Inspiration to keep the kids happy these summer holidays!
Summer holidays are my happy place.
Plenty of beach trips, forest adventures, bakery treats, ice creams and lunches at our favourite family-friendly venues. The best summer holiday activities are outdoors, and these are our family favourites, from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south. Important note: be sure to book ahead for any lunches or tours to ensure you don’t miss out. Enjoy!
Header image: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort/Abby Murray
The Busselton Foreshore has long been the place where family memories are made, and this school holidays, there are plenty of ways to while away your days along this spectacular stretch of coastline.
A visit to the Busselton Jetty is a must-do activity for any family looking for things to do with kids. The little ones will be mesmerised by a ‘real life’ mermaid at the Underwater Observatory, and both small and big kids will love to discover a world of natural wonders that unfolds below the jetty. Inside the 9.5-metre diameter observation chamber, 11 viewing windows offer unique vantage points to observe the piles that create Australia’s largest artificial reef – now complete with an Underwater Sculpture Park. Plus, don’t miss a ride on the red Jetty Train and a visit to the Underwater Discovery Centre on land.
The Festival of Busselton is up there with the most family-friendly festivals in the region, lining up a whole month of arts, crafts, live music and sporting activities until the end of January.
Having a little wander around? Don’t miss Origins Market, just a short stroll from town. The indoor playground is a great excuse to get out of the hot sun, and there are free kids activities running on the daily, kid-friendly food and drink options from 14 (!) different eateries, and a live observational bee hive.
Okay, this one is a bit of a splurge, but arguably the best adrenaline high you’ll ever have. Hop aboard a Scenic Helicopters flight for a truly spectacular view of the Margaret River region coastline and vineyards. Pilot Jackson McLeod and his 3-passenger helicopter will take the fambam on an unforgettable aerial adventure. Soar high above the landscape, then touch down at a winery or brewery of your choice for a delicious lunch and play, or perhaps choose a scenic beach for a thrilling picnic and fishing expedition? The sky’s the limit!
Just a warning, flights are totally addictive.
One of the best sun-smart ways to cool down this summer is to visit a crystal cave. There are four awe-inspiring show caves in the region that are open for tours: Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup, Mammoth and Lake Cave within Boranup Forest and Jewel Cave near Augusta. They’re all unique and beautiful; million-year-old caves filled with pristine, gleaming crystal, all set within the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.
Ngilgi and Mammoth Cave are particularly good for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers thanks to their semi-guided or audio-guided format – you’re free to explore at your own pace, and Ngilgi Cave has the optional Tunnel of Doom.
Lake Cave and Jewel Cave are also great for children and teens; I started taking mine when the youngest was five years old, and happy to follow the tour guide and climb all the stairs herself. Carrying a 20-kilo kiddie up 300 steps is an amazing workout, that’s for sure!
Bookings are recommended, particularly during holidays.
Sitting on the beach, watching your youngsters learn to surf? That’s a proud parent moment, right there. Kids get such a thrill learning to catch waves and creating amazing holiday memories while they’re at it.
Yallingup Surf School has a fun and enthusiastic group of coaches taking beginners and intermediate lessons for anyone aged five and above, including adults. Everything is provided: warm wetties, easy-to-ride boards, even zinc for your nose. Call or text the day before you want a lesson, and they’ll endeavour to fit you in, even putting on extra sessions when it’s busy. They are flexible with weather conditions, moving between Smiths Beach and Yallingup Lagoon depending on the swell.
If you’re staying further south, nearer Margaret River, we can also recommend Margaret River Surfing Academy in Prevelly and Margaret River Surf School at Redgate Beach.
After more water activities? Head out on a canoe tour on the Margaret River with Bushtucker Tours to see the local flora and fauna, learn about the area’s history, hear tales of courage from the early settlers, and swim in pristine waters.
The Margaret River Region boasts about 200km of pristine coastline, with plenty of superb beaches to choose from. Some of these beaches aren’t suitable for families, so be careful about selecting a safe place to swim. Here are a few of our favourite family beach experiences.
Busselton Beach – my kids love jetty jumping from the small U-shaped jetty in front of KYST, just 100m west of Busselton Jetty. Enclosed by a net, it’s a safe spot with mellow waves. There’s usually plenty of other kids, plus there’s a nearby playground and takeaway food.
Meelup – Lonely Planet famously said, “Take one look at Meelup Beach, and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle.” Meelup is a show-stopper with vivid blue water, protected from ocean swells. Perfect for a picnic with BBQs in the shade, toilets and shower facilities.
Yallingup Lagoon – circled by reef, this is a safe spot to take kids for a splash, swim, snorkel or a surfing lesson. There’s also a great playground and lawn overlooking the surf break, a café (Lagoon), showers, toilets and several accommodation options within walking distance.
Hamelin Bay Beach – it’s a thrill to see the giant sting rays of Hamelin Bay each summer. Keen to collect the fishermen’s scraps, these beautiful rays patrol the beach near the Hamelin Bay Holiday Park. It’s a beautiful spot to take a dip, but remember that sting rays are wild animals with a venomous barb on their tail, which they could use if threatened. Look but don’t touch and stay several metres away.
Throughout the summer months, the following local beaches are patrolled by lifeguards:
Please refer to Surf Lifesaving Western Australia’s website mybeach.com.au for times and days lifeguards are on patrol.
Need the kids to burn off some energy while you sip a coffee/wine/beer? We hear you. These are some of our favourite playgrounds, all conveniently located in close proximity to great coffee, wine or craft beer.
Aravina – who doesn’t love a fully fenced playground? Aravina are serving pizza on the lawn with live music and beer from their taphouse.
Cheeky Monkey – craft beer, family-friendly food, and another fully fenced playground. Winning!
