50 things to do with kids along the Coral Coast

The ultimate guide of kid-friendly experiences and attractions along the Coral Coast

Travelling Australia’s Coral Coast is the perfect holiday experience to create long-lasting, special memories with your family. There are so many things to do with the kids that we had to put together our top 50. From admiring the natural wonders and marine wildlife tours to the educational experiences found in the museums and aquariums, it’ll be a holiday the kids won’t easily forget.

• Nature & Wildlife
• Adventure & fun
• Cultural & Educational
• Beaches & Water Activities
• Relaxation & Play

Nature & Wildlife

1. Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience – The local population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins have been visiting the shore of Monkey Mia for over 40 years. Each day the rangers feed the dolphins between 7:45 and midday. In some cases, tourists may be offered to partake in this activity, but you can always view it from the shoreline. Best arrival time is 7:30am. Stay at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

2. Snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef – Grab a mask and fin and take the kids snorkelling at any of the protected beach areas located within the Cape Range National Park. All are home to a vibrant marine life, meaning the kids will get the chance to see lots and lots of fish and other marine life as well as beautiful coral formations. Examples: Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay.

3. Marine life spotting at Shark Bay World Heritage Area – Visiting Shark Bay provides the opportunity to spot dugongs, rays, turtles and even humpback whales (in season) right off the shore. The area is renowned for the diverse colours of the land, with rich red dirt, white sandy beaches and deep blue waters, the landscape views are truly breathtaking.

4. Kalbarri National Park – Kids will get a kick out of walking on the Kalbarri Skywalk placed 100m high above the gorge. Toilet facilities are available as well as an eco-friendly café on site. A short hike to Nature’s Window for the iconic photo looking through to the Murchison River will give you one for the wall! Admire the rugged gorges on a walking trail. Participate in a guided tour with D’Guy Journeys.

5. Wildflower Spotting – Explore the Wildflowers in Spring between late July to early October. Tours and self-drive itineraries are available on our Wildflowers Page.

6. Jurien Bay Sea Lion Tours – Kids can get in the water with the playful sea lions on a tour with Jurien Bay Oceanic, Lobster Shack or Turquoise Safaris.

7. Ningaloo Turtles – You can spot and snorkel with turtles throughout Ningaloo from Coral Bay and Exmouth. Often chilling just offshore, these incredible creatures will delight all family members. Experience an Eco off-shore tour with Ocean Eco Adventures, Coral Bay Eco Tours, Ningaloo Marine Interactions, Exmouth Adventure Co and Live Ningaloo.

8. Interact with Australian wildlife with a visit to Greenough Wildlife & Bird Park. The park houses Kangaroos, Crocodiles, Birds, Reptiles, Owls and Farmyard favourites. Open every day except Wednesday.

9. Pelican Feeding at Kalbarri – This experience is offered daily at 8:45am on the town's foreshore. It is supported by local volunteers who share the history and stories of Kalbarri and their resident pelicans while providing them with some well-deserved snacks. A few lucky children may even get the chance to feed the pelicans themselves.

10. Whale Shark Swim - Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef from March to August, with tours leaving from Coral Bay and Exmouth. This bucket list experience can be shared with the whole family. Some recommended tour operators are Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours, Three Islands Whale Shark Dive, Live Ningaloo and Coral Bay Eco Tours.

11. Cactus Garden – The Cactus Garden located in Carnarvon is a free, fun and quirky attraction to break up the day. The garden was brought to life by one man, Rob Westcott, and today there are over 350 cactus plants! Available not only for viewing and taking the recognisable Instagram photo but you can also purchase some cactus plants too.

12. The Pinnacles - Just 2 hours north of Perth the Pinnacles span over 17,000 hectares, and are roughly 30,000 years old. Located in the Nambung National Park, they will take you and your kids to another world entirely. Be sure to stop in at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre for interactive displays that indulge all the senses.

Adventure & Fun

13. Mackerel Islands – This island oasis hosts plenty of kid friendly marine activities including snorkeling, kayaking, guided tours and more. With comfortable accommodation available and regular school holiday programs, it is a location loved by families. Turtle nesting and hatching season is a must (September – April).

14. Sandboarding– Sandboarding at Sandy Cape is an activity not only the kids will love but the adults too. You can BYO equipment, like boogie boards or hire some in town at Jurien Bay.

15. Quad Biking - Explore Kalbarri with a Kalbarri Wagoe Beach Quad Bike Tour. The tour offers photographic opportunities, an adrenaline-pumped buggy ride and a chance to soak in the unique and beautiful scenery.

