Now the cooler weather is here, it’s the perfect time to escape the city and explore all the Perth Hills have to offer.

From wineries and cider houses to forest and falls…it’s all waiting for you to discover - and less than 45 minutes from Perth!

Whether it’s an energising trail hike or a more chilled day exploring artisan markets and indulging in local produce and wine, a day in the hills is your opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature.

You’ll love a day experiencing everything these historic towns have to offer, from Serpentine and Jarrahdale, through to Armadale, Kalamunda, Mundaring.

And we’ve got you covered with some awesome ideas for your day out!

Less screen, more green.

If you’re a family looking to get the kids back to nature, here’s what the perfect day out could look like.

Morning 

We recommend an early start so that you can pack your day with maximum adventure. This day is jam packed!

Pile the kids in the car and hit the road towards the Kalamunda Farmers Markets (on every Sunday) to sample some seasonal local produce, grab a coffee and some breakfast, or buy some cheese, preserves and freshly baked organic bread for an afternoon picnic.

Next, make sure you book yourselves on a camel ride at Calamunnda Camel Farm for a truly unique way of experiencing the peaceful Perth Hills as a family.  They have 15 - 60 minute rides to choose from. You’ll get the opportunity to learn about the rich indigenous history of the area and if you’re lucky you’ll discover some native animals along the way.

Afternoon

Less than 15 minutes away is the stunning Lesmurdie Falls, the biggest waterfall on the Darling Range escarpment, where you can get your steps up with a choice of 5 walk trails ranging from 300m to 3kms. The cascading waterfalls and city skyline views are stunning from the lookout platforms, which are a short walk to the picnic areas…a perfect spot to stop, chill and enjoy your market treats. Allow plenty of time for the kids to explore here!

Late Afternoon

No doubt the kids would have worked up an appetite by now, so head up the hill to the Historic Mundaring Weir Hotel for a woodfired pizza or lamb spit roast (on Sundays). Or you may want to indulge in a mulled wine and pot pie by the fire. This hotel boasts the largest beer garden in Perth! Plenty more for the kids to discover here while you relax and enjoy listening to a local bush band.

Evening

If the kids have any energy left, end your day by heading to the Perth Observatory for a Winter Night Tour. Astronomers say the best time for viewing our southern skies is in the winter, so give the kids an experience they’ll never forget and finish your day with a grand tour of the universe.

Hills and hikes. 

Hiking is a great way to get outside, move your bodies and explore new places. And the best time of the year for hiking is now, when the temperature is cool. 

So if you are feeling fit and adventurous here’s what is waiting for you.

Morning

You are literally spoilt for choice for hiking trail options in the Perth Hills, but a great place to begin is in Kalamunda which marks the start of The Bibbulmun Track, one of the world’s great long distance walk trails stretching 1000kms from Kalamunda to Albany! There are trails of many lengths and levels of difficulty that cater for all fitness levels. Jorgensen Park Walk Trail is a great start with a 2.7km loop offering stunning valley views. Or, you could enjoy equally spectacular views on the 3km Kalamunda Loop Zigzag trail which is a short section of the former railway. Much of the former railway has now been made into a walking and cycling trail - the Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail.  (You can also drive this scenic trail if you are feeling a little less energetic!).

Afternoon

Time to head to Core Cider House - for a well earned rest!  Situated on 40 acres of orchards and offering farm to table food, and cider tastings, unwind with a picnic on the green or enjoy a pizza from the Cider Garden. A great way to spend your afternoon after a morning hike.

If you’re looking to make new friends and learn a bit more about the historical tales and flora facts while you walk throughout the Perth Hills, Off the Beaten Track WA offers exceptional guided hiking experiences and adventure tours. Marvel in the beauty of the jarrah, marri and wandoo forests, with everything from sunrise hikes to social Sunday walks.  From the Bibbulmun Track to the Bickley Valley, you can hike, wine, and dine your way through the day.  

With The Hike Collective you may want to navigate the route of an 1870’s tramway, exploring pioneer heritage and expansive forest on The Mason and Bird Heritage Trail in Bickley Valley, a 2 hour hike. From Australia's oldest wooden bridge to the first Western Australian dam, the rich history of this trail will inspire you.

If bush and bikes are more your thing, then check out these cycle trails.

Taste and Treat.

If you are more of a merlot and cheese fan, then the Perth Hills has got you covered with some of the best boutique wineries in and around Bickley Valley.

Late Morning

Start the day right and make your way to Hainault Vineyard and Cafe (open from 11.30am), a boutique cellar door where you can savour in some wine tastings.

Afternoon

15 minutes down the road you’ll find The Packing Shed @ Lawnbrook which is the perfect spot to sip on a Pinot Noir (they have coffee too!) in this beautiful 10 acre estate.  Enjoy a country style meal inside by the wood heater as you ponder the rest of the day.

Next stop on your perfect day out is MyattsField Vineyard. After your cellar door wine tasting, if you’re not full from lunch, select from local and international cheeses to enjoy on the veranda while taking in the views.

Your last stop is Tonon Vineyard and Winery (open on Saturdays), an artisan wine producer and the only grower and producer of Prosecco in the Hills. Grab a cheeky bottle of sparkling to take home for later.

If you’re not keen for the drive home after a day of wine tasting, why not treat yourself to a night at Rosebridge House Bed and Breakfast, a boutique bed and breakfast, nestled on the edge of Gooseberry Hill National Park.  The next morning you’ll love the gourmet cooked breakfast made from the freshest local produce before you head home.

If you'd prefer to ditch the driving for the day altogether, then Up Close and Local Tours offer a range of unique cider, wine and whiskey tours. 

And there are more options for wine touring through the picturesque Bickley Valley. Why not enjoy an intimate full day tour with d’Vine Wine Tours? At each of the cellar doors you may meet the owner or winemaker to hear their stories while you enjoy sampling the wines of the region.  

Or sit back, relax and enjoy your day with a wine and cider tour guided by Hidden deTours. Pickup is available from various central city locations.

So what are you waiting for?  There’s so much to see and do and it’s all just waiting for you to explore! Get back to nature and hit the Perth Hills this weekend. To plan your day of adventure, check out the Destination Perth website - your go-to-guide for the perfect day out!