Perth Kids
Perth Headlines
Thu, Oct 05 2006
Perth man acquitted of plot to kill members of Saddam's regime - ABC Regional Online
Perth man acquitted of plot to kill members of Saddam's regime - ABC Regional Online
Thu, Oct 05 2006
Perth Amboy teacher faces sex charges after relationship with ... - New Brunswick Home News Tribune
Perth Amboy teacher faces sex charges after relationship with ... - New Brunswick Home News Tribune
Scitech Discovery Centre
Corner Railway Parade & Sutherland Street, West Perth
City West First Floor
Tel (08) 9481 5789
Open 10am-5pm daily
This hands-on science museum features over 160 interactive exhibits. However, like many science museums, it is geared mostly toward children.
Cottesloe Beach
+61 8 9285 5000
The sprawling white beaches in Perth are sensational. Regular swimmers, picnicking families and sun seekers visit Cottlesloe. It offers a choice of locations to watch the sunset. Enjoy spectacular views across the Indian Ocean from one of the many cafes and restaurants along Marine Parade or from a tranquil spot on the sand. At the southern end of the beach, a reasonably sheltered reef proves a great spot for snorkeling. The main beach area has showers and toilets.
Rottnest Island
+61 8 9372 9752
Only 25 minutes by ferry from the mainland to enjoy this aquatic paradise. Rottnest Island, 11 kilometers long and almost five kilometers wide, boasts numerous fantastic beaches. Enjoy leisure activities galore. Bicycles, the main source of transport, can be hired at Thomson Bay. The amazing array of marine life living in the coral reefs that fringe the island ensure superb snorkeling and scuba diving. The island also proves very popular with city surfers.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
+61 8 9480 3600
Only minutes walk from central Perth, this park offers a tranquil respite from the city. With 400 hectares of parklands and natural bush to explore, visitors can enjoy numerous activities. Hire a bike, take a tram tour, or join a free guided walk. An evening visit proves spectacular. Meander along 'Honour Avenue' (lined with towering lemon-scented gum trees) and enjoy the city lights.
Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre
+61 8 9399 6927
The Reptile Park was set up as a conservation and education facility in 1994. It now houses more than 200 species of reptiles from the venomous local variety to the more friendly python family and waddling goanna. The park also lodges a variety of other residents that do not belong to the reptile fraternity such as flying foxes, quokkas and enichindas. Other amenities include barbecue areas, a snack bar and souvenir shop. Admission: Adults AUD11; children AUD6.50; concession AUD8.80.
Rockingham Dolphins
The Cruising Yacht Club jetty
Val Street
+61 8 9591 1333
Rockingham Dolphins has been operating since 1987 and knows all the right spots to locate wild dolphins. Daily tours from September 1 until May 31. First, you will cruise through the waters off Rockingham, home to about 180 bottlenose dolphins. When the dolphins are spotted, the experienced crew will assist you in donning a wet suit, snorkel, and mask, and you will join them in their underwater world. All dolphins at Rockingham are wild, (meaning no tricks and no training), thus visitors experience the mammal in it's true state! The trip runs between two and five hours. The other option is a dolphin watch tour.
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)
51 James Street, Northbridge
Bus Blue CAT Train Perth
Tel (08) 9227 6144
Admission Gallery free, charge for performances
Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm
The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts features exhibits of avant garde and contemporary visual and performing arts.
Perth Mint
310 Hay Street
Bus Red CAT
Tel (08) 9421 7223 or 1800 098 817
Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm; gold pours Mon-Fri 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, Sat-Sun 10am, 11am, noon
This impressive building on Hay Street offers a unique insight into how money is made.
Penguin Island
+61 8 9592 5191
Little penguins and numerous sea birds inhabit this 12.5-hectare island haven. Penguin Island is a breeding site for 16 species of birds. The island also has excellent snorkeling and surfing conditions, delightful picnic areas, a Discovery Center, lookouts and walkways. A ferry operates (on the hour) from Mersey Point at Shoalwater and ferry tickets include entry to the Island Discovery Center.
Swan Bells
Barrack Square, Riverside Drive, Perth
Bus Blue CAT Ferry Barrack Street Jetty
Tel (08) 9218 8183
Open 10am-5pm daily; bell ringing Mon-Fri 11.30am-12.30pm, Sat-Sun noon-2pm
This impressive copper and glass tower in Barrack Square is one of the world's largest musical instruments. It houses a set of 18 bells, which includes 12 bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London that date from before the 14th century. The tower features galleries where you can see the bell ringers in action as well as observation decks that boast stunning city views.
Adventure World
179 Progress Drive
Bibra Lake
+61 8 9417 9666
Seasonal
Only 20 minutes drive from Perth, this is Western Australia's major theme park. It is only open from September until April but with over 30 exhilarating rides and a wildlife park, it is worth a visit. Try the Tunnel of Terror, the Turbo Mountain Roller coaster or meet some of Australia's original inhabitants in the wildlife area and touch farm. Do not forget your swimsuit - the park has swimming areas and a children's water playground. There are food and refreshment outlets and shaded picnic areas.
Sir James Mitchell Park
+61 (0)8 9474 0777
Enjoy the splendid
sunset scenes and sparkling Swan River while cycling or walking along the South
Perth foreshore. Established in the 1970s, Sir James Mitchell Park was initiated
specifically for passive recreation and it serves its purpose superbly.
The only building in the entire area is the old Wesley College Boatshed at Coode
Street Jetty. The park stretches along the river from Mends Street jetty to
McCallum Park at the Causeway Bridge. There are several wetland areas and a
wonderful paperbark swamp that is worth a visit.
John Forrest National Park
+61 8 9298 8344
This park is one of the oldest and most-loved picnic areas located in the Darling Ranges. The main tree species found in the area are Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo - home to an abundance of bird life. Take time to enjoy the extensive walking trails and visit the lookout for the fantastic views. Other features are the 100 year-old railway tunnel, the two waterfalls and rock pool. The park has a tavern and several picnic areas with barbecues.
Cape Peron
61 8 9483 1111
Situated within the Shoalwater Marine Park is a group of ideal beaches for children. Cape Peron offers a wonderful series of small bays with rocky outcrops making the area an adventure to explore. This is a great spot for snorkeling and shore diving. The best time for diving is in the morning before the wind begins to blow too much. The marine park covers 6,545 hectares taking in Shoalwater Bay and Warnbro Sound with a chain of limestone islands including Penguin Island and Seal Island. Ferries and tours to the islands run from Mersey Point.
Whiteman Park
Lord Street
Whiteman (Perth suburb 15 km from the city center)
08-9249-2446
9-6 daily
Be sure to arrange round trip transport from Perth if you do not have an automobile. Caversham Park is remote, and it is difficult to arrange transportation back to the city from the park. There is a gift shop/café that has a telephone and helpful personnel, however. Rides to the entrance gate are available. However, taxis will come right to Caversham Park entrance if arranged in advance.
Weekend evenings: occasional special outdoor film presentations and concerts
Located northeast of the city center. Within this extremely, though isolated, popular park is a section known as Cavensham Wildlife Reserve which offers up-close photo opportunities of koalas, interaction with kangaroos and emus, and camel rides. The park also contains an extensive collection of vehicles from the past 100 years and a craft village that displays the work of local artisans. There is also an exhibit of the history of farm machinery.
Perth Zoo
20 Labouchere Road
08-9367-7988
In South Perth, a ferry ride away from the city centre. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and has all the features of an international standard zoo. Attractions include a nocturnal house, a wildlife park, and an African Savannah exhibit.