As Australia Day rolls around each year, we gather our friends and families together to celebrate what we love most about our country – and luckily for Perth, WA families, there’s plenty of entertaining festivities to enjoy on Australia Day with the kids. Whether we’re looking forward to the beloved celebrations in the city or escaping to a nearby natural playground, there are many exciting experiences to choose from in Perth.
Are you on the hunt for some exciting things to do with kids on Australia Day? Here’s a list of Perth’s most exciting attractions that we compiled just for you.
If you are looking for school holiday activities in Perth – we have the best list in town!
Australia Day Langley Park
Langley Park plays host to Perth’s exciting Australia Day celebrations, packed with plenty of entertaining attractions for the entire family to enjoy. Located on the waterfront, the Langley Park Entertainment Zone includes a jumping castle, a BMX show, water park, sausage sizzle, and heaps more, while a stunning fireworks display rounds out the day. Keep an eye out for possible announcements or updates regarding a 2024 Australia Day at Langley Park.
Address: Langley Park, Terrace Road, East Perth, Western Australia
Herdsman Lake
Herdsman Lake is home to a range of exciting activities for families to enjoy on Australia Day. This includes walking, cycling, birdwatching, and more. Some popular sites throughout the park include Popeye Lake, Floreat Lakes Foreshore, and the Wildlife Centre. For picnics, a visit to Glendalough is a must. The area offers open spaces, a playground to entertain the kids, and two gazebos. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the Parks And Wildlife Service website.
Address: Herdsman Lake, Herdsman, Western Australia, 6017
Website: Herdsman Lake
Lesmurdie Falls
Located within the Mundy Regional Park is Lesmurdie Falls – a spectacular waterfall surrounded by plenty of walking trails to choose between. The Falls Trail is the shortest trek, stretching over 640m (return) and taking about 45 minutes to complete. Otherwise, there’s the Valley Loop Trail, extending over 3 km (return) and taking 2 hours to finish. If you’re looking to pack some adventure into your Australia Day celebrations, a trip to Lesmurdie Falls is worth considering.
Address: Forrestfield, Western Australia, 6058
Kings Park
Kings Park is set to host its Australia Day celebrations again this year. Your family can look forward to the 21 Gun Salute at noon. Entry into the event is only a gold coin donation. For more information or updates regarding the Australia Day celebrations at Kings Park, visit their website.
We wrote a detailed review about the awesome Kings Park playgrounds and attractions on our recent visit.
Address: Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005
Website: Kings Park
Cottesloe Beach
A popular beach among locals is the Cottesloe Beach – a great option for those eager to celebrate Australia Day by the sea. Families can look forward to plenty of entertaining activities, including swimming, surfing, snorkelling, walking, and more. Otherwise, bring along a picnic, lounge on the sand, and play a few games of beach cricket.
Ellenbrook Water Playground
With a colourful assortment of water guns and displays, the Ellenbrook Water Playground is the perfect place to cool off on Australia Day. The park is located conveniently close to the Ellenbrook Town Centre. With toilets and a BBQ located nearby, it’s a great spot for a family picnic. If the kids get sick of the park, there’s also an open grass field close by.
Address: LOT 5519 Library Ave, Ellenbrook WA 6069
Australia Day Supreme Court Gardens
The Supreme Court Gardens have also been a popular Australia Day option for Perth families, with the Birak Concert in full swing. The concert celebrates indigenous performances in the form of dance, art, and music. Food is also available to buy. Keep an eye out for potential announcements of a 2024 Australia Day celebration at the Supreme Court Gardens.
Address: Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000
Hyde Park Water Playground
Another spot to take the kids and cool off on Australia Day is the Hyde Park Water Playground, located in North Perth on Vincent Street. The park has a colourful assortment of playground equipment, spurting water in every direction. With a BBQ area also available, families can gather and enjoy a picnic. For more information on the offering at the Hyde Park Water Playground and to plan your visit, see the City Of Vincent website.
