Issue March 2020

Catch a Summer Sunset - 6 top spots in the Perth Hills

What is it about sunsets? The colours, the clouds, the sense of serenity as the sun goes down and another day is over. If you asked a hundred people you’d probably get a hundred equally valid reasons for liking them. We’ve rounded up our favourite sunset spots in Perth Hills Armadale and surrounds to help you breathe deep and let the day go. Or take a great shot for Insta, we’re not judging.

1. Lions Lookout
2. Smailes Park
3. Mount Dale
4. Contour Channel Walk
5. Champion Lakes Regatta Centre
6. Lesmurdie Falls

Read on for further information and sunset locations.

Experience a Sunday Session

The Sunday session (or sesh if you don’t want to sound like you’ve just stepped out of the 1920s) is a vital part of the WA social fabric. A brilliant excuse to get together, have something to drink and listen to some local acts this tradition has outlasted the social conditions that lead to its creation. The Sunday session got its name in the 1950s, but dates back to an amendment of liquor licensing laws in 1922 that allowed hotels 20 miles or more from the Perth Town Hall to sell liquor to people who weren’t travellers or lodgers in them. All other premises were prohibited from selling alcohol on a Sunday.

While you can now go into Perth and get a drink on a Sunday without too much more fuss than you would have during the week, the hills tradition of the Sunday session- enjoying a drink in the sun with great local music- has remained.

Head to Bedfordale for a Summer Sunday Sesh at the Lizzie, relax at the outdoor bar, enjoy live music from talented local acts and sip on The Lizzy’s specialty handcrafted beers. If that’s not your tipple then why not try a cocktail jug with friends- options include Pimms, Sangria and mojito. The Last Drop Elizabethan is located at 25 Canns Road, Bedfordale with live music every Sunday from 2 – 5pm.

Core Cider House is another local favourite, finish your weekend on a high note. Drop by on a Sunday afternoon, grab a picnic from The Green, and enjoy live music in the fresh air. Sundays are a relaxed and low-key day for the whole family. Core Cider House is located 35 Merrivale Road, Pickering Brook and live music is on from 1pm.

Zen and Chills in the Perth Hills

4 ways to de-stress before autumn

February is a busy month. It feels like Christmas was yesterday and seems like Easter will be tomorrow (it probably doesn’t help that the Hot Cross Buns come out earlier and earlier each year). As life marches on you’ve probably felt overwhelmed at least once in the last couple of months. Inject a little calm into your life with these Perth Hills experiences.

1. Forest bathing at Araluen Botanic Park
   The Japanese call it shinrin-youku, a sensory experience that immerses you in the environment you’re exploring and brings your mind to the moment. It’s as simple as wandering and taking your time- focusing on the smell, sight and sound of nature surrounding you. Araluen Botanic Park, with its constantly changing seasonal environment is the perfect spot to start this autumn.

2. Meditate in nature at Kookaburra Yoga
   Whether you’ve always wanted to try yoga or meditation and 2020’s the year that you start, or you’re a seasoned practitioner, Kookaburra Yoga has you covered. Find calm in their purpose built yoga studio, surrounded by nature in the hills of Bedfordale.

3. Find Zen at Restful Waters
   It’s even got rest in the name! Restful Waters offers opportunities to reconnect to the mind, body and well-being, with weekly classes in yoga, tai-chi and meditation.  Regular retreats provide the chance to take a break from daily life and embark on the path to happiness.

4. Experience sensory deprivation at Emersion Floatation Spa
   If you haven’t tried floating then this experience could change your life. Floating places the emphasis on what you’re not doing with the water kept at 36.5°C which is skin receptor neutral. After an hour of no sensory input your brain is free to wander and release feel good neurotransmitters that help your body to de-stress and heal.

Coffee and Cake Catch-ups

We’ve arrived in a new decade and that means that many people, including us, are thinking about what we’d like to accomplish in the next 10 years. Close to the top of many people’s lists will be things that make you feel better, and finding time to reconnect with friends is a great way to do that. With most health practitioners highlighting the importance of a feeling of connection with others, this autumn is the perfect time to catch up with friends for a hot coffee and great conversation. All you need to do is pick where to go!

1. The Organic Circle
   Caffeine is a great way to dispel stress and The Organic Circle know how to make a great cup of your favourite brew, but that’s not all they do. For a bit of relaxation check out their workshops including sound therapy, essential oils or making your own beauty products (check out their Facebook page for more details on dates, times and costs). 

2. Coffee Club Armadale
   Located in Armadale Shopping City, so it’s a great spot to stop in-between the weekly shop or during errands. If you’re feeling peckish then the all-day breakfast and lunch menus will have something to tempt you- including vegan and low gluten options.

3. Bean Thru
   Located along Jull Street this is one of our favourite haunts. The chairs are comfortable and there’s even a small book exchange if you’re keen for a new read. While the coffee is definitely the attraction (they’re home to Sparks Coffee Roasters and know pretty much everything ever about coffee) the food is also great for catching up over.

Searching for more? Read on for plenty more local suggestions.

Upcoming Event: Live Music & Food Night at ARC (Artist Retail Collective) | Every Thursday Night

Come along to ARC (Artist Retail Collective) every Thursday night and you’ll be serenaded by the vast array of talented musicians in the Perth Hills Armadale area.

Pull up a seat and chow down on the scrumptious food ARC has to offer while you lose yourself in the soothing sounds of the live acoustic music sessions, made all the more peaceful by an atmosphere of welcoming.

Stop by anytime, but stick around at 6pm for the music to officially start. Tickets are $10 per person. More information can be found on ARC’s Facebook page.

Upcoming Event: Music in the Mall

Everyone is invited to enjoy free live performances in the Jull Street Mall that will be sung, strummed and played by well-known and local emerging artists. 

Musicians include Ian Simpson, The Skelton Collective, Gerard Maunick, Kelmscott Idol Singers and Songwriters, Strings Extravaganza, Armadale Primary School, West Byford Primary School, and more. From lunchtime on Saturdays, 1 February through to 18 April.