Things to Do
Things to Do
Here are some great ideas for activities in nature.
Select from the menus below to find a fun activity in nature. There are a number of fun activities you can do with your family.
Got an idea for a fun activity?
Send us your great ideas.
Beginners tips
10 easy (and inexpensive) ways to get your children into nature
Getting your children more involved with nature can be as simple as growing vegetables in your backyard or watching birds feed in your garden. Even a walk to a neighbourhood bush reserve or Kings Park can open your children’s eyes to the wonders of the outdoors.
Here are some easy ways to get started:
1. Watch the sunset and sunrise
Get together with your family and watch the sunset or sunrise. Look at all the different colors that appear.
2. Grow your own vegetables
If you have a backyard, starting a small vegetable garden is easy.
3. Camp out in your backyard
Kids love this activity. All you'll need is a tent and your family to join you. Pitch the tent, bring some torches, ghost stories and enjoy the adventure.
4. Design a walking stick
Get you child ready for a family bushwalk by making a walking stick. All they'll need is a dry (not green) fallen branch that's a little higher than their waist that’s easy to grip.
5. Climb a hill and take in the view
Is there a tall hill nearby? Kids love lookout points. The views from the top can help change the way we look at the world.
6. Collect seashells or other objects at the beach
Western Australia has a huge coastline and most people live close to the coast, so it’s relatively easy to become a beachcomber.
7. Nature scavenger hunt
Make a list of some common things (and a few rarer ones) that can be found outside near your home or in a nearby park. You can include things such as pine cones, flat rocks, bird feathers, or even a lizard skin. Distribute the list and give your kids 20 minutes to find as much as they can.
8. Nature photo safari
Have your kids take charge of the camera today. Let them take pictures of all the leaves, trees and animals that interest them. If you make a slideshow, you can all see the pictures and talk about what you saw.
9. Go for a ride along the river
Perth has heaps of cycleways that wind around the Swan River. Get on your bike and find your favourite.
10. Go fishing
Every angler knows it’s not just catching fish that’s fun. It’s also getting out and sharing time with your friends and family.
Getting more out of nature
Activities for nature lovers away from home
BMX trails
BMX is a great way to add some action to your weekend. There are tracks located around the state. For more information on BMX contact BMX Sports WA.
Bushwalking
Go to Bushwalkers WA to find out when your local bushwalking group is going for a hike and get your family to join in.
Bird watching
Australia is a lucky country when it comes to the diversity of birdlife, with around 800 species, spread across an incredible range of habitats and locations. Grab the binoculars or just go for a walk outside and see how many birds you can spot.
Camping
Camping trips are a great way to bring the family together. Nearby parks have campsites available. Plan some hiking trips, go fishing or just sit around the campfire and roast marshmallows and tell stories. There's a lot to do on a camping trip!
Canoeing
Explore Western Australia's spectacular waterways on a raft, kayak or canoe. Float lazily down tranquil rivers, paddle into secluded coves or hurtle down wild white-water rapids.
Hiking
Flora and Fauna
To find how to track down our magnificent flora and fauna, go to the Forests and Flowers section of westernaustralia.com.
Horse riding
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned to take to the outdoors, then you can saddle up at of the numerous horse riding centres around WA.
Naturalists’ club
The WA Naturalists’ Club is one of the oldest conservation groups in Australia. It organises excursion and workshops in such things as bird watching, botany, spotlighting, fossicking for fossils and fungi. It also caters for people who want to learn more about environmental issues in Western Australia such as salinity, introduced flora and fauna and land degradation.
Surfing safaris
Just because your children are teenagers, it doesn’t mean you can’t share the great outdoors with them. Family holidays to the surf spots in the South-West of WA – and camping out – can be appreciated by all members of a family.
Ballooning
If you want a bird’s eye view of WA, mixed with a bit of adventure, then hot air ballooning offers a unique way of looking at our world. There are numerous companies that offer flights, mostly in the Avon Valley east of Perth.
