Experience otherworldly phenomena and majestic landscapes on your family road trip in Western Australia. With awe-inspiring wilderness and boundless natural adventures, you won’t be short on things to occupy your kids' interests.
To help you make the most of a family-friendly Western Australian road trip, we’ve got you covered with helpful tips from recommended routes, activity ideas, and of course, delicious halal food to help you plan the best adventure on the road with your kids!
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1. Getting around
Credit: Edwin Neaves on Facebook
There is a lot to take into account before you decide to go on a road trip, so let us guide you through some important steps. First, car rentals are available everywhere in Western Australia. Most of them are located near airports and the Central Business District, making it super convenient for pick-up and drop-off. We recommend Apex, Hertz and Avis. If you don’t have a credit card, you may opt for Apex as they accept debit cards.
In terms of prices, they differ according to the type of vehicle. We also advise that you opt for additional car rental excess insurance for extra protection. For a family of 4-5 people, consider renting a Midsize SUV as it’s spacious enough to fit both you and your luggage.
To get quality vehicles at a much cheaper price, it’s always better to book early. However, it’s also important to highlight that while you choose your desired car during the booking process, you should still show up at the rental place as early as possible to avoid getting a different car assigned to you!
P.S. Don’t forget to check with the car rental company about child seats, which are compulsory throughout Australia for children up to 4 years of age. Babies up to six months are also required to be in a rearward-facing child seat.
2. The best road trip routes in Western Australia for an all-rounded experience
There are some incredible drives throughout Western Australia, with a number of options to fit your preferred duration and the experiences you want to have.
Here are two perfect routes for you and your family:
Indian Ocean Drive – Cervantes, Geraldton, Kalbarri
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
A favourite Australian road trip, driving from Perth (Boorloo) to Geraldton (Jambinu) on the Indian Ocean Drive is a sweet escape for any family. In just 7 hours total on the road, you’ll get to see scenic views of the stunning Coral and Turquoise Coasts, drive past the amazingly pink Hutt Lagoon, and come across other rare natural sights such as the wildflower fields and the mysterious limestone formations at the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park.
This route also happens to offer family-friendly activities like a Lobster Shack factory visit, sandboarding on the sand boarding on sand dunes of Lancelin, meeting sea lions at Jurien Bay and participating in the Aboriginal cultural tour in Shark Bay. Find out what else you can do in our 5D4N Perth itinerary!
Southwest Nature Drive – Bunbury, Busselton, and Margaret River
The area just south of Perth is known for its greenery, beach views, and national parks. While you can reach Margaret River (Wooditjbilyup) after just 3 and a half hours of non-stop driving from Perth, we recommend that you stretch your trip out over a couple of days to get the best of Western Australia’s fresh air and breathtaking sights.
Make sure to stop by Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre to learn more about the research and conservation of bottlenose dolphins and other local marine animals.
The best thing about the Discovery Centre is its dedication to an ethical experience – meaning both you and the kids will get to learn more about dolphins and other marine creatures without disturbing the animals.
Further south, Busselton Jetty is the Southern hemisphere’s longest timber jetty with some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see.
To get the best of local life, make sure to visit some farmer’s markets or community gardens along the way to see how local produce is delivered from farm-to-table. The produce you’ll get to try is so fresh and crisp, that it’ll feel like you’re tasting familiar foods for the very first time!
Bunbury Farmers Market hosts over 150 local growers, giving you the best of Western Australia’s produce throughout the year – plus they sometimes mark prices down after 5pm so even if you arrive after most of the crowd leaves you’ll be able to grab some bargains to make up for it!
Busselton’s Community Garden has volunteer days every Tuesday and Saturday morning where the whole family can help out and gain an appreciation for their food, and Margaret River’s own Farmer’s Market held every Saturday throughout the year shows off the hard-earned products of the farmers’ determination and grit.
To round off your tour of Western Australia’s stunning natural attractions, you have to visit an orchard before you leave! Wonky Windmill Farm & Eco Park offers visitors the opportunity to pick their own seasonal fruits between April to mid-December – you can even pay a small fee extra to meet and cuddle with their adorable farm animals too.
#HHWT Tip: The produce in these orchards changes on a seasonal basis so make sure to research beforehand to see what you’ll be bringing home. We’re eyeing Wonky Windmill’s unique lemonade fruit produced from May to September, which tastes just like organic lemonade without the fizz!
South of Western Australia - Margaret River, Pemberton, Albany and Esperance
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
This journey takes you through Margaret River, Pemberton, Albany (Kinjarling), and Esperance (Kepa Kurl), each offering a unique array of family-friendly attractions. Start your adventure in Margaret River then, drive to Pemberton, a quaint town nestled in the heart of tall timber country. This area is perfect for families who love the great outdoors.
If you're visiting between September and November, make sure to marvel at the dazzling wildflowers in Nannup before continuing your journey in the lush landscapes around Pemberton.
Soar above the ground on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, a stunning 40-metre high walkway that weaves through the majestic presence of 400-year-old tingle trees. These incredible giants are unique to this region and truly awe-inspiring.
