Summer school holidays in WA means one thing: family road trips, epic beach days and memories to last a lifetime. Here are 5 of the best beach destinations in WA for some family fun in the sun this summer – there are even deals where kids under 12 can stay at accommodation for free.
Perth
If it’s a beach holiday in Western Australia you’re after, you’ll be spoiled for choice in WA’s gleaming capital, Perth. A vibrant urban oasis surrounded by pristine white beaches and turquoise seas, Perth is a hot summer destination with plenty of laid back charm. It’s the perfect holiday destination for the summer!
From the iconic Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach to City Beach and Mettams Pool, there are plenty of options for big beach days, followed by balmy evenings watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. South of the river in Fremantle, Leighton Beach is another popular spot with snorkelling and calm waters. It’s also dog-friendly.
Visit the buzzing waterfront precinct of Elizabeth Quay and let the kids run free on the island playground, water park and wide open spaces. You’ll also find a range of bars and restaurants. Thrillseekers will love riding the rollercoasters at Adventure World, Perth’s premium fun park open from September to April.
Need somewhere to stay?
Check out these top places to stay in Perth, from heritage-listed hotels to award-winning resorts and modern suites all centrally located.
Albany
The historic town of Albany on WA’s southern coast has a fascinating heritage. Around 4.5 hours’ south of Perth, the harbour town was the first European settlement in WA and the historic whaling station at Discovery Bay is now an interactive museum, complete with a giant blue whale skeleton.
Ellen Cove is a great spot for a picnic with a picturesque jetty. From there, you can explore the spectacular Albany coastline on the scenic Ellen Cove Boardwalk, which leads from Ellen Cove to Albany Harbour. See historic landmarks and buildings along the way and cool off with a dip at popular Middleton Beach. Emu Point is another great spot for small children with a cafe, amenities and a playground, plus calm waters for swimming.
Other top beaches include the crystal-clear waters of Little Beach and Whalers Cove, a secluded beach around a rocky headland, ideal for snorkelling, and the 133m-long HMAS shipwreck at King George Sound.
Need somewhere to stay?
Enjoy comfortable, apartment-style rooms at Quality Apartments Banksia Gardens, in a central location close to shops and attractions.
Busselton
A 2.5 hour drive south of Perth, the seaside town of Busselton in the Margaret River region, is known for its heritage-listed jetty, the longest in the southern hemisphere. The Busselton Jetty was first built in 1878 and stretches out into Geographe Bay for an impressive 1.84 kms. You can catch a train to the very end and visit the Underwater Observatory, which has a spiral staircase that winds below the surface of the water to reveal subtropical coral reefs.
Swim in sheltered coves at popular Meelup Beach and Dunsborough Beach or enjoy a thrilling day up in the treetops on flying foxes and ziplines at Forest Adventures South West. Busselton also has over 200 kms of walking and cycling trails to explore from the paved trail from Meelup Beach to Point Piquet to the longer Geographe Walk, which winds for 23 kms along the foreshore from Busselton to Dunsborough. School Holidays in Western Australia just got better.
Bunbury
Just 40 minutes’ north of Busselton, the former industrial port of Bunbury is another popular coastal destination, famous for its wild bottlenose dolphins. Visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre in tranquil Koombana Bay to swim with the local dolphins in an unforgettable and magical marine experience. For more up close wildlife encounters, head to Bunbury Wildlife Park where the kids can handfeed kangaroos and chat to cheeky cockatoos.
Relax on the white, sandy beaches of Koombana Bay or head to Bunbury’s Back Beach on Geographe Bay to catch some body-board waves. Jetty Baths is another popular city beach with calm, shallow water ideal for little kids. You can also learn to surf or standup paddle board at the accredited Bunbury Surf School. See vibrant street art and stretch your legs on a walk to the lookout at the chequered Bunbury Lighthouse.
Travelling with kids under 12?
Join Choice Privileges today for the Lowest Price Guaranteed when you book direct with Choice Hotels, as well as 4c/Litre off petrol at United Petroleum.*
Plus, Kids Under 12 Stay Free at family friendly Choice Hotels when you Book Direct.* (**T&Cs apply).
