Best places to visit ‘down south’ with the family this summer

‘Down south’ is a quintessential WA summer holiday destination for Perth families, with places like Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Pemberton all high on rotation for family stays. Not only do these areas boast amazing scenery, blue beaches, scenic drives, forests, valleys, and playgrounds galore, they are also home to hidden museums and quirky collections for the whole family to enjoy. Put these places on your down south summer list and start exploring.

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

On your way down the coast, stop into the Bunbury Museum for an educational indigenous experience. As soon as you step inside, you are immediately immersed in Nyoongar history, as you move through a projection of rippling water. Discover informative displays about the traditional owners, shipwrecks, exploration, and leave with an appreciation of First Nations’ history and heritage.

Busselton Jetty Museum

A must-see for families, this museum tells the story of one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the historic Busselton Jetty, which has been central to the region’s past. Kids will love learning about how the jetty was built and transformed over time, before riding the train that stretches the length of the jetty itself. The underwater observatory at the end of the jetty is a must-visit, rounding out an epic Busselton beach day!

Busselton Museum

Housed in the beautifully restored Old Butter Factory, the Busselton Museum is a great stop for families to explore local history together. The museum offers a hands-on journey through Busselton’s past, showcasing how the region grew from early settlement into the thriving coastal town it is today. The kids will be captivated by the large machinery and historic tools, and the recreated spaces that bring history to life.

Margaret River Historical Society

Tucked away just outside the town centre, the Margaret River Historical Society offers families a chance to step back in time and discover what life was like in the region long before it became famous for surfing and wineries. Set among shady trees, the site feels more like a heritage village than a traditional museum. There is an old schoolhouse set up ready for a classroom of children to attend, showing children just how far their current classrooms have come and what school was like ‘back then’.

Belleview Shell Collection

This wouldn’t be a down south kids list without mentioning the Belleview Shell Collection! If your family love natural wonders and marine life, this is one of the most unique collections to add to your trip. This collection features over 30,000 shells and sea specimens that have been collected over the last 40 years from all over the world and are displayed in ways that are both beautiful and fascinating. There’s definitely something here to make the kids gasp, ask questions, and learn about the incredible diversity of the ocean.

Bridgetown Police Station Museum

For families who want to discover some ‘real world’ character, pay a visit to the Bridgetown Police Station Museum to see the past come to life. Housed in the original 1880 police station and lock-up, this heritage building still shows the well-worn floorboards and graffiti-covered cell walls as you walk through the booking room, peep into the original cells, and imagine what life was like for the criminals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Discover Down South Libraries

If it’s a warm day and you’re trying to escape the heat, or need a change of scenery to occupy the kids, why not head to one of the local libraries and enjoy some new books and activities? The Busselton Public Library is home to all sorts of school holiday activities, and is also home to the local studies collection full of historic maps, meeting minutes, historical photos and important items that showcase Busselton’s history. The Margaret River Library is surrounded by bird-filled nature gardens and has a sensory courtyard, for a slight change of pace on a busy holiday. Discover the history of the region as the kids discover new books and toys.

Plan your own itinerary throughout the South West region and treat the family to something new these summer school holidays!