Australia 2014: Perth - Caversham Wildlife Park

Up Close and Personal

One of the great things about staying at Keller's is that it is located only a stone's throw from Caversham Wildlife Park, one of the must-see attractions in Perth if you have kids (it's also a wonderful place to go if you have no children)!

The park's website tells the story of how it was started:

David & Pat own and operate Caversham Wildlife Park with their son David & daughter Debbie.

When they purchased the park in 1987, the park housed a small collection of animals and birds on a modest 5 acre (2ha) property. A few years later, the park doubled in size, when the family purchased the adjoining property and the collection started to boom. In May 2003, the family designed and built a new park in Whiteman Park, once again, more than doubling in size.

CWP features about 200 species, and more than 2000 head of animals, birds and reptiles. This impressive collection makes CWP the largest privately owned collection of native wildlife in Western Australia. The park is the premiere development of its kind in Western Australia, attracting visitors from all over the world.

CWP pride themselves on their unique interactive experiences with Australia’s most interesting animals, without being commercialised!! CWP is a world-class attraction whilst maintaining the laid-back Aussie touch!

Visitors receive personalized service by wildlife professionals who are dedicated to exceptional service, ensuring their visitors receive the best opportunities for animal interaction, information and photographs.

While the entrance fees may not be cheap, we felt it's really worth the visit.

One of the key features of the park is that it allows visitors to get up close and
personal with the many animals there.

Our 2yo was clearly fascinated by the rabbits and chickens.

4yo Z tries to feed the chickens.

Not sure why our little one got the attention of all the lambs...

Daddy couldn't resist petting the miniature horse, which reminded him of his horseriding days in America.

Come here, little lamb...

E butts in again...

The park has a wonderful interactive "show" allowing visitors to touch
the native Australian animals in a healthy manner. Hello Mr Possum!

Not many people can say they have touched a snake. Contrary to
Daddy's expectations, the reptile felt smooth and not leathery nor slimy!

And how can we resist a "Kodak moment" with the park's star wombat?

The kids loved the furry koalas. E even wanted to carry one; he refused to understand why such a
small creature could be so heavy!

Little E couldn't get enough of the lovely koalas.

And this grand marsupial was clearly at home with his eucalyptus plant!

The "farm show" where audiences are treated to aspects of farm life like
sheep herding and sheering.

What's with the wool? Audiences get to examine different types of wool samples.

Our boys loved the space to run and climb and simply be themselves!

Little E happy to "show off" after his climb.

What made the day for our boys were the kangaroos. Here they are lying at rest.

The boys were thrilled to feed these lovely animals. Little Z already says he likes them more than elephants!

While one brother was content to feed the kangaroos, the other one wanted a little more fun; and he went around the park
chasing kangaroos! We do have a rather strange 2yo son!

"Come here, Kangaroo," said little Z in his sweet little voice. And so they came!

We had such a lovely time at Caversham that we really wished we could go back again. Most zoos create a barrier between animal and human on the basis that one might endanger the life or livelihood of the other. This was something that didn't really exist in Caversham. The close proximity really helps children to better understand animals and interact with them in a healthy manner; while at the same time educating children about the importance of caring for animals and and what to do when you interact with them.

Next: A visit to SciTech, Western Australia's leading science development centre.

Previously: A night under the stars at majestic King's Park.

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