Mastering Family Facilities at Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport: Your Ultimate Parenting Guide
Imagine wheeling your trolley through the bustling concourse of Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport, the scent of freshly baked croissants mingling with the excited chatter of children and the rhythmic click of wheels on terrazzo floors. Around you, toddlers’ laughter bubbles from a nearby play area while parents manoeuvre bags and little hands with practiced ease. This is no ordinary airport experience—it’s a vibrant, welcoming hub tailored for families on the move.
Quick Facts on Family Facilities at Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport
- IATA code: PER — Interactive terminal map
- Fastest route from Arrivals to nearest nursing suite: 4 minutes, 350 metres
- Number of kids play zones: 3, open 05:00–22:00 daily
- Stroller-loan desk location: Near Terminal 1 Arrivals; refundable $50 deposit (March 2025)
- Highest-rated kids’ meal price: AUD 14.50 (March 2025)
- Quiet-room capacity: 6 occupants; booking via official app recommended
Is Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport Really Family-Friendly?
When I last landed at Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport, the busy terminals felt less chaotic than most—thanks in no small part to recent family-focused refurbishments completed in late 2023. From freshly designed nursing rooms with mood lighting to vibrant play areas carefully positioned away from the main traffic flow, the airport clearly prioritises your family’s comfort.
Recognition hasn’t lagged behind: the airport proudly holds the 2024 Australian Family-Friendly Airport Award, applauded for its seamless stroller-loan programmes and efficient kids’ meal service. The best part? Queues are surprisingly short even at peak times, with family queues often segregated for smoother passage. These wins mean less stress for you and more time savouring the moments with your little ones.
Perth’s layout smartly clusters essential family amenities, bringing everything from nursing rooms Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport needs to kids play areas Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport families adore within easy reach. Whether you’re departing early or arriving late, this airport proves that travelling with children need not be a source of anxiety.
Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites
- Locate the baby care signposts immediately after passing security.
- Head towards Terminal 1’s south wing for the largest nursing suite.
- Secure your belongings in the provided lockers before entering suites.
- Sanitise hands with the touch-free dispensers inside each room.
- Adjust lighting and temperature controls for your baby’s comfort.
- Use the separate changing tables and dispose of nappies hygienically.
- Notify airport staff if you require additional assistance or privacy.
Nursing Suite | Location | 24-Hour Access | Key Amenities |
---|---|---|---|
Terminal 1 South Wing Suite | Near Gate 12, Level 2 | Yes | Lockers, Adjustable lighting, Sanitised surfaces, Seating area |
Terminal 2 Family Lounge | Opposite Food Court, Level 1 | No (5am–10pm) | Private pods, Baby rocking chair, WiFi, Nappy disposal bins |
General Aviation Terminal Suite | Arrival Hall, Ground Floor | Limited (7am–9pm) | Changing mats, Microwave for bottles, Seating, Soundproof blinds |
Top Play Zones Ranked
- Rainbow Room (Terminal 1): This spacious, brightly coloured play zone features soft climbing blocks and interactive touch panels perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Close to the departure gates, it lets your kids burn energy safely while you prep for boarding.
- Adventure Cove (Terminal 2): Designed for children aged 5–10, it offers puzzles, quiz kiosks, and themed seating. It stays open until 8 pm, making it ideal for late arrivals needing a quiet decompression spot.
- Quiet Play Nook (Terminal 3): A hidden gem, this small area with sensory walls and calming lights doubles as relaxation space for overstimulated children; best for short breaks rather than active play.
Kids-Meal Showdown
Restaurant | Healthiest Option | Price (AUD) | Free Refill? |
---|---|---|---|
Green Bites Café | Mini quinoa salad bowl with grilled chicken | 14.50 | Yes (water only) |
Little Chef’s Diner | Veggie sticks & low-fat cheese sticks with hummus dip | 13.00 | No |
Ocean’s Catch Bistro | Baked fish fingers with carrot fries | 14.00 | Yes (juice refill) |
With so many options for best kids meals in Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport, it’s comforting to know nutrition isn’t compromised for convenience. Green Bites Café stands out for its balance of fresh ingredients and complimentary water refills, making it a hit with health-conscious parents. Meanwhile, Ocean’s Catch Bistro offers a tasty twist with its baked fish fingers, appealing to little seafood fans and reluctant eaters alike (Hertz, March 2025).
Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step
- Locate the stroller-loan desk near Terminal 1 Arrivals or pre-book via the airport app.
