Perth has no shortage of beautiful spots for a family session.
The challenge is not finding somewhere picturesque — it is finding a location in Perth that actually works for your family.
The right location depends on the ages of your children, the season, the feel you are after, and how the light behaves at the time of day you are shooting.
Location and timing work together — our time of the day guide is worth reading alongside this guide.
What makes a good location for family photography
Not every beautiful spot in Perth translates well to a session with young children. A location that looks stunning in a landscape photo or works well for a couple can become genuinely difficult when young children are involved.
The criteria that matter most: enough open space for children to move without bolting into traffic or water; shade available when kids overheat quickly in the afternoon; a backdrop that adds visual interest without competing with your family for attention; and accessible parking with toilet facilities nearby, which matters considerably more than most families anticipate before they have toddlers.
The most well-known location is not always the best choice. A quieter, less-visited park with good natural light and flat ground often produces more relaxed, natural photos than a famous landmark crowded with other visitors.
Beach locations in Perth
Perth’s coastline is among the most sought-after settings for family sessions. Wide open sky, warm light reflecting off the water, and the relaxed atmosphere all work in your favour — reasons they are popular for maternity sessions too.
Cottesloe Beach is the most recognised option. The groyne, the Norfolk pines, and the warm tones of the sand make for striking photos at golden hour. The trade-off is that Cottesloe is consistently busy, particularly on weekends and evenings, which means other people moving through the frame take patience and good timing to manage.
Floreat and Wembley offer a similar feel with fewer crowds and more flexibility. The northern beaches — Sorrento, Mullaloo, and Hillarys — are popular spots for photoshoots in Perth’s northern suburbs and tend to be more spacious and relaxed.
One practical note on timing: wind. A light breeze looks natural in photos and is not a problem. A strong afternoon sea breeze means squinting children and tangled hair. Morning sessions generally avoid the worst of this.
Parks and gardens in Perth
Parks give you shade, greenery, and room for children to move freely — three things that matter a great deal when you are planning a session with younger children.
Kings Park is the most consistently reliable choice. The native bush, open lawns, and views over the city make it genuinely beautiful at golden hour, and it is large enough that you can usually find a quieter area even on a busy day.
Hyde Park in North Perth has a more intimate neighbourhood feel. The duck pond, mature canopy trees, and enclosed layout make it well suited for families with very young children who need a more contained space.
Bold Park is less visited than Kings Park and offers similar native bush scenery with a more unstructured, natural character. It suits families who want something that feels a little different from the more familiar options.
Most public parks in Perth do not require a permit for personal photography sessions. Some specific areas within larger parks may have their own arrangements, and your photographer will know what applies for any location you are considering.
Perth Hills
The hills east of Perth — around Kalamunda, Mundaring, and the John Forrest National Park area — offer a completely different look. Tall trees, ferns, filtered light, and winding paths give photos a timeless quality that is difficult to replicate at a coastal or suburban location.
The trade-offs are worth knowing before you commit. The drive from the city adds 30 to 45 minutes each way. Paths can be uneven and are not always accessible for prams or strollers. In summer, the hills can be surprisingly hot and dry with less shade than you might expect. The best results come from autumn and spring sessions, when the light is softer and the landscape is at its greenest and most lush.
For families who want something genuinely different, the hills are worth the extra planning.
Urban and alternative locations
Not every family wants a natural setting. Fremantle’s heritage streetscapes, painted walls, and textured laneways suit families with older children or teenagers who feel more at ease in an urban environment than a park.
Inner-city suburbs with character homes and tree-lined streets — Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Leederville — can also work well. These locations tend to feel personal and relaxed, particularly where the neighbourhood has some meaning to the family.
How to choose the right location for your family
A few questions that help narrow the decision:
How old are your children? Toddlers do best with shade, flat ground, and a contained area where they can wander without getting into trouble. Primary school children handle most locations well. Teenagers often feel more comfortable somewhere that feels like a genuine place rather than a generic photo spot.
What season are you shooting? Autumn and winter open up the hills and give you softer light across more of the day. Summer and spring suit beach sessions, particularly early morning before the heat builds and the beaches fill up. In winter, it helps to have a backup location in mind in case of rain.
What feel are you after? Lush and green, open and coastal, textured and urban, or natural bush — the location sets the visual tone of the whole session. Most families have a clear instinct about this once they think it through.
If you are genuinely unsure, leave the decision to your photographer. Location advice is a standard part of the planning conversation, not an afterthought.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best photoshoot locations in Perth?
There is no single answer — it depends on the ages of your children, the time of year, and the feel you are after. Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach, and the Perth Hills are the three most consistently popular options, each suited to different families and seasons.
Where can I take family photos in Perth for free?
Most public parks and beaches in Perth are free for personal photography sessions. Kings Park, Hyde Park, Cottesloe Beach, and Bold Park are all accessible without a permit fee for standard sessions. Some specific areas within larger parks have their own conditions, and your photographer will know what applies for any location they regularly use.
Are Perth beaches good for family photography?
Yes, but timing matters. Morning sessions before the sea breeze arrives and before crowds arrive tend to work better than afternoon sessions, particularly in summer. The light is also softer in the morning, which makes a noticeable difference in skin tones and reduces squinting.
What if I cannot decide on a location?
Your photographer will recommend one. Location selection is part of the pre-session conversation and is based on your session timing, the ages of your children, and the season. Most families are comfortable following the recommendation once they understand the reasoning.
Do I need a permit to photograph at Kings Park?
Not for a personal session on general park grounds. Some specific facilities within Kings Park have separate arrangements. If your photographer has a preferred area within the park, they will know the current requirements.
Conclusion
Perth offers a strong range of locations for family photography — beaches, parks, hills, and urban areas each suit different families and different seasons. The location is worth thinking through, but it does not need to be a complicated decision.