Margaret River is an indoor & outdoor paradise for kids and families
Margaret River is an indoor & outdoor paradise for kids and families. If they ever bore of the nature, which is hard to believe, there is a lifetime of other attractions and activities to keep them entertained. Explore the caves, pet baby animals, climb the lighthouses, build a sandcastle, splash and snorkel, take a surf class, boogie board, bush bash, pony ride, sample ice-creams and fudge, listen to Dreamtime stories, get lost in a maze, play mini golf, try the fun-park rides, and gaze at the stars… We could fill a book with ideas but check out the following tips from the locals. More ideas can be found on the Things to do guide. [gallery columns="1" size="full" link="none" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/08/Margaret-River-Feeding-th.jpg|Margaret River Central"]Busselton / Vasse Region
- Stop in for Devonshire tea or a homemade sausage roll at Wonky Windmill Farm & Eco Park, where you can learn about farm life, and feed an array of friendly animals, including kangaroos.
- Climb to the top of the Climbtastic rock wall on the Busselton Foreshore, and try out the air bungee jumpers.
- From December to February, look out for Aquatastic, featuring water inflatables and a special kids-only zone area, next to the jetty.
- The Busselton Archery & Family Fun Park offers archery under shady trees, with a practice area for novices, plus mini-golf, ozzi bug car rides and a bungee run.
Dunsborough / Yallingup
- Snorkel in the shallows at Meelup Beach, with its lapping, clear water.
- Watch sheep dogs round up the flocks, take part in some shearing, and bottle-feed the cute little lambs at Yallingup Shearing Shed.
- Yallingup Maze offers not just a tricky labyrinth, but also a log playground, grassy fields, a sandpit and a bouncy castle, as well as a cafe with puzzles on the tables.
- Simmo’s Ice Creamery in Dunsborough has an outdoor playground with the added bonus of the southwest’s signature brand of delicious ice-cream. It’s won a legion of fans, and the kids will drag you back for more.
- The gently meandering Busselton to Dunsborough bike path is one of the most scenic trails in the region.
- Maps and bike-hire information are available from the Busselton or Dunsborough visitor centres.
Margaret River Central Region
- Fantastic ponies are available at the horse-riding schools and retreats, where the kids can try riding, take lessons, or go out on a trail ride by lead rein.
- Mammoth Cave is a great place to take the kids. It has an enormous open entry with relatively flat boardwalk and short stairs to viewing platforms. The cave gently gets more intense as you go further in. The self-guided audio tour means you’re free to drop in on your own schedule.
- Rotary Park, near the entrance to town, has a great playground, complete with barbecues and ablutions, friendly ducks and a suspended bridge over the river. Stretch your legs on a lovely forest and river walk up to a dam.
- If you want to totally spoil the kids, there are lolly shops, chocolatiers, fudge factories and ice-creameries galore. Some have great play areas.
- The southern headland at Gnarabup Beach creates a sheltered spot, ideal for beachcombing and sandcastles.
- Prepare for complete confusion and giggles at the Amaze’n Maze, just four kilometres south of Margaret River.
- Pat, feed and cuddle some gorgeous soft furry animals at one of the animal farms, or bed down for the night at a farm stay.
Image credit: All photos - Tourism WA
