are lots of things to do in Busselton for families including the huge Busselton Foreshore Playground. Find family friendly places to stay, compare prices and read reviews on Busselton accommodation here.
Busselton Foreshore Playground
Dardanup
Dardanup is located a short drive south east from Bunbury and is home to the infamous Gnomesville . Find things to do in Dardanup here.
Donnybrook
Donnybrook is Western Australia’s apple production central and is located just over 2 hours drive south east of Perth and is best know for it’s huge Apple Fun Park.
Dwellingup
Dwellingup is a timber and fruit growing town just over an hours drive south east of Perth. Treetop Adventures Dwellingup elevated trees and ropes obstacle course, located in the Lane Poole Reserve, is a must for families who love adventure.
Lake Clifton
Lake Clifton is home to the thrombolites of the Yalgorup National Park and is located just over an hours drive south of Perth. Check out the Lake Clifton Caravan Park if you are looking for somwhere to stay.
Katanning
Katanning is a rural town located just over 3 hours drive from Perth and is home to the Katanning All Ages Playground.
Margaret River
Margaret River is reknowed for it’s wineries, breweries and restaurants that feature local produce and is one of the south west’s most popular tourist towns, with so many things to do with kids in Margaret River. Find family friendly Margaret River Wineries , Breweries , Cafes & Restaurants and Attractions here. You’ll also need somewhere to stay while you explore Margaret River, you can compare prices and read the reviews on Margaret River family friendly accommodation here.
Chilli Waters Supa Golf Margaret River
Pemberton
Pemberton is located 3 hours south of Perth and is located in the heart of Karri tree country. Attractions include Pemberton Pool is located on the Lefroy Brook and alongside is the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park just a few minutes drive from the Pemberton Town Centre. Gloucestor Tree is only 5 mins drive from the Pemberton Town Centre also.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, check out RAC Karri Valley Resort Pemberton or find compare prices and read reviews of other family friendly Pemberton accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Manjimup
Manjimup is just over 3 hours south of Perth and is surrounded by Karri trees and nature. It’s also home to the big Timber and Heritage Park Manjimup.
Albany
Albany is located 5 hours drive south of Perth on the southern tip of Western Australia and is one of WA’s major port facilities. It’s a popular family holiday location with lots of things to do in Albany with kids , including playgrounds, places to eat, beautiful beaches, places to stay and other attractions. Popular tourist towns of Denmark and Walpole are also a short road trip away.
Middleton Beach Playground Albany
North West
North West Western Australia is a great family holiday destination to escape the cooler winter weather of Perth and the South West. Popular destinations in the North West Tourist Region include Broome (home of the iconic Cable Beach), Karajini National Park (approximately 200km from Newman and 345 km from Port Hedland and known for it’s magnificent gorges) and Karratha.
Broome
Broome is home to the iconic Cable Beach and is a popular family tourist destination. Family friendly things to do in Broome include Camel Rides on Cable Beach , a visit to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Farm , catch a family movie at the outdoor Sun Pictures , splash at the free water park at the Town Beach Playground and more. Find more information on things to do with kids in Broome at www.visitbroome.com.au
If you are looking for a family friendly place to stay in Broome, the Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa has a kids water playground, family pool, tennis courts and mini golf. Compare prices and read reviews on Family Friendly Broome Accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Karijini National Park
A visit to Karijini National Park is an absolute must for adventurous famililes exploring the North West Pilbara region. Find all the information you need for your vist to Karijini National Park at www.australiansnorthwest.com.au. There are lots of gorges to explore so you’ll need to stay in the park to see it all. Accommodation options in the park include the Karijini Eco Retreat , or to book a campsite
Port Hedland
Port Hedland is typically only somewhere people stop for fuel while travelling through the Pilbara, but it’s also a good place to stay for the night (or two) to take a break from driving and the check out the sights of this mining town. One thing you must do is to watch one of the large ships come into the port. You won’t believe how big they are until you see them up close from the shore. The main street and Spoil Bank are the best places view them.
Port Hedland beaches are not the best for swimming but you can enjoy a swim at the local swimming pools in the warmer months. Gratwick Aquatic Centre in Port Hedland has a recreational pool and toddler pool and the South Hedland Aquatic Centre has a recreational pool, toddler pool and aqua tower with water slides.
Find family friendly Port Hedland accommodation, compare prices and read reviews at HotelsCombined.com.
