Issue April 2019

Win an iPad this Autumn

IG@buzzballz1

There’s just something about autumn that makes us want to capture moments. Maybe it’s the beautiful red and orange colours of the leaves as they change, or gorgeous autumn produce that begins to appear on seasonal menus. Whatever it may be, we want you to share your autumn adventures with us for your chance to win an Apple iPad.

To enter, capture and upload photos to Facebook or Instagram, tag us @PerthHillsArmadale and hashtag #PerthHillsArmadale. You must do both to qualify for an entry. There are two iPads up for grabs; multiple entries are accepted so start snapping and sharing!

Follow us on Facebook for inspiration and visit www.perthhillsarmadale.com.au for the full Terms and Conditions.

IG @cathybrittonphotography

Image: Here are the winners of last year’s #PerthHillsArmadale competition, capturing the beauty of spring in the Perth Hills Armadale. IG@buzzballz1 and IG @cathybrittonphotography

Our favourite Autumn Insta-worthy hot spots

Our favourite Autumn Insta-worthy hot spots

A guide to the six most instagrammable places in the Perth Hills Armadale this autumn. From golden orchards to colourful street art, fresh market produce to soulful cider houses, here’s our faves.

  1. Persimmon Season at Raeburn Orchards
    Come May, Raeburn Orchards turns into a golden paradise as the leaves of the Persimmon trees begin to change colour and fall. Persimmons are in season now; keep an eye on Raeburn Orchards Facebook page for updates.
    4 Raeburn Road, Roleystone
     
  2. ReDiscover Armadale Art Trail
    Capture colourful murals and abstract street art on a self-guided walking urban art trail. Start your walk and pick up a map at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre and finish with a coffee at the Artists Retail Collective on Jull Street.
    Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre, 40 Jull Street
     
  3. Armadale Arts Festival 3-19 May
    Discover a creative program of live music, urban art, dance, literature and arts and crafts, showcasing the regions incredible local talent. Stay tuned as the 2019 program will be released soon on www.armadaleartsfestival.com.au. Our friends at the Armadale Society of Artists will be hosting an exhibition at the Art House on Hobbs 18 to 19 May from 10am to 4pm. Be sure to pop by to check out our awesome local artists.
    Various locations
     
  4. Naked Apple Cider House
    Are you guilty of grabbing your phone before your fork when you’re out eating? Naked Apple Cider is for you. Their delicious menu is matched by the beautiful plating skills of Chef Sebastian. Not to mention the beauty of their stunning gardens, over 6 hectares worth!
    1088 Brookton Highway, Karragullen
     
  5. Bedfordale Bush Market 27 April
    Nothing tastes quite as good as fresh and local produce. The Bedfordale Bush Market plays host to fruit and veg stalls, local honey, fresh bread and yummy food trucks. The perfect spot to stock up for the week and incite insta-envy with your tasty treats.
    40 Admiral Road, Bedfordale
     
  6. Araluen Botanic Park
    It’s not all about the tulips at Araluen! The gardens are absolutely singing during autumn as deciduous trees change colour and begin to lose their leaves. Colourful flowers are blooming and there’s plenty of serene spots to enjoy a picnic before the crowds descend in spring.
    362 Croyden Road, Roleystone

Image: Naked Apple Cider IG @nakedapplecider

Good Friday Fun – Skate or Ride

Good Friday Fun – Skate or Ride

Personally, we think every Friday is a good one – but make this Good Friday extra fun with a kid’s day out.

Easter Skate at Cockburn Ice Arena

Get your best bunny gear on and out on the ice for a morning or afternoon of Easter fun at Cockburn Ice Arena. Skate with the Easter Bunny, guess how many eggs are in the jar, and compete in a good old fashioned egg and spoon race.

Prizes will be awarded for best dressed, so don’t forget your bunny ears! Two sessions will be held; 10am-2pm and 1-3pm. Family tickets available from $85. Pay on entry or buy in advance online.

Pony Fun Days at Perth Horse Riding Centre

Have some little horse-lovers in your life? Send the kids to Perth Horse Riding Centre in Armadale for Pony Fun Day these school holidays.

Here they’ll learn how to ride, brush, plait and pamper horses as well as handling lessons and fun activities. Full, half day and three hour sessions are available starting from just $55 per child. Pony Fun Days are being held on 19, 22, 25 and 26 April. Find out more and book online.

Located at 73 Twelfth Road, Armadale.

Perth Horse Riding Centre

Image: Perth Horse Riding Centre

Spend a day with furry or scaly friends

Spend a day with furry or scaly friends

Do you know what a puggle is? Or a monotreme? Find out when you visit Armadale Reptile and Wildlife Centre these school holidays. The Centre is home to over 70 different species of Australian native animals including mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians. Pack a picnic and take advantage of the free BBQ facilities located on site before or after exploring the grounds. Open 10am to 4pm daily (closed Wednesdays except during school holidays).

