A Family-Friendly Guide to Perth’s Northern Suburbs

Why More Families are Choosing Perth’s Northern Suburbs

Perth’s northern suburbs have become a hotspot for families seeking a balanced lifestyle that blends nature, convenience, and community spirit.

With access to beautiful beaches, quality schools, and vibrant local hubs, these areas offer everything a growing family needs. Add to that affordable land options and strong infrastructure, and it’s easy to see why more buyers are making the move north.

Proximity to Beaches and Nature
From the sparkling shores of Burns Beach and Iluka to the tranquil wetlands of Yellagonga Regional Park, the northern suburbs put outdoor adventure right on your doorstep. Families can enjoy weekend bike rides, beach picnics, bushwalks, and fishing trips without travelling far from home.

Education Options
The northern suburbs are home to some of Perth’s best schools, including St Stephen’s School Carramar, Mater Dei College, and Wanneroo Secondary College, as well as a variety of excellent public primaries. With so many options, families can select the right school to suit their children’s needs.

Convenient Amenities
From the vast retail offering at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City to local cafes, sports clubs, and medical facilities, the northern suburbs combine the space and greenery of suburban life with the convenience of city living.

Public transport links also make commuting to the Perth CBD straightforward, with the Joondalup Line providing regular train services from nearby stations such as Joondalup, Currambine, and Clarkson.

Family Friendly Suburbs to Consider

Choosing the right suburb for your family is about more than finding a house; it’s about finding a lifestyle that supports the way you live now and the way you want to grow in the future. Perth’s northern suburbs offer a wealth of options for families, from coastal hubs buzzing with activity to quieter, nature-filled enclaves.

Each suburb brings its own mix of schools, parks, community facilities, and shopping, so you can find a location that matches your priorities.

Here are some of the most family-friendly choices to explore.

Joondalup – A lively hub with a university, hospital, major shopping centre, and a strong community atmosphere. Its lakeside parks and bike trails make it a popular choice for active families.

Currambine – Known for its family-friendly vibe, good schools, and easy access to both the coast and Joondalup’s amenities.

Carramar – Offers a balance of residential comfort and green space, with the Carramar Golf Course and multiple playgrounds close by.

Banksia Grove – A growing suburb with affordable land, schools, and community parks, ideal for young families.

Mariginiup – A hidden gem offering larger blocks, a semi-rural feel, and unmatched access to lakes, bushland, and community-focused living.

Mariginiup – The Northern Suburb's Best Kept Secret

If you’re looking for space, nature, and a strong sense of community without giving up access to modern conveniences, Mariginiup is hard to go past. Nestled between Lake Mariginiup and Lake Jandabup, the suburb offers a unique lifestyle where families can enjoy fresh air, open space, and close proximity to everything the northern suburbs have to offer.

It’s here that Botania Park is redefining what it means to live well. Ideally located within the City of Wanneroo, this thoughtfully planned estate offers convenient access to everyday amenities and natural attractions. Whether you're running errands, meeting friends for coffee, or exploring the surrounding lakes and trails, everything you need is within reach.

More than just a housing estate, Botania Park has been carefully designed to create connections between people and the natural environment.

Tree-lined streets, walking and cycling trails, and shared community spaces encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. Children can grow up exploring the outdoors, neighbours can meet over weekend barbecues, and families can thrive in a safe, welcoming environment.

Things to Do in and Around Mariginiup

From peaceful lakeside strolls to coastal picnics and bustling local markets, Mariginiup and its surrounding suburbs offer endless ways to spend your days.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities, or a relaxing weekend outing, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

Here are five local highlights to explore:

• Picnic at Local Reserves – Pack a basket and enjoy the sunshine at Yellagonga Regional Park, Neil Hawkins Park, Picnic Cove Park, or Rotary Park. These family-friendly spaces offer shaded areas, BBQ facilities, and room for kids to play.

• Head to the Coast – Take in panoramic ocean views at Burns Beach Foreshore Lookout or relax at Iluka Foreshore Park, where you’ll find green space, a coastal playground, and direct beach access for swimming and sunset strolls.

• Shop Local at Wanneroo Markets – Explore a Perth northern suburbs icon filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, variety stalls, and a bustling food court perfect for a weekend visit.  Wanneroo Markets offers a wide selection of fascinating variety stalls, a huge food court, and a modern bar area. The Wanneroo Markets offer “Something for everyone”.
  For even more shopping options, Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City is the third-largest shopping centre in the state. It boasts over 300 specialty retailers, including major anchors like Myer, Target, Kmart, Big W, Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI.

