The Perth Hills are the perfect spot to get back to nature, enjoy a slower pace of life - and enjoy some of Perth’s finest flavours!
With stunning scenery, scenic drives and charming villages, the Perth Hills is just the ticket for a relaxing, rejuvenating day trip (or even better, #perthstaycation!) with serious countryside vibes - all without leaving Perth Metro.
Nature lovers and active types are in for a treat; you’ll find more than 40 seriously Instaworthy bike trails, walk trails and wildflower trails (best explored from September to November), including parts of the Bibbulmun Track. Fill your picnic basket on one (or more) of many fabulous food and wine trails, including the Bickley Valley Wine Trail and Perth Hills Cider and Brews Trail, for a dreamy lakeside picnic; or get to know Perth Hills hidden secrets on a guided tour. With Christmas just around the corner, book in soon for a weekend away with your paramour and/or the fam, and make memories to last a lifetime!
Here’s some of our top spots to get you started on your best Perth Hills getaway.
Things to do in Mundaring
The quaint tree-lined village of Mundaring is home to attractions galore! Stop off at the Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre to learn all about the history of the region and pick up a variety of maps highlighting the many things to see and do, and head to Mundaring Art Centre for some gorgeous artworks to inspire your muse (and some souvenirs of your trip). Just out of town, you’ll find the vast water reserve of the Mundaring Weir and the stunning Lesmurdie Falls, or head to Lake Leschenaultia for the picture-perfect picnic spot. Or join a guided hike The Hike Collective or mountain bike tour with Perth Hills Mountain Bike Tours to see Mundaring in a whole new light. And when you’re ready for a feed and/or a bevvy, enjoy some true-blue Aussie pub fare feed at Mount Helena Tavern, or sample Dingo Brewery’s delish range of premium craft beers.
Things to do in Kalamunda
You’ll love the quaint, historic village feel of Kalamunda! Nestled deep in the hills, this town is the starting point of The Bibbulmun Track. Start your Kalamunda adventure with a visit to the Perth Hills Visitor Centre, and then step back in time and discover the town’s history by following the Heritage Walk Trail, or visit the Kalamunda History Village - the largest folk museum in Western Australia depicting the unique hills life and industries that developed in the area.
The Perth Hills is renowned for its clear night skies, and Perth Observatory is just the place to make the most of them - experience our amazing southern night sky through their telescopes during a night tour, with volunteers taking you on a grand tour of the Southern Hemisphere’s sky with a wide range of targets including nebulas, planets and enormous star clusters. Browse the museum and see historical instruments, meteorite exhibits, astrophotographs and artwork and admire the beauty of the Atlas Coelestis, the first Star Atlas ever printed in 1729 from the work of John Flamsteed, the First Astronomer Royal at the Greenwich Observatory in Great Britain.
Wine and cider lovers won’t want to miss a 6-7 hours Hidden deTours 18+ wine tour of the Bickley Valley, departing Perth CBD. Enjoy premium wine tastings at three awesome Bickley Valley wineries, cider tasting paddle at a fab cider house, a delicious gourmet lunch at a Bickley Valley winery, and expert commentary from your tour guide. What fun!
Lastly, all the lush greenery of the Perth Hills makes a perfect home for wildlife; you might spot mammals, reptiles and amphibians such as bandicoots, kangaroos, echidnas, possums, bobtail lizards, frogs and more. Get to know some of the locals up close and personal at the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where you can meet native animals and learn about the care of sick and injured wildlife on a guided tour at Kanyana - including a 30 minute meet and greet with a special animal.
Ready for some F&B? You’re spoiled for choice in Kalamunda! Core Cider is a cidery and restaurant dishing up pure laidback indulgence, served with down-to-earth, genuine hospitality - whether on the grand deck of the Orchard Bistro showcasing local produce, through cider tastings in the Harvest Room, through walking barefoot on the soft grass of The Green, or on a Tour & Taste experience through the orchards.
Parkerville Tavern is a lovely old family pub and restaurant (est. 1902) that serves up pub fare that will fill your belly and your heart. And wine lovers won’t want to miss Myattsfield Vineyard, one of the most established and awarded wineries in the area, with Cellar Door tastings of locally grown varieties such as Verdelho, Mourvedre, Touriga, Tempranillo and Durif, alongside Australian favourites such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Things to do in Armadale
The scenic region of Armadale is within a 40-minute drive of Perth City, with a plethora of activities and things to do for lovers of the great outdoors. Think tree-cloaked hills, babbling brooks, blossom-laden orchards and stunning nature walks. Start your day trip or staycation by dropping into the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to pick up free maps highlighting the 28 walk trails in the region. Stroll amid the trees near Wungong, Canning or Churchman Brook dams, or enjoy the picnic areas and walk trails near the waters of Serpentine Falls.
Visit the extraordinary garden of Araluen Botanic Park, nestled in a serene Australian bushland setting, as you stroll through stoned pathways across terraces lined by enormous stone pillars and shaded jarrah pergolas, and view circa-1930s log cabins located in each garden precinct as you learn about Perth's heritage and history from the informative signage. And Aussie animal lovers won’t want to miss the fascinating Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre, which houses a large variety of native reptiles and other Australian wildlife with over 70 different species on display.
Ready for a tasty feed after all that exploring? Pinjarra Bakery - Maddington is serving up some of the best pies in town (in fact, quite possibly all of Australia - they’re the winners of the Official Great Aussie Pie Comp 2019).
Places to stay in the Perth Hills
Live your best #slowlife with a Perth Hills staycation! We love the luxuriously indulgent experience at Amaroo Retreat & Spa, designed to rejuvenate its guests, helping them to reposition their lives by tending to their bodies, minds and spirits. The tranquil setting of the natural bush land creates a sense of calming and peacefulness which feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Nathanael's Rest Retreat is located on seven acres of semi-rural land, and can cater for singles/couples/families or even groups of up to 12 people. A beautiful hobby farm located on 12 glorious acres adjoining national park in the Perth Hills.
Gumleaf Cottage Farmstay has only two rental dwellings on-site, so you’re guaranteed a private, relaxing holiday - with daily animal feeding and hayrides for the kids, playground, trampoline, ride-on toys and lots more.
We hope we’ve sparked your imagination as you plan your perfect Perth Hills getaway! For more great inspiration check out some more places to visit and stay in the region. For more ideas on things to see and do in Perth, visit our Best of Perth blog.