Address: Vincent St, North Perth WA 6000
Website: Hyde Park Water Playground
The Basin, Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a paradise on Perth’s doorstep, home to a countless assortment of natural activities for families to enjoy. Many visitors are often drawn to the Basin – a popular swimming and snorkelling area of the island, with shallow, crystal water. It’s a great spot to throw down a picnic rug, enjoy a swim, play some cricket, and relax on Australia Day. For more information or to plan your visit to Rottnest Island, head over to the Rottnest Island website.
Address: Rottnest Island, Western Australia, 6161
Website: The Basin
Westfield Garden City
Westfield Garden City is a large shopping hub in Perth, containing a labyrinth of big brands for parents and children to both enjoy. The offering includes fashion, homewares, technology, beauty, restaurants, smaller eateries, and more. The complex even has a cinema. For those eager to do some shopping on Australia Day, the Westfield Garden City is worth stopping by. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Westfield Garden City website.
Address: 125 Riseley St, Booragoon WA 6154
Website: Westfield Garden City
Australia Day St James Mitchell Park
For families based in South Perth, the Australia Day festivities typically occur in St James Mitchell Park. The event usually consists of an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, followed by a breakfast BBQ. From there, kids can look forward to rides, entertaining activities, and more, finishing at 8 pm. For possible announcements or updates regarding a 2024 Australia Day celebration at St James Mitchell Park, head to the City Of South Perth website.
Address: Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151
Website: St James Mitchell Park
John Forrest National Park
Located about 40 minutes from Perth is the John Forrest National Park, home to plenty of natural adventures for families to enjoy on Australia Day. Many people come for the walking trails, with a handful to choose between. For families, there’s the Hames Brook Promenade – a 300m paved trail. Or there’s the National Park Falls Walk, a 2.5 km loop. Many visitors look forward to seeing the two waterfalls of the John Forrest National Park – Hovea’s Falls and National Park Falls. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the Parks And Wildlife Service website.
Address: Park Rd, Hovea WA 6056
Website: John Forrest National Park
Matilda Bay
Gather the family and make your way down to Matilda Bay for a picnic on Australia Day. Pack some delicious food, enjoy the spectacular views, and soak in the peacefulness of the area. Otherwise, a collection of restaurants are also located nearby. If you’re eager for some adventure, set off on the Matilda Bay Reserve Trail for a 4 km stroll.
Address: Matilda Bay, Crawley, Western Australia
Mettam’s Pool
Yet another popular beachside paradise for Perth families to enjoy on Australia Day is Mettam’s Pool. The area is well known as a popular swimming and snorkelling location. Plus, fishing can also be enjoyed if you have a license. Alternatively, bring along a picnic, enjoy some beach games, and spend your Australia Day relaxing. For more information on Mettam’s Pool, head over to the Parks And Wildlife Service website.
Address: Mettam’s Pool, Western Australia
Website: Mettam’s Pool
Westfield Whitford City
Westfield Whitford City is another great shopping location for families on Australia Day, with a vast range of stores including fashion, sports, homewares, technology, food, and more. Not to mention, with school holiday activities also on offer, the kids are sure to be entertained. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Westfield Whitford City website.
Address: Marmion Ave, Hillarys WA 6025
Website: Westfield Whitford City
Araluen Botanic Park
Families can enjoy a delicious BBQ in a botanical setting at the Araluen Botanic Park on Australia Day. Roll out the picnic rug and embrace the peacefulness of this vibrant setting. Otherwise, there’s also a cafe located inside the parklands. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Araluen Botanic Park website.