Yallingup Adventure Playground – overlooking main break, this is an awesome nature-style playground. Grab a coffee from Lagoon first.
Sea Play by the Bay is an award-winning playground near the Busselton Jetty modelled on an old wooden whaling ship. Kids can climb the crow’s nest, play beneath the whale’s tail, which spurts water or ring the bell on the jetty. Conveniently located between three fantastic café-restaurants, The Goose and Shelter Brewing Co, and with takeaway options too, the whole family will be happy with a visit.
Need more inspo? Check out the best playgrounds to visit in the Margaret River Region.
Love food, but have fussy kids? The following food options should appease the whole family, from gourmands to cautious eaters.
Swings & Roundabouts in Yallingup have superb wood-fired pizza and warm hospitality, and a great new playground and huge lawn area. They have won Best Outdoor Venue in WA, and dogs are welcome too. Taste their wine, relax while the kids play and share a plate of donut-style pizza dough.
Goanna Café is our go-to for brunch and lunch. It’s hard to go past the Spicy Indo Rice (my daughters order it every time), but they also have an excellent, ever-changing lunch menu. Owner/chef Duncan Timmons did his time in a Michelin-starred London restaurant, and it shows in his delicious fare.
Margaret River Bakery is a treat everyone will love. Feast on sumptuous quiches, salad-filled baguettes, quality pies and burgers, then fill your ‘dessert compartment’ with salted caramel donuts, raspberry Danishes, warm cinnamon scrolls and more. Heaven!
Shelter Brewing Co is fantastic. A beautiful, big light-filled space with Busselton Jetty views, they’re serving up scrumptious beer and seriously good food. There’s even a cute little caravan playground and sandpit out front.
Colourpatch Café in Augusta has some of WA’s best fish and chips, made with local fish, fresh off the boat. The café had a snazzy renovation a few years ago, and it’s a great spot to sit, sip and snack with a superb view of the rivermouth. If the kids need to expend a bit of energy, get your fish and chips wrapped to take away, and enjoy them across the road on the grass by the river.
White Elephant Beach Café is awesome for a sandy-feet, post-swim meal. Perched above Gnarabup Beach, they serve up a yummy bacon and egg burger, spiced pumpkin and eggs, generous salads and great coffee. Kids love the coconut bircher and mini brekkie burgers.
Lately, we’ve been oscillating between the beach and Simmo’s Ice Creamery. There’s nothing so sweet as a well-deserved ice cream, and we’re lucky to have both Simmo’s and Millers Ice Creamery making a whole rainbow of delicious colours and flavours right here in the region. All from fresh, local cream.
Simmo’s Ice Creamery is on the outskirts of Dunsborough and has 60 flavours to choose from. They have a huge shaded grassed area, a brand new playground, mini golf and BBQs. During the holidays, there’s a climbing wall, jumping castle and bungee jumper ride.
Millers Little Ice Cream Shop has conveniently just moved into Cowaramup and has 30 rotating flavours ready for scooping. Grab your ice cream or coffee and head outside to enjoy it at Pioneer Park. After a yummy soft serve? Temper Temper across the road is a delicious choice. Not to mention the chocolate!
Ice cream, animal farm and a playground? Bingo! Scoops Farm really has it all. Home to some of WA’s finest Italian gelato and the South West’s only frozen yoghurt shop, Margaret River FRO YO, meet their friendly animals, run around on the lawn and enjoy the kids’ outdoor and indoor playground, or just grab a coffee and relax.
Another fab place for a frozen treat is the Margaret River Chocolate Company, who sell a range of Simmo’s Ice Cream.
Whether you love heights or you’re naturally cautious, we reckon you’ll love two epic zip line and high ropes courses in the region – Next Level Monkey Business and Forest Adventures South West.
Next Level Monkey Business welcomes cheeky chimps aged four years and older, and it’s set next door to Bailey Brewing Co. near Dunsborough. They have low-to-the-ground obstacles and zip lines for younger kids, right up to The Mega Zip, which has you flying over the lake. Great for families with children aged four and over.
Forest Adventures is just outside Busselton in the Ludlow Tuart Forest. Rather than climbing pine poles, you’re climbing real trees! Dial up the adrenaline and get ready for some serious tree-top challenges on “the adults’ zip lining course that kids can do too”. Perfect for families with slightly older kids, you have to be seven years plus to tackle these courses. As a guide, my brave eight-year-old blitzed course four (of six), which has a suspended totem swaying ladder, climbing 18 metres up into the trees before enjoying nine consecutive zip lines. Awesome!
If your kids prefer to swing a club over swinging between the tree tops, Hole 19 in Dunsborough is an indoor golf venue for both big and small golfers of all levels. Kids under 10 play for free with a paying adult, and kids 10-16 get 30% off simulator play for school hols. How good!
Would your kids enjoy feeding miniature Irish donkeys, alpacas and baby calves each morning? Then Margaret River Holiday Cottages is the place for you. It’s an idyllic “bush comfy” getaway nestled between state forest and acclaimed wineries, on Boodjidup Road, just south of Margaret River town. They have eight two-bedroom cottages and one four-bedroom cottage and entertainment for all ages; an indoor swimming pool, cricket pitch, playground and nature trails in the forest next door. A shared games room has foosball, air hockey, table tennis and a pool table.
If a beach escape is more your style, the family-friendly Pullman Bunker Bay Resort offers plenty to keep both kids and parents entertained – including a dedicated Kids’ Club for little guests! From your villa, enjoy an easy stroll to breakfast, the stunning infinity-edge pool (with complimentary beach toys!), said Kids’ Club, and tennis courts. Set on the glimmering waters of Bunker Bay, now, this is how you combine relaxed coastal luxury with effortless family comfort. Plus, up to two children under 12 stay and dine free when sharing their parents’ villa and eating together as a family.
