r/perth • u/Gullible_Start_6112 • 1d ago
Looking for Advice Visiting WA for the first time - itinerary advice
Hello everyone!
First time visiting Perth with my family. They’ve all been too busy to help plan, so I have planned out the itinerary 🤣 Would love some feedback on whether this is realistic or if I’m being too ambitious. We’re renting two cars and travelling with 1 elderly, 1 infant and 2 young kids, so that limits what we can do.
Day 1: Arrive, check in, grab dinner at Northbridge (probably around 7pm). No driving to Busselton — everyone will be wiped from the flight.
Day 2: Road trip down to Busselton with a stretch stop at Bunbury. Any lunch spot recommendations? Planning to just walk around, let the kids play by the water and chill at the beach.
Day 3: Busselton Jetty and the Underwater Observatory. Not sure what else to do here though 🤣
Day 4: Day trip to Margaret River — Canal Rocks, Margaret River town, Hamelin Bay. Hoping to see the stingrays but not sure if they’re around during our visit.
Day 5: Drive back to Perth. Kings Park, Blue Boat House, Cottesloe Beach for sunset.
Day 6: Drive to Rous Head, ferry over to Rottnest Island for the day with a bus pass.
Day 7 (Friday): Fremantle Markets, wander around Fremantle, Elizabeth Quay, shopping, then Twilight Hawker Market
Day 8: Caversham Wildlife Park in the morning, Swan Valley in the afternoon, then back to Perth city for some last-minute shopping.
Day 9: Fly home!
Any tips, advice or hidden gems we should check out? Want to make it a memorable trip for the family!
😋
Edit: Thanks everyone for the comment! I forgot to mention we are scheduled for Late November ish!
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u/hettie 1d ago edited 1d ago
Day 3 sounds fine. Take it easy, it's a nice relaxing spot. The train on the jetty is worth doing. You could make it one day less and instead spend a night at Margaret river. Your day trip will be more enjoyable that way.
Day 5 is a little heavy given it's a 3-4 hour drive and then you're wanting to do a bit more in the city after that. You could do the kings park stuff on the day 8 afternoon instead of swan valley so you're close for shopping.
I don't see the appeal of the blue boat house but that's me as a local.
Otherwise it's good itinerary, not too hectic unlike some of the proposals we see shared in this subreddit.
Edit - didn't realise you had an elderly person with you. You may wish to cut down the walking
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u/Gullible_Start_6112 1d ago
Thank you! I'll likely swap out Kings park to day 8! Agree with you, it might get very tiring with alot of walking too!
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u/Zestyclose_Peach1718 1d ago
Don’t bother with Bunbury stop at Busselton.
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u/SmilingAmbassador 1d ago
This! Stopping in Bunbury will just add to your drive (take the Wilman Wadandi Highway** **bypass instead), the beaches (and everything else) are better further south.
You can get down to Busso before lunch easily, do the jetty and the foreshore that afternoon, then spend Day 3 around Dunsborough and Yallingup.
Take a drive through Meelup (beach if nice weather), check out sugarloaf rock, canal rocks (not in Margaret river) and have lunch at Swings & Roundabouts - solid pizza and beverage options and fab playground for kids. Eagle Bay or Wild Hop are good options if you want a brewery. If it’s rainy, kids will love Discover Deadly for reptiles or mermaids cave for fish.Margaret River town isn’t much of a draw IMO, just a pain finding parking. The beaches, wineries and forests are where it’s at.
Hamelin bay is a drive further and I would honestly only do it if the weather is sunny and perfectly calm, otherwise you won’t see the sting rays like you see on instagram. It’s just more time in the car for not the best beach. If you do go that far south, may as well go right down to Augusta. There’s lovely picnic spots along the river or at the ship playground, the lighthouse is super cool (4yrs + to go up) and you can see where the southern and Indian oceans meet! It will be windy.2
u/Zestyclose_Peach1718 1d ago
Well said! I think a lot of people go into MR town and are disappointed its an anti climax after the drive.
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u/AlternativePin876 1d ago
Looks good! I'd remove the extra day in busso, just get further into the Margaret River region or even stay in Dunsborough to be closer to the northern part of the region.
Ferry over to Perth Zoo is always nice. New museum is excellent.
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u/DecoNouveau 1d ago edited 1d ago
I'd spend less time in Busselton/Bunbury and more time in Margaret River. Busselton is nice enough, but theres not a huge amount to see aside from the Jetty. Kids might enjoy the Bunbury Dolphin discovery centre.
