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Welcome to Makuru
Did you know the Noongar weather calendar follows six seasons? The Perth Hills Armadale region has been home to traditional Noongar landowners for millennia. The six seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang represent the seasonal changes across the broader Whadjuk region, often referred to the South West of Western Australia.
We are now well into the season of Makuru, the coldest season with rain, storms and long nights. Traditionally this was the season for migrating away from the coast, further inland to more protected regions. As rivers and lakes filled, people were able to move about their country more easily and food sources changed from typical seafood to those of the land, such as kangaroo or ‘Yongar’.
Makuru is also the season for many animals like birds and marsupials to start pairing up in preparation for breeding, making it a great time of year for wildlife spotting.
5 native animals you can spot in the Perth Hills Armadale:
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Yongar (Kangaroo) at Churchman Brook Dam or Bungendore Park
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Ngoolyarak (Red-tailed black forest cockatoo) at Araluen Botanic Park or Armadale Settlers Common
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Nyingarn (Echidna) at Bungendore Park or Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail (Serpentine National Park)
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Marron (Freshwater Crayfish) at Roley Pool Reserve
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Djidi Djidi (Willy Wagtail) at Wungong Dam
Hot Deal! Cosy Winter Staycation at Bickley Brook Cottage
Winter is the perfect season to escape to the Perth Hills Armadale. The beauty of the Darling Scarp is on full display, flourishing in green following winter rainfall.
It’s also a great time to take advantage of winter specials, like this cosy mid-week stay at Bickley Brook Cottage – all you need to do is book!
Waterfalls and Wine at Bickley Brook Cottage
Book and stay for three-nights midweek (Sunday to Thursday) during June, July and August 2019 and receive a 20% discount on your stay plus a complimentary bottle of Jadran White Port. Discount only available through direct bookings and excludes our current Escape Packages. Please mention "Waterfalls and Wine" when booking.
$528 for two guests (usually $660). Extra guests permitted at $96 per extra adult and $48 per extra child. Book online at www.bickleybrookcottage.com.au, by emailing michelle@bickleybrookcottage.com.au or calling 0407 459 976.
Bickley Brook Cottage is nestled in the tranquil Bickley Brook Valley overlooking the rambling Bickley Brook, a winter stream that flows into the Canning River.
Relax at peace surrounded by natural bushland, wildlife and walking trails before settling in for the evening with a glass of wine in front of a crackling wood fire.
If you’re checking out on a Friday, stay a little longer in the Bickley Valley with a trip to Myattsfield Vineyard. Sip on your favourite vino accompanied by gourmet cheeses overlooking the picturesque vineyard. If cider is more your style, be sure to pop by Core Cider House in Pickering Brook or Naked Apple Cider in Karragullen for a pint and hearty meal.
Top 7 Winter Walks and Waterfalls
‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’ – Alfred Wainwright.
Truer words were never spoken, winter is the perfect season to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the many hikes and walking trails the Perth Hills has to offer. You don’t need to be up at the crack of dawn to beat the heat and the cool, crisp air is great for clearing your mind and reducing stress. Plus, winter rain means babbling brooks, flowing streams and rushing waterfalls are in full flow, providing the perfect ambience.
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Serpentine Falls National Park
You’ll come to see the falls but stay to explore the park. Take a short stroll from the carpark to see the falls before enjoying the park for a picnic or venturing further onto the walk trails. National Park entry fees apply $13 per car.
Start point – 100 Falls Road, Serpentine | Walk length: various -
Lesmurdie Falls
One of the most spectacular waterfalls along the Darling Scarp. Start at the upper carpark for magnificent views from atop the falls and out over Perth, followed by The Foot of the Falls Trail to the base of the falls.
Start point – Lesmurdie Falls car park, Falls Road, Lesmurdie | Walk length: 2kms -
60 Foot Falls and the Ellis Brook Valley
Make the short but steep climb to the top of falls, on a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way out past the city and beyond to Rottnest Island. The trail is dog friendly so bring along your pup for the adventure.
Start point – Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, Rushton Road, Martin | Walk length: 2kms -
Kitty’s Gorge
A stunning trail through the Jarrah Woodlands of the Darling Scarp alongside Gooralong Brook and Serpentine River. You’ll pass small waterfalls and rapids, moss covered granite outcrops and towering trees. The trail begins in Jarrahdale and finishes at the Serpentine Falls before returning back to the start point.
Start point – Opposite Jarrahdale Cemetery, 87 Atkins St, Jarrahdale | Walk length: 16kms. -
Settlers Common East (accessible trail)
The Jeeriji Trail of Settlers Common East is a fully accessible paved pathway, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. The sounds of nature surround you as birds chirp and sing and the leaves rustle in the wind. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic benches along the way.
