Planning a trip to Australia? Have kids? Skip the bustling Sydney or vibrant Melbourne, try taking a turn west to one of the most laid-back and underrated cities in the world. Other than the large plot of land to explore, we must say the cold weather is as great as the food and activities to tootle on if you have little ones – mine is 2 yo and 5 yo – and this is one of their most enjoyable travel so far!
Read on and find out what we did with our boys in this most isolated destination with tons of fun things to do with kids in 9 days!
BEFORE FLIGHT PREP
yes, lucky us, we managed to take a good whole week away from our summer-all-around city and went down under to soak in a land which spans as large as over 8 times bigger than our little red dot.
Firstly – the weather check. Our stay was expected to be cold from 7 to 14 degrees daily in the month of July (winter period – Jun to Aug), so after getting our 3 different accommodations and air tickets settled, we make sure to dig out our windbreaker and warm coats and packed it in our luggage – something not to be taken granted for, when kids are concern. And prepare our Betadine Wound Care, that includes a new Clear Liquid Bandage, and the full extensive range of first-aid-kit all packed into our baggage.
Next up, another essential thing to do before we got on a less than 5 hours flight on Scoot, was to collect our #ChangiWifi from Changi Recommends Counter in the airport – staying connected everywhere we go, this is important, talking about google maps, getting a transport and updating our posts on the go!
Then it was boarding time. Reminder to all parents, always – pack books, coloring, toys, snacks and maybe an ipad on board! You need it, trust me. oh yes, and a neck pillow – we got it at the duty-free store – in case they or you need a nap.
I hate to admit, because it was a really last-minute decision to travel afar, so we were lucky to found Travel Khakis – a local bespoke customizing travel agent, who gave us some tips on places to visit with kids (They highly recommend Caversham Wildlife Park, Perth zoo or Dolphin island) and promptly assisted in arranging our park’s tickets booking 2 days before our flight. When you travel with kids, this early booking definitely eases our load on queuing for tickets. Instead of following a planned itinerary, they suggested places that are suitable for us to go and explore with kids at our age.
Our e-ticket was all arranged the only setback is we didn’t manage to slot in transportation because we were really late in planning – lesson learn – plan early!
For those who need a personalized itinerary fixed with kids or not, do reach out to Travel Khakis and click on these link – Facebook & Instagram to find out how!
As for the rest of the itinerary, my husband and I took turns to source around our three different accommodations on the day itself, and count ourselves lucky again(!) to find some worth visiting places. #thankyouhubby!
TRANSPORT: OLA
Before I EVEN start, there’s something important that will determine how you travel -literally. For those families who don’t drive and didn’t arrange for any transport around this country, we found out a great transport app for traveling around – called OLA (similar to grab or uber). We didn’t pick Uber because it had to be activated in Singapore (need activation code from your phone number) and we don’t use uber even when we are in Singapore.
It has pickup locations so make sure you know where the car is stopping and you may use the map on the app to find! It has also show the color of the car apart from the car plate number something it will be good to have for our local apps.
What is great about OLA (during this month – July) is that first time user or traveler gets a promotion of 50% off for the first 2 weeks after download! This was indeed a cost-saving promo that was much needed on our trip as we don’t drive nor arranged for transport. And 30% off when we ride to and fro from the airport.
But private cars have strict rules on child seat and seat belts, the drivers would stare at us and make sure we all buckled up before they’d drive. And if you do not have a child booster or seat, infants (up to 2 years old) got to buckle up with one of the parents. Some of the drivers refused to take us. So best to bring your mifold or portable baby seats like tiny seats!
CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK
The very first experience you must have with your kids, definitely have to be this largest private collection of native wildlife in Western Australia. Located inside the Whiteman park, we took a 20 to 30mins drive from our first hotel – SAGE HOTEL PERTH located at Hay st.
The tickets for our entry was arranged by Travel Khakis, and we found out it was a guided tour while everyone else we saw at the ticket booth was free and easy. AND this was the best arrangement made! It was really good to know what’s going on into the park’s every animal – where it came from, got its name from, and how it behaves etc.