16. Admire the marine world through glass (not a tv) - A Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat Tour or Coral Bay Eco Tour takes you to the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, where crystal clear waters reveal a dazzling array of marine life just inches beneath your feet. It is a great way to admire the marine world without getting wet! but don’t worry there is also the chance to get in if you choose. Tours leaving from Coral Bay.

17. Fishing in Kalbarri - Enjoy a family fishing trip in Kalbarri as it offers year-round fishing opportunities from the shore and by boat. You can fish the river looking for whiting and small tailor, the beach looking for mulloways and large tailor or offshore looking for red emperor, coral trout and snapper.

18. Cruising in Monkey Mia – Perfect Nature Cruises explores the natural wonders of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Spotting marine wildlife such as dugongs, dolphins and more as well as an abundance of bird species, 230 to be exact can be found in this area alone. Or let the kids jump into the boom net to get a rush of adrenaline and happy endorphins.

19. Kalbarri Wilderness Cruise – A great way to experience the Murchison River and spot many different species of wildlife!

20. Murchison River Canoeing - Paddle through the scenic river in Kalbarri, guided tours available.

21. Cruise along Yardie Creek – Take a one-hour-long cruise with Yardie Creek Boat Tours to experience the spectacular colours and beauty of this rugged gorge located in the Cape Range National Park. An experienced guide will share with you what makes Yardie Creek so special as well as point out the unique wildlife, including the rare Black-Flanked Rock Wallaby.

22. Kalbarri Abseiling – For the older children in the family, there is the opportunity to abseil down gorges in Kalbarri National Park.

Cultural & Educational

23. Museum of Geraldton – Discover the history of Geraldton, its ancient landforms the Yamaji history and culture and the multiple shipwrecks. Open daily.

24. Ocean Park Aquarium – Not only a wonderful spot to stop and admire the marine life of Shark Bay but a great educational opportunity for the kids to learn about the World Heritage Area, with guided tours available. Open 7 days.

25. Exmouth Aquarium – The aquarium is an immersive and educational experience for the whole family. Showcasing the fascinating history of the region and the amazing natural environment from Ningaloo Reef to Cape Range National Park and everywhere in between. Open 7 days.

26. Shark Bay Discovery & Visitor Centre (Museum) – Such a great space for the kids to play and learn with a Lego hunt throughout the centre, an interactive dugong and other interactive exhibits and touch screens.

27. HMAS Sydney II Memorial - Pay respects at the war memorial, located in Geraldton, with free guided tours available.

28. Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre – Gwoonwardu Mia is a multipurpose centre that celebrates the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region. The centre, located in Carnarvon, features a permanent exhibition, touring exhibitions, Jardilunji Mia training café, a gallery, an Artist-in-Residence program, a bush tucker and bush medicine garden and a gift shop.

29. Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures – Explore Little Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Francois Peron National Park on the kayak and wildlife tour. The tour is very educational and explores why Shark Bay is listed as a World Heritage Area and why local Aboriginal people refer to the area as a ‘strong spiritual place’.

30. Culture and a view – Visit the Kalbarri Skywalk to learn about the National Park's geology and history through the interpretive signage and information provided.

31. Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum - Did you know Carnarvon played a pivotal role in supporting NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs? You can spend hours at the museum, with fun interactive and informative activities, a real-life replica of the Apollo 11 lunar lander, a gift shop and their resident feline Buzz overwatching all visitors.

32. AFL Fans – Stop at the life-size cutouts of Northampton’s homegrown AFL legends. Featuring Jamie and Patrick Cripps, Harry Taylor, Tarkyn and Andrew Lockyer, Daniel Chick, Paul Hasleby, Liam Anthony and Josh Kennedy.

33. The coast with the most – The Quobba coastline located just outside of Carnarvon’s town centre is known for the amazing Quobba Blowholes that can erupt up to 20 metres in the air. However, the coastline also offers exceptional fishing, walking and snorkelling. Turtle nesting and hatching season runs from December to March. Stay at Quobba Station or Red Bluff.

34. Fruit Loop Drive Trail – Not just informative but tasty too! This trail takes you past local produce stores and working plantations, with some serving delicious treats such as chocolate-coated bananas, chilli oils, unique chutneys, and more.

35. The Carnarvon Heritage Precinct - The precinct includes the remains of the 1898 One Mile Jetty (650 m) as well as museums, extensive grounds with heritage artefacts, and the original 1898 Lighthouse head and Keepers Cottage

Beaches & Water Activities

36. Shell Beach – This is an iconic beach in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, made entirely of shells! The water at the beach is also very salty, making it easy to float for those who aren’t strong swimmers.

