Perth is more than just Australia’s most remote capital city and an excellent place for a beach holiday. It’s a great holiday spot for animal lovers too.
City of Perth, Photo Jennifer Morton
Every visitor to Australia wants to see its unique wildlife up close, and there are plenty of opportunities for that in Perth. There are also places to hang out with cats and everyone’s favourite farmyard animals too. This western city has activities for all kinds of animal lovers.
The whole family will go wild for these 5 animal-inspired activities in Perth.
The Cat Cafe Purrth
Photo Courtesy Cat Cafe Purrth
Cat cafes are popping up all over the world, and Perth was not going to be left out of the cat craze. They claim to be the happiest place in Perth and what’s not to be happy about? It’s cats, cake and coffee (and iced chocolates for the kiddies). The cafe, which is located in the trendy neighbourhood of Subiaco, opened in July 2016 and has been going from strength to strength since. And it’s not just a fad coffee shop; it’s about providing a stable, loving environment to 12 rescue cats as well as raising money for the Cat Haven, a local cat shelter and adoption centre. This place books up fast, so purchase tickets in advance. Entry fees start at $8 per person.
Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm
If petting cats made you happy, just wait until you see all the cuddle opportunities at Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm. Head to the country and get amongst the woolly, feathery and furry farm critters that will delight children all of ages. The nursery is full of babies that love a nice cuddle and yummy treat. You’ll find all the usual farm suspects and native favourites like kangaroos and emus too. The farm is an easy 40-minute drive outside the city. Entry fees start at $13 and include lots of activities: bouncy castle, train/tractor rides, animal feeding and more.
Kangaroo at Yanchep National Park. Photo Jennifer Morton
Yanchep National Park
Yanchep National Park. Photo Jennifer Morton
Explore the natural bushland of Western Australian at Yanchep National Park. It’s the perfect place for a picnic amongst the trees and the resting western grey kangaroos (early and late in the day is best). Visit the 240-metre boardwalk and see how many koalas you can spot sleeping in the eucalyptus trees. You’ll also see 197 different birds species. Keep your eye out for ringneck parrots; black cockatoos; pink galahs and cheeky, laughing kookaburras. When you’re done marvelling at the native wildlife, there are several caves to explore. The park is located 50km north of Perth city. Entry fees are based per car.
Rottnest Island
A quokka in Rottnest Island. Photo Jennifer Morton
What does Rottnest Island have that no other place has? Quokkas. These adorable marsupials were made world famous when animal lover Allan Dixon took the cutest quokka selfie and posted it online. Now everybody wants one. They are incredibly photogenic creatures, but please remember not to touch or feed them (fines apply). But you won’t go to Rotto (that’s what the locals call it) just to photograph quokkas. You’ll go for the beaches, swimming and snorkelling; bike riding and exploring. A day on Rottnest Island is a must for all travellers to Perth.
The Perth Zoo
Photo courtesy Perth Zoo
If there’s no time for Rottnest, don’t worry, you can spot a quokka at the Perth Zoo. This zoo is much more than a place to view wildlife though. It’s a place of conservation, a place to care and study and a place to connect people with nature in a positive, educational way. Of course, you will see the much-loved animals of Australia, but you’ll also get to discover the traits and personalities of species from around the world. To help plan your day, the zoo has mapped out special itineraries that feature your favourite wildlife collections. The zoo is open daily from 9am-5pm.
Photo Courtesy Perth Zoo