We met up with all the native animals, most of them were mild and not afraid of any humans. The herbivous was quietly lying on the ground sun-basking in the cold weather whereas another half were in cages due to the carnivores nature. Kangaroos and wallabies were really friendly and hungry, we were able to view them in a spacious and peaceful environment. Food was provided in a bin under the pavilions, so feel free to grab some of the snacks and feed the hungry packs – Open Daily – 9.00am to 5.30p
Inside the wildlife park, we met the Koalas, and penguins and also managed to join the farm show – Daily Shows – 10.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm and 3.00pm daily.
It can be quite loud during the show due to the demonstrations, but its definitely worth your time as the kids are able to watch sheep shearing, crack a stock whip, milk a cow, bottle feed a lamb, meet a stockman on horseback, swing a billy, watch sheep dogs mustering the sheep – all the excitement of a true blue Aussie farm.
At Molly’s farm, there’s some patting area with guinea pigs, roosters, rabbits, and even Alpaca! We got the entire park experience all video down on our IGTV here. Expect to spend at least 3 hours here, and prepare some snacks for lunch although there is a cafe here, food is somewhat little costly but you get your essentials such as pasta, lasagnas, sandwiches, and drinks.
The best period to visit would be Jun to Aug during the cold weather period.
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Opening Hours:
9.00am to 5.30pm every day of the year except Christmas day.
Last entry into the park is at 4.30pm; however, to make the most of your visit and enjoy all of our attractions, we recommend you allow at least 3 hours in the park.
Price:
- Adult $30.00
- Child $14.00 (3 years to 14 years)
Location:
Whiteman Park
PERTH ZOO
You can learn lots when you visit the country’s zoo – from their animals and history. Similar to our attraction, Perth Zoo is one of the top recommended attraction to bring kids to spend a day in. It spans over 41-acre in South Perth and house over 1258 animals of 164 species and an extensive botanical collection.
Once again, we got our day settled via Travel Khakis arrangement.
Perth Zoo has three main zones – Australian Walkabout, Asian Rainforest, and African Savannah – with a few minor exhibit areas (Lesser Primates, South American birds, Main Lake, Galapagos Tortoises). All exhibits are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats and utilize passive barriers where possible, to improve the wellbeing of the animals.
We managed to see tons of native animals only found in Australia, similar to the Caversham Wildlife Park, there were kangaroos, koalas, and quokkas in a less quantity of course.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Price:
- AUD $33 FOR ADULTS,
- AUD$16.50 FOR CHILDREN ABOVE 4,
- FREE for 4 years and below.
Location: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth WA 6151, Australia
PERTH ZOO FERRY
We only visited Perth Zoo when we were staying at Crowne Plaza Perth which was near to Elizabeth Quay.
Thus, it took us 5 to 7 mins from foot to reach the South Perth foreshore to cross the Swan River. And another 10 mins or so to reach the Elizabeth Quay Ferry Terminal located under the big blue canopy on the Western Promenade.
The ferry kiosk operates daily from 8 am to 4 pm.
Tickets were around Aud 2 dollars. Kids ride free from 0 to 4 years old.
ROTTNEST ISLAND
Photos can’t do justice for the photos that we have taken, the view on this island was remarkable. Blue was the sea and sky, and no skyrocket tall building was seen in sight, it was pure heaven – for the quokka and another permanent residence of the island – big fat crows and doves lurking for some courtesy snacks from the visitors.
Rottnest Island sits just offshore from the city of Perth, in Western Australia. A protected nature reserve, it’s home to the quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial. White-sand beaches and secluded coves include the Basin, with its shallow waters, and Thomson Bay, the main hub and ferry port.
Population to only over 300 pax, its a place for exploration and photo-taking. 
Find the human-friendly quokka everywhere you go. Chalet rooms are open for rental for a stay if you are looking to spend time here. There are cafes & restaurants, a convenience store and several gift stores located in the main hub.
We went uphill to check out one of the two lighthouse – Bathurst Lighthouse, which is on the northeast of the island. It stood tall at a height of 19m, you can easily enjoy a few of Birdwatching, Camping, Cycling and Fishing around the area.
Transfers across to Rottnest Island can be booked through one of the three ferry operators. Rottnest Island ferry companies provide transfers to the Island from Perth City, North Fremantle (Rous Head), Fremantle (Victoria Quay) and Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth’s north.
