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One of the most special things to do in Perth, especially for families with kids, is to meet some of Australia’s unique wildlife up close.
Perth’s remote location and diverse habitats make this city home to a variety of Australia’s iconic animals, such as quokkas, kangaroos and koalas.
It’s also quite common to see birds like wagtails, black-cockatoos, Australian ringnecks, and lorikeets while you’re out and about. The local lakes, wetlands, and beaches are where you can often find pelicans, egrets, and shags.
A little adventure to Heirisson Island, and you’ll find kangaroos hopping around. Over at Rottnest Island, you’ll have the chance to meet the adorable quokkas face-to-face.
Perth, in its entirety, is a haven for wildlife.
Continuing on from our complete list of things to do in Perth, let’s explore some of the places in Perth where you can have close encounters with some of these wildlife.
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Caversham Wildlife Park
Stepping into Caversham Wildlife Park provides visitors with close encounters with some of the country’s most iconic native species.
From the playful kangaroos and cuddly koalas to the chirpy parrots and cute wombats, it’s a no-brainer to add to your list of things to do in Perth with kids.
The daily shows blend fun with learning, and if feeding a kangaroo and taking photos with koala sounds enticing, Caversham Wildlife Park is an unmissable stop on any Western Australia itinerary.
Other Fun Things To Do at Whiteman Park
Before moving on to the next one on the list, Whiteman Park is a sprawling oasis of fun in nature with a classic tram that takes you on a journey through the lush landscapes.
Among the many attractions, the Children’s Forest and Pia’s Place Playspace are especially designed for the little adventurers.
The Pool Playground is a great water play area for kids to splash around and enjoy the outdoors.
For those interested in vehicles, The Motor Museum provides a fascinating journey through the evolution of motor vehicles, showcasing a diverse collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and more.
Whiteman Park deserves a whole day when planning your itinerary in Perth. Whether you are hopping on a tram, exploring the natural playgrounds, or splashing around, there’s a piece of magic waiting to be discovered.
AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia
Situated on the stunning coast of Perth, AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia is a journey beneath the waves of the country’s expansive coastline.
From the vibrant coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef to the mysterious depths of the Dampier Peninsula, AQWA showcases a stunning array of rich marine life.
Wander through the underwater tunnel, you can witness majestic sharks and graceful rays gliding overhead.
The touch pool offers a hands-on experience, allowing children to feel the texture of starfish and the cool smoothness of sea cucumber firsthand.
For a different experience, AQWA’s glass-bottom boat adventure provides a unique vantage point, letting guests marvel at the vibrant marine life below while staying comfortably above the water’s surface. This is a particularly good option for families with young kids.
For the truly adventurous, AQWA offers an unparalleled experience of diving with sharks. Under expert guidance, divers can plunge into the deep, sharing the waters with these magnificent marine predators.
For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkelling with sharks provides a chance to float above and witness the graceful dance of the sharks below.
Whether you choose to dive deep or snorkel at the surface, it’s an experience that promises lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for these often misunderstood inhabitants of the deep.
Our family is a big fan of sharks, by the way.
Perth Zoo
Nestled close to the bustling heart of Perth, the Perth Zoo stands as a sanctuary of diverse wildlife. This haven, spanning several acres, invites you to traverse continents through its carefully designed habitats.
From the dense jungles of Asia, where agile orangutans swing, to the vast plains of Africa, echoing with the roars of lions, and the unique landscapes of Australia, teeming with native species, the zoo is a place where the wild meets the curious, making it one of the best things to do in Perth with kids.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park & Penguin Island
We’ve featured Shoalwater Islands in many of our “Perth’s Best” posts, so it’s clear that it’s one of our family’s favourite day trip destinations from Perth.
Situated just off the coast near Rockingham, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is a marine sanctuary that showcases the diverse beauty of Western Australia‘s coastal waters.