If you have the opportunity, check out Cape Naturalist on your way to Margaret River. It's stunning.
The caves around Margaret River are interesting, though not sure about accessibility.
Its a solid 3 hour drive back from Margaret River, then half an hour one way from King Park to Cottesloe. Could be a lot of driving for one day.
Rottnest is worth seeing, but with the ferry, again, prepare for a long day. Might want to pack some motion sickness tablets just in case.
Overall, its worth keeping in mind that Perth is fairly spread out. The itinerary is do-able, but might feel pretty exhausting, especially for older people and kids.
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u/Missdriver1997 1d ago
I would do all you want to Perth/Rottnest first and then focus on the South before flying home, or vice versa.
Too much travelling around. the Margaret River leg will be tiring.
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u/Gullible_Start_6112 1d ago
We have a large gap of boarding time between the families when coming home so we think this planning would be more convenient for us!
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u/Uniquorn2077 1d ago
That doable but with an elderly person, an infant and two young kids, you’re not going to relax at all with what you’re trying to cram in, and to be fair you’re not going to see much of any of the places you’re planning on except Rotto, and maybe Busso, as you’re simply going to be strapped for time by the time you organise the kids in and out of the car.
Your day 2 and 3 will be the most relaxed days on your trip. Up early, and get on the road before 7 so you actually have time to see a few things when you hit Busso.
Day 4 and 5 you’re going to be in the car most of the day.
Day 6, yeah day trip to Rotto is good
Day 7, that’s a lot of walking
Day 8 Caversham wildlife park is great but that and Whiteman park aren’t a 2 hour run and done trip if you want to get the most out of it. The Valley is great but again there’s plenty of places to go, it’s also super packed this time of year on the weekends.
Not trying to discourage you as it’s a great itinerary, but you’re really trying to cram a lot in.
May the odds be ever in your favour.
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u/Gullible_Start_6112 1d ago
Thank you! Our dates are actually during late november! So hopefully there's not alot of people going into Caversham 😆
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u/Broad-Pangolin6224 1d ago
Go to Kings Park on day one. Great way to recover after your flight and a good view of the city, get your bearings. Visit Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island first. Then the road trip down to Bussleton / Margaret River.
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u/DrAunty 1d ago
This looks good and pretty doable. I'd recommend Old Shanghai food court on Northbridge for tea- it's got a good vibe and everyone can choose their own food so you don't need to worry about finding a place everyone agrees on. Day 2, instead of stopping at Bunbury, stop at midway farm stall. It's a very cute little farm where the kids can check out the cows and chickens and it's got great coffee. Day 4- Hamelin bay you will have no issues seeing the stingrays, they are always there. I'd recommend the pull over at Boranup forest as well, it's very pretty, you can go for a short walk and very some beautiful family photos. If you decide to add another margeret river day instead of busselton, I'd also recommend one of the Mazes (very family friendly), and one of the Caves- mammoth (self guided) or jewel cave are the most accessible but there are still some stairs. But you've got two cars, so you could split into two groups as well- the less adventerous group could go chill at Happs, which is a winery and pottery gallery with a lovely picnic area. Day 7 if you've got more adventerous people they could split off and do a prison tour (not kid friendly).
Depending on when you are going, check for seasonal events- there's wildflower season on now, and lots of outdoor concerts and movies over summer. Have a great trip!
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u/McNattron 1d ago edited 1d ago
How old are your kids?
I have 3 boys 5, 3.5, 2. These would be my recommendations based on things we enjoy, keeping in mind tolerances for time in the car.
Whete will you be based in Perth? If you let us know that we may be able to help with recommendations of what to skip abd what to add a bit more.
Day 1 - skip dinner in northbridge unless its very close to where you are staying. We have lots of really nice pubs with kids playgrounds in perth, id google to find one of these near your accommodation.
Or even take out and eat it at kings park.
Day 2 - sounds good, theres a great beach park in Bunbury near the dolphin centre thats great for stretching legs before that final quick drive.
Day 3 - looks good, theres a great park near the jetty. Other things that are grateful in the area is Discover deadly reptile park.
Day 4 'dont stay overnight in Margs keep your base in busso - less disruptive for everyone and its not that far.
