BEING one of the largest states in the world, complemented by a diverse climate, a long history and spectacular flora and fauna, Western Australia is a must-visit for travel enthusiasts, including families.
There is a wonderful coalition of experiences, sights and senses, just perfect for families looking for a casual trip that spans from a few days to a few weeks. What’s more, it is a Muslim-friendly destination that is just a 5.5-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur and even shares the same time zone with us. Jet-lag be gone!
While there are endless destinations in Western Australia to explore, here’s a checklist that includes some of the most gorgeous and family-friendly attractions for parents to enjoy together with their kids.
COSY UP IN IDYLLIC RURAL FARM STAYS
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourselves in the rural life and landscapes of Western Australia. Farm stays will give you the chance to spend some quality family time around a warm campfire, feed animals, collect eggs, learn to milk a cow and take unhurried bushwalks in the misty morning sunshine.
This is a great opportunity for kids to have a fun, interactive and educational experience about animals while getting close with nature.Some of the top farm stay destinations include Boshack Outback, which is a secluded and pristine bushland near Toodyay and only 90 minutes from Perth; the immensely popular Margaret River Hideaway and Farmstay that is a gazetted “Land for Wildlife” property; and Billa Billa Farm, a stunning property adjoining the Walpole Wilderness Area in beautiful North Walpole.
All of these offer a genuine rural experience and a perfect base for your family holiday!
UNFORGETTABLE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Western Australia also offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families to marvel at the landscape of Pinnacles Desert where naturally-formed limestone formations seem to be like something out of a sci-fi novel. You can also do some dune surfing along with the expansive white sand dunes of Lancelin.
From Perth, head north towards the Indian Ocean Drive at Yanchep, where families can cruise along this 1.5-hour scenic drive of pristine beaches and even pretty spring wildflowers during spring to reach Lancelin. Families seeking some excitement can have the opportunity to go sandboarding or ride the dunes in a four-wheeler.
For those seeking some peace and quiet with their family, you can picnic at one of the dune summits and take in panoramic views of the town, rolling farmland, beaches and islands whilst the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.
Travel north to Nambung National Park, the home of the amazing landscape famously known as the Pinnacles and be prepared to be mesmerised by the magic and mystery of the Pinnacles with a visit to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre before driving through the moon-like landscape of the Desert, or enjoy an Eco-Walk with your kids in this extra-terrestrial landscape.
Fun fact, no two pinnacle formations are similar!
EXPERIENCE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Western Australia not only boasts some of the best beaches in Australia, world-class surfing and stunning wine regions, it is also home to plenty of incredible wildlife that are unique to this state.
Situated at the heart of Whiteman Park in the Swan Valley, Caversham Wildlife Park is a 30-minute drive away from Perth. The park boasts some of the largest collections of native fauna in Western Australia. You and your family will be spoilt for choice. Here you can experience close encounters with iconic native Australian inhabitants, from hand-feeding kangaroos to having family photos taken with cuddly koalas and wombats.
Muslim families seeking convenience to perform prayers should not fret as Caversham also houses the Swan Valley Mosque and Islamic Centre.
You can also hop on a boat to Rottnest Island, which is located one hour away from Perth. There you’ll get to meet the cutest mini marsupial, found only in Western Australia, the world-famous and friendliest quokka!
For adventure-seeking families, you can either take a two-hour flight from Perth or take a day drive to Monkey Mia, one of Western Australia’s most famous dolphin-watching destinations. This calm bay is world-famous for offering a unique chance to see wild and friendly dolphins in their natural habitat.
DISCOVER THE BEST OF MUSLIM-FRIENDLY FOOD
A trip to Western Australia is not complete without a gastronomic experience around the region. For Muslim travellers, there are plenty of easily found delicious halal options.
Some of the most popular halal foods to snack on are the award-winning chocolates handcrafted in the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, Corica’s apple strudel and the vegetarian option, Lord of the Fries.
The Margaret River Chocolate Factory is a 30-minute drive from Perth, while Corica and Lord of the Fries are eateries that are easily accessible within the city centre.
For a more indulgent meal, you can head on over to Kaili’s Fish Market, a local favourite located in Fremantle that sells delicious fish and chips and seafood platters by the harbour. If you’re on a road trip, you can even stop for a meal at Lobster Shack located in Cervantes, where you can find mouthwatering seafood that is Muslim-friendly.
For more information, please visit: https://www.westernaustralia.com
Picture credit: Tourism Western Australia
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