Karratha
Karratha is a large Pilbara town that makes a great place to stay during your family Pilbara holiday with lots places to stay, cafes and restaurants to dine and quality facilities such as the Karratha Leisureplex and movie cinema at the Red Earth Arts Precinct . Enjoy a play, picnic or bbq on the Dampier Foreshore , or drive to Wickham , Cossack or Point Samson . Looking for somewhere to stay in Karratha? Compare prices and check reviews of Karratha accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Dampier Foreshore Adventure Playground
Coral Coast
The Coral Coast is another holiday destination for famillies chasing some warmer weather. Popular destinations within the Coral Coast include Cervantes , Jurien Bay , Geraldton (including the Abrohlos Islands accessible from Geraldton by air or boat), Shark Bay, Monkey Mia (best know for it’s dolphin experiences), Kalbarri, Carnarvon , Coral Bay and Exmouth (home of Ningaloo and the seasonal Whale Shark experience).
Cervantes
Cervantes is close enough for a day trip is also a great family holiday destination at only 2 hours north of Perth. A visit to the Pinnacles , a drink and a meal at The Lobster Shack or a Sea Lion Tour are a must while in Cervantes.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay with kids you can’t go past the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.
Kids Play Area @ The Lobster Shack Cervantes
Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay is 3 hours drive north of Perth and is a popular family holiday destination. Things to do in Jurien Bay include –
- A walk and a swim at the Jurien Bay Jetty, you can find a pontoon here in the warmer months also
- Snorkel and meet the local Australian Sea Lions in the Jurien Marine Park
- Cycle the sealed 13.5km Turquoise Way pathway along the coast
- Drive 13km north to Sandy Cape Beach for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. You can camp at Sandy Cape at one of the 88 unpowered sites.
- Play at the Jurien Bay Oval Playground
Read reviews and compare prices on family friendly Jurien Bay accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Image credit: Jurien Bay Oval Playground (www.dandaragan.wa.gov.au)
Geraldton
Geraldton is a large regional town so the means there are lots of playgrounds, restaurants, cafes, attractions and events to enjoy. Being a coastal town with beautiful beaches and weather that’s a little warmer than Perth city, it’s a popular destination for swimming, fishing, water sports and water based tours. It’s also located just 60km from the stunning Abrolhos Islands which can be accessed by boat or plane for snorkelling, fishing, diving and photography.
One must do activity for familiies holidaying in or passing through Geralton is the Geraldton Foreshore Playground and Water Playground. It’s big, it’s fun and it’s free and is close to many local cafes and restaurants located along the foreshore.
Other popular Geraldton attractions include Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park , Sun City Cafe and Fun City Indoor Playground, Aquarena Aquatic Centre and there are loads of Geraldton and surrounds tours to choose from too.
Read reviews and compare prices on family friendly Geraldton accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Kalbarri
Kalbarri is best known for the it’s stunning rock gorges located in the Kalbarri National Park (entry fees apply). Here you can also find the Kalbarri Skywalk that offers breaktaking views of the Murchison River. Kalbarri is a popular holiday destination for families who love nature and the outdoors. Popular things to do in Kalbarri including, hiking the gorges, fishing, boating and just hanging out at one of the many amazing beaches. Popular attractions include the Kalbarri Nature Playground on the Kalbarri Foreshore, the Kalbarri Entertainment Centre with trampolines and mini golf and daily pelican feeding on the foreshore (by donation).
Read reviews and compare prices on family friendly Kalbarri accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a World Heritage Area and features an abundance of islands, wildlife and nature. There’s plenty to see with 2WD access but if you want to explore further a 4WD is required. The towns of Denham and Monkey Mia are located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Things to do include –
- A play at the Denham Foreshore Playground
- Daily Dolphin Feeding at the Monkey Mia Conservation Park
- Soak in the Artesian Hot Tub at the Peron Homestead
- Visit the Ocean Park Aquarium and stay for lunch at the restaurant
- Frolic and swim at Shell Beach , made up of cockle shells and stretches over 120km long and shells are up to 10m deep.
Find family friendly Denham and Monkey Mia accommodation at HotelsCombined.com
Carnarvon
Carnarvon is best know for it’s bananas and the Space and Technology Centre. It’s located pretty much half way between Shark Bay and Coral Bay and makes a great place to stay the night to break up the trip north or south and spend some time exploring the town’s attractions.
