Family-Friendly Adventures in Perth, Western Australia!

Fremantle Markets

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family day out at the historic Fremont Markets, located in the heart of Fremantle, Western Australia. A vibrant hub since 1897, this market is one of the few remaining Victorian marketplaces.

### Morning Arrival

Start your visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. Fremantle is easily accessible by public transport. Catch a train from Perth to Fremantle Station, and enjoy a short 5-minute walk to the markets. If you’re driving, there are several parking areas nearby, including the multi-story car park on Henderson Street.

### Explore Unique Stalls

Enter through the ornate Victorian facade and discover over 150 stalls spread through the grand Hall. The stalls offer everything from fresh, local produce, indigenous and independent products to unique handicrafts, perfect for family browsing. Kids will love the honeycake stall and the puppet shop, both offering delightful treats and entertainment.

### Enjoy Local Performances

Time your visit to enjoy the street performers that often entertain outside the market. From musicians to magicians, these performances captivate children and adults alike. Check the market"s schedule as they sometimes host special events and workshops for families.

### Lunch at the Market

For lunch, dive into the market’s Food Yard for a diverse array of options. Opt for local seafood, which Fremantle is famous for, or try various international cuisines. Don’t miss the traditional Aboriginal bush tucker available at some stalls, providing both a culinary and educational experience.

### Visit the Fremantle Arts Centre

Post-lunch, take a 15-minute walk to the Fremantile Arts Centre. Free entry, this historic site not only showcases local art but also has a lush garden and often hosts family-friendly activities and concerts.

### Wrap Up at Esplanade Park

Finally, unwind at the nearby Esplanade Park where kids can play in the well-equipped playground or ride the iconic Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of the port city.

This itinerary gives your family a blend of cultural enrichment, entertainment, and relaxation, making the most of Fremantle’s local charm and vibrant community spirit.

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

Round House

Why Visit?

When planning a delightful family visit to the historic Round House, start your journey early to make the most of the day. Located in Fremantee, Western Australia, this iconic building is easiest to reach by public transport or by driving. There"s ample parking nearby, or you can opt for a scenic ride on the Fremantle Train Line, disembarking at the Fremantle Station, from where it"s just a short 10-minute walk to the attraction.

Begin your tour at the Round House, the oldest public building in the Western Australia colony, built in 1831. It opens its doors at 10:30 AM. Initially used as a jail, the building offers a fascinating glimpse into the early penal system. Don"t miss the firing of the time cannon at 1 PM daily, a tradition that delights with its loud blast and smoke, replicating the historical signal that helped ships recalibrate their chronometers in the 19th century.

Next, stroll down to Bathers Beach, just minutes from the Round House. Here, families can enjoy the sun and sand, and explore the Whalers Tunnel, directly underneath the Round House, which historically provided whalers direct access to the town from the beach.

For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy at Esplanade Park, a lovely spot with plenty of shade and space for kids to play, or dine at one of the family-friendly cafes along the Cappuccino Strip, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious treats.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Fremantle Markets, where local artisans sell handmade goods—perfect for souvenirs. The markets also offer a variety of food stalls, where you can taste local flavors and international dishes.

End your day with a relaxing ferry ride from the Fremantle Harbour, providing beautiful views of the sunset over the Indian Ocean—a picturesque conclusion to your family"s exploration of Fremantle’s historical and cultural landmarks.

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

Fremantle Prison

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable journey through history with a family-friendly visit to Fremantian’s iconic Fremantle Prison. Begin your adventure by catching the train from Perth CBD to Fremantle Station, which is just a short 25-minute ride. From there, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the prison entrance.

Start your visit with the "Doing Time" tour, which runs every 30 minutes. This engaging tour is perfect for all ages and guides you through the main cell block, visiting cells, and the exercise yard. Your guide, often brimming with captivating tales, will regale you with stories about infamous inmates and daring escapes, making the 19th-century history come alive.

