Sure, there are many great reasons to stay indoors when the weather turns cool and who doesn't love snuggling up during a storm? But there are a whole lot of outdoor activities that you can enjoy during the cooler months. In fact, some activities are BETTER in the Noongar season of Makuru.
Makuru is the season that encompasses June and July - where the temperatures drop and the rains arrive. Winds come in from the south and west, bringing much needed rain, and the weeping peppermints (Agonis flexuosa) start producing gorgeous white flowers.
We found ten reasons to pull on your winter jackets and pack your rain pants (just in case) to get outdoors this winter. Let’s go check them out.
When hiking in and around Perth, most people head for the hills and make their way to Kalamunda to hike part of the 1000 kilometre Bibbulmun Track which starts in Kalamunda and ends in Albany.
A walk through the jarrah and marri forests of Mundaring or a visit to the Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre followed by lunch might be the perfect day hike. Or tackle the heights and climb to the summit of Mount Cooke - the highest point in the Darling Ranges.
For a gentler stroll, Araluen Botanic Park which earns its reputation for displays of tulips in spring, transforms into a wonderland of flowing water and leaves throughout autumn and winter,
If you wish to leave organisation to the experts, the Hike Collective offer premium hiking tour experiences in the Perth Hills.
Beeliar Regional Park in Bibra Lake is a beautiful place to take a winter walk. The wetlands are home to incredible bird life - remember to bring a camera or binoculars.
Also in the Bibra Lake precinct are wildlife warriors ‘WA Wildlife’ who rescue and rehabilitate Perth’s native wildlife. They hold Nocturnal Nightstalk Tours in the wetlands. Booking required.
Herdsman Lake is close to the city centre. An eight kilometre hike around the lake with a visit to the Herdsman Wildlife Centre is a great outing for adults and kids. The path also lends itself to cycling should you decide to swap your walking shoes for wheels.
Herdsman Lake | Perth
3. Discover the South
The South region covers a vast area and the hiking trails are plentiful. Getting outdoors with the little ones? The Baldivis Children’s Forest Trail is a public reserve located in Rockingham, preserved and maintained by children, for children. The area consists of 20 hectares of tuart forest and wetlands. Pack up your kids and your gumboots for some fun this winter.
Choose a section of the Munda Biddi Bike trail, Noongar for a ‘path through the forest’ that reaches from Mundaring to Albany. The trail weaves its way through mountain bike town Dwellingup and takes you through Lane Poole Reserve and beyond.
Munda Biddi Trail
4. Go Adventuring in Dwellingup
Dwellingup is the adventure capital of the Peel region known for hiking, biking, paddling and camping. Camping in winter might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but the fact you can warm yourself with a campfire in Lane Poole Reserve is a big draw card for many.
The Bibbulmun Track passes through Dwellingup, so it’s possible to join the trail at many points if hiking is your thing. If you’re seeking a challenge, the Nyingarn Bidi trail is one to tick off your hiking list! The three-day, two-night loop trail covers 49 kilometres and winds through jarrah and karri forests. There are two campsites on the trail- Chadoora Campsite with the Swamp Oak Campsite with basic amenities.
World-class mountain bike trails in the region are popular with the mountain biking community - Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails have trails suited to all levels. Visit the Trails and Visitors Centre in town for maps and further information.
Launch your kayak in Lane Poole Reserve or join a paddling tour with Dwellingup Adventures
Lane Poole Reserve | Dwellingup
5. Chase Waterfalls
Winter is the time to see waterfalls in Perth if there has been enough rain. Most of them are within a short drive of the city. Here are some of our favourites:
Sixty Foot Falls in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve is one to view from up high. While there, check out the Old Barrington Quarry.
Serpentine Falls is one of Perth’s most popular and best known falls. The walk to reach the falls is only 15 minutes. It can get busy when the waterfall is flowing, so it pays to go early.
Noble Falls and Wooroloo Brook in Gidgegannup is a delightful hike to a low level waterfall which is quite impressive after heavy rains.
Bells Rapids is not technically a waterfall, but definitely worth a trek. You can view the rapids quite close to the parking area or challenge yourself to an uphill hike loop. This part of the Swan River is where kayakers train for the Avon Descent. White water fun at its best!
Lesmurdie Falls in Mundy Regional Park can be pretty spectacular - you can view them from above or below. Parking and walking access is available from both locations.