Denmark offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. Imagine snorkelling in crystal-clear blue waters, taking in the breathtaking scenery from rugged rock formations to rolling green hills, and enjoying local delights.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Albany is a paradise for history enthusiasts and whale watchers. A trip to The Gap in Torndirrup National Park is a MUST when you’re here!
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Finally, head to Esperance, where you'll discover the whitest sand beaches, island adventures, and wildlife cruises. Be sure to head over to Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park (Mandoowernup), a spot famous for kangaroo sightings! Tear yourself away from the stunning coastline and drive through scenic wheat fields to Hyden, home of Wave Rock, a natural wonder with its 15-metre high curving granite wall.
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3. Stay at family-friendly accommodations near the best attractions
As one of the most family-friendly places in Australia, there are plenty of holiday homes, hotels, and apartments to suit your family's accommodation needs. You’ll be spoilt for choice with an extensive catalogue of places to stay! Here’s what we recommend:
Discovery Resorts Rottnest Island
Credit: Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Tucked away behind the iconic Pinky Beach dunes, Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island offers a unique holiday experience that is both relaxed and breathtaking. As the first low-impact glamping spot on Rottnest Island, the resort prioritises enrichment, connection, and minimal environmental impact. Imagine sleeping (almost) under the stars in a luxurious eco-tent, wandering along boardwalks through the sand dunes to Pinky's Rottnest Island, and unwinding by the resort pool.
With stunning views over The Basin and the city just a distant speck on the horizon, you’ll feel miles away from the daily grind. It’s the perfect place to reimagine the classic Australian family holiday, disconnect from the busy world, and enjoy freedom and space.
Price: From RM1,000/SGD289 per night.
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (near Shark Bay)
If you’re going up north, it’s probably best to book a stay for a night or two, especially if Shark Bay (Gathaagudu) is in your itinerary. RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is one of the best-rated locations in Monkey Mia, offering a range of resorts from family studios to beach-view rooms.
Their Family Studio provides 1 queen-size bed, a single bunk bed and a roll-away bed, perfect for you and your kids. As the premise does not offer halal catering, you can enjoy the convenience of the personal kitchenette provided to cook your own dishes.
Price: From MYR656/SGD216 per night.
Farmstay: Margaret River Hideaway (near Margaret River)
If you’re travelling south of Perth instead, then a farm stay will be perfect for bringing you closer to nature than ever. Margaret River Hideaway and Farmstay's standard cottages have a mix of queen and twin-bed rooms and come fully equipped with kitchen and lounge amenities for up to 4-6 people.
The property includes a variety of animals, with feedings happening throughout the week that visitors can take part in. A simple breakfast of cereal, milk, bread, orange juice, and coffee or tea is included but the property is self-catering. (This would be the perfect time to make use of that fresh produce you bought at the farmer’s market!)
Price: From MYR444/SGD148 per night (prices change between peak and off-peak periods)
4. Participate in fun family-friendly activities
Caversham Wildlife Park
Credit: @happy_hands_tomomi on Instagram
For a day of discoveries and wildlife lessons, drive to Caversham Wildlife Park, a family-run park that’s known to have Western Australia’s largest collection of native animals like the koalas, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils and even wombats!
Credit: @happy_hands_tomomi on Instagram
For a full Australian experience, be prepared to spend at least 2 hours at the park where you can hand-feed kangaroos and feed koalas for free! You can even get a glimpse of whip-cracking, and sheep-shearing at the interactive farm show. Take a break in between and enjoy some halal steak pies at the Food Kiosk near the entrance.
#HHWT Tip: Caversham also houses the Swan Valley Mosque and Islamic Centre with prayer facilities so once you’re done exploring the wonderful Australian wildlife at the park, you can drop by the mosque and perform your prayers!
Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Credit: Tourism Western Australia
You can’t miss out on the quintessential beach experience at the incredible Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu), situated in the northwest coastal region of Western Australia. If you’re on the Indian Ocean Drive, you HAVE to stop by.
Regarded as the last great ocean paradise by the World Heritage Committee, this marine park is also the largest fringing coral reef in Australia where you can swim with cute turtles and gentle c whale sharks! Simply step off the sandy white beaches and enter an underwater wonderland filled with a diverse array of colourful corals, and more than 500 species of marine life including dugongs, turtles and manta rays.
Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experience
Credit: Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences on Facebook
Located in Perth, Go Cultural is dedicated to keeping Perth’s aboriginal culture and history alive with its guided tours. One of the unique aspects of Go Cultural’s tours is their setting within the city itself – as you walk through the central business district and hear your guide’s explanation of Nyungar history, it’ll change your perspective on aboriginal culture forever. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience that’ll enrich your life and give you a chance to learn about a whole new culture and history.
Sandboarding at Lancelin
For a thrilling day with your kids, stop by Lancelin (Wangaree) and sandboard on the pristine white sand dunes! Known as the premiere spot for sandboarding, this sport is famous amongst locals and tourists are slowly picking it up.
All you need is a sandboard which you can rent for AUD12.50 (2 hours) at the Lancelin General Store. Be sure to ask for the paraffin to wax your board as it helps to reduce friction for longer runs. Once you have that sorted, head over to the sand dunes and park your vehicle at the base of the dunes on the hard rock.
