Top Ten Things to do at Whiteman Park

When we first moved to Perth, we were constantly on the hunt for Kangaroos and other natural habitants of Australia.  The Perth locals all directed us to the same place, Whiteman Park.  We decided to drive over and check it out one Sunday afternoon, and discovered a HUGE nature reserve with tons of activities and attractions.  It was apparrent we would have to make several trips back to Whiteman Park to take in all it has to offer.  Here is a Top Ten List of Things to do at Whiteman Park:

1.  Play at one of the Playgrounds:

Main Playground- located just 100 metres from the village.  This park is fenced in, shaded, and designed for all ages.


Mini Water Playground- Kids can cool off in the 30 cm deep paddling pool and water spouts!  Open 10-5 from October until the end of April.


There's a small Playground outside Village Cafe too.



2.Visit Caversham- This is a must see for all Perth residents and their visitors!  Get up close and personal with the native plants and animals of Australia.  It is an experience you will never forget.

 

3. Discover Nature:

Birds of Prey Flying Display
Woodland Reserve
Mussel Pool
Fish Ladder 
Bennet Brook


4. Take a Train or Tram Ride
Bennett Brook Railway- Hop aboard a steam or diesel engine and travel through the natural bushland of Whiteman Park.




Friends of Ashley Day- a special event in May and September when you can hop aboard Ashley and some of her famous friends.




Tram Rides- Whiteman Park is the only place in Western Australia where you can ride a genuine, vintage, electric tram!


5.  Visit One of the Museums:
Motor Museum- view over 130 vehicles from horse drawn carriage to modern day. Click here for more details.

Revolutions Transport Museum

 
Tractor Museum


6.  Walk a Bush Trail  or Take a Bike Ride


7.  Hop Aboard the Whiteman Explorer
This free tour aboard a restored vintage bus, will show you all the must see sights at Whiteman Park. Bus departs at 11 am and 1pm from the bus stop in car park 7.

8. Enjoy Lunch at the Village Cafe 
or Pack a Picnic to enjoy at Mussel Pool


If you prefer to BBQ your own lunch, there are several BBQs available around the park.  You can even pick up a BBQ pack from the Village Cafe, ready for you to BBQ yourself!


9.  Explore the Children's Forest-
Meander down the winding path and discover the different stages of the forest planted by children and their families. There is a community planting day once a year during the cool winter months.


10.  Visit the Village Shops: 
The Lolly Shop
Print Shop
Village Art Gallery
Handcraft Centre
Pottery Centre-

School Holidays Pottery Class at the Pottery Centre

Click here to check out all the December/January School Holiday Activities at Whiteman Park!


Park Map:

Top Twelve Things To Do At Hillary's Boat Harbour

Just minutes away from where we live is a lovely little harbour called Hillary’s.  Whenever we go, I can’t help but feel like we are on a holiday.  There’s just something unique about the shops, I love the restaurant choices that skirt the marina, and the overall relaxed “feel” of the place.  Here’s some of my favorite things to do with the family at Hillary’s Boat Harbour and Marina. 

Top Twelve Things to do at Hillary’s Boat Harbour:

1. Swim in the protected sea-
A great place to swim with the little ones.  There's little to no waves in this calm, protected harbour.  


2. Play at the beach side play park-
There's one in the sand by the harbour:

and another inside The Great Escape (where spectators get in free!):


3. Get wet & wild on one of the water slides- 
There are a couple of options here.  You can swim out to the dock and slide down these guys:

  

Or head into The Great Escape to slip and slide down these guys:

4. Grab something to eat in one of the many restaurants-

There's just something about eating out on the patio over looking the marina that feels right.  There are many choices from casual snack stands, coffee shops, to fancy dining. We've even ordered a pizza to take out near the water to eat.  

5. Cool down with a slurpee, gelato, or ice cream cone-

We don't say "yes" everytime... but boy are the kids happy when we do!  Their favorite thing to do is mix all the slurpee flavors into one cup and them name their creation.    

6. Browse the many shops-

7. PLAY some games at the Leisure Zone-

8. Visit AQWA- 

So much to see!  "Look at all the little fishies!"

9. Charter a Boat-

Whether it's a dive boat, fishing charter, fast ferry, or a whale watching cruise... Hillary's Harbour has it!

10. Have a picnic/BBQ -

There's plenty of shade, grass, beach sand, or picnic shelters.  Take your pick!

11. Saunter on the Boardwalk-

12. Venture into 

The Great Escape- This place is full of adventure!  Whether it's the High Ropes Course, Trampolines, Water slides, Rides, Bounce House, Play Park, or Putt Putt golf.

 

Hope you love visiting Hillary's Harbour as much as these guys do!  :)

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Little Kickers Australia Review

Hagen has always loved soccer.  In fact, he was only 2 weeks old when he watched his big sister win the girls championship for her division.  He's been dragged to soccer practice, and games two to three times a week since then.  But now it's his turn... We discovered Little Kickers Australia!

Little Kickers focuses on fun, all while learning the skills of soccer.  In addition, the kids are gaining high self esteem, and a love of being fit and healthy.

The session started with a bit of free play, kicking the soccer balls around and then chasing them. Gotta love those energy burning games!

 

The coaches then made a game of  putting all the balls away. Then it was time for some fun warm-ups and laughs.

I was impressed by the way the kids respected the coach, and he had their full attention the entire session.

The kids learned soccer skills and got plenty of exercise without even realizing it.  They practiced "little kicks" like a "tick-tock clock", they hopped like kangaroos, stomped like elephants, and roared like lions.  There were several fun games throughout the session to keep the interest of even the shortest attention span.

I highly recommend the Little Kickers program.  It is available for boys and girls from age 18 months until their 7th birthday.  There are several locations around Perth for all of the age groups.  Click here to find a venue in your area.

Hagen absolutely loves going to his "soccer class".  The biggest struggle we have is keeping his uniform clean in time for his session, because he wants to wear it everyday! (A Little Kickers soccer shirt and shorts is included in registration fee).