Fresh produce and breakfast at the markets, a round of mini golf in the gardens and a lake walk. Here's how I spend a weekend morning in Wanneroo.
A morning out in the north
Wanneroo still feels a bit like the country, with market gardens, lakes and bushland only 30 minutes from the city. It’s my pick for an easy weekend morning with the family, starting with breakfast at the markets and finishing with mini golf in the gardens.
Quick facts
- Where: Wanneroo and Wangara, about 30 minutes north of the city.
- Markets: Wanneroo Markets in Wangara, with fresh produce, a food court and stalls.
- Mini golf: Wanneroo Botanic Gardens, open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am, and daily in school and public holidays.
- Food rules: No outside food or picnics at the botanic gardens.
- Finish: A walk by Lake Joondalup, just down the road.
- Best time: Mornings, when it’s cooler and less crowded.
“Breakfast at the markets, a round of mini golf, then a walk by the lake. It’s the kind of simple morning my nieces and nephews always remember.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
Start at the markets
The Wanneroo Markets in nearby Wangara are a long-running weekend market with fresh fruit and vegetables, a food court and a mix of stalls. It’s not fancy, but it’s one of the few places in the north where you can buy produce from lots of growers in one spot. Grab breakfast at the food court, then stock up on fruit and veg.
“There are not so many places locally where you can source fresh produce”
Helene D, Tripadvisor review
Mini golf in the gardens
Next, head to the Wanneroo Botanic Gardens, which combine landscaped gardens with a mini golf course winding through waterfalls, ponds and garden beds. It’s suitable for all ages, and it’s one of the prettiest mini golf courses in Perth.
The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am, and daily during school and public holidays. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays outside the holidays. Glow golf runs at night. Check times and buy tickets on the Wanneroo Botanic Gardens website. Note that outside food and picnics aren’t allowed.
“we highly recommend this for families of all ages and types.”
Cheryl S, Tripadvisor review
Finish at the lake
Finish the morning with a walk by Lake Joondalup, just down the road. The lakeside paths are flat and easy, and you’ll see plenty of birdlife. See my guide to Neil Hawkins Park for one of the best spots on the lake. If you have the whole day, keep heading north to Yanchep National Park for koalas and caves.
“The gardens are looking spectacular and are so well maintained.”
Jade H, Tripadvisor review
Good to know
- Christmas: the botanic gardens run a Christmas light event in December, so check their website for dates.
- Go early: mornings are cooler and less crowded, especially in summer.
- More mini golf: see our guide to Perth’s best mini golf courses.
Featured image: Around_And_About, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am, and daily during school and public holidays. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays outside the holidays.