After the tour, take a break and enjoy a picnic at the nearby Fremantne Esplanade Park, just a 10-minute walk from the prison. Kids can play in the ample green space while adults relax in the shade.

Post-lunch, return to the prison for the "Escape!" tour. This tour reveals the thrilling escape attempts by prisoners over the years. You’ll learn about the resourcefulness of inmates, like Moondyne Joe, Fremantle"s most famous escape artist.

Before heading home, don’t miss the chance to browse the Gift Shop where you can pick up unique souvenirs like replica convict uniforms or historical books for a deeper dive into the history experienced today.

Not only is Fremantle Prison a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a portal into the past, offering a detailed glimpse into the life of convicts from 1855 to 1991. This trip will surely enrich your family’s understanding of Western Australia’s history and provide a day full of education and fun.

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

Cottesloe Beach

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia

Morning: Arrival and Sculptures by the Sea

Start your day early by heading to Cottesloe Beach, easily accessible from Perth via a 20-minute drive on Stirling Highway or a scenic train ride to Cottesloe Station followed by a short bus ride or walk. Visit during March to catch the famous annual open-air gallery, "Sculptures by the Sea". Kids will love seeing the imaginative and often interactive art installations spread across the white sands. Grab a coffee and some pastries from a beachside café as you stroll along.

Midday: Picnic and Snorkeling

Pack a picnic and set up near the iconic Indiana Tea House, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. After lunch, rent some snorkeling gear from a local shop and explore the underwater trail at the north end of the beach, where you’ll find vibrant fish and maybe even a shipwreck!

Afternoon: Marine Discovery and Playground Fun

Head to the nearby Cottesloe Marine Discovery Centre, a small but engaging attraction where kids can learn about marine life and conservation. It"s a hands-on experience with touch pools and educational talks. Later, visit the Cottesloe Civic Centre Gardens, just a short walk from the beach. With expansive lawns, intriguing sculptures, and a fun playground, it’s perfect for letting the kids play and explore.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner

As the day winds down, Cottesloe is famed for its breathtaking sunsets. Find a spot on the soft sand or at a beachfront restaurant to watch the sky turn fiery red. The Blue Duck or Barchetta offers fantastic sea views and a menu that caters to all ages.

Interesting Fact

Cottesloe Beach hosted the ISAF Sailing World Championships in 2011, highlighting its world-class waters for sailing and water sports.

Enjoy your family-friendly adventure at Cottesloe Beach, where the ocean meets art, nature, and play!

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

Fremantle Arts Centre

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Fremont Arts Centre

Morning Arrival

Start your family adventure at the Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC), which opens at 10 AM. You can easily get there by taking the bus, which stops directly outside, or by driving (free parking is available). Located in a stunning Gothic revival building, the FAC is not just a paradise for art enthusiasts but a historical gem that once served as a lunatic asylum and naval base during WWII.

Exploring the Exhibits

Upon arrival, dive into the diverse range of exhibitions. The FAC showcases everything from contemporary photography to Indigenous art, making it a rich educational experience for kids and adults alike. Check if there’s a family-friendly workshop or guided tour available, which can make your visit even more engaging.

Creative Workshop

Around midday, participate in a hands-on workshop often held in the inspiring grounds of the centre. These are tailored for children and families, where you can create your own piece of art to take home.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the FAC’s café, set within the picturesque gardens. Offering a variety of kid-friendly options and gourmet treats, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and discuss the morning’s discoveries.

Afternoon Stroll and Play

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens. Don’t miss the interactive sound sculpture "The Sky Beneath Our Feet" – it’s a hit among kids! The gardens also host a variety of sculptures and installations that change regularly, keeping each visit unique.

Gift Shop

Before leaving, stop by the gift shop. It"s an excellent place to pick up educational books or artisan-made souvenirs to remember your day.

Departure

The FAC closes at 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. This memorable day at the Fremantle Arts Centre will be both fun and enriching for the whole family!

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