School’s out, summer’s here, and the inevitable chorus of ‘I’m bored’ is about to be echoing through the house. Lucky for us here in Perth, there’s a picture-perfect spot, an easy half-hour drive from the city, that can keep the kids entertained (and the parents sane) for hours on end.
At Whiteman Park, adventure comes with a side of education: sprawling bushland, vintage train and tram rides, toddler-friendly water playgrounds, and an interactive museum that’s engaging for all ages.
But before you pack the SPF and wrangle the kids, a little strategy goes a long way. Here’s how to make the most out of a summer’s day with the whole family in tow at Whiteman Park.
Beat the heat in the pool playground
The chance of a car nap skyrockets after a stop at the mini water playground. Specifically made for pint-sized people, the 30cm-deep wading pool is Whiteman Park’s antidote for grizzly gremlins that might be a little wacky from the weather. There are gentle waterspouts, shady pockets for parents to relax from the sidelines, and best of all, entry is free.
Fuel up for free
Sunday mornings just got a whole lot more appetising and affordable. Each weekend at Whiteman Park’s on-site Village Cafe, kids eat free with every adult meal purchased. The all-day menu is stacked with familiar favourites: towering buttermilk pancakes, sautéed mushrooms lashed with truffle, hangover-curing brekky burgers, nutritious muesli, and more, plus a dedicated children’s menu for little palates. And with a playground nearby, kids can burn off some steam while you enjoy a much-needed caffeine hit.
Hop on a ride to remember
No sugar, no screens, just the clanging of the carriages and the squeals of excited little explorers. The heritage electric tram starts at the Visitor Information Centre, where tiny travellers receive an old-school ticket from the friendly conductor. From there, you’ll cruise through bushland on a charming 40-minute loop, delivering nostalgia, wonder, and joy in spades. For an even bigger adventure, the vintage diesel train rumbles through six kilometres of banksia woodland, with cameos from local wildlife and plenty of thrills. Services vary depending on the weather and fire conditions, so a quick check before you go is a smart move.
Escape the sun and explore the past
On a scorching afternoon where even the shade feels too hot, escape to the Revolutions Transport Museum. Here, kids can climb aboard a horse-drawn buggy, take the driver’s seat in a classic old car, hop into a historic railcar to experience the travel of yesteryear, and explore the Singing the Train exhibit, which brings early rail journeys to life through Aboriginal stories. It’s hands-on, ever-changing, and — crucially, during the peak of Perth’s summer — fully air-conditioned.
Go on a treasure hunt for your chance to win
This school holidays, we’ve designed a treasure hunt to help you see the best of Whiteman Park. Start your journey at the Visitor’s Centre by scanning the QR code or visiting our Whiteman Park Treasure Hunt page. It’ll take you on a fun journey through Whiteman Park, learning fun facts about different areas of the park, and eventually reaching the treasure — your chance to win a two-night stay at The Vines Resort.
