How to Spend a Week in Perth with Children

When it comes to family trips, Perth is hard to go past. This city on Australia’s west coast may be on the smaller side, but it’s filled with adventure—especially when you’ve got the keys to a Dollar rental car. Here’s how to see the best of the city, plus sneak in a scenic day trip, all in just one week. 

Day 1: Kings Park and the Perth CBD 

Start your trip with Perth’s crown jewel: Kings Park. The botanical gardens are great for an easy stroll or picnic, and the treetop walkway will take you past views of the city and Swan River. The Synergy Parkland playground is a must for kids, with dinosaur statues and water play in summer. After lunch, head into the city for a wander through Elizabeth Quay, where there’s space to run around and often family events or pop-up activities.

Day 2: Zoo and River Adventures 

Take the kids across to South Perth and spend the day at Perth Zoo. Here, they’ll meet the likes of giraffes, orangutangs and native Australian animals like wombats and quokkas. In the afternoon, relax with a picnic by the river foreshore, where there are cycle paths and playgrounds for burning off any extra energy. 

Day 3:  Fremantle 

Fremantle is just a half-hour drive away and full of kid-friendly attractions. Start at the Fremantle Markets for snacking and shopping, then check out the WA Maritime Museum or for a deep dive into the area’s history. Round out the day at Esplanade Park, which has a great playground, or grab some fish and chips at the Fishing Boat Harbour. 

Day 4: Rottnest Island 

It’s time to leave the car behind for the day, and make way for Rottnest Island. Drive your rental to one of the nearby ferry terminals, then cruise across to this protected nature reserve just 19 km off the coast of Perth. With no cars allowed on the island (for everyday use), this is your invitation to slow down, rent a bike or jump on the hop-on hop-off bus to explore 60+ white-sand beaches, secret coves and scenic viewpoints. While you’re here, keep an eye out for the local quokkas roaming around! 

Day 5: Beaches and Aquariums 

Now it’s time to explore the north of the city. Begin at Scarborough Beach, with its safe swimming spots, lively foreshore and playground. Then, continue on to Hillarys Boat Harbour, where the kids can  walk through underwater tunnels of the Aquarium of Western Australia, surrounded by sharks and rays. It’s that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation that’ll keep everyone engaged. 

Day 6: Swan Valley 

Take a 30 minute drive to Swan Valley, a region known not only for its wine, but also delicious local artisan treats. Stop by Margaret River Chocolate Company, honey farms, and ice-cream shops along your travels, seeking out wineries if your kids have the patience. (Just remember to have a designated driver if you plan on drinking any alcohol.) For something on the wild side, stop by Caversham Wildlife Park, where hand-feeding kangaroos and meeting farm animals is a highlight for many families. 

Day 7: Rockingham or Mandurah 

Wrap up your week with a short drive south. Over in Rockingham it’s all about the dolphins. Join a dolphin-watching cruise, or even a swimming-with-dolphins experience if the kids are old enough. The beaches here are calm and sheltered, and there are also foreshore cafes and grassy picnic spots. 

Mandurah, a little further on, has its own unique charm. The canals weave through town, and it’s common to see dolphins gliding right past the boardwalks. Hop on a boat tour or simply wander along the waterfront, where there are playgrounds, art trails, and plenty of open space to burn off energy.  

One Week, One Way 

A week in Perth gives you the perfect mix of city, coast, wild and wonderful. And with a Dollar rental car, you can fit it all in without rushing, giving everyone in the family time and space to explore, relax and remember.