Western Australia is full of surprises, and a day trip to Hillarys and Swan Valley offers the perfect mix of wildlife, adventure, and relaxation. From spotting kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park to whale watching at Hillarys Boat Harbour, there's something for everyone. Add in some chocolate shopping and a leisurely lunch in Swan Valley, and you've got an unforgettable family itinerary.
We started early, heading south from Perth. The drive was about three hours, but the scenery kept us entertained. Along the way, we spotted kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat. It felt like a true Australian adventure right from the start.
Our first stop was Caversham Wildlife Park, located in Whiteman. This park is perfect for families who love animals. We spent nearly two hours here, which flew by quickly. The highlight was getting up close to kangaroos and koalas. These are experiences you don’t want to miss. If you have kids, they’ll love feeding the kangaroos and watching these iconic animals hop around freely. The park also has other Australian wildlife like wombats and emus, so there’s plenty to see. While two hours felt short for us, it’s still enough time to enjoy the main attractions if you're on a tight schedule.
After leaving Whiteman, we headed straight to Hillarys Boat Harbour for our next adventure: whale watching. This is a must-do activity if you're visiting during whale migration season.
The cruise lasted about two hours and departed from Hillarys Boat Harbour, which is a lively spot filled with restaurants and shops. From the boat, we caught glimpses of humpback whales as they swam close by. Seeing these massive creatures with our own eyes was incredible! Everyone on board was excited each time one surfaced or flipped its tail.
If you’re planning this trip with family, make sure to bring sunscreen and hats since you'll be out in the sun for quite some time. The crew on board provided helpful information about the whales and made sure everyone had a good view throughout the trip.
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| At first, we were inside the boat.. |
 | | then we went to the top deck! |
|  | | Our tour guide of the day |
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| Spotting the first whale! |
Next stop: Swan Valley—a place known for its wineries and local treats. While wine tasting wasn’t on our agenda this time (family trip!), we couldn’t resist stopping at Whistler’s Chocolate Company. They had an amazing selection of chocolates that made great souvenirs—or snacks for later!
We skipped Windarra Honey because it was getting late, but it’s worth considering if you have more time or want something unique like fresh honey products. We opted for Charcoal Chicken Express for lunch, where we savored generous portions of tasty food that were affordable. The casual dining experience was perfect after a busy morning of exploring.
After a full day of exploring, we checked in at Ocean View Motel. This spot was simple but comfortable—perfect for recharging after all the activities. The motel is conveniently located, making it easy to settle in before heading out again.
Once we had rested up, we decided to end our day with some shopping at Warwick Grove Shopping Centre. This mall has plenty of stores to browse through, which made it fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for clothes, souvenirs, or just window shopping, there’s something here for everyone. We walked around leisurely and picked up a few things before grabbing some snacks from one of the food outlets. It was a relaxed way to wind down after such an action-packed day.
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