Perth Hills in All Four Seasons: Best Times to Visit & Things to Do

Looking for a breath of fresh air? The Perth Hills region offers a year-round escape just a short drive out from the city, with each season bringing a unique experience and charm.

From vibrant autumn colours to winter retreats, spring blooms and summer adventures, here's your seasonal guide to exploring the Perth Hills any time of the year.

Autumn in Perth Hills (March-May)

As temperatures begin to cool, the Perth Hills transform into a canvas of warm oranges, reds and yellows. This is perhaps the most photogenic time to explore the region's natural beauty.

What to Do:

• Take a scenic drive through the leafy suburbs of Kalamunda, Mundaring and Bickley Valley to witness the spectacular autumn foliage.

• Visit local orchards and vineyards in their harvest season. The Darling Range region is home to numerous wineries and orchards where you can sample seasonal varieties while enjoying the autumn views.

• Explore hiking trails like the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail when the weather is perfectly mild for outdoor adventures without summer's intensity.

• Get your family photos done outdoors during the most striking season of the year. Autumn foliage is at its peak in May, so it's best to book a photographer a few months ahead of time.

Winter in Perth Hills (June-August)

Winter transforms the Perth Hills into a misty, magical landscape with cool, crisp days perfect for layering and packing a bag for a cosy retreat.

What to Do:

• Chase waterfalls after rainfall at spots like Lesmurdie Falls and Sixty Foot Falls in Ellis Brook Valley, which reach their most impressive flow during winter months.

• Enjoy wine tasting at one of the region's boutique wineries like Millbrook Winery or Lion Mill Vineyards. A perfect way to escape the rain with a bottle of red wine and take in the vineyards.

• Attend the Mundaring Truffle Festival (check annual dates) to get the full experience of what gourmet truffle-infused dishes have to offer, with plenty of local produce, cooking demonstrations, and market stalls celebrating the winter delicacy.

• Stargazing opportunities are abundant on clear winter nights. Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow is a popular dark sky location just 45 minutes from Perth, perfect for celestial photography or simply marvelling at the night sky.

Spring in Perth Hills (September-November)

Spring brings an abundance of wildflower blooms, pleasant temperatures, and a sense of renewal to the Perth Hills.

What to Do:

• Wildflower walks are a must-do in spring. Explore trails in John Forrest National Park, Walyunga National Park or Ellis Brook Valley to witness Western Australia's famous wildflower season in full swing.

• Visit local markets including the Kalamunda Farmers Market (Sundays) for fresh seasonal produce and artisanal goods.

• Join a guided nature tour with local operators like Mindful in Nature who offer forest bathing experiences (shinrin-yoku) to help you reconnect with the outdoors in a mindful way.

• Explore garden events that showcase spring blooms across private and public gardens in the region, notably Araluen Botanic Park, which runs the Springtime Tulip Festival blooming from August to October.

Summer in Perth Hills (December-February)

Summer brings outdoor adventures, swimming spots, and warm evening entertainment under the stars.

What to Do:

• Cool off at Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow, a tranquil inland beach where you can swim, canoe, or enjoy a picnic under shady trees.

• Attend outdoor cinema events and summer festivals that pop up throughout the hills during the warmer months.

• Go mountain biking on dedicated trails in the Kalamunda Mountain Bike Circuit, which offers routes for all skill levels amid eucalyptus forests.

• Experience twilight wine tastings at local vineyards that often extend their hours during summer for evening events with live music and food trucks.

• Go for a twilight hike and take full advantage of the warmer, drier nights. Check out Off The Beaten Track WA during their summer series when they offer professionally led seasonal nature-and-stars adventures.

Where to Stay in Perth Hills

No matter what season you visit, Perth Hills offers accommodation options to enhance your seasonal experience:

Rosebridge House Bed & Breakfast

Tucked away in Gooseberry Hill, Rosebridge House offers a peaceful 5-star escape and is only walking distance to the charming country village of Kalamunda. The heritage-listed property features French doors opening to wide verandahs and lush gardens. Enjoy complimentary gourmet breakfasts, lounge by the pool, and experience the changing seasons from this elegant countryside retreat.

Amaroo Retreat and Spa

Located in Mount Helena, Amaroo Retreat and Spa offers a luxurious hillside sanctuary with stunning valley views. Their deluxe villas feature private decks, spa baths, and floor-to-ceiling windows for an indulgent retreat.

Avocados Perth

Located just minutes from the Armadale and Kelmscott town centres and in close proximity to numerous attractions in the Darling Range and Perth foothills, Avocados is situated on 10 acres along the banks of the Canning River. Their chalets provide a perfect base for exploring the region year-round and are pet-friendly. The on-site restaurant showcases seasonal local produce, offering a complete Hills experience without leaving the property.

Heyscape Tiny Cabins Serpentine

For a unique getaway deeply immersed in nature, Heyscape Tiny Cabins in Serpentine offer an intimate connection with the changing seasons. These architecturally designed cabins feature large windows that frame the surrounding landscape like a living painting. Perfect for eco-conscious travellers looking to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature in any season.

The Perth Hills deliver distinctly different experiences as the seasons change, making it worth multiple visits throughout the year. Whether you're after an adventure or a relaxing getaway, discover why locals consider the Perth Hills one of Western Australia's most versatile year-round destinations.