Swan Valley for Kids, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: May 24th, 2004
Swan Valley in Western Australia is traditionally associated with its famous old wineries, but there's much more to do and see. Located just west of Perth is Whiteman Park, the ideal setting for a family fun day.
Whiteman Park is a massive complex which includes acres of natural bush and farmland. It has shops, restaurants, cafes and museums but most importantly, it has lots of kids' rides.
It's a great excuse to be a big kid for the day, and the best place to start is on the Ozzi Bug. These are electronic cars that adults and kids from four years upwards can drive. There's an allocated a special area to drive around, and speeds can be preset to avoid speeding.
If you'd prefer someone else to drive you round, you can hop aboard the train which operates at half hourly intervals. There are 4000 hectares to cover, so this is a great way to get around.
The park is great for all the family - including pets! Dogs are welcome, providing they are on a lead, and there are plenty of long walks for them to enjoy.
There is one place that's off limits to pets - the Carversham Wildlife Park at Whiteman's. The park is home to around 200 different types of animals and attracts 100,000 visitors each year. You can cuddle the wombats, feed the kangaroos and even stroke the koalas.
For the big hitters, the Swan Valley Oasis is an 18 hole golf course which has been especially modified for the kids. The clubs are bigger and the balls are around the same size as tennis balls. Nine holes of Supa Golf costs from $8 for kids and $10 for grown ups.
Brush up on your history at the Western Australian Motor and Tractor Museum situated in the park. The Motor Museum was purpose-built and displays more then 120 vehicles, while the Tractor Museum has dozens of relics from Western Australia's agricultural past including tractors, pumps, ploughs, harvesters and even items from country homes and kitchens of yesteryear.
Accommodation is available just five minutes away at the River Retreat. There are six cottages which comfortably sleep a family of four so you can continue the fun all weekend.
The facts
Entry to Whiteman Park is free. The 30 minute train ride costs $6 for adults and $3 for kids. The Ozzi Bugs are $4 for a three minute ride.
Whiteman Park
Tel: 08 9209 6000
Tickets to Caversham Wildlife Park are $12.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids.
Caversham Wildlife Park
Tel: 08 9248 1984
Cottages at the River Retreat start from $115 a night for a family of four.
The River Retreat
Tel: 08 9296 1007
Nine holes of Supa Golf costs from $8 for kids and $10 for grown ups.
Supa Golf Swan Valley
Tel: 08 9296 5566
Swan Valley Visitor Centre
Tel: 08 9379 9500
Prices correct at 24/05/04
