Head inland from Perth and discover the charm of the region’s country towns.
Swap the city for fresh country air and explore heritage streets, local shops and cafés, riverside parks, country produce and fascinating history, all within easy reach of Perth. Whether you’re planning a relaxed day trip or a weekend road trip, these eight country towns offer plenty of reasons to venture beyond the city at any time of year.
New Norcia
Just 130km north-east of Perth, New Norcia is Australia's only monastic town and one of the most unique places to visit in the Northern Valleys. At its heart is the Benedictine monastery, still home to a community of monks today. Take your time wandering among the town's distinctive heritage buildings, attend chapel with the monks or discover more of New Norcia's story at the Museum and Art Gallery. Founded by Spanish Benedictine monks in 1847 as a mission for local Aboriginal people, New Norcia has a complex history encompassing monastic life, Aboriginal experiences, agriculture and education. Make a day of it or stay overnight in the Monastery Guesthouse to experience New Norcia at a slower pace. Before heading home, sample some of the food and produce associated with the town, including New Norcia bread, Abbey Ale and wine.
Bindoon
Around an hour north of Perth, Bindoon is a friendly country town in the heart of Chittering, surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and orchards. Spend some time exploring the town centre, where you’ll find local shops, the historic Bindoon Town Hall and Chittering Visitor Centre. No visit is complete without calling into the famous Bindoon Bakehaus for one of its award-winning pies, pastries or sweet treats. If you have more time, venture beyond town to explore the surrounding countryside, seasonal roadside produce and Bindoon Mountain Bike Park, or continue north to New Norcia for a longer Northern Valleys road trip.
Toodyay
Just 88km north-east of Perth, Toodyay is a quintessential Avon Valley country town, with a historic main street, heritage buildings and plenty of small-town character. Take your time wandering through town, browsing local arts, crafts and antiques and discovering the 19th-century buildings that tell the story of Toodyay’s past. Stop for lunch or a coffee, visit the Toodyay Visitor Centre, or time your trip with the Toodyay Farmers Market to browse fresh local produce, plants, preserves, arts and crafts. The Avon River adds to the town’s picturesque setting, making Toodyay an easy place to spend a day slowing down and enjoying country life.
York
Around 100km east of Perth, York wwas Western Australia’s first inland European settlement, established in 1831, and today its beautifully preserved town centre is one of the Avon Valley’s most recognisable. Wander the historic streets to admire landmark heritage buildings, browse local shops and galleries and stop at one of the town’s cafés. Visit the York Motor Museum to explore its collection of classic cars and motoring memorabilia, or drop into the York Visitor Centre to learn more about the town’s history and discover self-guided walks. For a slower pace, enjoy a picnic by the Avon River or head up to Wongborel / Mount Brown Lookout for sweeping views across York and the surrounding Avon Valley countryside.
Beverley
Nestled in the picturesque Avon Valley, Beverley is one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements, with a rich rural heritage and plenty of country-town character. Take a stroll along Vincent Street and admire the mix of heritage architecture before following the Beverley Art Trail to discover colourful murals inspired by the town and surrounding landscape. Spend some time browsing local shops and galleries, then visit the Cornerstone building, where interactive displays bring Beverley’s fascinating aviation history to life. With its heritage streets, public art and relaxed country atmosphere, Beverley is an easy place to slow down and spend a few hours exploring before venturing further into the surrounding Avon Valley countryside.
Jarrahdale
Less than an hour south of Perth, Jarrahdale is a small historic town tucked among the jarrah forests of the Perth Hills. Once one of Western Australia’s major timber milling centres, reminders of its working past can still be found throughout the town today. Explore the historic townsite and heritage buildings, discover Jarrahdale’s timber story and stop at one of the local cafés while enjoying the town’s peaceful forest setting. If you want to venture a little further, nearby bushwalking trails such as Kitty’s Gorge offer a chance to experience the jarrah forest that has shaped Jarrahdale’s history and identity. After exploring, slow things down at Millbrook Winery, set among rolling countryside at Chestnut Farm near Jarrahdale, for local wine and seasonal dining.
Pinjarra
Around an hour south of Perth, Pinjarra is a historic country town set on the banks of the Murray River. The ancestral home of the Bindjareb people of the Noongar Nation, the area holds deep cultural significance, while the town’s heritage buildings, street art and riverside setting reflect its rich and layered history. Start at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct before following the 1.3km Pinjarra Heritage Trail through the town centre, passing historic buildings and places that have shaped the community. Browse local shops, discover street art, stroll across the Pinjarra Suspension Bridge or relax beside the Murray River at Cantwell Park. Before heading home, stop by the famous Pinjarra Bakery for an award-winning pie or sweet treat, or stay a little longer and use the town as a base for exploring more of the Murray region.
Dwellingup
Just over 100km south of Perth, Dwellingup is a former timber and railway town surrounded by towering jarrah and marri forest, with plenty of country charm. Start in the town centre, where cafés, local shops and the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre make it easy to spend some time exploring. Discover the town’s timber and railway heritage, grab something to eat or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this small community among the trees. From town, it’s easy to venture out to the Murray River and Lane Poole Reserve explore the walking and mountain bike trails or take to the treetops at Treetops Adventure Dwellingup.
