If you’re a family with boundless energy, we’ve got you covered with some exciting suggestions for a couple of action-packed days, so you can enjoy your adventure without any added pressure.
Active Families Day One – Perth to Bunbury
Stay at the Discovery Parks on Bunbury Foreshore, they offer a range of options, from comfortable cabins and family rooms to camping sites. The park features a swimming pool, games room, tennis and basketball court, and a splash park. Families can also explore the natural surroundings of the city, with trails through ancient forests, beaches, and family-friendly breweries.
Start the day with a French-inspired breakfast or brunch, families can visit La Pause Miam, a local café that offers tasty crepes and a dedicated corner for children’s entertainment. Afterward, they can visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre, where they can explore interactive marine displays, activities, feeding programs, and tours. The Discovery Centre also has a seasonal café that offers fresh burgers, fish and chips, curries, soups, and salads.
In addition to nature and marine life, families can also explore the vibrant murals and art on display throughout the streets of Bunbury. The self-guided mural tour is an excellent way to discover the city centre, and families can enjoy the trail at their own pace while stopping for coffee, food, and shopping at various independent cafés and stores. The Victoria Street, Marlston Hill Waterfront, and East Bunbury near the Parade Hotel are all fantastic food precincts worth exploring.
Finally, you can end your day by picking up fish and chips from various shops in the area and setting up a picnic on the beach to watch the sunset. The Fishermans Basket or meal deal from AJ’s Fish & Chips on Symmons Street is an excellent option for a hungry family, and kids’ packs are also available. Back Beach, within walking distance from AJ’s, is an excellent spot to enjoy a fish and chip feast.
Active Families Day Two – Bunbury & The Ferguson Valley
The Happy Wife, situated on the picturesque Leschenault Inlet, is the perfect place to start your day. With the chance to see dolphins almost daily, it’s a stunning spot that’s hard to beat. Treat yourself to their tropical pancake – a buttermilk pancake served with roasted pineapple, mango coulis, toasted coconut, strawberries, and Bean & Cone passionfruit and coconut ice cream, all baked fresh on the premises. Their croissants are a must-try too!
After breakfast, head to the Bunbury Wildlife Park, which is home to a variety of native animals, including dingoes, kangaroos, emus, reptiles, and even Sherman the wombat. A highlight for families is the chance to feed the kangaroos, and the park also has daily animal encounters. There’s plenty of space for a family picnic under the shady trees, and the nearby Big Swamp Playground is perfect for the kids to run around and play.
Take a 30-minute drive out to Ferguson Valley, where you’ll find the family-friendly Bush Shack Brewery. The brewery offers naturally brewed ales and a range of meals, including crunchy Korean chicken wings, juicy pulled pork burgers, and ‘kids bites’ like gnocchi and chicken nuggets. The little ones can keep themselves entertained with the playground and lawn games, and dogs are welcome too.
Next, head to Gnomesville, an iconic and curious location hidden in the stunning natural bushland of Ferguson Valley. Thousands of gnomes can be found here, and it’s a place the kids will love exploring. Take a walk along the stunning natural bush trails and boardwalks to get to know some of the local characters.
For a high-energy activity, take the kids to Gravity E.T.C in Dalyellup. With 1,800sqm of high-energy activity zones, including trampolines, seven activity zones, a café, a parents’ retreat, and a soft play area for children under three, it’s the perfect place for kids to burn off energy. The venue is disability and special needs-friendly, providing fun, health, and mindfulness for youth, families, and community groups.
Finish off a busy day with a satisfying burger at Paddy’s Patties, a gourmet burger bar in Bunbury. Owned by Japanese chef Norio Idei, their burgers have exciting options with plenty of Japanese influence. The Sukiyaki burger, made with a Black Angus patty, thinly sliced beef, fried egg, pickle, shishimi, and yuzu mayo, is a must-try, and the crispy chicken katsu burger is perfect for kids. Head back to your accommodation and rest up after a busy couple of days or drive the two hours back to Perth.