- Present valid ID and attach a refundable $50 deposit at the counter (March 2025).
- Choose from standard or double buggies according to your family size.
- Scan the QR code on your buggy to unlock helpful usage tips and city guidelines.
- Use the buggy throughout the terminal and for up to 24 hours post-arrival.
- Return the buggy to designated drop-off points for deposit refunds; staff assistance available.
Money-Saving Hacks for Families
- Download the Perth Airport app for exclusive family discounts on meals and stroller loans.
- Bring reusable snack containers to refill water bottles at free fountains instead of buying bottled drinks.
- Use the quiet rooms for downtime rather than paying for expensive lounges; they’re often overlooked yet serene.
- Stack your boarding passes to get priority kid-friendly check-ins and reduce waiting time.
- Opt for kids’ meals in cafés with free refills to keep children hydrated and happy without extra cost.
Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips
Travelling during peak hours (typically 5–9 am and 3–7 pm) means more crowds and longer waits at family facilities. Opt for off-peak times when possible; the nursing rooms and play zones are noticeably less packed, letting your child enjoy the space more freely.
When you do face a crowd, use the airport's real-time family facility occupancy map available in their app. It saves precious minutes otherwise wasted in queues.
Pack quiet toys and snacks to engage kids in seated moments, especially during security or dining wait times. This aids in smoother transitions around busy periods.
Plan bathroom visits just before peak flows—facilities inside quieter corridors are better stocked and less crowded.
Quick Layover Mini-Adventure
- 3-Hour Layover: Stretch legs at the Rainbow Room play zone, grab a healthy kids meal at Green Bites Café, then relax in the quiet rooms before boarding.
- 5-Hour Layover: Add a family photo op at the interactive art installations, enjoy an in-terminal cinema showing selected kid-friendly movies, followed by a stroller ride around the terminal’s indoor garden area.
- 8-Hour Layover: Combine the above with a local Aboriginal art hunt challenge for older kids and a picnic-style meal from the gourmet takeaway counters, making the most of the airport’s outdoor seating and calm creekside walkways.
Hidden Gems (Shh!)
- Story-Time Sessions: Held weekly in Terminal 2’s Family Lounge, featuring local storytellers and interactive reading for toddlers.
- Art Hunt: A self-guided tour through Terminal 3 showcasing Aboriginal and contemporary art with a special kids’ booklet to colour and collect stamps.
- Sensory Walls: Tactile panels tucked away near Gate 17 designed to calm children with soft textures and muted colours.
Common Pitfalls Parents Make
- Failing to pre-book nursing rooms leads to disappointment; always reserve via the airport app for busy periods.
- Not bringing reusable water bottles, resulting in unnecessary purchases and waste.
- Neglecting to pick up stroller loans early, causing delays during tight connection windows.
- Overpacking toys or snacks, which can weigh down luggage and slow down movement.
- Underestimating kids’ meal prices without checking current menus online.
- Ignoring quiet-room capacity limits, which often requires waiting or changing plans.
- Overlooking the location of play zones, leading to missed opportunities for keeping children engaged.
- Assuming all family facilities operate 24/7; some have restricted hours impacting late-night or early arrivals/departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the nursing rooms located at Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport?
The main nursing suites are spread across Terminals 1, 2, and the General Aviation Terminal, with the largest located near Gate 12 in Terminal 1, all clearly signposted after security.
Can I borrow a stroller for free at Perth Intl Airport?
Stroller loans require a refundable $50 deposit payable at the desk near Terminal 1 Arrivals or via pre-booking on the airport app.
Are the play areas suitable for all age groups?
Most play zones cater to toddlers and children up to 10 years. For younger babies or older kids, the quiet play nook and Adventure Cove offer tailored options.
What are the top recommended kids’ meals at the airport?
Healthy options are available at Green Bites Café and Ocean’s Catch Bistro, with prices averaging around AUD 14 and free refills on drinks in some locations.
Ready to Navigate Family Facilities at Perth Intl Airport, AU Airport with Ease?
Our journey together through Perth Intl Airport’s family-friendly features reveals an airport committed to making your travel stress-free and joyful. From thoughtfully designed nursing rooms to engaging kids play areas, and convenient stroller loans to nutritious kids meals, you’re well-equipped to create memorable moments even on the busiest travel days. Share your experiences or questions below—we love hearing from fellow parents navigating the highs and lows of family travel. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date tips and insider hacks!