Lesmurdie Falls
6. Get on Your Bike
Aside from our hills, Perth is relatively flat and the ideal place to get on your bike, or hire one, to explore the many bike friendly paths in the city and beyond. Perth has a comprehensive network of bike trails including mountain bike tracks in the Perth Hills that you can explore on your own.
About Bike Hire is conveniently located on the Swan River Foreshore at Fraser Point. Parking is plentiful and so are the varieties of bikes available for hire. From electric bikes to a bicycle built for two, About Bike Hire is the one stop place for two, three and four-wheel fun!
Go Go Active Tours operate kayak tours in the warmer months and bike tours at different times of the year. During winter, you can book their Majestic Foreshore & East Perth Bike Tour, a guided bike tour where you will learn about historic landmarks and incredible bird life.
Kings Park
7. Go Camping
The Avon Valley National Park is an amazing spot to check out in winter. Just over an hour from the city, the camping grounds have basic facilities and you will need to take your own drinking water. Vistas from the National Park take in the flowing Avon River and native bushland. Visitors commonly sight rock wallabies, emus, and abundant bird life. Camping is available all year round, but winter is probably the best time to camp because you can light a campfire. Hello marshmallows!
Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow is only 50 kilometres from the city centre and the ideal place for a winter camping getaway. The still waters of the lake are perfect for kayaking and swimming (if you are game). Camp sites are powered and unpowered with toilets, camp kitchen and barbeque facilities.
Have no camping gear? Or just want an excuse to get off-road and go exploring, hire a 4xploring Rentals four-wheel-drive camper or camper trailer. They will even set you up with preloaded food and supplies for your camping trip and make you an itinerary. Who said camping is hard work?
Hook up your caravan and head out to the Avon Valley, Woodman Point or further afield to immerse yourself in natural beauty. With a caravan, the world is your oyster! Here are some ideas for a caravan adventure in and around Perth.
York | Avon Valley
8. Paddle the Rivers
It may seem counterintuitive to be on the water when the temperature is brisk, but we are here to tell you it’s one of the best times to be out on the water. The still waters of the Swan and Canning Rivers are perfect for stand up paddling and kayaking. Just don’t fall in!
Launch your own paddle board or kayak at one of many places along the Swan or Canning River. Local business Sup Tonic organises guided standup paddle tours all year round.
The award-winning Salt and Bush Eco Tours are based in the Peel region and they know the country and rivers in the region like the backs of their hands. Jamie and Base are Professional Naturalist guides who lead expeditions all over the world. If they are not hanging with penguins in Antarctica, you can book a peddled kayak tour and explore the Peel region with the experts. Contact Salt and Bush for availability.
Swan River
9. Make the Most of Perth Markets
We all love a market! The Perth market scene is thriving even in winter.
Subiaco Farmers Market at Subiaco Primary School - Saturday mornings 8 - 12 for baked goods, food trucks and local crafts.
Upmarket is a quarterly market at the University of WA for all things art and craft.
Perth City Farm - Farmer's market is held on Saturdays in winter from 8 to 12 for fresh produce.
Kyilla Community Farmers Market in North Perth is a thriving hub for fresh produce and great coffee. Saturdays from 8 to 11.
Canning Vale Sunday Market is Perth’s largest undercover market with so much to choose from! Sundays 7 to 1. Pack your big carry bags!
Palmyra Western Farmers Market is open on Sundays 8 to 11 for direct farmgate to community goodies.
Subiaco Farmers Market | Image by City of Subiaco
10. Walk the Wild Beaches
Perth is famous for its beaches in summer, but how about a wild, wet winter stroll to get the heart pumping! Say goodbye to parking problems and visit one of Perth’s beaches in winter.
Rockingham beaches are perfect for strolling if you want to catch some nature on your walk. The coast is home to marine birds and mammals - you might be lucky to catch sight of a sea lion or some of our amazing seabirds.
Wadjemup/Rottnest Island - everyone’s favourite getaway destination is the place to walk, whether that be on the beaches or the incredible inland hiking trails. Get close to a Quokka or hire a bike and do a loop of the island or stay for a winter break. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Sunset Coast from Scarborough to Two Rocks has some of the best beaches for wild beach walks. Pick a beach and put on your windproof clothing for a salty experience.
City Beach is super close to the CBD and is the ideal spot to not only enjoy some bracing winter air, it is also home to some great cafes and eateries. You can’t go past Odyssea for views and eats after your walk!
Point Peron Beach
So, what are you waiting for? In the words of hiker Alfred Wainright “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” (1973) Rug up in something warm and waterproof and go on an outdoor adventure in Perth this winter.
