#1 Play with the friendly dolphins

One of the world’s top destinations for memorable and close encounters with these intelligent mammals, WA is a must-visit place for families and nature lovers alike. Try places such as Monkey Mia or Dolphin Discovery Centre.

#2 Discover amazing national parks

Measuring over 2.5 million square kilometres, WA has over half of the nation’s biodiversity hotspots and several national parks featuring a multitude of flora and fauna. Home to iconic Australian animals like quokkas and kangaroos, WA is certainly the best place for your children to learn more about and be closer to nature’s best.

We suggest checking out John Forest National Park and Nambung National Park. If you want more, WA’s impressive list of national parks also includes Cape Le Grand National Park (Golden Outback), D'Entrecasteaux National Park (South West), Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park (South West), Rottnest Island (Perth & Surrounds), William Bay National Park (Denmark, South West) and Walpole-Nornalup National Park (South West).

#3 Pick fruit straight from the orchard

Why not spend some family time picking fruit and vegetables in one of the many orchards in WA? Different kinds of produce have different harvesting seasons, so do ask the friendly staff at a visitor centre for updated information on the produce currently in season and which orchards allow you to pick your own. Two awesome places to do this are Perth Hills and Donnybrook.

#4 Experience farmstays with adorable farm animals

Take the kids, escape the hustle of the city, and experience country life on a homestead, cattle station, or farm – a priceless and culturally-rich rural dimension to your stay. WA offers a myriad of country-living options, from Bullara Station and the Kimberley cattle country to the rolling pastures of South West.

On these farmstays and homesteads, you will be invited to do as the locals do – feed the livestock, collect eggs, milk cows, pet goats, and take leisurely bushwalks in the misty morning sunshine. Your young ones will certainly be thrilled by the endearing farm animals, and can even try horse of pony riding in certain locations!

#5 Family fun at breathtaking beaches

If your family prefers the relaxing, wide expanses of the sea, then WA’s beaches are the perfect fit for you! Crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and abundant sunshine can be found all year round on WA’s extensive stretch of coast – a total of 12,500 kilometres of coastline. Perth’s iconic Cottesloe Beach even has smooth terraced lawns and majestic Norfolk pines, perfect for a laidback afternoon with the family.

#6 Meet the native animals of Western Australia

Rich in biodiversity, WA boasts a plethora of native Australian mammals, some of which are even unique to the state! One of these animals are the renowned quokka of Rottnest Island; part of the kangaroo and wallaby families, the quokka has been dubbed the world’s happiest animal due to their approachable and gentle nature.

#7 Streets, shopping, and sightseeing

WA is not only a hub of adventure and new experiences, but is also excellent for families to admire the sights and experience street culture. With its outdoor markets, alfresco dining, and an active waterfront, Elizabeth Quay is the perfect playground for both adults and children to enjoy a casual day out. Every weekend, Fremantle Market also hosts approximately 150 traders in a beautiful bohemian building, selling food, homeware, art products, jewellery, toys, clothing for all ages, and more! Meanwhile, those in search of quainter finds like curiosities and vintage items will be spoilt for choice at Leederville and the Inglewood Night Market.

#8 Scrumptious delights straight to your table

Blessed with a lengthy coastline, diverse soil types, and sunny climate all-year long, WA yields a profusion of fresh produce, seafood, and highly-prized black truffles – a gourmet’s delight! No matter which town or city you find yourself in, there are ample family-friendly eateries that serve up a variety of fresh food.

#9 Stay at family-friendly accommodation

Be it a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, WA offers plenty of family- and children-family accommodation for you to choose from. Most of them are strategically located in close proximity to eateries, shopping outlets, and facilities that will keep the entire family entertained. Alternatively, there are plenty of self-catering accommodation options where you can be hands-on with your food and cook your own meals! Be sure to check out one of these accommodation options when planning your family holiday – All Suites Perth, Country Comfort Inter City Perth, Four Points by Sheraton Perth and Smiths Beach Resort.

For more information about Western Australia, visit http://www.westernaustralia.com