Where to Find Perth’s Most Family-friendly Suburbs

With access to excellent schools, pretty parks and a good mix of shopping and entertainment, these vibrant suburbs in Perth are perfect for raising kids.

Dalkeith

Capturing impressive views over the Swan River, Dalkeith is a picture-perfect neighbourhood just 15 minutes from the city. Enveloped by water on three sides, it has the riverfront as its playground. Meandering its leafy streets reveals grand, stunning homes, while its sense of community can be felt in the suburb’s many parks and reserves, including the amazing Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space. Families here enjoy access to top rated school and a variety of sports clubs, spanning football, tennis and golf. There’s a handful of cafes on Waratah Avenue, while locals will find large-scale shopping and supermarkets at Claremont Quarter next door.

Swanbourne

Seaside Swanbourne offers families an idyllic lifestyle with access to some of Perth’s most esteemed private schools. Spread out on the powder white sand at Swanbourne Beach or get the family together for a picnic at one of the lush neighbourhood parks. Kids can run wild at Lake Claremont’s fantastic children’s playgrounds, while sports fanatics can take their pick from tennis, football and cricket clubs. There’s a local shopping village, Saturday morning farmers’ markets at Mount Claremont and a train line straight into the CBD. Many of Swanbourne’s Federation-style homes have been impeccably updated, while designer new residences make for low-maintenance living by the coast.

Churchlands

The leafy, north-western suburb of Churchlands lies roughly eight kilometres north-west of the city centre, and moments from City Beach. Sitting on the banks of Herdsman Lake, the suburb is popular among nature-loving families seeking an outdoor lifestyle. This stunning wetlands area is rich in walking and cycling trails as well as wildlife encounters, along the Olive Seymour Boardwalk. Churchlands offers good schools spanning all ages, sports fields and fantastic public transport links for those commuting into the city. Nearby, Westfield Innaloo is a hub for shopping and entertainment. Houses here are modern and spacious, ideal for growing families. 

Attadale

Attadale is known for its green, tranquil streetscapes and laidback family-oriented lifestyle set against a serene backdrop of the Swan River. Parents can choose from fantastic public and private schools and enjoy sprawling parkland along the foreshore. Many of Attadale’s houses sit on large blocks with room to roam, and there are house and land packages available. Nearby Point Walter Reserve offers a boat jetty and calm waters ideal for paddling and kite surfing. There are a handful of eateries peppered throughout the neighbourhood, along with the shopping hubs of Melville Plaza and Westfield Booragoon just a short drive away. 

Willagee

Combining a central location – a short drive to the city’s beaches and bustling Freemantle – with spacious and affordable property, Willagee is considered one of the most desirable suburbs for young families. It offers a mix of renovated character homes and 1960s-style residences, many of which are walking distance to the local schools. Spend your weekends at the neighbourhood’s excellent parks and picnic spots, while sports centres and shopping facilities create a life of ease. Along Archibald Street you’ll find cafes, bakeries and grocery stores, as well as the local library, with a more extensive offering at Kardinya Park Shopping Centre just five minutes’ drive away.

Rossmoyne

With beautiful, generous properties, excellent schools and the river foreshore as its backyard, it’s not surprising that Rossmoyne is a major drawcard for family buyers. Locals enjoy a healthy lifestyle with tennis courts, waterfront cycling trails and many fitness centres and wellness studios. Nearby Shelley Beach Park is a popular sport for paddle boarding. Rossmoyne has its own kindergarten, primary and secondary school, catering to families of all ages, plenty of parkland and a neighbourhood shopping village for day-to-day groceries. Property here is tightly held, with its peaceful streets, established sense of community and unbeatable lifestyle amenities.

Now you've found Perth's most family-friendly suburbs, check out where to live near the CBD, and the leafiest neighbourhoods in Perth.