Strengthen the family bond with a fun-filled day out in the Swan Valley.
The region is a playground for all ages, with exciting activities to suit all levels of energy and enthusiasm.
From cuddling cute animals to becoming a pasta pro, see how you can create new memories with your loved ones with our list of family-friendly activities in the Swan Valley.
1. Family Fire Pit Fridays
Have a wholesome night out under the stars at The Vines. The resort encourages a family night out around a fire pit every Friday, with delicious drinks and rotating food stations to warm the soul on standby. After dinner, test your swinging abilities by playing endless rounds of free mini-golf. Score!
$30 per adult, $20 per child (3-12) plus booking fees. Under 2, free.
2. Go wild at Caversham Wildlife Park
Meet Western Australia's cutest residents at Caversham Wildlife Park.
Western Australia's largest private animal park is home to roughly 200 wildlife species. Get up close and personal with some Australian icons: hand-feed kangaroos, touch a possum or lizard and strike a pose with a koala. The family-friendly park entertains with a daily farm show featuring sheep shearing and whip-cracking demonstrations. Little ones can also make new friends at the interactive farmyard, feeling llamas, deer, buffalo and more.
Make sure to bring a picnic with many shaded areas and barbeque facilities available at Whiteman Park.
$32 per adult, $15 per child (3-14), concession $25.
3. Make pasta like Nonna
Let the kids become pasta pros with Pasta in the Valley's Mini Chef experience. The eatery hosts daily pasta-making sessions, teaching kids how to make their own fresh pasta. Better yet, they get to take home their new edible creation. Now that's what you call an easy dinner.
4. Follow a Family Fun Trail
Make a day of road-tripping around the Swan Valley on a Family Fun Trail.
Head on an exciting treasure hunt, solving cryptic clues scattered throughout the Valley following The Great Valley Rally. The route is aimed at families with children aged five to 12 and begins at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre. It winds through the Valley, with the option to collect picnic supplies and treats at various providores as well as making exciting stops. After finishing your road trip adventure, claim your certificate and gift at the Visitor Centre as souvenirs of your sleuthing ways.
The Kids in the Valley Trail is an exciting route that takes families to see the best of the region and can be spread over multiple visits. There are many ways to entertain the little ones; cuddle cute farm animals, be wowed by reptiles, and test your swing at mini golf. Appreciate the Swan Valley's natural assets with a visit to Bells Rapids on an easy hike or relax along the banks of the Swan River with a picnic.
Needing to fill up little stomachs? Visit one of the many family-friendly eateries along the trail offering children's menus, treats and some with playgrounds to exert that last bit of energy.
5. Make new furry friends
Let kids become farmers for a day at Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm. The farm lets kids safely interact with cute farmyard animals, cuddling and feeding them. Children can also learn more about what life is like on a farm, entering paddocks, looking for eggs in the incubator, and milking goats.
Kids can hop on a giant bouncy castle, merry-go-round, and a tractor ride between farm duties.
$22 per adult, $16.50 per child (2-15), concession $16.50. Under 2, free.
6. Stop at Swan Valley Station
Swan Valley Station has something for everyone. Keep occupied with the venue's café, nursery, gift shop, kids’ playground, striking sculpture trail, and lake for fishing.
The young and old can attempt to reel in dinner, with keen anglers able to cast a line in the lake to catch silver perch. Anglers can take up to three fish home with fishing gear and bait included.
Fishing prices: $18 per adult, $16 per child (under 16), $50 per family (two adults, two children).
7. Feast at the Henley Brook
Enjoy mingling in the paddock at The Henley Brook.
Affectionately known as 'The Hen', the local institution sprawls across a three-acre paddock. It offers many areas to unwind and dine on delicious bistro fare showcasing the region's best produce. While adults relax in the legendary beer garden or by the fireplace, kids can go 'free range' in the nature play area, getting active with footy goals, tree basketball hoops, and spare parts play. Everybody wins!
8. Enjoy a sweet moment
Swan Valley has many of life’s pleasures, including chocolate. Whistler’s Chocolate Co has been crafting chocolates for over 50 years. Consider it Perth’s version of a Willy Wonka Factory with a café, showroom, gift store and chocolate sculptures on site. Indulge in free samples before buying some to take home with you.
Still need to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings? Have a taste of the south with a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Company in the Valley. Snack on free samples and see how chocolate is made with a view into the factory. Or let the little ones become chocolate connoisseurs in a junior chocolatier class (contact wan@chocolatefactory.com.au for more details).
Pair a meal with a dessert with the on-site café serving breakfast and light lunches. Adults can also head next door to the sister company, Margaret River Providore, to fill goody bags with chutneys, olive oils, wines and chocolate liqueur. Yum!
Written by: Julia D'Orazio
Read more: 9 Unique things to do in the Swan Valley this winter