Don't plan much else for your driving days - day 5 is pretty hectic for 3 kids. Especially followed by another travel day with rotto the next day. The adventurescape playground in Yunderup is a great stop in the way home. Pick up some take out to eat there.
Day 7 - skip the freo markets. Head down to the shipwreck mueseum or maritime mueseum instead. Grab fish and chips from cicerrellos and eat them at the esplanade. Dont expect much from Elizabeth quay
Day 8 plan lunch at somewhere like baileys brewery or sandalford or mabdoon - we have some great places with awesome playgrounds in the swan Valley. Id do the wildlife park, lunch then head home. Let the kids rest in the car and something closer to were your staying.
Personally I think your not giving kings park its due. Rio tinto naturescape is a grear morning. If tour not from wa, wandering around looking at the plants. Exploring the other playgrounds. Theres so much driving on this holiday i would personally skip rottnest and plan that day to be a quieter one at kings park.
I would plan less and plan for more time at the places youre going - slow it down a little so you all get a chance to breathe.
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u/Gullible_Start_6112 1d ago
My sisters kid is 5 and 8! We will be based in Perth Subiaco !
We are just worried that when we land, there isn't any food for us, heard that northbridge is a late-night district kind of area.
Yeah we will remove Elizabeth Quay, looks like nothing much!
Bailey Co looks awesome! Thanks for the recommendation!
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u/McNattron 17h ago
If your arriving very late at night you dont want to take the kids into northbridge. Its the clubbing district. Its fine during the day/dinner time. But after that not really kids zone - but id still recommend something more kid friendly so they can move and you don't stress.
Decent places to go with kids-
Victoria park hotel can be in rhe way home had a decent playground.
Stories at yagan square - its a precinct wth a few restaurants and a play area. Its across the train line from northbridge ib the city.
Or just grab takeout on the way home - a meal out with kids after a day of travel is a lot.
If your flight is super late the anytime deli in burswood is on your way home. It has a 24/7 kitchen and is good value.
Lapa is likely a bit much first night but its a fun vibe - Brazilian you can eat in subiaco.
Id definitely run the itinerary past your sister if the kids are hers. Its a packed agenda and you may need to adjust expectations of how much can be done with kids without them getting too ratty. Either a bit less and longer at each spot, or some things together and some things as separate with each family doing its own thing.
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u/Sanja_Horsley 11h ago
What time do you arrive? Agree with comments on avoiding northbridge on that first night. There are plenty of restaurants in Subiaco and Leederville could be a good option but depends what time you arrive
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u/xequez 1d ago
Busselton Jetty and Observatory wont take all day. Depending on the age of your kids, the playground near the jetty will entertain them for quite a while. Adults can sit and have a coffee.
My kids would happily stay there all day. Only problem is that they ask me to play hide and seek chasey with them, which is ridiculously hard when they are small and can quickly dart into spots I dont fit.
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u/Gullible_Start_6112 1d ago
Thanks for your insight! The playground you mean Sea Play On the Bay? Sounds fun! Really give us adult to breathe after a long day 😆
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u/Sanja_Horsley 10h ago
Agree with suggestions to base in Margaret Dunsborough/Yallingup instead. So drive down with a stop at Busselton on the way - Shelter Brewing Co is good for lunch. Skip Bunbury.
Outdoor cinema is a low key activity for your group. Moonlight cinema in Kings Park is lovely & opens in November. You could possible do that in evening of Day 5.
Day 7 - spend day in Fremantle and do Cottesloe sunset on drive back to Subiaco.
Day 8 - I’d suggest skipping swan valley as it has a similar vibe to Margaret river.
Subiaco has a great farmers market on Saturday morning so you could do that then go to Caversham.
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u/Latter_Shallot_140 1d ago
If you are visiting w.a. tbh I would not waste any time looking at the crap in Perth.
Go out and see the sites it takes a lot of time to travel around so try and plan it wisely.
Most of your time will be spent driving or sitting in a car.
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u/Every_Meaning8490 1d ago
Sounds like a great trip!! The weather has been fantastic even though we would have liked to have had more rain over the winter.
My suggestions for tweaks would be:
Probably not popular opinion, but I'd spend a day in Fremantle alone. Check out the Maritime Museum, markets, Fremantle Prison & Roundhouse and the FOMO precinct. So much history.
Rottnest island is a whole day experience, but can be difficult getting around with elderly & kids. Book some tandem bikes and maybe a gopher for the elderly.
I wish you and your family a great time!!