Perth Hills

The section of the Darling Scarp colloquially know as the Perth Hills extends from the Chittering Valley in the north to Serpentine and Jarrahdale in the south; a distance of some 90 kilometres. Here you'll find pristine natural bush, wildflowers, forests, waterfalls and spectacular views. If you're looking for something a little more 'man made' there are art galleries and historic sites to explore, wine trails to follow, restaurants and cafes to cater to every food fantasy, day spas, open-air cinemas and fabulous outdoor concert amphitheatres.

Just 30 minutes from the city centre, Kalamunda is a special ‘home in the forest’ that offers a true Western Australian country town experience. Kalamunda has a unique village feel with a wonderful range of shops and galleries providing treasures for even the most discerning of buyers. You’ll find first class restaurants and friendly staff, historic buildings, scenic parks and native bushland. Discover the Kalamunda Markets from 8am – 2pm on the first Saturday of every month, with more than 150 stalls offering arts, crafts, jewellery, ceramics, paintings, bric-a-brac, plants and produce – most of it locally made or grown. A nocturnal visit to Kanyana Wildlife Centre to see the wildlife feeding and interacting is a must. You’ll love the hands on approach and can have a close encounter with a possum or joey, a bilby or an echidna. Originally settled by timber growers and fruit farmers, the district became a popular holiday destination for Perth residents. Much of the area is still occupied by orchards and wineries and you can explore the Bickley and Carmel Wine Trail to find hand crafted award-winning wines. As well, you can sample homemade preserves, organic chocolates, jarrah honey, fresh flowers and a range of fresh, fruit and vegetables. Many venues offer delicious meals in delightful surroundings. The Kalamunda History Village and Stirk Cottage are situated in pleasant surroundings close to the centre of town and offer an insight into the history of the district. To complete your country experience why not stay overnight at one of the many luxury retreats, home-style bed and breakfasts, guest houses and farmstay throught the area? Details of current events, walking maps and local information is available from friendly, well-informed staff at the Kalamunda Visitor Centre, open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm at the Kalamunda Library in Railway Road. Phone+61 8 9293 4872.

Nestled amongst scenic parks, rolling hills and picturesque valleys is the modern City of Armadale. Located just 40 minutes South East of the centre of Perth, the area known as the Perth Foothills has a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking bushland, fine wineries, award-winning restaurants and beautiful art galleries. The Armadale Visitor Centre is the best place to start your exploration of the area. They provide a free booking service for all accommodation, local tours, day and extended tours and cruises, plus free holiday planners, Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail maps, a great selection of local craft, souvenirs and gifts, and friendly, expert advice for all Western Australian holiday plans. The centre is conveniently located just off Armadale Road at the junction of Albany Hwy and South West Hwy. They are open 7 days a week, 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 4pm on weekends. Phone +61 8 9399 0410

One of WA’s most amazing and beautiful botanic parks, just 35km south-east of Perth is Araluen Botanic Park ‘Paradise found!’ Open every day 9am–6pm, modest entry fees apply. Ph: (08) 9496 1171. Take one of the walk trails through the park to make the most of your visit. The roses at Araluen are of a world-class standard and their unique setting amongst other exotic and native plant species sets them apart from other rose gardens. Facilities at the park include Chalet Healy restaurant, gift shop, picnic and BBQ areas, train and special needs access. The last Sunday of each month features ‘Art in the Park’, a great opportunity to see exciting displays, demonstrations and sales of wonderful art by some of the state’s finest mixed media artists. Araluen is located in the verdant foothills to the south of Perth and is open every from day 9am–6pm, entry fees apply.

Stroll through a working orchard and purchase sweet fruits and preserves at the beautiful Raeburn Orchards. During summer you can purchase a wide variety of fruits, including nectarines, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots and persimmons, plus many other fruits throughout the year. Also available are a an assortment of gourmet preserves, dried fruit and nuts, local honey and beautiful souvenirs. View the stunning transitions from season to season as vibrant autumn foliage turns to stunning spring blossom. The orchards are located just 35 minutes from Perth at 4 Raeburn Road, Roleystone, and are open 7 days a week. Entry is free. Phone 61 8 9397 5325.

The City of Armadale boasts many mouth-watering and award-winning restaurants surrounded by scenic bushland and well-stocked with beautiful local wines and beers. The Manse Restaurant is a Gold Plate Award-winning restaurant which offers fine dining, romantic dinners and functions by arrangement. Located at 31 Church Avenue, Armadale, the restaurant is open for dinner Tues–Sat, Ph: (08) 9399 6078. The Elizabethan Village Pub is another great option in the area, with a wide selection of great tasting meals including vegetarian options. They also stock an excellent range of Last Drop Brewery beers. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Bookings are advisable. Lot 22 Canns Rd, Bedfordale. Phone +61 8 9399 4531.

If you're looking to spend some more time in the Perth Foothills, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit your needs. The Sahara is a spacious, deluxe self-contained home that sleeps 6-8 people. It has an alfresco barbeque area and is close to shops, transport and local attractions. Ph: (08) 9399 2217. Poplar Cottage Bed & Breakfast is a beautifully restored historic cottage overlooking the Canning River. Friendly hosts and delicious breakfast included! Hire one room or rent the whole cottage. 222 Brookton Hwy, Kelmscott. Ph: (08) 9390 2797. Armadale Cottage Bed & Breakfast is another superb B&B located in the Armadale area. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, platinum Foxtel, high speed wireless internet and laundry facilities. 3161 Albany Hwy, Armadale. Phone +61 8 9497 1663.

If you're looking for unique giftware from local Western Australian artists then you needn't go further than Rosharne's Unique Giftware. Located at Brackenridge Village, it's a great way to see displays of work from the talented artists of the area. Unit 2E/1 Soldiers Rd, Roleystone. Phone +61 8 9397 9774.

The Perth Hills are home to a number of national and regional parks. First established in 1898, John Forrest National Park was named in honour of the famous WA explorer and statesman in 1947. Located in the Darling Range off Great Eastern Highway, the park provides magnificent views and contains walk trails to the railway tunnel or spectacular waterfalls. Mundaring National Park, further to the east, has a number of popular recreational sites as well as lookouts offering panoramic views over Mundaring Weir. The Munda Biddi Trail runs through parts of the park, meandering through river valleys and magnificent eucalypt forests. Munda Biddi, which means path through the forest in the local Nyoongar language, is a cycle trail which is being constructed to give cyclists the opportunity to ride approximately 1,000kms from Perth to Albany through some of the state's most spectacular scenery.

Serpentine National Park on the South Western Highway is best known for its waterfall cascading over sheer granite. A wheelchair-accessible walk trail along the Serpentine River leads to the magnificent Serpentine Falls. Kalamunda National Park has quality walking trails including the initial section of the Bibbulmun Track, one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000kms to the town of Albany on Western Australia's south coast. Walyunga National Park, off Great Northern Highway, surrounds the area where the Avon River becomes the Swan River. There are two popular picnic spots, Boongarup Pool and Walyunga Pool, with toilets, free gas barbecues and picnic tables. There are many walking trails throughout the park. For information on national parks in Western Australia, including entry fees or camping permits, phone Department of Environment and Conservation on 9334 0333 or visit www.naturebase.net

Transperth operate services to many destinations in the Perth Hills. Catch a train to either Midland or Armadale stations to connect with regular bus services.

If you're driving, leave the city via Great Eastern Highway to head east or north, or Albany Highway to take you to Armadale and further south.