It’s been a long summer of 35+ degree days, sticky sunscreen, and relentless buzzing flies, but I think we’re collectively ready to bid adieu to the scorching sun and welcome autumn with open arms. The unofficial season of long walks with little worry of getting sunburnt, golden light filtering through changing trees, and just-right temperatures has arrived, and there’s no better place to embrace it than Whiteman Park.
With the school holidays right around the corner, few places offer as much versatility, fun, and family-friendly adventure to keep bored kids entertained. From bushland trails and wildlife spotting to pedal karts, playgrounds, and heritage rides, here’s how to make the most of the Easter school holidays at the park.
Hit the trails (without the tantrums)
If the kids have energy to burn, start with the trails.
The Wunanga Trail, meaning ‘quiet’ or ‘peaceful’ in Noongar, lives up to its name. The 4.3km figure-eight loop winds through jarrah, marri, and banksia bushland, with a shorter circuit if attention spans waver or little legs get heavy.
For a quick win, Werillyiup Trail is a short and sweet stroll skimming past seasonal wetlands that come alive in the cooler months. It’s prime territory for eagle-eyed bird watchers or curious kids, with waterbirds flitting between reeds and kangaroos grazing along the edges.
Lean into leisurely cycling
Two feet can comfortably cover the trails, but the fun shifts gears when the park is explored on pedal. The 14 kilometres of shared-use paths are made for exploring on wheels of all shapes and sizes, winding through bushland, picnic spots, and wide-open spaces.
No scooter or bike? No worries. Pedal Play is Whiteman Park’s family-friendly go-kart hire hub with options for everyone: Single junior karts for ages 4+, larger single or dual pedal karts for older kids and adults, and even a four-seater BERG Gran Tour so the whole family can cruise together.
Bush tracks are also available for mountain bikers wanting to pick up the pace and enjoy a slightly more rugged slice of the park’s scenery.
Picnic like a pro
With the scorching summer days behind us and the winter rain mostly holding off, there’s no better time to picnic in Perth than autumn. Spread a rug under a tree by Mussel Pool with your four-legged friend, stake a claim at a hard-top shelter if the weather’s looking a little iffy, or throw some snags on one of the many nearby BBQs.
The kids have their own agenda too, with not one, not two, but three playgrounds plus a water park ready to burn off that excessive school-holiday energy. Village West is fully fenced and shaded for tiny tots. Village East opens onto verdant green lawns begging for a kick of the footy or casual cricket match, while the adjoining Mini Water Playground is open until the end of April for one last splash on those unexpectedly warm autumn afternoons. And at Mussel Pool, Pia’s Place is the biggest playground in the park, packed with nature-inspired fun and fully accessible for all ages and abilities.
Hidden gems and extra adventures
Once the trails are conquered, the bikes parked, and the picnic crumbs swept away, Whiteman Park still has plenty of surprises to keep explorers — big and small — busy.
Climb aboard a heritage tram or vintage train for a leisurely spin around the park, keeping your eyes peeled for kangaroos and waterbirds making cameo appearances along the route.
Wander through the Children’s Forest, where imaginations run wild. Here, youngsters can spot sculptures of peeking possums, giant marching ants clambering up trees, tiny fairy doors tucked into the undergrowth, and the forest’s friendly caretakers, the Boy of the Bush and his sister, Fern.
And when the forecast brings a rare autumn shower, duck indoors: the museums are open year-round and full of hands-on fun. The Motor Museum boasts more than 200 vehicles, from a 1912 Model T Ford to Daniel Ricciardo’s first F1 race-winning car; the Tractor Museum brings WA’s farming history to life with interactive tractors, historic machinery, and the monthly Tractor Parade; while the Revolutions Museum combines land transport history, interactive exhibits, and Aboriginal storytelling for an unforgettable journey through time.
Start plotting your park day here for opening times, pedal bookings, seasonal updates, and more.
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.
