30 things to do with the kids on the Coral Coast over the school holidays
With 1,100km of natural wonders and endless adventure, Australia’s Coral Coast is one of the world’s great destinations – and luckily enough, it’s right on our doorstep!
Pack up the car, grab the whole family, and get ready to take the kids on an unforgettable adventure… There’s definitely plenty of fun to be had:
Stop In For A Rockin’ Roll At The Lobster Shack
Temptingly close to the popular Pinnacles, this iconic restaurant has become a must-visit for anyone heading north of Perth! Experts in everything Western Rock Lobster, head to the Lobster Shack for a delicious signature roll and some absolutely bonkers views over crystal-clear waters and a wide open horizon.
Say Hello To The Sea Lions
Meet the rarest sea lions in the world lounging amongst the sheltered lagoons and sandy beaches of Jurien Bay Marine Park! With a unique combination of warm tropical waters and cooler southern waters, Jurien Bay is the only Australian sea lion breeding location on the west coast.
… From The Sky!
Thrillseekers are born, not made… And we know some teens are itching to get the adrenaline going. Make some thrilling memories by enjoying the spectacular coastline from 15,000 feet in the air – and leaping from one of Skydive Jurien Bay’s planes!
Sandboarding At Sandy Cape
Although Sandy Cape boasts some truly idyllic, calm beaches – the dunes offer just as much fun! As well as 4WD adventures, the dunes are a favourite spot for sandboarding: you can sail down the soft white sand feeling the salty wind in your hair, then follow it up with a night camping under the stars.
Slow Down At Ellendale Pool
Take a moment to slow down and enjoy the serene surrounds of Ellendale Pool, a naturally formed waterhole along the Greenough River. Nestled between towering gorge faces and magnificent gums, the water isn’t suitable for swimming but makes the perfect setting for a tranquil afternoon kayaking.
Fun On The Geraldton Foreshore
In news to no one, Geraldton’s beaches are stunning – but when the family’s had their fill of splashing in the ocean, the foreshore has plenty more to keep kids entertained all day long, including a fun waterpark and three playgrounds.
Adventure Over The Abrolhos Islands
A 122-island archipelago, the pristine Abrolhos Islands are home to some of the bluest waters in the world – and notorious shipwreck the Batavia! Explore the archipelago from the sky with Geraldton operators Shine Aviation and Fly Gero, or Kalbarri Scenic Flights, and enjoy spectacular views, unique wildlife and plenty of local history.
Think Pink In Port Gregory
The vibrant pink hue of Hutt Lagoon has made it one of WA’s most photographed locations, and you can take a closer look with Pink Lake Buggy Tours. Explore the coast in comfort, discovering wildlife amongst the dunes and getting some amazing views of the insta-famous Pepto-Bismol pink landmark.
Explore Inland Gorges And Coastal Cliffs With A Local
Under D’Guy Charters’ expert guidance, you’ll be treated to some of Kalbarri’s most breathtaking sights, including whale watching from the magnificent Red Bluff and Natural Bridge lookouts, wild inland gorges framed by the iconic Nature’s Window, or a guided sunset tour of the Kalbarri Skywalk. Have something special in mind? Tailor your own tour!
Meet A Pelican For Brekkie
We can’t imagine a better breakfast date than one of Kalbarri’s resident pelicans. Every morning at 8:45 on the Kalbarri Foreshore, volunteers serve up a delish brekkie feast of fresh fish to the pelicans – a tradition that’s lasted since the ‘70s.
Quad Around Kalbarri
Got some bigger kids ready for some rugged adventures? Have an unforgettable adventure exploring Wagoe Beach and discovering its majestic dunes and wildlife on a quad bike or beach buggy guided tour with Kalbarri Quad.
Cruise Along The Murchison River
We’ve explored the Murchison River by land – now it’s time to hop aboard and experience it from the water! Suited to all ages, Kalbarri Wilderness Cruises will show you a whole new side of the landscape, gliding through the lower reaches of the river to spot eagles, emus and goats along the banks.
Horse Riding At Big River Ranch
Yeehaw! Saddle up and experience the untamed Kalbarri landscape from horseback with Big River Ranch. Canter through the bush, cool off in the Murchison River and unwind with an overnight stay and an evening sitting around the campfire.
Learn All About Lobsters
Thinking about how delish those lobster rolls were back in Cervantes? Jump aboard Kalbarri Rock Lobster Tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of third-generation lobster fisherman, watch as they pull the morning’s catch and enjoy the delicious taste of the freshest rock lobster you’ll ever get!
