The Perth Hills region, nestled in the Darling Range, is just a 30-minute drive from Perth, but a world away from city life. Filled with tree-cloaked valleys, striking granite outcrops, tumbling waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflowers, vibrant country villages, blossoming orchards and foodie delights, the Hills are also home to one of Australia’s oldest conservation areas and some of Perth’s best emerging wineries.
Start your Perth Hills escape in one of the region’s three main townships: Kalamunda, Mundaring or Armadale. Heading east from Perth city, make the local visitor centres your first stop to pick up info and free maps. There are more than 40 scenic drives, wine trails, wildflower trails, bike trails and walk trails to choose from, including the world-class off-road Munda Biddi Cycle Trail and one of the world’s great long distance walk trails, the Bibbulmun Track.
Immerse yourself in a day of forest bathing and bush picnics at one of many national parks and state forests, including John Forrest National Park (Western Australia’s first national park) and pretty Lake Leschenaultia.
Learn about the region’s rich flora and fauna at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre, or on a guided spotlight tour of Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary. Stroll through the magnificent gardens of Araluen Botanic Park, or discover one of the world’s great engineering feats, the Mundaring Weir and No 1 Pump Station, constructed in the 1890s to feed freshwater to the goldfields, 560 kilometres to the east.
More of the region’s colourful history can be unearthed at the District Museum, Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum, Armadale Outpost Telegraph Centre, Bodhinyana Monastery, History House Municipal Museum and Minnawarra Park Historical Precinct.
The region’s arts centres, studios and galleries celebrate the region’s beauty and creativity in photography, sculpture, textiles and more, while its winemakers and producers have created an extravaganza of flavours, village markets, festivals and unique foodie experiences. You can even pick your own fruit at harvest time.
Spend the day filling your picnic hamper or sampling the Hill’s fine wining and dining options. Or stay and enjoy more Hills hospitality at a farmstay, cottage, hotel or bed and breakfast.