Family Travel to Perth, Australia

Western Australia, covering essentially the entire western third of the country, is peppered with wild outback, wine regions, bustling city life, incredible beaches and coastline vistas. The vast western territory is divided into several regions and cities with Perth as the capital. Located along the Swan River and surrounded by parks to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west, Perth provides varied landscape covering all interests from rural to urban.

Perth, Australia. Photo: Minyun Zhou | Dreamstime

Fly into Perth Airport for the most direct way into the city. Grab a taxi lined up along the pick-up curb for the quickest route out of the airport, or hire a car at the customer service desk.

Catch the bus and transfer from the airport to downtown Perth. Bus Route 380 operates between Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, Victoria Park Transfer Station, Belmont Forum Shopping Center and Burswood Train Station, allowing guests to traverse the city in about 45 minutes. Check out Transperth for updates on scheduling times.

Head to the Hyatt Regency Perth for all the modern conveniences of a city hotel complete with five on-site bars and restaurants. Check in with the concierge, map out your downtown excursions and enjoy the view of the river from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Check into Pan Pacific Perth Hotel for the rooftop pool overlooking Swan River and downtown Perth. Discuss tour options with the concierge and enjoy the sleek modern design of the rooms and on-site restaurants — Montereys for dinner and Origins for high tea.

Pedestrians at King’s Park in Perth, Australia. Photo: Lizgiv | Dreamstime

Bring the family to Kings Park and Botanic Garden for vibrant floral exhibits and explore miles of natural beauty and bush land. Located in South Perth, the Perth Zoo is another top destination for visitors. Early risers with kids ages 12 and older, head to the zoo on select Saturdays for a special breakfast with the elephants. Tickets cost $135 each and include entry to the zoo, a full breakfast and an up-close look at the elephants. Take pictures, feed the elephants and watch the more artistic ones take a brush to canvas and paint while you eat breakfast.

Luckily for families of all ages and interests, there are countless national parks, museums, education tours and scenic adventures strewn through the city. One that will be sure to peak every outdoorsy family member’s interest is the walk at Bibbulmun Track. Bibbulmun leads hikers town to town through majestic forests and along the south coast beaches.

Hop on the ferry to Penguin Island and take the wildlife cruise, exploring the pristine island wildlife and beach. Take the penguin and sea lion cruise, the adventure cruise or swim with dolphins. Rent a sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head on to the open, crystal-blue water.