Adventure World
Treat your kids to a special day out at Adventure World in Perth where they’ll be spoiled with water slides and fun rides like the Tidal Wave or the Wahoo Speed Slides. For parents, you can always chill at The Lagoon. Dry off with some of the thrilling rides like the Little Leaper, Dragon Express or the Dragon Flyer.
5. Go on a shopping spree – with the kids in tow!
While you may not think of shopping when it comes to Western Australia, believe it or not, you can definitely find some great bargains and deals here!
Direct Factory Outlet
Direct Factory Outlet has over 100 stores featuring everything from recognisable international brands such as Nike and Adidas, to more unique offerings from Volcom, City Beach, and Jim Kidd Sports. Whether you’re searching for shoes, bags, or an extra suitcase to fit all that shopping in, you’re sure to find everything you need at DFO.
Watertown Brand Outlet
At the heart of Perth’s CBD sits a shopping haven known as the Watertown Brand Outlet. As one of the few outlet stores in the region, Watertown features a myriad of local to international retailers at attractive prices!
With over 118 stores ranging from fashion to jewellery to homewares, Waterton is a shopping spot you wouldn’t want to miss, including Cotton On Kids, Bonds Outlet and Ollies Place Kidswear.
P/S: Check out these 17 Brands Cheaper In Australia Than Back Home!
Fremantle Markets
Looking for something different? Head over to Fremantle Markets and experience Western Australia’s 100 years of vibrant culture and heritage like never before. If you’re into vintage fashion and local arts and crafts, this is THE place to be!
Freo, as the locals call it, is a weekend market (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) that houses a whopping 150 stalls inside a Victorian-style building. From vintage Mexican-inspired fashion to local Aboriginal crafts, there’s definitely something for you and your kids.
P/S: Check out The Ultimate Muslim-Friendly Guide to Fremantle Markets here!
6. Enjoy Muslim-friendly food around the region
As with most places in Australia, Western Australia has plenty of halal food around, mainly in the CBD area of Perth.
Chee Tayeb
Take a break from strolling around the city and have a meal at Chee Tayeb, a halal-certified Lebanese restaurant in the heart of Perth. Sink your teeth into juicy platters of shawarma, Lebanese-style pizza, hummus, falafel and a cup of Lebanese coffee. Besides offering the best Lebanese dishes, the restaurant also provides high chairs for kids.
Status: Halal-certified.
Address: 353 Murray St, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs, 9:00AM - 9:00PM, Fri & Sat, 9:00AM - 11:00PM, Sun, 9:00AM - 5:00PM.
Lord Of The Fries
Who doesn’t love fries? It’s the perfect take-out food! And let’s admit it - your kids love them too. Head over to Lord Of The Fries, a fast food chain that has attracted the locals for its delicious halal offering of vegetarian burgers and hot dogs. Treat yourself to the popular Halal Snack Pack, a fun meal consisting of doner kebab meat and chips. Trust us, your kids will love it ;)
Address: 110 William St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon & Tues, 9:00AM - 11:00PM, Wed & Thurs, 9:00AM - 12:00AM, Friday, 9:00AM - 2:30AM, Sat, 9:00AM - 3:00AM, Sun, 10:0AM - 11:00PM.
Kailis’ Fish Market Cafe
You can’t leave Western Australia without trying its fish & chips! And the best place to savour that is none other than: Kailis’ Fish Market Cafe! Located at Waterfront Fremantle, this eatery is famous amongst Muslim travellers.
Get a table by the harbour to get a nice view of the fishing harbour! If you’re with kids, we recommend sharing the Seafood Platter and the Fish and Chips platter. Once you’re done with your meal, don’t forget to check out the Tourist Wheel Fremantle and enjoy views of Fremantle towns and harbours ;)
#HHWT Tip: Although the chicken is not halal and alcoholic beverages are served, the eatery has confirmed that the seafood (including Fish & Chips) is fried using separate oil and fryer.
Address: 46 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00AM - 8:00PM.
Lobster Shack
Lobster Shack is a gem not to be missed! This family-run business has been around since the 60s, and it’s still going strong. If the Indian Ocean Drive is already on your list, then we definitely recommend popping by Lobster Shack for a quick lunch as it’s only an hour away from Lancelin.
Savour a variety of fresh seafood, including the world-famous Western Australia rock lobster and the daily specials. Word has it the grilled abalone is pretty good so if that ever pops up on the menu, you know what to do! ;)
Address: 37 Catalonia St, Cervantes WA 6511, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
So, there you have it – the only guide you need to enhance your road trip experience with your kids. It’s time to get cracking and plan your trip now!
But remember, the key to a successful road trip is choosing your fun wisely and taking breaks to let your kids rest. With all that in mind, we bet the miles on the road with your kids will just zoom by and you’ll have a wonderful time together!
P/S: Looking to save on your next adventure? Book with Sedunia Travel and get 20% off the second adult! Offer valid until July 21, 2024.
This article is brought to you by Tourism Western Australia.