Admission:
Adults $20 | Kids (3-15) $8 | Mini Groups (2 adults and 2 kids) $50

Get up close and personal with Australia’s cutest and cuddliest furry animal at Cohunu Koala Park. Pose for a souvenir photo for a day you won’t forget. The free roam nature of Cohunu means you can wander the park at your leisure, hand feeding the animals that you meet on your way, like emu’s, wallabies, goats and alpacas. Hop on the miniature railway* for a Safari ride around the park and keep an eye out for the giant dinosaur statues along the way!* Subject to weather conditions, call 9525 2966 to check. Open daily 10am to 4pm.

Admission:
Adults $15 | Kids (3-13) $5

Free Family Fun

Free Family Fun

There are so many free activities to take advantage of these school holidays. Our local dams and parks are the perfect spot to an active morning or lazy afternoon.

Our local dams; Churchman Brook, Canning Dam and Wungong Dam are all free to enter and have some wonderful walking trails exploring the surrounding bush land. Remember to pack a picnic and take advantage of the free on site barbeques for a family feast.

If you’re looking to stretch the legs that little bit more head to Bungendore Park or Armadale Settlers Common. Both parks are home to abundant flora and fauna and provide an awesome opportunity for young botanists or birdwatchers to hone their skills.

Pop into the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre for more information on our amazing natural attractions. Find us at 40 Jull Street, call 9394 5410 or email.

Awesome Autumn Eateries

Awesome Autumn Eateries

Seasonal produce is starting to hit the menu in the region’s restaurants and cafes. With so many options for eating out, we’ve rounded up a few of our dining favourites to taste this autumn.

  1. CORE Cider House
    One of the things we love about Core is the option to dine alfresco style on the bistro deck or keep it casual in the cider garden. Each area features a different menu with mouth-watering options like confit duck and baked brie available in the bistro or wood fired pizzas to enjoy in the cider garden. Bookings recommended for bistro dining – book here.
     
  2. Avocados
    Avocados Café has recently welcomed new head chef Ronald McCann and with him a new menu. We’re particularly excited to hear that Thursday nights are now tapas nights, perfect for sharing with friends and sampling a variety of small dishes. Call 9496 3838 to book.
     
  3. Brook 508 Café
    One of our favourite Roleystone cafes has recently opened its doors for dinner for delicious traditional Thai food and Western classics. Brook 508 is now open for dinner dine in or takeaway Thursday – Sunday in addition to their usual hours of 8am to 4pm Tuesday through to Sunday. Call 6396 7393 to book.
     
  4. Long Lunch Tours
    Enjoy a little variety in your life? Long Lunch Tours are making getting together with your family and friends easy with their personalised long lunch tours around Armadale and the Perth Hills. Experience a variety of wineries and venues on a day tour, contact Michael or Jo on 0490 935 701 or longlunchtours@gmail.com to plan your trip.
     
  5. The Coffee Club Armadale
    Drop in to celebrate with hot cross buns and Easter Bunny shakes over the Easter weekend. Open Easter Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 10.30am to 4pm and Monday 9am to 4pm. Drop in Monday-Friday between 3-5pm for buy a buy one get one free cold drink special, take your pick from a great range of frappes, smoothies, milkshakes and iced drinks.
     
  6. Last Drop Elizabethan
    End April with a bang and celebrate St Georges Day at the Lizzy on Sunday 28 April. Enjoy live music, English food specials and of course, the live fighting display! Dressing up is encouraged so don your best Tudor gear for a day out on the green.

Image: Tapas at Avocados

Scarecrow competition at Myattsfield Vineyards

Scarecrow competition at Myattsfield Vineyards

Why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Prize? He was outstanding in his field!

Corny jokes aside, if you think you’ve got the skills to make a superb scarecrow then start gathering your straw, enter Myattsfield Vineyard’s Scarecrow competition and help raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy WA.

Scarecrows will be on display over the Bickley Valley Harvest Festival weekend, 4 to 5 May. Entry forms and scarecrows must be delivered by Friday 3 May at Myattsfield’s cellar door, Union Road, Carmel.

There’s a total prize pool of 1100 to be won across three prizes;

  • 1st prize - $500 judged by the CEO of Muscular Dystrophy
  • People’s Choice Award - $300 awarded to the scarecrow that gains the most votes over the Harvest Festival weekend
  • School’s Award - $300, open to all Primary and High Schools and school ages community groups (under 18 years at the time of judging)

Start planning and designing your scarecrow these school holidays, it’s easier than you think! Test your DIY skills by following this easy step by step.

Easter opening hours at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre

Easter opening hours at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre

Searching for school holiday ideas and fun things to do in the region? Pop in and see us at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre on 40 Jull Street, Armadale.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am to 2pm. Please note we will be closed Good Friday and Anzac Day.