12 Best Family Activities in Summer
We’ve rounded up Busselton’s best family friendly things to do this summer
Summer is here, at long last! We love the long days, warm weather and ample time to relax, explore and adventure together.
Busselton is the perfect place for children’s imaginations, curiosity and love of exploring to be run wild, there is so much to see and do that the whole family can enjoy. Bucket lists at the ready, here are 12 of the best family friendly activities in Busselton and beyond to tick off this summer.
1. Jetty Jumping near the Busselton Jetty
Busselton’s iconic 155-year-old jetty stretches out an impressive 1841 metres and is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Our free, fun activity takes place at the U-shaped swimming enclosure just west of the jetty. Pick a summer’s day when the southerly breeze has kicked in and spend the afternoon jumping in and out of the cool water. Surrounded by netting and ranging from shallow near the shore, to deeper further out, it makes for the friendliest of beach spots for kids big and small.
2. Snorkelling at Geographe Bay
Directly opposite Mandalay is Geographe Bay, and there’s nothing so lovely as walking, swimming, fishing or relaxing with a good book along the calm, sandy shores. The temperate waters make it the perfect spot for beginner snorkellers too!
3. Yallingup Lagoon
Yallingup Lagoon is a tranquil stretch of coastline encircled by shallow reef, directly in front of the famous surf break. This slice of kid-friendly, summer-swimming haven is mere moments from a wonderful nature playground, kiosk and a lawn area too, making it a popular spot for family picnics.
4. Climb & Zip line
Scared of heights? Face your fears with a high ropes course! Forest Adventures South West offers six thrilling high ropes courses, set high among the majestic trees of the Ludlow Tuart Forest near Busselton. Next Level Monkey Business in Dunsborough is situated next to Clancy’s fish pub and has something for everybody, including younger kids. Tackle the various obstacle courses, whiz along the ziplines and test your bravery with the giant mega zip-line over the lake!
5. Caving Adventures
If you have a mini palaeontologist on your hands, why not make a trip to see one (or a couple!) of the spectacular caves dotted across the region? Yallingup’s Ngilgi Cave is perfect for families – it’s big and beautiful, it’s a self-guided tour, and there’s a new accessible above ground experience Ancient Lands to complement the cave adventure.
Mammoth Cave in Boranup is also a fantastic choice for families. Home to a number of Megafauna fossils, the self-guided experience allows you to cruise through the cave at your own speed, while you explore the gravity-defying formations, learn about megafauna and see a selection of incredible fossils.
6. Coasteering
Perhaps you’re a family of adrenaline junkies? Jump on a Coasteering experience with Margaret River Adventure Co – the relatively new adventure activity that’s a combination of rock jumping, hopping and shore-scrambling. Discover amazing rock pools and a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy nature like never before.
7. Give Horse-riding a go
Whether you’re an experienced horse rider or a complete novice, Jesters Flat offers a range of tours and trails including a Pony Club and bushland rides. And if you can’t get the whole family on horseback, there’s a well-equipped clubhouse and play area thoughtfully designed with the non-riding guest in mind.
8. Tour the ice-creameries
When the temperature starts to climb, there’s nothing better than tucking into an ice cream cone or cup full of delicious gelato.
Close to ‘home’ there’s SubZero Gelato within Origins Market – a superb treat between lunch and browsing the market stalls.
The place to go for family fun, Simmo’s Ice Creamery not only rocks over 60 fantastic flavours from bubblegum to whiskey prune, but their lush grounds are also home to an adventure playground, mini golf and Edward the ice-cream eating emu!
Elski Ice Creamery in Dunsborough town just celebrated its 1st birthday with an excellent new soft serve machine (the best soft serve we’ve tasted). Find European inspired flavours such as Danish strawberry, pistachio and other seasonal treats.
A drive out to Cowaramup wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Millers Ice Creamery. Whipped up using 100% Southwest milk, their small batch handmade ice-cream is udderly divine.
9. Be Amazed at Wow Illusions
Great for kids big and small, Wow Illusions will keep you entertained for hours which is always a win. Experience gravity defying rooms, illusionary artworks, mirror mazes and more at this unique attraction in the heart of Metricup.
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10. Swings & Roundabouts
Known for their woodfired pizzas, swinging chairs and picturesque views overlooking the vineyards, there’s a lot to love about cult favourite Swings & Roundabouts. But did you know they recently upgraded their playground too? It’s doubled in size! Let the kids slide, swing and climb as you relax over a glass of rosé this summer.
11. Busselton Foreshore
Nestled along the Busselton Foreshore, Sea Play On the Bay is an award-winning, family-friendly playground that guarantees endless hours of sun-soaked fun adorned with the sweet aroma of sea salt. Modelled on a wrecked whaling boat, kids can climb the crow’s nest, jump below deck or take a swing from an orange octopus. Once the kids have built up an appetite, check out some of the great dining options within spitting distance – Equinox, The Goose or Shelter Brewing Co.
12. Aravina Estate
While we haven’t taken our kids to Aravina Estate’s Hamptons-esque restaurant, we’ve certainly enjoyed many hours enjoying live music, pizza and Aperol Spritz on the lawned area overlooking the lake. The fenced playground is brilliant too, a godsend for those of us with runaway youngsters! If you’re planning a visit in early January, look out for their summer festival too.
