Perth and Child

If you’ve been thinking about an easy getaway where you take the kids with you for a weekend, or are looking for somewhere to book for the next school holidays have you ever considered a farm stay? Farm stays typically have plenty of animals for children to interact with as well as a range of family-friendly fun activities on site. The farm-stays here have all been recommended by members of the 365 Things to do with Kids in Perth Facebook page and are listed in order of driving time from Perth – if your favourite one is not here please comment and let me know! Please note that the driving times from Perth are approximate and assume no toilet breaks which, let’s face it, is a rather unrealistic expectation with small bladders. I would add at least 30 minutes and 2 stops for every 2 hours. For some great tips on packing a car for a family drive have a look here, and for some car games to save you endless 'are we there yet?' questions have a look here!

Cuddly Animal Farm in the Swan Valley (time from Perth 30 minutes) - http://www.cuddlyanimalfarm.com/farm_stay.htm
Animals and activities: While at this farm stay you get unlimited entry to the Cuddly Animal Farm which has tractor rides, bouncy castle, free food for the animals which include alpacas, llamas, deer, emus, goats, sheep, kangaroos, cows, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, oh and there’s also pony rides and play areas!
Interesting fact: Its right in the Swan Valley so within 20 minutes of numerous wineries, breweries, the chocolate factory and so much more - http://www.swanvalley.com.au/Home

Blue Hills Farm Stay in Harvey (time from Perth 1 ½ hours) - http://www.bluehillsfarmstay.com.au/
Animals and activities: On the farm you can milk a cow, catch some fish for dinner, have a pony ride, feed the farm animals and cuddle the bunnies.
Interesting fact: You can visit a working dairy farm nearby. And the beach is only 20 minutes away.

Pony riding at Blue Hills

Harvey Hills Farm Stay Chalets at Harvey (time from Perth 1 ½ hours) -http://www.harveyhillsfarmstay.com.au/
Animals and activities: There’s donkeys, ponies, kangaroos, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks and rabbits to feed, as well as a swimming pool and trampoline.
Interesting fact: There are several wineries nearby.

Kirup Kabins Farm Stay near Donnybrook (time from Perth 2 hours) - http://www.kirupkabins.com.au/
Animals and activities: Sheep, chickens, geese, cows, and Ernie the Emu. And a whole lot of marron as it’s a working marron farm.
Interesting fact: It’s close to Australia’s biggest free entry playground – Apple Fun Park - http://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.go...pple%20FunPark

Ferguson Farmstay at Henty (time from Perth 2 ½ hours)- http://fergusonfarmstay.com.au
Animals and activities: Feeding goats, a pig, collecting eggs from chickens, putting out food for ducks, guinea pigs, geese and rabbits, pony rides, tractor rides, trampoline, basketball and tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Interesting fact: It’s near to Gnomesville, where you can see 3000 gnomes from around the world - http://gnomesville.com/

Fun at Ferguson Farmstay

Four Elements in Yallingup (time from Perth 3 hours) - http://www.4elements.com.au/
Animals and activities: rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, a dog and a horse!
Interesting fact: you can collect the chicken eggs for your breakfast! Bootleg brewery (with a great kid’s playground) is a short walk away.

Kerriley Park Farm Stay near to Busselton (time from Perth 3 hours) - http://www.kerrileypark.com
Animals and activities: sheep, goats, chickens, miniature ponies, alpacas, rabbits and guinea pigs. There’s also an adventure playground on site.
Interesting fact: There’s 71 acres of native bushland right outside your door, and plenty of local flora and fauna to enjoy.

The playground at Kerriley Park

Lewana Cottages at Balingup (time from Perth 3 hours) - http://www.lewanacottages.com/
Animals and activities: An animal farm with llamas, goats, a donkey, kangaroos, a cow, guinea pigs, chickens, a turkey and other birds, rabbits and sheep, as well as a playground and a cheese factory!
Interesting fact: Don’t be surprised to wake up to kangaroos outside your door!

Sunflowers Animal Farm and Farm Stay in Margaret River (time from Perth 3 ½ hours) - http://www.sunflowersfarm.com/
Animals and activities: There are piglets, kangaroos, lambs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, alpacas, cattle, llamas, chickens, goats, ducks, an ostrich, emu and a whole lot more! You can also go for pony rides and tractor rides.
Interesting fact: You can just visit the animal farm if you don’t want to stay.

Diamond Forest Cottages in Pemberton (time from Perth 4 hours) - http://www.diamondforest.com.au/
Animals and activities: Jersey cows, ducks, geese, lambs, goats, kangaroos, miniature horse, alpaca, donkeys, turkeys, galahs, rabbits and more! There’s also a games room, canoeing, and fishing for rainbow trout.
Interesting fact: Guests are encouraged to help feed all the animals at 9am each morning.

Pemberton Farm Chalets at Pemberton (time from Perth 4 hours) - http://www.pembertonfarmchalets.com.au/
Animals and activities: Feed and cuddle rabbits, guinea pigs, chooks, ducks, geese, calves, horses, sheep and joeys. There’s also an adventure playground, trampoline and tennis courts
Interesting fact: National park borders the chalets and there is a winery within walking distance

Pump Hill Farm Cottages at Pemberton (time from Perth 4 hours) - http://www.pumphill.com.au/
Animals and activities: There are a horse, cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, ducks and chickens to feed and cuddle, as well as hay rides, bird watching, a playground,
Interesting fact: You can ride through the nearby forest by steam train or tram.

Tractor rides at Pump Hill

I've not yet stayed at a Farm Stay, but I'm looking forward to trying some of these ones out. Comment and let me know which of these you love the most!