37. Snorkelling at Turquoise Bay – Step into the pristine waters of Turquoise Bay and allow the current to show you the way while spotting and admiring the abundance of marine life present. This is a drift snorkel location where the current guides you along the Ningaloo Reef. Caution to always leave the water well before the northern point of the beach as this is where the current is strongest.

38. Coral Bay Beach – This laidback seaside location is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Relax and play in shallow, clear waters or discover the beautiful coral gardens just metres off the beach. Coral Bay is renowned for its incredible Manta Ray population. Take a Manta Ray tour with Coastal Adventure Tours, Ningaloo Marine Interactions and Coral Bay Ecotours.

39. Horrocks Beach – Located in the beautiful seaside town of Horrocks this is a fantastic spot to swim and snorkel in calm waters or cheekily jump off the Pontoon (present during the summer months). The beach allows for fishing and a range of water activities that will have the kids smiling ear to ear.

40. Sunsets along the Coral Coast – It really is true what they say, West is Best! Enjoy a uniquely beautiful sunset from all along the coast as it sets over the Indian Ocean. Some recommended spots include Monkey Mia Beach, Geraldton Horizon Ball, Quobba Station and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.

41. Little Lagoon – Denham’s Little Lagoon is the perfect location for a family outing, such as a picnic and a swim. The lagoon's calm waters make it ideal for swimming, fishing and frolicking in the shallow pools.

42. Coastal Walking Trail – The Turquoise Way trail in Jurien Bay is great for walking, riding pushbikes and scooters and bringing the pram along. It is 14kms in length along the Jurien Bay foreshore, offering beautiful coastal views and multiple access points, so you can pick and choose how much you would like to do.

43. A Natural Aquarium – Blue Holes Beach just outside Kalbarri offers protected waters and rock pools creating a natural aquarium for marine life that is safe for kids to explore. Walk along the pristine sandy beach and examine the rock pools or snorkel the area and admire the incredible marine life that call this beach home.

44. Dirk Hartog Island – Here you will find some of the world's best fishing, an abundance of marine wildlife, beautiful beaches and the opportunity to learn about the island's rich history. The island is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Area, Shark Bay, and can be accessed via a ferry from Steep Point, a ferry from Denham or a guided tour with Island Life Adventures.

Relaxation & Play

45. Experience life on a Station at the many Station Stays in the region. Murchison House Station, Wooramel River Retreat, Bullara Station, Quobba Station, Wooleen Station, Warroora Station, and Dirk Hartog Station.

46. Stargazing in the Outback - Relax and admire the night sky as you immerse yourself in the stars. Blessed with so much space, Australia’s Coral Coast offers some of the best astrotourism towns in Western Australia, including Cervantes, Carnamah, Three Springs, Mingenew, Shark Bay and Carnarvon.

47. Food and Fun at Bullseye Birdies - Entertain the whole family at this ultimate sports bar. Use the golf simulators and interactive darts, or savour the food and drinks while enjoying your favourite sports game on the big screen.

48. Family BBQ at Big Lagoon - Enjoy a family BBQ at this scenic spot, located just outside of Denham. Sit on the shore and watch the abundant marine life frolic in the shallow waters. Ideal for fishing, swimming and kayaking.

49. Lobster Shack – This is a must-stop spot for lunch on your way up the Coral Coast. The Lobster shack has fish tanks, fresh locally sourced lobster, a beautiful coastal view and a playground. Supplying all the necessities to entertain the kids and get them fed. The Lobster Shack also offers factory tours all year round.

50. Coral Coast Caravan Parks – Get to know your fellow travellers and allow the kids to run and play in safe environments all along the Coral Coast. We have an abundance of options to choose from, and each caravan park is unique in its own way.

51. Cooling Off – Feeling a little too hot? Remember to visit the water playground at Exmouth to cool down. It also has fun marine wildlife installations.

52. Adventure Park – Visit the epic playground on the foreshore of Denham in Shark Bay to help the little ones let out some of that youthful energy.

53. Jurien Bay Skate Park – A skatepark on the foreshore, sells itself really. Watch over the kids as they skate and roll about while also enjoying the coastal views.

54. Geraldton Foreshore – A great way to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank is to visit the Geraldton Foreshore. With a free water park, multiple playgrounds, facilities and amenities and of course the beach, the kids will be kept very busy.

*Children must always be supervised, especially when engaging in any of the water-based activities.

Please reach out to the local Visitor Centre for more tips and to be kept up to date on any important information within the area.