Winter at Whiteman Park

Just because it's wet and wild, doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy a trip to Whiteman Park in winter - in fact, the rains bring a whole new dimension to many of the Park's attractions.

The parklands and bushlands alike have turned a lush green, and the headwaters of Bennett Brook are flowing, bringing life to much of the Park - all thanks to the winter rains.

aSo while we would definitely recommend rugging up, why not take the opportunity to grab your gumboots and enjoy all the Park has to offer - including a few well placed puddles to splash around in, of course!

Ride the railway

Taking a ride on the Bennett Brook Railway vintage train rides is one of our winter must-do's! On select weekends throughout winter, you can experience the smells and sounds of a steam locomotive as you travel through the Park's banksia woodlands. When you're not marvelling at the steam plumes you can also look for the larger wildflowers as the bush starts to burst into colour.

Check out the Children's Forest

Don't let a little bit of rain stop you from getting outdoors with the kids - wrap them up in their raincoats, pop on those wellies and get outside to enjoy some wet weather exploring in the Children's Forest! It's amazing how different the bushland looks with a bit of rain, and its no reason to not enjoy the fresh outdoor air and go in search of fairy doors and native bees!

Do some birdspotting

In winter, the rains fill the Park's many wetlands, bringing waterbirds from far and wide. Head to the bird hide at Horse Swamp for a sheltered view of the birds on the water, or loop the area on the Werrilyiup Trail. While many of the Park's duck species can be found here year-round, winter brings nesting black swans, the occasional pelican and a number of banded stilts. In 2021, we've hit our record number of black swans at Horse Swamp, with 15 adults spotted swimming and feeding (and no doubt throwing a bit of courtship and mating in there too!).

Wander the museums

Where could you lose yourself undercover for a few hours? The Park's three transport museums, of course! There is a lot to see and discover across these three - well, four! - buildings, with everything from farm machinery at the Tractor Museum of WA to a Formula One race car at the Motor Museum of WA and everything in between. Revolutions Transport Museum is even climate controlled to help preserve the historic objects on display (and keep our visitors comfy!), so you'll be nice and cosy while you learn more about our transporting past.

Avoid the crowds

Want to get *all* the roos attention? Or get the best chance for one-on-one time with the keepers to answer all your burning wildlife questions? Then winter is definitely the best time for you to visit Caversham Wildlife Park! Beat the summer crowds and spend some quality time learning about all the native animals that are found here. Don't forget to grab a handful of the free kangaroo food and let the roos come to you in the central lawns.

Go in search of wildflowers

Late winter sees the Park's banksia woodlands starting to burst into colour, in preparation for Spring! Look for tiny orchids and plenty of delicate blue, white and yellow flowers on the bushland shrubs. The Wunanga Trail offers the best range of wildflower spotting opportunities.

Explore by bus

There's no need to get wet while exploring the Park when you have a vintage bus that can show you all the sights! Our Monday Whiteman Explorer tours are a great way to see the Park and learn a bit about its history - all from the relative comfort of a vintage bus!

Of course, a hot beverage or meal from the Village Cafe, Guerrilla Hub or the kiosk at Caversham Wildlife Park will help fuel you for your adventures too. We hope this has inspired you to get out and about in the Park this winter!

If you're sharing your adventures on social media, don't forget to tag us using #WhitemanPark and #WhitemanParkWinter or give us a mention with @whitemanpark in your posts!