PERTH
Lined with some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, Perth is a playground for the young and adventurous at heart. The Western Australian city enjoys more sunny days than any other Australian capital and is a haven for families. Take a dip in the Indian Ocean in some of bluest water you’ve ever seen, get a selfie with a cute quokka on Rottnest Island or let the little ones run wild at Kings Park, one of world’s biggest inner-city parks. This outdoor city is also a buzzing metropolis bursting with world-class dining and entertainment options that the whole tribe will love.
Eating out isn’t always fun with the little ones in tow but it can be if you know where to go. Here’s some of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Perth.
1. Little Creatures, Fremantle
Known for its craft beer, tasty food and buzzing atmosphere, this pub has become a Perth icon and for good reason. The pizzas are on point, the pints are fresh and the service is top notch. The brewery attracts both Freo locals and tourists alike but the little ones haven’t been forgotten – they’ll be kept entertained in their own play area in the backyard while you soak up the sunshine with and those port-side views.
Where: 40 Mews Road, Fremantle
More info: www.littlecreatures.com.au
2. Zamia Café, Kings Park
Nestled in one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Zamia Café overlooks one of Perth’s best playgrounds. Try the delicious Harvest Bowl for breakfast or the salt and pepper squid for lunch before treating yourself to one of their tasty cakes, slices or muffins which are all baked in-house. The kids will love the big dinosaurs and climbing structures at the nature playground. Plus, all kids’ meals are just $12 or less!
Where: 50 May Drive, Kings Park
More info: www.zamiacafe.com.au
3. Northshore Tavern, Hillarys
This place is a parent’s dream. Imagine a restaurant where your kids eat free every Monday night, plus there’s movies on the big screen and face painters to keep them busy. And don’t worry if you can’t make it on a Monday because kids’ meals are just $10 every other day of the week with a juice and activity pack included!
Where: Corner of Whitfords and Marmion Avenue, Hillarys
More info: www.thenorthshoretavern.com.au
4. Lady Latte, Scarborough
Offering rainbow coloured pancakes with Oreos and the most impressive babychinos you’ll ever lay eyes on, this café sure knows what the tiny ones love. The big kids are in for a treat too as great tasting coffee made with only the finest beans is standard here as well.
Where: 41 Edgehill Street, Scarborough
More info: www.ladylatte.com.au
5. The Surfing Lizard, Coogee
Offering a relaxed seaside vibe, this family-friendly gem near Coogee Beach serves breakfast and lunch daily and boasts an outdoor play area filled with toys for the kiddos. A great public playground is also just steps away.
Where: 20 Poore Grove, Coogee
More info: www.facebook.com/surfinglizard
6. Roar Bar and Grill, Bibra Lake
Recently renovated, this restaurant was refurbished specifically with families in mind. With one of the most epic adventure playgrounds for all ages and room for more than 600 people, this restaurant knows how to stand out from the rest.
Where: 23 Port Kembla Drive, Bibra Lake
More info: www.roarbarandgrill.com.au
You don’t need to look far to find ways to entertain the kiddos in Perth. Here are just some of the many kid-friendly experiences in and around the city.
1. Rottnest Island
Affectionately known as Rotto by locals, this is an absolute must-do when visiting Perth with the tribe in tow. Home to one of Australia’s cutest marsupials, the Quokka, this island getaway is only a 25 minute ferry ride. The kids will love taking a selfie with the quokkas before pedaling their way (or hitching a ride on mum and dad’s bike) to snorkel at one of the island’s many stunning beaches.
Where: A 25-minute ferry ride from Freemantle, a 45-minute ride
from Hillarys Boat Harbour or 90 minutes via ferry from the Barrack Street Jetty.
Cost: Adult ferry and island admission packages range from $55 to $70. You can book your trip with Rottest Fast Ferries, Rottnest Express or SeaLink Rottnest Island. Look for telethon saver fares on Rottnest Express for more affordable deals. Kids can join the Quokka Club and travel free on the ferry and enter the island for $7.
2.Perth Zoo
Would you love to be an elephant keeper for a day, walk the dingoes or go face-to-face with a giraffe? Then Perth zoo if for you. Home to about 1,300 animals from all corners of the globe, visitors can go behind-the-scenes for up close encounters with the animals. The zoo also prides itself on animal conservation and every visit helps support the zoo’s vital work. This zoo is also one of Australia’s most affordable major zoos!
Where: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth.
Cost: Entry fee is $33 for adults, $16 for kids aged 4-15. Family pass for two adults and two kids is $86.60.
3. Scarborough Beach
It’s hard to believe this beautiful stretch of dune-backed white sand was once a not so desirable area. Recently given a multimillion dollar make-over, it’s now a family paradise with an amazing whale-themed playground, rock-climbing wall and top-drawer skate park for the kids along with several cafes for the adults and an open-air swimming pool for all. And don’t forget those magical Scarborough sunsets.
Where: The Esplanade, Scarborough
Cost: Free
4. Elizabeth Quay
If your little ones love carousel rides, mini golf, ice cream, water parks and adventure playgrounds, then Elizabeth Quay is sure to be a hit. Located along the Perth city foreshore, a fun way to get right to the heart of the action is by ferry. Elizabeth Quay is also home to one of the city’s most unique attractions, The Bell Tower. This tower is the only place in the world where you can see the ancient art of bell ringing in action or give it a go yourself while taking in the spectacular views of the Swan River.
Where: The Esplanade, Perth City.
Cost: A carousel ride is $6 per person or you can get three tickets for $15.
Bell Tower entry is $10 for adults and $8 for kids aged 5-14. Family of four pass is $25.
5. Kings Park
Pack the checkered rug and basket and take the whole tribe to Kings Park for a picnic with arguably the most stunning views of Perth. A top place for the kids, this leafy park is bigger than Central Park in New York and is home to some of the city’s best play areas. One of the most popular areas is May Drive Parklands. The kids will love the water fountains and island fort!
Where: Fraser Avenue, Perth.
Cost: Free
6. Bibra Lake Adventure Playground
Prepare to be impressed! This playground is like a mini theme park but better because it’s free! Think 7000sqm (or 35 tennis courts) of action and adventure with double flying foxes, a treehouse sky-walk, large corkscrew slide, splash pads, swing sets, speaking rocks and much more! Relax under a shady tree on the banks of the lake and let the kids run wild.
Where: Progress Drive, Bibra
Cost: Free