This protected area is dotted with limestone islands and vibrant marine life. From colonies of sea lions on Seal Island to the penguins of Penguin Island, the park offers a close encounter with some of the region’s most special sea creatures from October.
Kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours are popular ways to explore the crystalline waters and rich underwater ecosystems. So if you’re up for a one-of-a-kind experience, skip the ferry and kayak to Penguin and Seal Islands.
For families with children aged 6 and over, this snorkelling with wildlife tour covers 3 of the most popular islands: Penguin Island, Seal Island and Bird Island. Not only do you get the chance to take photos with sea lions, penguins and dolphins, but this tour also comes with a seafood lunch and snorkelling gear.
Alternatively, this swim with the dolphin day tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Perth.
For families with toddlers over 3 years old, you’ll be able to enjoy the Penguin Island cruise at a special discount.
While Penguin Island had closed its doors for the breeding season during our visit, a Winter Cruise with lunch is a great way to soak in the sight of the pristine turquoise oasis, making it a worthy road trip from Perth.
So, if a day surrounded by picture-perfect scenery or mingling with cute wildlife is on your agenda, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park surely stands out as a prime destination for families when listing the top things to do in Perth.
Cohunu Koala Park
Just a short drive from Perth’s city centre lies Cohunu Koala Park. This little sanctuary is a blend of Australia’s native wildlife and the beauty of its natural landscape.
At the heart of this experience is the opportunity to get up close with the park’s adorable koalas. Guided by a friendly staff, you get to hold a koala, feeling its soft fur against your skin while capturing this special moment with a photo.
The park is also home to a variety of animals including kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Wander along its pathways and you’ll discover whimsical corners where animals frolic and birds serenade.
So if you’ve come to Australia to experience close encounters with native wildlife, then Cohunu Koala Park deserves a spot on your list of things to do in Perth.
Armadale Reptile Centre
Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre has been a sanctuary to a wide selection of Australia’s native reptiles and wildlife of over 70 different species. From snakes, lizards and turtles to parrots and kangaroos, this centre is a microcosm of Australia’s unique wildlife.
The centre has a very casual setting where you can take your time wandering around. It’s also a sanctuary where hurt and injured animals find a second chance. The friendly staff here are informative and are always keen to share the stories of the local wildlife.
Among the exciting things to do in Perth, Armadale Reptile Centre stands out for the unique opportunity it offers to interact with some of the reptiles like snakes, making it a great attraction to add to your itinerary in Perth.
The West Australian Reptile Park
While Armadale Reptile Centre has a laidback vibe, The West Australian Reptile Park provides more of an educational and guided experience with presentations. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights about the various reptiles housed in the park.
You can see these creatures up close and gain a deeper understanding of their habits, habitats, and significance in the ecosystem.
For those truly passionate about reptiles, The West Australian Reptile Park is a great alternative.
Landsdale Farm
Landsdale Farm is a vibrant working farm that offers families an immersive opportunity to learn about its beloved animal residents. As you step onto the farm, you’ll be greeted by friendly goats that love to strike a pose for photos.
This farm provides an educational and fun experience, particularly for children. They will have the chance to get up close and personal with alpacas, turkeys, donkeys, cows, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and charming pigs and even have a go at feeding these adorable animals.
There’s an indoor playground and plenty of shaded spots for a picnic. Kids will love hopping on the little train for a ride around the farm.
If your visit falls on the weekend, Landsdale Farm has carefully curated programs and engaging activities designed to keep children entertained, making Landsdale Farm a top choice among things to do in Perth for families.
Heirisson Island
Last but not least, we’ve mentioned Heirisson Island in many of posts on Perth.
Not only is it a fantastic spot to reconnect with nature without actually leaving the city, but it’s also a hidden gem for spotting local wildlife.
It’s very common to find wild kangaroos hopping around, along with white egrets and pelicans resting and gliding over the water.
Kids will love this wildlife encounter experience in a peaceful and secluded setting.
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∞ Kida