Address: 362 Croyden Rd, Roleystone WA 6111
Website: Araluen Botanic Park
Western Australia Maritime Museum
The Western Australia Maritime Museum is packed to the brim with a wide assortment of exhibitions for both parents and children to enjoy. Some of the facility’s long term exhibitions include the WA Down Under Gallery, HMAS Ovens, Indian Ocean Gallery, Swam River Gallery, and Hooked On Fishing Gallery. Otherwise, many fascinating exhibits come and go throughout the year – keep an eye on the website for potential updates on exhibits arriving closer to Australia Day. Entry into the museum is $15 for adults, while children between 5 and 15 years can enter for free. See the Western Australia Maritime Museum website for more information or to plan your visit.
Address: Victoria Quay, Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160
Website: Western Australia Maritime Museum
Castle Bay Beach
Families can swap the city for the white sand of Castle Bay Beach, located about 3 hours from Perth. Families can enjoy a scenic picnic in this picturesque paradise or refresh with a dip in the clear water on Australia Day. Visitors can also venture up to the top of Castle Rock for amazing views of the Bay. Whales can even be seen between September and November.
Address: Castle Bay, Western Australia
Host A BBQ
There’s nothing better than a relaxing BBQ at home on Australia Day. Families can come together to fire up the grill, lounge by the pool, and enjoy a relaxing day at home. It’s a simple experience that’s easy for everyone to appreciate.
Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo holds within in an impressive range of fascinating creatures for families to marvel on Australia Day. The collection includes rhinos, elephants, lions, penguins, zebras, tigers, otters, lemurs, pythons, dingos, parrots, and heaps more. Plus, there’s also plenty of close encounters to be had with giraffes, elephants, rhinos, dingos, and lions. Ticket prices start from $36.30 for adults and $18.15 for kids, while children under 4 years of age can enter for free. See the website for more information or to plan your visit.
Address: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth WA 6151
Website: Perth Zoo
Beelu National Park
Located 45 minutes from Perth, Beelu National Park has plenty of natural adventures for families to enjoy. Families can gather and enjoy the picnic areas of the South Ledge, the Dell, Grevillea Mycumbene, Fred Jacoby Park, Farrel Grove, Gugin Hulley, or Pimelea Mycumbene. Otherwise, mountain biking can also be enjoyed on the Kalamunda Circuit, stretching over 22 km. Those eager to spend more time in Beelu National Park can stay at the Discovery Centre, featuring a kitchen, BBQs, toilets, and more. Head over to the Parks And Wildlife Service website for more information or to plan your visit.
Address: Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring WA 6073
Website: Beelu National Park
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is located only 20 minutes from the city, delivering families with countless swimming and surfing opportunities for their Australia Day festivities. Bring along a picnic and enjoy a classic game of beach cricket, or head over to one of the many cafes located nearby.
Address: Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
Australia Day Movie in the Park
If you’re looking for more of a road trip activity on this year’s Australia Day, head on down to Collie! The Shire of Collie is hosting a movie night in the park, where families can relax after a long, fun-packed public holiday and watch a movie together. Free popcorn and snacks will be handed out. The movie being screened, starting at 7:30pm, is Muriel’s Wedding. Earlier in the day, live music acts and interactive giant games and bubbles for the kids will keep you entertained.
Address: 81 Forrest St, Collie WA
Website: Collie River Valley
Swan River
The Swan River, which runs through Perth, is one of the most scenic ways to spend your day. As if the river isn’t already beautiful enough by itself during the day, on Australia Day you and your family can watch it blow up with a stunning display of fireworks. There’s numerous places along the river where you can have a picnic during the day, and watch the fireworks at night. These include the Black Swan Island, King’s Park, and Herrison Island.
Things to do on Australia Day in Perth with kids
When it comes to Australia Day, Perth families have an extensive range of events and attractions to choose from. Parents and children can celebrate in the city, with the popular festivities at Langley Park, or they can venture to some of the natural playgrounds surrounding the city – including John Forrest National Park, Herdsman Lake, and Mundy Regional Park. With the variety on offer, there’s an experience to suit every member of the family. If you’re looking for an entertaining Australia Day event or attraction for 2024, consider visiting a few of these spots.
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