Ask any Perth parent what they recommend for visiting friends or family with kids, and Caversham Wildlife Park comes up every single time. Set within Whiteman Park in the Swan Valley, Caversham offers something genuinely rare: close, hands-on encounters with Australian wildlife in a setting that feels natural rather than clinical. You can hand-feed kangaroos, hold a koala, meet wombats, Tasmanian devils, and over 200 species of Australian native animals — all in one place.
What to Expect Inside
Caversham is laid out across several themed areas, each with different animals and experiences. The park is well-maintained, largely shaded, and designed so you can move between areas at your own pace. Plan for at least 2.5–3 hours, though families with young children often stay longer.
🦘 Kangaroo Feeding
The main event for most visitors. The kangaroo enclosure lets you walk freely among mobs of Eastern and Western grey kangaroos who are completely accustomed to people. Buy a bag of kangaroo food at the entrance and you'll have them eating from your hand within minutes. Unforgettable for kids — and honestly for adults too.
🐨 Koala Encounters
Caversham is one of only a few places in WA where you can have a photo taken holding a koala. Sessions are timed and limited — book early in the day as spots fill quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. The koalas are relaxed and well cared for.
🐊 Reptiles, Wombats & More
Beyond the flagship animals, the park is home to wombats, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, dingoes, cassowaries, and a large collection of Australian birds including emus, black cockatoos, and wedge-tailed eagles. The reptile house is popular with older kids who appreciate the snakes and lizards up close.
🐄 Farm Animals Area
The farm section has sheep, goats, chickens, and cows — plus scheduled farm shows where kids can try hand-milking and bottle-feeding lambs. This area works particularly well for toddlers and younger children who might find some of the native animals a bit overwhelming.
Tips for Your Visit
Book online in advance — particularly during school holidays. Caversham has capacity limits and can sell out. Tickets are slightly cheaper online than at the gate, and you'll skip the queue.
- Arrive at opening (9:30 AM): The animals are most active in the morning, the park is cooler, and you'll beat the school groups that arrive mid-morning on weekdays.
- Buy the animal food: Available at the entry kiosk, it's well worth it — the kangaroo feeding alone is worth the few dollars.
- Wear closed shoes: The park has some uneven ground and the animals are at ground level. Thongs and heels are not ideal.
- Check the show schedule: Farm shows and keeper talks are scheduled throughout the day — grab a timetable at the entry gate and plan your route around them.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: Some areas have minimal shade, particularly the kangaroo area and outdoor bird sections.
Combining with Swan Valley
Caversham sits inside Whiteman Park, which is right at the northern end of the Swan Valley wine region. Many families combine a Caversham morning with an afternoon at Swan Valley wineries, chocolate shops, or the Margaret River Chocolate Company — which is only 10 minutes away by car. It makes for a genuinely excellent full day: wildlife and wonder in the morning, food and wine in the afternoon.
Read our full Swan Valley Family Day Trip guide for the best stops to add to your afternoon.
Getting the Group There
Caversham is an ideal group destination — but the drive from Perth involves navigating through Midland and into Whiteman Park, which can be confusing on the first visit. For a family group of 5 or more, arriving in a single vehicle means no one gets lost and no one has to navigate unfamiliar roads alone.
Our 8-seat Hyundai iMax is perfect for a Caversham family day. Check availability and book online.