• Tee Off at Resort Standard Courses – Play a round at Carramar Golf Course with its 150m-wide driving range, or enjoy the championship layout at Joondalup Resort and Golf Course surrounded by dramatic bushland and limestone scenery.

• Explore Hidden Bush Trails – Discover quieter walking tracks like the Lake Joondalup Circuit Trail, Perry’s Paddock Heritage Trail, or the Mariginiup North and Jandabup Bush Trails. These scenic paths are perfect for a weekend adventure and spotting native wildlife.

Read our Marigniup Activities Guide for more great ideas.

What to Consider When Buying Land for Sale in Perth’s Northern Suburbs

If you’re exploring land for sale in Perth’s northern suburbs, there are a few key factors to keep in mind before you commit. When it comes to choosing the perfect location for your new home, location and amenities play a huge role in long-term satisfaction and lifestyle.

For those considering land for sale in Perth’s northern suburbs, here are the key areas to evaluate:

1. Shopping & Fresh Produce

Easy access to shopping, groceries, and fresh produce is essential for convenience and quality of life. Look for suburbs that offer a mix of large retail centres for variety, as well as smaller local markets for fresh, seasonal produce. Proximity to supermarkets, specialty stores, and dining options means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your home.

Botania Park residents can enjoy fresh, local produce at the Wanneroo Markets, along with major grocery and retail options at Lakeside Joondalup and Wanneroo Central. Looking ahead, the proposed Mariginiup Town Centre will bring shops, dining, and services right to the doorstep, adding another layer of convenience.

2. Education

Whether you have children now or plan to in the future, being close to quality schools can make a big difference in your day-to-day routine and long-term property value. Look for areas with a choice of early learning, primary, and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions. Walking or cycling distance to schools can save time and reduce the stress of the school run.

Surrounded by well-established schools such as East Wanneroo Primary School, Wanneroo Secondary College, St Anthony’s Primary, and Edith Cowan University, Botania Park already offers excellent education options. The proposed Mariginiup Lake education hub is also set to feature two primary schools and a high school within walking distance.

3. Healthcare

Proximity to quality healthcare ensures you have access to essential services when you need them. Look for suburbs with hospitals, medical centres, and specialist clinics nearby, as well as emergency services for peace of mind.

Located just a short drive from Joondalup Health Campus, Botania Park residents have access to a leading healthcare hub that includes both public and private hospitals, plus a wide range of specialist medical services.

4. Recreation

Access to parks, sports facilities, and leisure options helps promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Look for communities with walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and sports clubs, as well as nearby beaches, lakes, or nature reserves for weekend adventures.

Botania Park offers a range of local facilities like Wanneroo Aquamotion, Carramar Golf Course, and Arena Joondalup. Within the estate, thoughtfully designed pedestrian and cycle links make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and connect with parks, lakes, and community spaces.

5. Transport & Accessibility

Strong transport connections make it easier to commute, access services, and stay connected to the wider region. Consider proximity to train stations, bus routes, and major roads, as well as safe walking and cycling networks within the suburb.

With Joondalup and Edgewater train stations nearby and an improved road network planned, residents of Botania Park will have easy access to the Perth CBD and surrounding suburbs. The future transit corridor will further enhance connectivity, while well-designed pedestrian and cycle paths will link homes to future schools, shopping, and amenities within the community.

Built for the Future: Sustainable Living at Botania Park

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Botania Park’s design. From its water-wise landscaping to its energy-efficient street lighting, every element has been considered to reduce environmental impact while enhancing liveability.

The estate’s design encourages walking and cycling, reducing car reliance and promoting a healthier, more connected community. Native plants and preserved green corridors support biodiversity, providing homes for local birdlife and creating a lush, green environment for residents.

By choosing Botania Park, you’re not just investing in a home,  you’re joining a community that’s committed to a more sustainable, thoughtful way of living. Look to the future by exploring our sustainability pathway.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy Land in Perth’s Northern Suburbs

The northern suburbs are growing fast, with new infrastructure, schools, and amenities being added every year. Buying land now gives families the chance to secure a place in a thriving, in-demand region, while still enjoying the open space and community spirit that make it so special.

Mariginiup offers a rare opportunity to have it all: space to breathe, access to the coast, easy city connections, and a home in a community built for the future. And with Botania Park setting the standard for family-friendly, sustainable living, it’s a chance to be part of something truly unique.