Now you can’t visit Carnarvon without having a chocolate coated frozen banana from Bumbak’s . It’s located just off the road out of town heaing North, so it’s perfect for a visit on your way out of town. Or if you have a bit more time take a drive around Carnarvon’s “Fruit Loop” where you can visit many working plantations, some of which have road side stalls and with some of the local produce including ice cream, preserves, dried fruits and other seasonal fruit and vegetables for sale.
You may or may not know that Carnarvon is also well know for the important part it played n space history! The Carnarvon Tracking Station relayed the first steps of man on the moon to television in 1969. You can visit the Space and Technology Centre and enjoy various interactive displays and activities.
Other popular attractions included the Blowholes and snorkelling “the aquarium” at Quobba. You can also enjoy a walk along and a play on the Carnarvon Foreshore.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay overnight on your way north or south, The Capricorn Holiday Park is located on the main road in and out of town and is close to service stations so you can fuel up and be on your way in the morning. You can find other family friendly Carnarvon accommodation options at HotelsCombined.com.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is the perfect holiday destination for families who love to park up the car, walk everywhere and enjoy beach activites like snorkelling, fishing and boating. If you don’t have your own boat there are plenty of tours you can book in on to get on and under the water to experience the local marine life on the stunning Ningaloo Reef.
Read reviews and compare prices on family friendly Coral Bay accommodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Exmouth
Exmouth is a large Coral Coast Town with lots of faciltiies and is a great place to stay and explore the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef. But first you can’t beat enjoying a free splash and a bbq lunch in the park at the Exmouth Water Spray Ground.
Exmouth Water Spray Ground
Golden Outback
The Gold Outback of WA stretches from the red rugged landscape in the middle of the outback to some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world on WA’s far south east coastline. Popular destinations include Kalgoorlie , Hyden and Esperance.
Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie is the largest Outback City and is located 592km inland from Perth. While in Kalgoorlie a visit to Hammond Park is a must. Here you can see the impressive miniature Bavarian Castle and you can also experience a native bird and animal collection.
A visit to Kalgoorlie wouldn’t be complete without mine tour at Hannan’s North Tourist Mine . During your tour you can climb onto a giant haul truck, pan for gold and play a round or two of two up and more! Or if you want to see the real thing get on a Super Pit Mine Tour or book on a Super Pit Scenic Flight.
Find reviews and compare prices on family friendly Kalgoorlie accomodation at HotelsCombined.com.
Hyden
Hyden is best know for it’s natural attractions, Wave Rock and Hippo Yawn , which are both natural rock formations that are totally instaworthy! You also must visit Lake Magic where nearby you can swim in the 20m round swimming pool / gypsum pond with bouyancy and theraputic properties greater than the Dead Sea.
The Wave Rock Wildlife Park also offers a wildlife experience that includes white, grey and silver kangaroos, native birds and lizards that freely roam the park. Other family friendly attactractions include the Miniature Solider Museum and Pioneer Town.
There are a few accommodation options in Hyden ranging from camping to a resort. You can find Hyden Accommodation here.
Esperance
Known for the best beaches in the world, Esperance is the perfect distination for for families who love adventure. The best way to see and experience many of Esperance’s incredible beaches is to complete the 40km Great Ocean Drive , which includes a visit to Salmon Beach Windfarm and the Ten Mile Beach Wind Farm also.
Local family friendly attractions include –
- Adventureland Park located on the Esplanade, which is an adventure playground with flying fox, basketball court, bike track and a miniature railway that runs in the warmer months and the school holidays.
- Esperance Mini Golf with 18 indoor holes
- Jolly Jalopy HIre on the foreshore (these are two person, four wheeled pedal bikes)
- See 200 birds and animals at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park (& Cafe)
Read reviews and compare prices on family friendly accommodation in Esperance at HotelsCombined.com.
Getting Around Western Australia
Need a car or 4WD to explore Western Australia? Check out the rates and family specials at Europcar! Or if it’s too far to drive, grab a bargain flight from Bravofly! When you discover these places, make sure that you have a place to stay. Check out cozycozy accommodation search engine to compare all the lodging options in a given area!
That concludes our overview of Western Australia’s Tourist Regions and all the best places to go and things to do while exploring and holidaying with your family in Western Australia. Travel safely and we hope you enjoy all that you get to discover and explore while making memories that will no doubt last a life time.
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.
