Active Families

Break the Perth drive in Harvey. The amphitheatre lawn is good for a packed breakfast; the playground keeps the smaller kids busy while the bigger ones explore the dam wall.

Harvey's heritage precinct — the 1880s cottage is a replica of where May Gibbs grew up. Wander the May Gibbs Trail through the gardens, stop in at the Boola Biddi Dreaming Centre, and pick up something from Stirling Cottage Kitchen on the way through.

Thousands of gnomes hidden through the bush — kids run free on the loop trails, parents take photos. Bring a gnome of your own to leave if you like; that's the tradition.

Manageable-pace day — kids will be tired

Native wildlife encounter — kangaroos to hand-feed, dingoes, reptiles, daily animal sessions. The Big Swamp Playground sits next door, so there's room to burn off the leftover energy before lunch.

Eco Cruise (book ahead) or the interactive exhibits — wild dolphins in Koombana Bay at their most active in winter. Open 9am–3pm, so it has to be a morning stop.

Heritage jetty and a walking trail through Australind's historic settlement. Easy, scenic, and right on the route home.