Rottnest ferries take approximately 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty.
We took the ferry from North Fremantle and spend about AUD$70 per adult, and children below 4 rides free.
Rottnest Express
Phone 1300 467 688
Departs from Fremantle and Perth City
ELIZABETH QUAY
Discover an exciting new waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River – Elizabeth Quay is located on the north shore of Perth Water and centered on the landmark Swan Bells, it was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee. We found various public artwork, promenades, open spaces and a range of bars and restaurants.
A range of scenic river cruises sails tourists and locals from Barrack Street Jetty to the Swan Valley, Fremantle, and Rottnest Island.
Other activities to be enjoyed in the area include Segways, Little Ferry Co, Gondola on the Swan or just take a leisurely stroll alongside the river or stop for a selfie on the bridge.
it’s also a 10mins walk away to the Perth main city area.
Location: The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000
OPTUS STADIUM: Chevron Parkland
One of the third-largest stadium in Australia, this newly opened in 2017 multi-purpose stadium in Perth, Western Australia is located in the suburb of Burswood.
Apart from hosting major sports or international events, it also comes with a few playgrounds to entertain the children outdoors.
Across the 2.6 hectares of rehabilitated parklands and nature-based playgrounds, we found six nature play areas within the Chevron Parkland, all designed to encourage children to explore and participate in unstructured play, each play space is inspired by the Noongar six seasons – talking about Native play.
The Chevron Parkland is free for everyone to enjoy and open all year round, there is lots of free parking available at Optus Stadium on non-event days. Perfect for scootering or riding as it comes with wide bicycle paths along the river.
Location:
Victoria Park Drive, Burswood, Western Australia
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Education and Heritage Centre (AKA FIRE STATION)
Being the first fire station to be built in Perth, this “retired” fire station has become a museum/education and heritage centre to showcases a heritage trail offering a history of each room, vintage fire service appliances and exhibition space featuring the history and stories about fire brigades, hazards and emergency responses. All of these are found on the 2nd level.
We got to dress up and experience what’s it like to get on a real fire engine and save the day!
Opening Hours: 10 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Location: Corner of Murray and Irwin Streets, Perth, near Royal Perth Hospital.
Admission is free.
FREMANTLE
Fremantle popularly renowned for its eclectic mix of arty and alternative types. Fremantle’s streets buzz with the song of buskers, the sidewalks fill with a wild collection of art and music floats out from trendy cafés and bars. We didn’t get to go around the area merely to take a ferry ride to Rottnest Island but trust me, there are tons of things to do and to eat, and getting around is free on the free Fremantle Cat buses.
Check out the Fremantle markets, fascinating Fremantle Prison Tunnel tour, visit WA Maritime Museum, WA Shipwreck Museum and Fremantle Arts Centre. Or you can even enjoy a swim at the beautiful Bathers Beach – WA’s first licenced beach area before you explore shops, galleries and cafes in the historic West End.
PERTH CBD
The city is lined with pedestrian malls jam-packed with a wide variety shops from inventive boutiques to national and global flagship stores where you can stock up on stylish fashions, buy some Aboriginal art or simply sit at a café with a coffee and watch the parades of people passing by.
We found a few eateries worth shouting out for –
1.Toastface Grillah
Hip, laneway cafe with exposed brick, specialising in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and coffee.
Located: Wellington St &, Barrack St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
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2. Grand lane, fish house
Located: 135 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
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3. Bam Bam Boo (MUST TRY!)
Classic Chinese dishes in a fun, designer space with communal tables & street art on the walls.
Located: 25/140 William St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
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4. U bento Perth
Located: 144 Murray St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
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5. Peoples Inn Dumpling House 人民公社饺子馆 (MUST TRY!!)
Chinese dumplings, dan dan mian, beef noodles, fried pancakes
Located: 3/369 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
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6. Julio’s Italian Resturant
An authentic Italian restaurant that serves a gastronomical sharing and main dishes – must try seafood and red meat.
