Issue February 2019

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Book your School Holiday Staycation

The April school holidays are rapidly approaching, and with the Easter and Anzac day public holidays falling during the break, now is the perfect time to plan a getaway.

For decades, Perthites have been heading to the hills to escape the big smoke, and with so much to explore why not turn your day trip into a mini retreat? Check out some of our recommendations and call the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre on 9394 5410 to plan your break. You can also book online.

Family Fun Seekers

Coranda Lodge
Escape to a country style retreat perfect for families in need of a recharge. Stroll around the property and feed the horses, swim, and bird watch or simply enjoy relaxing on the patio with a good book and a glass of local wine.

Serpentine Falls Tourist Village
Whether you’re a camper, caravanner, or enjoy a little luxury, Serpentine Falls Tourist Village has accommodation to suit every adventurous family and their budget. Serpentine National Park and Falls is a must-visit during your stay to picnic with the kangaroos and enjoy a family hike.

Relax on a Romantic Retreat

Armadale Cottage Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy a romantic 5 star escape at Armadale Cottage, conveniently located close to many of the regions attractions. You’ll love the beautifully appointed rooms and a delicious daily breakfast included in your stay.

Bickley Brook Cottage
A nature lover’s haven - surrounded by natural bushland, nestled in the Bickley Brook Valley awaits your romantic private cottage. Explore local bush trails and wineries before retreating to your private alfresco for an evening barbeque.

Explore and Escape with Friends

Peppers Place Guesthouse
Peppers Place Guesthouse is a private, self-contained unit situated on a peaceful street in the Byford foothills. Ideal for small groups in need of a quiet weekend getaway, with the added bonus of a complimentary breakfast hamper on arrival.

Heritage Country Motel

Relax with friends in the heart of Armadale.

Located on the Heritage Country scenic drive, you’re ideally located to explore local attractions like Araluen Botanic Park and Raeburn Orchards.

End your day unwinding by the pool after a busy day exploring, followed by a hearty meal at a local pub.

Image: Heritage Country Motel

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Summer Stone Fruit

Stone fruit season is in full swing and our local Perth Hills orchards are bursting with juicy plums, nectarines, apricots and cherries. The climate, soil type and topography of the hills region creates the perfect environment for producing abundant and delicious produce, with many seasonal delights to be found within the region.

It’s true that fruit tastes better when you buy it direct from the source and cutting out transport costs also means produce is often cheaper and much fresher!

Head to Raeburn Orchards in Roleystone where you can buy gorgeous fresh fruit, local honey, spices and delightful goods from their packing shed on site. You can even enter the orchards ($4 adult entry, under 12’s free) and enjoy exploring and picnicking among the fruit trees.

Fancy yourself as the next MasterChef or can see yourself cooking up a storm on My Kitchen Rules? Stone fruits are versatile, so get a little creative in the kitchen and try some of these delicious creations.

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Foodie Fun to Tantalise your Tastebuds

Myattsfield Vintage Brunch
Saturday 9 March and Sunday 10 March

The Perth Hills are home to some amazing boutique vineyards, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a winemaker for a day?

Indulge your inner foodie and join the team at Myattsfield Vineyards for a brunch in the winery as the vintage process carries on around you.

Lend a hand to crush and press grapes or pump-over reds.

Sample juice as it ferments and get a taste of what it’s like to be a winemaker for the morning.

Tickets are $75 per person and include a glass of sparkling on arrival, three course brunch and a Winemakers Vintage 2019 shirt. Don’t miss out, book your ticket online.

Image: Myattsfield Vintage Brunch

Calling all Coffee Lovers
Saturday 2 March at 2pm

Our favourite local coffee house, Bean Thru; are hosting a free coffee tasting and brewing demonstration to help you find your perfect bean. Sample a variety of single origin coffees and Bean Thru’s famous blends as you learn how to make a great coffee at home.

Dine and Win at the Strand Lakeside Café
February

How does winning a Hot Air Balloon Flight sound? Or $500 cash?

The month of February is dedicated to love at The Strand Byford. Dine at The Strand and for every main meal purchased over $15 you’ll receive an entry into the draw to win the prize of your choosing. Tag three friends you’d bring along with you and you’ll also automatically be entered into the draw to win a $150 meal voucher. 

So head to Byford and enjoy a hearty breakfast, laid back lunch or romantic dinner by the lakeside and you just might be in luck with a nice surprise in March. Competition winners will be announced on The Strand’s Facebook page Thursday 7 March.

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Experiences for the Wellness Warrior

Float your Troubles Away
Emersion Floatation Spa

Looking for a new way to relax, de-stress or unwind?

Discover the benefits of floating at Emersion Floatation Spa in Kelmscott. Experience total sensory deprivation as you float in over 500kg of Epsom salt water. Floating naturally increases your dopamine and endorphin levels, boosting your mood and leaving you with a pleasant afterglow. It’s also an excellent way to recover from injuries and relieve chronic pain. 

Don’t think floating will float your boat? Emersion also offers a wide range of massages, facials, and hair and beauty treatments. Check out their Facebook page for great value last minute offers.

A one hour float session starts at $89 with a large range of pamper packages also available. Find out more and book online.

Retreat at Restful Waters

Nature lovers will love finding peace and stillness at Restful Waters, a 10 acre sanctuary offering yoga and meditation classes, courses and retreats.  The centre; nestled amongst an avocado orchard and tranquil water setting, is dedicated to helping people discover restfulness, clarity and openness.

Find some time to relax and restore at an upcoming retreat;

Find out more at restfulwaters.org or call 0438 831 883.

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Araluen Blues in the Hills

Saturday 9 March

Araluen Botanic Park isn’t just beautiful during tulip season, it’s stunning year round and the park hosts a variety of cultural events the whole family can enjoy.

This March, enjoy a balmy summers evening under the stars in Araluen’s amphitheatre. You’ll be serenaded by local blues musicians who’ll have you swaying and swinging in no time. Featuring Paul Daly and the Heavy Hitters, This Way North and the Krissy Smith Band.  Grab your friends and family, pack a picnic, bring a rug and get ready to experience the serenity of the Perth Hills.

Event details

Date: Saturday 9 March
Time: 6 - 10:30pm
Tickets:
Adults $25
Kids (ages 6-18) $15
» Book online

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Art and Culture Lovers

Armadale Shopping City Art Exhibition 18 - 28 February

Over 200 pieces of art will be on show and for sale at the Armadale Society of Artists annual exhibition. Armadale is home to a thriving local artist’s community and here’s your chance to adorn the walls of your home with beautiful local talent.

The exhibition will feature a range of mediums, with many paintings featuring local landscapes, flora and fauna – reflecting the beauty of the Perth Hills. The exhibition will be open during normal Armadale Shopping City trading hours and is located outside Target.

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The Volcanic Solar System

Perth Observatory Friday 1 March

Did you know volcanoes exist within our solar system?

Join Professor Fred Watson for an evening of volcanic discovery at the Perth Observatory. Learn about the volcanoes in our Solar System, ranging from sulphurous lava fountains to extinct giants, and from weird volcanic domes to frigid ice-volcanoes.

The talk starts at 8pm but feel free to head up to the Observatory for 6pm to enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat from food vans. Tickets cost $20 for adults or $15 for concessions/kids, and can be booked online.

 

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