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Visiting Jurien Bay with Kids
A relaxed coastal escape with beaches, wildlife encounters and easy outdoor adventures for the whole family.
Last updated 31 July 2026.
Based on over six decades of local experience in Jurien Bay.
Local knowledge. Real experience. Practical advice.
VISITING JURIEN BAY AS A FAMILY
Jurien Bay is an easy place to enjoy with children. Located approximately two and a half hours north of Perth, the town has white-sand beaches, a spacious foreshore, playgrounds and family-friendly experiences within a relatively compact area.
Days can be planned around the weather and the ages of your children. Spend the morning exploring the Jurien Bay Marine Park, stop at the foreshore for lunch and leave the afternoon free for swimming, walking or relaxing by the beach. Families staying for a few days can also visit Lesueur National Park, the Pinnacles and other attractions along the Turquoise Coast.
The Jurien Bay foreshore is a good place to begin a family day. Dobbyn Park has grassed picnic areas, playgrounds, public toilets, outdoor showers, drinking water and direct access to the beach. Cafés, shops and the Jurien Bay Jetty are also nearby.
The sealed Turquoise Way Trail runs along the coastline from the marina towards Hill River. Families can walk, cycle or scooter along a shorter section of the trail and stop whenever the children have had enough. The section around the foreshore is particularly convenient because facilities and places to eat are close by.
Swimming conditions vary with the wind, swell and tides. Check the water before entering, choose an area suitable for your family and supervise children closely around the beach and jetty.
Beaches, Foreshore & Playgrounds
A guided Australian sea lion experience is one of the most memorable things families can do in Jurien Bay. The tour takes you through the Jurien Bay Marine Park to visit wild Australian sea lions in their natural environment.
Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience’s Sea Lion Tour runs for approximately two and a half hours. Children aged two and older can enter the water with a parent or guardian. Children aged 12 and under must remain accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the experience. Full-length wetsuits and snorkelling equipment are provided, and the vessels have toilets and hot freshwater showers onboard.
Every sea lion encounter is different because the animals are completely wild. Some children are ready to snorkel beside them, while others enjoy the boat ride and the chance to watch the wildlife with their family. Contact our team before booking if you would like help deciding whether the experience is suitable for your child.
Families can also learn about one of Jurien Bay’s most important local industries on the Rock Lobster Catch & Keep Tour. Guests watch commercial lobster pots being retrieved, see the day’s catch and hear stories about the local crayfishing industry from an experienced crew.
Wildlife Experiences for Families
Outdoor Adventures & Places to Explore
There are plenty of ways to explore the area at your own pace. Families can walk or cycle along the Turquoise Way Trail, fish from the beach or jetty, look for marine life in the shallows and enjoy a picnic along the foreshore.
Lesueur National Park is an easy drive from Jurien Bay and is especially beautiful during the wildflower season. The first section leading to Wilson Lookout is wide, sealed and accessible for prams and wheelchairs. Longer walking trails are available for families with older children.
The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park also make an enjoyable family outing. Children can walk among the limestone formations, and the driving route provides another way to explore the landscape. Take plenty of water, hats and sun protection when visiting the national parks.
Two or three days give families enough time to enjoy the beach, join a marine experience and explore another part of the region. Staying close to the foreshore or town centre makes it easier to reach the beach, playgrounds, shops and local places to eat.
Book your main marine experience early in your stay. Boating conditions can change, and an early booking leaves more flexibility if your tour needs to be moved to another day. Tours can fill during weekends, school holidays and other busy travel periods, so advance bookings are recommended.
Pack bathers, towels, hats, sunscreen, reusable water bottles and a warm layer for boating. A change of clothes and a few familiar snacks are also useful when travelling with younger children.
Leave some open time in your plans. A relaxed morning at the foreshore or an extra swim at the beach can easily become one of the best parts of a family holiday in Jurien Bay.
Planning a Family Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Jurien Bay has beaches, playgrounds, picnic facilities, wildlife experiences and outdoor activities suitable for families. The foreshore, town centre and main visitor facilities are located close together.
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Popular family activities include visiting the foreshore and playgrounds, swimming at the beach, walking or cycling along the Turquoise Way Trail, joining a sea lion tour and exploring Lesueur National Park or the Pinnacles.
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Yes. On Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience’s Sea Lion Tour, children aged two and older can enter the water with a parent or guardian. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the tour.
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The beach beside the Jurien Bay foreshore is popular with families because it is close to playgrounds, toilets, showers, picnic areas and local cafés. Ocean conditions change throughout the day, so families should check the conditions and supervise children closely.
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Two or three days are ideal for most families. This allows time for a marine tour, a beach day and an outing to one of the nearby national parks.
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Visit the foreshore, explore a sheltered section of the Turquoise Way Trail, stop at the Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre or take a drive through the surrounding region. Your plans can be adjusted according to the wind, rain and road conditions on the day.
Related Guides
READY TO PLAN YOUR FAMILY ADVENTURE?
Explore the Jurien Bay Marine Park with a family-friendly experience led by our local crew. Choose the tour that suits your family and secure your preferred date.
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