Located: 1309 Hay St, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
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Other places to explore, which we didn’t have the time to:
- Dolphine island
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Whiteman park
- The Bell Tower (near Elizabeth Quay)
- The Perth Mint (must check their timing for tours)
- Perth Concert Hall
- Swan river
THINGS TO BRING (TRAVEL ESSENTIAL)
Traveling is no longer about just packing clothes anymore, without these essential items in our luggage, we seriously won’t be able to survive (kidding la) but the trip won’t be complete at all! Find out what 3 ITEMS we highly raved over that keeps us connected with the world, safe from infection and helped us remember the wonderful memories from our every trip!
*GIVEAWAY ALERT* read on!!
1. CHANGI WIFI
Staying connected is the most important thing for any overseas trips we been to, and we have always relied on Changi Recommends – Changi Wifi (since forever lor) to help us stay online with our family and friends wherever we go. The perk of having their router is that it can be easily collected at the various part of our Changi Airport. We merely showed our booking number and the collection was done within seconds. Before Departure, each of the terminals has one counter and after we have touched down and walked out of the arrival gate, the returning counters are also out there 24/7. Which makes every collecting/returning super convenient!
What really impressed us about this portable router was that every day (after fully charged) it was able to last us one whole day without recharging, and the connection has never disappointed us at any point in time. We had to stay online for google maps, finding restaurants, and of course, posting photos – frankly speaking, sometimes their connection was even better than the hotels (ops).
Other than the Changi Wifi routers, we also highly recommend you to check out Changi Recommends website because it’s actually a one-stop concierge for travelers. It not only provides portable routers but also offers sim cards purchases, hotel bookings, transports, travel insurance, VIP meet and greet with transfers, attractions/ tours tickets and passes, it also does flight bookings and foreign currencies calculations!
This is one of the important items we seriously must-have in all our trips overseas! Good news to our followers, if you have read all the way to here, we have a great new to share – from what we heard that first time ever, Changi Recommends decided to team up with a parenting influencer, WHICH IS US!! on a worldwide giveaway to ONE lucky winner in getting a $50 ChangiWiFi voucher and a $100 ChangiHotels voucher!!!!
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T&Cs as seen below:
(For the actual giveaway – head back to our IG post to participate!)
- For the ChangiWiFi prize, kindly note that the voucher will only apply to the countries Changi Recommends has coverage for.
- As for the ChangiHotel prize, the voucher will be deducted off the winner’s booking which applies to all hotels available on ChangiHotels.
- This contest is open to participants residing in Singapore only
- Prizes shall be claimed for travel before 31 Jan 2020 and capped at the value of $100/$50 per winner for ONE hotel booking / ONE router to ONE country only.
- This sponsorship is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash
- Changi Travel Services reserve the rights to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice
*Limited to countries that are currently offered by ChangiWiFi / Limited to hotels that are currently offered by ChangiHotels
2. BETADINE WOUND CARE (FIRST AID KIT)
For any sane parents, we know that the chances our kids hurt themselves during overseas are quite expected. The worst thing that can happen is that while we are overseas we don’t know where to find the right products to help nurse/protect them after.
Thus, my husband has always made it a habit to have a first aid kit in all our traveling luggage. We usually packed whatever we have from the house, but more than often, we missed one or two, not until we found a full range of BETADINE Wound Care products which extensively have all the items we needed for safety precautions.
Recently, Betadine launched their first Clear Liquid Bandage which requires only a simple application and the wound would be effectively protected from any contamination as it seals the wound and prevents infection! No more changing of plasters or curly up of the corners. This can last up to 3 days!
So, to all parents, the best way of continuing a happy trip is always be prepared! For this, we also have a giveaway that can last you an almost 1-year supply of BETADINE products which is worth at $250! Stay tuned for this on our IG post also! (better turn on your notification in following our posts, you definitely don’t want to miss this out!)
You can easily get your BETADINE items from e-commerce sites liked Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10, as well as retail pharmacies such as Guardian, Watsons, and Unity!
3. HP SPROCKET (PRINTER)
This Perth trip we are privileged to bring along this adorable HP SProcket that was newly launched last year! We brought this palm-sized mini printer with us on every destination and was able to print out our happy memories instantly! The kids got to pick what they want to print our and mummy me would edit and add in adorable stickers from the HP app onto the image we took.
Here’s a video on how we use the HP SPROCKET to print out our PERTH trip memories in seconds.
Each packet comes with 10 pcs of adhesive palm-size photos.
Get yours at HP Website now!
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