School holiday activities for all personalities

When you’re planning a school holiday getaway, it makes sense to book a location where all members of the family will have plenty to do. Thankfully, there is an enormous range of activities to keep everyone happy during school holidays in the South-West, no matter their personality.

The outdoorsy type

For parents whose children simply cannot be cooped up indoors, you’re in luck.

• The ancient caves of Ngilgi, Lake, Mammoth and Jewel offer guided or self-guided tours. Ngilgi also has off the beaten track exploring (hard hat included) and cave tours by torchlight.
• Discover nature and history at one of the region’s lighthouses.
• Visit a forest. Boranup Forest, in particular, is easy to navigate with children. Don’t forget about the Great Southern region; Denmark and Walpole have skyscraper forests and treetop walks.
• Hike one of the national parks. Take in spectacular views and pack a big picnic lunch to fill hungry tummies.

The perfect house: Farm Break in Bunker Bay

A great pick for the outdoor-loving family. Set on acres of private farmland, Farm Break overlooks pristine native bush to beautiful Bunker Bay. Walk down to the beach, approximately 400 metres, play a game of tennis or 9 holes on the Par 3 Capes Links course. Close to Cape Naturaliste, explore the lighthouse precinct or walk a 3.5km stretch of the Cape-to-Cape track to iconic Sugarloaf Rock. Enjoy a day in the South West’s glorious outdoors and then relax on a north facing balcony listening to the kookaburras as the sky turns to a dusky pink.

Farm Break, Bunker Bay

The adventurous one

Do you have outdoorsy children looking for extra adventure? The courageous, the curious or those with a lot of energy? You’ve got lots of choices.

• Busselton’s Forest Adventures is the place for thrillseekers. There are more than 60 activities including flying foxes, a 13-metre BASE-jump, Tarzan ropes, and cycling on a wire.
• Teens can explore Boranup Forest by quad bike with Eco Adventures Margaret River.
• Climb the famous towering trees of Pemberton and Manjimup: Diamond Tree, Gloucester Tree, or Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree – the largest at 75m.
• Wander the natural phenomenon of The Gap and Natural Bridge, and the blowholes in Albany.

The perfect house: High Ridge in Yallingup

This property caters to all tastes, so if you have an easily bored child, be sure to book High Ridge. Keep active outside with the tennis court, basketball ring, table tennis and trampoline. And inside there’s a home theatre room with a 100-inch screen.

High Ridge, Yallingup

The water baby

Decisions, decisions: pool, beach, river, lake, dam or waterfall?

• Yallingup and Margaret River have dozens of surf breaks for all ability levels, including beginners.
• Try stand-up paddleboarding at Gnarabup or Meelup Beach for a more laidback water experience.
• Take your flippers and snorkels to the reef at Yallingup Beach.
• For something closer to the sand that’s less physically-demanding, Hamelin Bay is home to friendly stingrays that swim up to the shore.
• For lake and river lovers, canoeing on Lake Beedelup or the Blackwood River is an unforgettable experience.
• If a backyard pool holiday is more suited to your family, read up on our homes with amazing pools.

The perfect house: Nikabel Beach House in Dunsborough

Picture-perfect, pet-friendly and a short stroll to the beach. Nikabel also has a second living room – perfect for a children’s getaway from their parents (and vice versa). There is a secure back garden, as well as a games shed with table tennis and darts.

Nikabel Beach House, Dunsborough

The inside type

Forget iPads and YouTube. There are so many stimulating activities for youngsters who prefer indoor or solo activities.

• Book lovers can hide themselves away in gorgeous well-stocked libraries, with plump sofas.
• Ask our booking agents about homes with outdoor fires for evenings with s’mores and hot chocolate and sharing spooky ghost stories.
• Look for homes with outdoor play equipment so the kids can be close to home without straying far.
• Many homes have pool tables, table tennis tables, basketball rings, and big cosy living rooms for board game nights.

The perfect house: Shumadia in Yallingup

A very family-friendly property, Shumadia has a separate games studio for tweens and teenagers with a pool table, table tennis and darts. Younger kids have the options of playing in the pool, on the swings or on the outdoor equipment. There’s also a second TV room with a library of games. All the while you can relax in the spa.

Shumadia, Yallingup

The Animal Lovers:This is a biodiverse region with lots of plant and animal life. And plenty of cute animals to cuddle.

• Horseriding is very popular with younger family members. There are a number of riding schools in the South-West, but a good one is The Humble Horse. This school offers lessons for all ages, pony rides for small children, plus trail and twilight rides.
• Petting zoos. Visit the Sunflowers Animal Farm. Handfeed and pet kangaroos, ponies, alpacas, emus, lambs and baby goats, or have a cuddle with guinea pigs and rabbits.
• See animals in their natural habitat with McLeod Tours, who offer sunset kangaroo-spotting adventures.

For more activity ideas, visit our blog The 20 best things to do in Australia’s South-West.

Browse our list of beautiful properties for your perfect family holiday in the region. Or, get in touch with our friendly bookings team on (08) 9750 5444 or bookings@privateproperties.com.au