Family-Friendly Adventures in Busselton, Western Australia!

Busselton Jetty

Why Visit?

Welcome to Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, extending 1.841 kilometers into the stunning Geographe Bay. Here"s your perfect family day out at this iconic Australian landmark:

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most of the calm morning air. Busselton is easily accessible by car or bus from Perth, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Plenty of parking is available near the jetty entrance.

Busselton Jetty Train Ride

Once at the jetty, hop onto the famous Jetty Train around 9:00 AM. This electric train makes the journey down the length of the jetty a breeze and fun for the kids. The train ride offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean and a chance to spot dolphins!

Underwater Observatory Tour

Arrive at the Underwater Observatory around 10:00 AM. Situated 8 meters below the ocean’s surface at the end of the jetty, this observatory allows you to view one of Australia"s greatest artificial reefs, teeming with colorful coral and diverse marine life. Tours run every hour and last about 45 minutes, perfect for keeping young minds engaged.

Lunch and Jetty Walk

After exploring underwater wonders, head back to shore for lunch. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the grassy areas near the jetty or dine at one of the nearby cafes. Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk back along the jetty. This is a great opportunity for a family photo with the beautiful coastline as your backdrop!

Busselton Jetty Museum

Finish your visit by exploring the Busselton Jetty Museum late afternoon. The free-entry museum offers insights into the jetty’s 150-year history and its ecological importance.

Departure

Wind up your visit by late afternoon, ensuring you get back to Perth or your accommodation before evening. Your day at Busselton Jetty will be an unforgettable mix of education, nature, and fun, creating lasting memories for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting family day out at the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, situated at the most southwestern tip of Australia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. Start your adventure in the charming town of Augusta, located about a 4-hour drive from Perth. Follow the signs south of town on Leeuwin Road, which leads directly to the lighthouse.

Morning Visit: Guided Tour and Maritime Marvels

Start your visit at 9 AM when the lighthouse opens. Begin with a guided tour, available every half hour, which takes you up the lighthouse. As you ascend the 176 steps, learn about the lighthouse"s history, inaugurated in 1895, and its role in ensuring the safety of night-time maritime navigation. From the top, soak in breathtaking panoramic views of where the two mighty oceans collide. It"s a fantastic photo opportunity and a chance to spot migrating whales between June and December.

Midday Break: Picnic and Play

After your tour, enjoy a picnic at the nearby grounds. There"s plenty of space for kids to play and explore. Pack a lunch or grab some snacks from the café located in one of the original lighthouse keeper"s cottages.

Afternoon Exploration: Waterwheel and Walking Trails

Post-lunch, take a short walk to the nearby historical waterwheel, which once supplied water to the lighthouse. The waterwheel is now calcified into a stony structure, offering a unique visual and a touch of history. Continue your day with a leisurely stroll along one of the scenic coastal walking trails, perfect for spotting local flora and fauna.

Visit the Interpretive Centre

Before departing, make sure to stop by the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Interpretive Centre. Engage with interactive exhibits that delve deeper into the maritime history and the natural environment surrounding the lighthouse. It’s both educational and entertaining for all ages.

Finish your visit by late afternoon, carrying memories of a day well spent exploring a piece of Australia"s maritime heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jewel Cave

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting underground adventure at Jewel Cave, the third longest cave in the world, located near Custer in South Dakota. Jewel Cave is not just a natural wonder; its intricate passageways and crystal-lined walls create an otherworldly experience perfect for families eager to explore!

Arrival and Preparation

Start your journey by driving to the Jewel Cave National Monument. It’s about 13 miles west of Custer via US Highway 16. Upon arrival, head to the visitor center to purchase your tour tickets (it"s wise to arrive early as tours can sell out quickly). Make sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the cave"s temperature stays around 49 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Tour Options

1. Scenic Tour - This 90-minute tour is ideal for families and covers about half a mile of the cave. It includes views of stunning formations like calcite crystals and the famous "Jewel Box." With over 700 stairs, it"s a moderate physical challenge but very rewarding.

