Trains & Railways in Western Australia

Western Australia's two family railways here sit on opposite sides of Perth and suit different attention spans. Bennett Brook Railway at Whiteman is the bigger commitment: Whiteman Park says its steam and diesel trains run over six kilometres of narrow-gauge track through the park's banksia woodland, and Mum's Grapevine describes it as taking little train enthusiasts deep into the bush and back. Reviewers keep mentioning kangaroos and bushland views from the carriages, and one ticket covers unlimited rides, so a child who wants to loop three times can. The adjacent transport museum is included and gives older kids something to do between trains.

Castledare Miniature Railway - Wilson Park Station in Wilson is the toddler pick. The trains are small (Mum's Grapevine calls them adorable), the ride is short, and reviewers say multiple trains run at once so queues move fast and kids can ride back-to-back. Parents report holding infants in arms without trouble. It runs on Sundays, with boarding alternating between Kent Street Weir and Castledare, so the timetable matters. BBQ tables and a picnic area by the river make it an easy full morning.

In short: Bennett Brook for children roughly four to fourteen who will enjoy a proper journey, a steam engine and a museum, and who can handle a half-hourly or hourly service; Castledare for the under-fives who just want to go round again, quickly, with a picnic after.