HomeBlogBudget-Friendly School Holiday Adventures Near Perth

Budget-Friendly School Holiday Adventures Near Perth

Lauren Furr
March 26, 2026
Family-friendly Travel
Two young children wearing pirate hats and striped shirts play on a boat. One child grins and holds a toy hook, while the other looks at the camera, holding a toy sword. Water and trees are visible in the background.

With the April school holidays around the corner, planning a family getaway doesn’t have to mean stretching the budget. If rising fuel prices and the cost of living are top of mind, there’s good news—an easy, affordable escape is closer than you think.

Welcome to Mandurah. Think relaxed coastal vibes, wide-open spaces, and plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained without spending big.

Skip the Car, Catch the Train

Leave the car at home and save on fuel by hopping on the train from Perth to Mandurah. It’s just a one-hour journey and costs around $7 for a DayRider ticket—easy, affordable, and stress-free.

Check the online timetable for the Mandurah Line to plan your daytrip from Perth.

Travelling with the whole crew? The FamilyRider is a great option during school holidays:

  • Available after 8:30am, Monday to Friday
  • Covers up to 7 people (max. 2 adults)
  • Unlimited travel for the day

Aerial view of modern white apartment buildings on a small peninsula surrounded by water, with a marina and a town in the background under a clear sky at sunset.

Free Family Fun (Yes, Free!)

Mandurah is packed with experiences that won’t cost a thing—perfect for filling your days without emptying your wallet.

  • Rotary Duck Race (4th April): A much-loved family friendly event with entertainment, activities, and plenty to keep little ones busy.
  • Easter Family Fun Day at The Cut: (5th April): Free Easter family fun with music, games, face painting and an Easter Scavenger Hunt at The Cut Golf Course in Mandurah.
  • Giants of Mandurah: Set off on a magical outdoor adventure hunting for these larger-than-life wooden sculptures hidden across the region.
  • Mandurah Instagram Trail: Turn exploring into a game—snap your way through some of Mandurah’s most photogenic spots.
  • Beach Days, Your Way: Pack a picnic, bring the cricket set, and enjoy a classic day by the coast. Simple, timeless, and completely free
  • Playground Adventures: Play, climb and explore your way through Mandurah’s best family-friendly playgrounds.

A young boy sits on the wooden hand of a large, whimsical wooden sculpture of an ape in an outdoor park surrounded by trees.

Easter Specials & Deals 

If you’re looking to treat the family (without overspending), there are some great seasonal offers to take advantage of:

Stretch Your Budget Further

Looking for even more low-cost ideas? From nature play to affordable attractions, there’s plenty to discover. 

Explore more budget-friendly activities in Mandurah.

A family of four enjoys a picnic at a table under a modern shelter near a beach, with the sea and shoreline in the background on a sunny day.

A School Holiday Escape That Just Makes Sense

When you keep things simple—fresh air, nature, and time together—those are the moments that really stick. Mandurah offers all of that, without the hefty price tag.

So this April, swap long drives and high costs for an easy day trip (or overnight stay) that’s big on fun and light on the budget.