2. Discovery Talk - If you have smaller children or prefer a less strenuous experience, opt for the 20-minute talk, which provides an overview of the cave"s history, geology, and ecosystems without venturing too deep.

Interesting Facts

- Jewel Cave was discovered in 1900 and now features over 209 miles of mapped passages.

- It"s called "Jewel" Cave because of its sparkling calcite crystals.

- The cave"s ecosystem is home to unique species that have adapted to the dark, like bats and cave beetles.

Post-Tour Exploration

After your tour, take a short hike on the Roof Trail above the cave to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful Black Hills scenery.

Wrapping Up

Finish your visit at the park"s picnic area, perfect for a family lunch surrounded by nature"s beauty. Don"t forget to stop by the gift shop for souvenirs to remember your underground adventure at Jewel Cave!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ngilgi Cave

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting family adventure to Ngilgi Cave, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Western Australia"s Margaret River region. This fascinating underground wonder is just a 10-minute drive from Yallingup or a scenic 2.5-hour drive south from Perth, making it an accessible day trip for families exploring the area.

Starting the Day: Ngilgi Cave Tour

Begin your visit at the cave"s visitor center, where you can purchase tickets for a guided tour. Tours typically last around an hour and are led by knowledgeable guides who will share the captivating history and geology of the cave. Ngilgi Cave, originally known as Yallingup Cave, was discovered in 1899 and is renowned for its stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helictite, and shawl formations.

Exploring the Cave

Descend into the mystical depths of Ngilgi Cave through its dramatic entrance. As you explore the various chambers, the guide will explain the fascinating Aboriginal legend of Ngilgi, the good spirit who triumphed over an evil spirit named Wolgine. The cave"s constant temperature (20°C) makes it a comfortable exploration spot year-round. Kids will be thrilled by the "Tunnel of Doom," an optional crawl-through space that adds an element of adventure to the tour.

Interactive Activities

After the guided tour, participate in the interactive gemstone fossicking area outside the cave. Children can sift through sand to find treasures such as colored stones and crystals, which they can take home as souvenirs.

Picnic Time

Conclude your visit with a leisurely picnic at the cave"s picturesque grounds. There are BBQ facilities and tables available, perfect for a family meal surrounded by native bushland.

This day at Ngilgi Cave promises not only a journey through stunning geological formations but also an opportunity to create lasting family memories surrounded by the magic of nature.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Yallingup

Morning

- Start at Yallingup Beach: After arriving, kick off your adventure with a morning at Yallingup Beach, known for its stunning scenery and gentle waves perfect for the little ones. You can drive directly here; it"s well-signed and offers parking.

- Learn at Ngilgi Cave: From Yallingigh Beach, drive 5 minutes to Ngilgi Cave. Explore this fascinating underground world on a semi-guided tour. The cave is renowned for its rich Aboriginal heritage; hear stories of the Dreamtime as you marvel at the stalactites.

Afternoon

- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a family picnic at Yallingup Beach’s picnic areas, surrounded by nature.

- Bushwalking: Post lunch, take the short drive to Canal Rocks. The walking boardwalk offers an easy trail for families, providing spectacular ocean views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Day 2: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Whale Watching

Morning

- Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Start your day with a guided tour of the lighthouse. Located a short drive from Yallingup, this easy access spot offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The lighthouse tour is both educational and offers a bit of adventure climbing to the top.

Afternoon

- Whale Watching Tour: From August to December, head to Dunsborough (20 minutes from the lighthouse by car) to join a whale-watching tour. Witness the majestic migration of humpback and southern right whales.

Day 3: Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay

Morning

- Boranup Forest: Drive south through the park to Boranup Forest. The towering karri trees here are a spectacle themselves, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. The forest has walking trails suitable for all ages.

Afternoon

- Hamelin Bay: End your visit at Hamelin Bay, famous for its friendly stingrays that often come close to the shore. It"s a magical experience for kids and adults alike to interact with these gentle creatures.

Departure

Each location within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is accessible by car, and moving between spots is generally a short drive, making it an ideal itinerary for families with children. Enjoy your adventure-packed, educational, and serene family getaway in one of Western Australia’s stunning natural treasures!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.