Start point – Observation Circle, Bedfordale | Walk length: various -
Bungendore Park
Take a tranquil walk through Bungendore’s bird and blossom-filled wandoo woodlands, granite heathlands and jarrah-marri forest on one of five easy to moderate circuit walks. Look out for black cockatoos, who regularly feast on eucalypt trees within the park, you’ll probably hear them before you see them!
Start point – Admiral Road or Dryandra Drive, Bedfordale | Walk length: 1.7km-7.7kms -
Forrestdale Lake
As Forrestdale lake fills with rainwater during winter it becomes abundant with waterbirds and wildlife. Follow the walk trail encircling the lake and see how many bird species you can spot and identify along the way.
Start point – Moore Street car park, Forrestdale | Walk length: 6kms
Winter Wildlife and Wildflowers at Bungendore Park
As the cooler months set in many birds, reptiles and marsupials begin to pair up in preparation for the breeding season ahead. Winter wildflowers also come into bloom, providing splashes of colour among the regions national and regional parks. Here’s what to be on the look-out (or hear-out) for while exploring the natural bushland of Bungendore Park. Before heading to the park, stop by the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to collect one of our new (hot off the press) trail maps and flyers to help you identify wildflowers.
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The Quacking Frog, Bleating Froglet and Ticking Frog
You may not be able to spot them, but you should be able to hear them! All three frogs make different sounds in order to attract a mate and are aptly named. The Quacking Frog makes a short but loud duck like ‘quack, quack, quack. The Bleating Froglet makes a series of high pitched ‘baa, baa, baa’ that sounds like the bleating of a sheep and the ticking frog… you guessed it – ‘tick, tick, tick’! -
Orchids
Around 40 species of orchids have been recorded in Bungendore Park, while most come into bloom during springtime; there are several that begin to bloom as early as July. Look out for yellow and orange Cowslip Orchids, Pink Fairy Orchids and Bird Orchids. -
New Holland Honeyeaters
These noisy, sociable birds can often be spotted flitting through the trees eating the nectar of flowers with their long, curved beak. In winter they make a cup-shaped nest out of bark and grasses in a bush or tree, favouring Dryandra thickets in Bungendore Park. -
Echidnas
You can consider yourself very lucky if you spot an echidna as they are a shy and mostly solitary mammal. During summer they are completely nocturnal, sleeping during the heat of the day. They become more active during the cooler winter months and have been spotted moving about the park searching for food.
If you are fortunate enough to spot wildlife along the trails, respect their boundaries and allow them time to pass without approaching them.
Bungendore Park Guided Walk - Saturday 22 June
New signs have recently been installed at Bungendore Park, offering a heap of information on the park, its history, exploring the walking trails, diversity, and colour coded way finding.
There are five walking trails in the park ranging from 1.7 to 7.7km and are suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Join the City of Armadale and the Bungendore Park Environment Group for free guided walks Saturday 22 June at 1:30pm.
There are three guided bushwalks to choose from:
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Cockatoo Circuit – 30 minutes
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Spinebill Stroll – 45 minutes
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Robin Ramble – 60 minutes
If you are unable to attend you can also visit the information tent at the Bedfordale Bush Market on Saturday 22 June from 8am to 1pm.
Perth Hills Cider and Brews Trail
Come and discover the region’s hearty cider houses and traditional breweries as you discover the Perth Hills Cider and Brews Trail.
Fertile soils and minds have come together in the hills and valleys of Perth to create an incredible array of fine handcrafted flavours – from refreshing apple and pear ciders to European-style boutique beers.
Embark on a self-guided tasting tour, meeting the passionate makers and brewers through the orchards to the tasting rooms and cellar doors. As winter descends mulled wines and ciders begin to appear on menus and toasty log fires crackle away, winter hibernation at its best.
As you wind through the picturesque valleys, it’s easy to see what lured many migrant farmers to the region in the late 1800’s. Some of their descendants remain today, keeping up the family traditions and inviting you into their heritage orchards to buy beautiful fresh fruit and produce direct from the growers.
Pop into the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to pick up a copy of the trail map.
Behind the Scenes at Myattsfield Winery - Vineyard Tour
Calling all foodies and wine lovers! Want to learn more about the winemaking process, from grape to glass?
Book your ticket to Myattsfield Winery’s Vineyard tour on Saturday 13 July to receive a unique insight into the vine to bottle journey. You’ll embark on a guided tour around the vineyard, learning more about the Bickley Valley’s unique environment and terroir, as well as a tasting of current listed wines and gourmet cheese platter.
Saturday 13 July
Arrive 10.45am for an 11am start
Myattsfield Vineyard, Union Road Carmel
Tickets $20 per person
