Whiteman Park is regarded as one of Perth's premier tourist attractions, located 30 minutes north of the city in the Swan Valley.
Sprawling across over 3k hectares, it offers many attractions that fuse conservation and heritage for all ages, surrounded by Banksia woodlands and native flora and fauna. With kids' playgrounds and barbeque facilities located within the park, a visit makes for an affordable and unique day out for the family.
Get your nature fix and be entertained with these top 10 unique things to do in Whiteman Park.
1. Explore motoring history at the Motor Museum of WA
Calling all rev-heads, send your passion into overdrive with a visit to the Motor Museum of Western Australia. The museum houses the state's most extensive collection of motor vehicles, with over 200 cars and motorcycles on display from the late nineteenth to the present day. Formula One fanatics will guarantee to become star stuck with the most famous exhibit - the Red Bull RB 10 race car - once driven by Perth-born Formula One champion Daniel Riccardo. Visit the Motor Museum of WA for more information.
2. Meet native wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park
Get up close to some of Australia's most iconic animals at Caversham Wildlife Park. Home to Western Australia's largest privately owned collection of native wildlife, the park has more than 2,000 animals representing around 200 species. Pose for a photo with a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, meet a possum, get close to reptiles and watch the daily penguin feeding. Little ones will love meeting the friendly farm animals at Molly's Farm, while the interactive Farm Show offers a taste of Australian farm life. Held three times daily, the show includes sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, whip-cracking and more. Visit Caversham Wildlife Park for more information.
3. Take a ride on the Bennett Brook Railway
Journey into the past onboard a train, pulled by steam or diesel engines depending on the season. Travel 6km along Bennett Brook Railway through Whiteman Park's bushland, then explore a small collection of railway memorabilia. The railway's locomotives, passenger and freight vehicles, and infrastructure have been lovingly restored by volunteers. Services generally run every half hour on weekends from from the Village Junction Station and hourly from Mussel Pool, with additional departures on select weekdays, public holidays and during school holidays.
4. Spot wildflowers and birdlife on a bush walk
Explore Whiteman Park's three bush walking trails, each showcasing a different side of the park's natural landscape. The accessible 3km Weriliyup Trail loops around Horse Swamp, offering opportunities to spot wetland birdlife, while the easy Gooloorto Trail follows Bennett Brook through peaceful bushland. For a longer walk, the Wunanga Trail winds through banksia woodland and wetlands, with two routes to choose from. It's also a great spot to discover some of the park's 400-plus flowering plant species, particularly during wildflower season. All trails are signposted and their maps show points of interest.
5. Spot nocturnal wildlife on a Nocturnal Woylie Walk
Discover Whiteman Park's wildlife after dark on a guided Nocturnal Woylie Walk through Woodland Reserve. Led by a knowledgeable volunteer guide, you'll explore the protected bushland by torchlight and learn about conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered woylie. Watch woylies and quendas feeding nearby, and keep an eye out for other native residents, including echidnas, tammar wallabies and bush stone-curlews. Tours run on Friday evenings from September to April, with bookings essential. Special Kids Woylie Walks are also offered during school holidays.
6. Explore the park by pedal go-kart
Discover Whiteman Park on four wheels with Pedal Play. Hire a pedal go-kart and explore the park's shared paths, winding through bushland and picnic areas around the Village and Mussel Pool. There's something for the whole family, from junior go-karts suitable for children aged four and over to two-seaters and the four-person BERG Gran Tour, perfect for a family adventure. Pedal Play operates weather permitting, with hire available on selected days throughout the year. Pedal go-karts are available to hire daily, weather permitting, excluding Christmas Day.
7. Step back in time on a heritage electric tram
Step back in time aboard a heritage electric tram at Whiteman Park, the only place in Western Australia where you can experience a ride on a genuine heritage tram. Operated by the Perth Electric Tramway Society, these beautifully preserved trams travel along four kilometres of track through the park's picnic areas and farmland. Enjoy the journey as you take in the scenery, keeping an eye out for kangaroos and cattle along the way..
8. Uncover hidden wonders in the Children's Forest
Let the kids explore, play and connect with nature at Whiteman Park's Children's Forest. Created by children and their families, this special patch of native bushland is filled with hidden surprises, from giant marching ants and colourful birds to peeking possums and a life-sized wedge-tailed eagle's nest. Follow the trails to discover the forest's guardians, the Boy of the Bush and his sister Fern, and keep an eye out for hidden artworks along the way. Entry is free, and downloadable activity sheets add another layer of fun, with scavenger hunts, wildlife spotting and nature trails to explore.
9. Try traditional printing at Bright Press
Step into the world of traditional printmaking at Bright Press, Perth's only working letterpress museum. Located in Whiteman Park's Village Mall, this independent print studio brings the art of printing to life with beautifully restored vintage presses. Watch traditional printing techniques in action, browse a collection of handcrafted stationery and unique gifts, or get creative yourself at one of their hands-on letterpress and printmaking workshops held throughout the year.
10. Watch the vintage Tractor Parade
Experience a piece of farming history at Whiteman Park's monthly Tractor Parade. On the second Sunday of each month, volunteers from the Tractor Museum of WA fire up a collection of beautifully restored vintage tractors and take them on a journey through the Village. Watch these historic machines rumble past, offering a glimpse into Western Australia's agricultural heritage. The parade takes place weather permitting, so check upcoming dates before visiting.
There's plenty more to discover at Whiteman Park! Explore more nature and wildlife, step back in time with heritage experiences and museums, enjoy family-friendly activities, or browse the Village shops. Check out what's on for upcoming events and activities to help plan your visit.