Perfect Nature Cruises
Don’t worry, you can also appreciate the non-edible nature! Perfect Nature Cruises will have the salty wind whipping through your hair as you spot dolphins, dugongs, loggerhead turtles and even humpback whales. Really immerse yourself in the ocean life by jumping into the boom net for a salty adrenaline rush!
Meet Monkey Mia’s Famous Dolphins
Get up close and personal with some marine life that have practically reached celebrity status! Monkey Mia’s dolphins famously swim up to the shallows every day, interacting with visitors and enjoying a tasty snack from Rangers.
Discover The History Of Shark Bay
Learn all about the history of the region in Shark Bay Discovery Centre’s interactive exhibitions – from ancient stromatolites to pearlers and pastoralists, and the Malgana Indigenous people who have been custodians of the land for thousands of years.
Connect To Country With Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures
Appreciate the stark beauty of WA’s landscapes at Francois Peron National Park, where rich red desert meets turquoise waters. The best way to experience the beauty? Through the eyes of Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures. The life-changing tours will immerse you in Indigenous culture and ancient traditions, as well as the secrets of the local landscape, wildlife and more – whether you’re on a 4WD adventure or kayaking through calm waters.
Time Travel To 1616
Australia’s most western point, a visit to Dirk Hartog Island is like visiting the end of the earth – and travelling back in time! The site of the first recorded landing on Australian soil by Europeans, the island is a pristine wonderland of crystal clear waters with reefs perfect for snorkelling, vibrant pink lakes, majestic manta rays and white sands home to turtle hatchlings. In an effort to maintain this island paradise, a conservation effort known as “Return to 1616” has the goal of eradicating all introduced species and reintroducing native fauna.
Fruit Loop Drive Trail
Carnarvon’s subtropical climate means it is a hub for our state’s spectacular produce – with 80% of WA’s fruit and vegetable crop grown in the region, along with a thriving seafood industry. Enjoy plenty of this delicious seasonal produce along the Fruit Loop Drive Trail, with countless growers and plantations also operating roadside stalls where you can pick up local preserves, dried fruits and even refreshing ice creams! The trail will also take you past the iconic, insta-famous Cactus Farm and its spectacular towering cacti.
Point Quobba Aquarium
Just one kilometre from the explosive power of the Quobba Blowholes, the whole family can enjoy the tranquil waters of the aptly-nicknamed Aquarium. The coral-filled lagoon is abundant with ocean life, and is the perfect spot for less confident snorkelers to explore the amazing underwater.
Space and Technology Museum
Big blue ocean, big blue sky! While we’ve been spending a lot of time exploring the vast ocean and all its wonders, the sky holds just as much to discover. WA has played a huge role in humanity’s early days of space exploration, and you can learn all about it at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum!
Swim With Whale Sharks
The world’s largest fringing reef, Ningaloo has been a World Heritage listed site since 2011 and it’s an integral part of our marine biodiversity, home to an impressive array of wildlife – including one of the world’s largest whale shark congregations each year. Confident swimmers of all ages can snorkel alongside these gentle giants with Ningaloo Whaleshark n Dive, and there are plenty of other operators to choose from.
…And Manta Rays
Tackle another of Ningaloo’s “Big 3” and swim with the elegant, gliding manta rays. Mantas don’t have the defensive barbs of other rays – so you can safely watch them in their natural habitat. You may even catch one breaching!
Yardie Creek Cruise
The whole family can venture through the rugged terrain and red-faced escarpments of Yardie Creek on a leisurely cruise, spotting adorable and rare black-footed rock wallabies hopping on the shore and elegant egrets perched on branches.
Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre
Want to learn more about Ningaloo’s fascinating wildlife and history… But prefer to stay dry? No worries! Drop into the Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre, where you can see amazing creatures up close without a snorkel!
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Fishing Fun
From Cervantes to Exmouth, the Coral Coast is a treasure trove for fishers! Continue the rock lobster love with a stop at Dongara and Port Denison, north of Cervantes and considered to be the rock lobster capital of Australia. Chapman Valley Fishing Park is great for beginners to fish to their heart’s content, while the Abrolhos Islands are a stunning, remote location to try your luck. Take things to the next level by balloon fishing at Steep Point – the dramatic, 170m high cliffs of the westernmost edge of Australia.
Immerse Yourself In A Station Stay Experience
The countless wonders of the Coral Coast certainly need some time to get through – and why not immerse yourself in the slow pace of life and a slice of history with one of the region’s many station stays. From rustic shearer’s quarters to bougie glamping or charming, comfortable cottages – check ‘em out here!
For more information on what to do in the northwest region this school holidays, head to the Australia’s Coral Coast Website.
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This article is sponsored by Australia’s Coral Coast and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.