Perth Hills

The Perth Hills is a region with a collection of character townships, scattered throughout the wide ranges in the picturesque Darling Scarp. Located only a short 45-minute drive east of Perth, the Perth Hills offer a stunning, natural geographical landscape, scenic drives and walk trails, charming local towns and heritage experiences. From the heart of the Perth Hills in Mundaring across the quaint township of Kalamunda, through Roleystone Hills to the picturesque Serpentine Valley.

Experience Seekers can find an impressive range of attractions, activities, tours and accommodation. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor explorer, a shopaholic, a foodie, a wine enthusiast, a thrill seeker or a family, the Perth Hills is guaranteed to have something that everyone will enjoy.

When winter is upon us we dream of cosying up next to a crackling log fire with a glass of red or sparkling apple cider and warming up with hearty lunches. Nothing compares to experiencing the magic of the bush after it rains, leaves scrunching underfoot and the smell of eucalyptus through the air. All of this and more can be found a short 40 minutes south east of Perth at the foothills of the Darling Range, find your winter escape in the Perth Hills of Armadale and the townships along the scarp.

Perth Hills Attractions

We have your winter weekends sorted. Bring the kids out for a fun day of exploring, photography-remember to post @perthhillsarmadale and tag #perthhillsarmadale. Capture the native birdlife, budding winter heath or the glistening waterfalls near Lesmurdie and Ellis Brook Valley or Serpentine Dam. Perth the hills has many things on offer to do with kids on weekends, school holidays or for special family outings, so if you cant find the information here, check in on our social pages for the latest.

Kalamunda History Village

Kalamunda History Village is the largest folk museum in Western Australia, allowing visitors an insight into the life of the early years in the Perth Hills and the heritage of the industries that developed in the area.

Kalamunda Markets

Farmers Market
Every Sunday morning at the Central Mall. Browse the stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables and local Perth Hills produce.

Night Markets
Held on the last Friday of every month from October through to April from 6pm to 9pm at the Central Mall. Come and enjoy the live music and street performers.

Village Markets
Held on the first Saturday of every month from 8.30am-2.00pm. Considered one of Perth’s premium markets, boasting over 200 stalls of unique crafts and delicious produce.

Kalamunda Water Park

Escape the summer heat with a swim and a splash Kalamunda Water Park. A fun day out for all with an Olympic size lane pool, diving boards tube slides, kiddie’s pools, playground, BBQ areas for hire and a cafe kiosk.

Lesmurdie Falls

Lesmurdie Falls attracts visitors with its stunning views of the Swan Coastal Plain, which can be observed from lookout platforms. Make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy in the area off Falls Road and work up your appetite beforehand by partaking on one of the several Lesmurdie Falls walking trails.

Zig Zag Scenic Drive

The Perth Hills are renowned for its iconic Zig Zag drive. Attracting thousands of visitors a year, who take the slow winding drive through Gooseberry Hill National Park to see the breathtaking views of the Perth city skyline and entire metropolitan area. On a clear day you can see as far as the Indian Ocean and at night, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular light show.

Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

No animal lover can visit the Perth Hills without a visit to the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Come and meet some native Australian animals and learn all about their uniqueness, whilst supporting an initiative that’s been giving sick, injured and orphaned animals as second chance for over 30 years.

Mundaring Weir

Used in the 1900’s to transport water to the booming gold rush town of Kalgoorlie, Mundaring Weir is an exciting part of WA history, located right here in the Perth Hills. Discover the history of the weir through the local artwork displays and then stay for a picnic, making use of the barbeque facilities and playground whilst enjoying the view of the weir.

Perth Observatory

Visit Western Australia's oldest observatory and learn all about the fascinating world of astronomy. Located in Bickley, The Observatory has been educating WA about the mysteries of the sky since 1896 and today offers an array of different and exciting tours. Keep an eye on @perthhillsarmadale on facebook for all the latest gigs coming up at the observatory.

Outdoor Trails

The Perth Hills is a popular destination for walkers and outdoor lovers, as it is home to hundreds of walking, hiking, cycling and tourist trails. Varying in distance, difficulty, purpose and sights, there is guaranteed to be a trail for everyone to participate in. Although there are hundreds of trails to try and discover, here are some of the favourites:

  • Araluen Botanic Garden Walk(s)
  • Bibbulmun track
  • Bickley Reservoir
  • Kalamunda Mountain Bike Trails
  • Kalamunda Town Heritage Trail
  • Minnawarra Park Geocache Trail (cache located at the Perth CBD Visitor Center)
  • Munda Biddi Trail
  • Railway Heritage Trail
  • Settlers Common Geocache Trail
  • Stathams Quarry
  • The Kep Track

and several more.

If you are interested in group walks, Perth Day Walks features social walks with locals and visitors to Perth.

Food and Wine

Did you know that hidden in the Perth Hills is a boutique wine region? That's right, after you're done exploring the busy crowds in neighbouring the Swan Valley, drive over to taste the varietals of the clean, green Perth Hills. The latest trend is the cideries popping up across Roleystone, where the original vineyards date back to the 1890's. The proud immigrant farmers and growers flocked to the Kelmscott and Armadale Hills to start a new life and introduced some of the heritage wine varieties still on offer. Check in at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre for a copy of th ePerth Hills Winery Guide by the local experts in teh Perth Hills Vignerons Association. 

Don't be surprised if you bump into the makers on site as a lot of the boutique vineyards are still family run and owned in this region. This gives us the edge as a must do destination while in Perth Hills and a day trip or overnight stay wouldn't be complete without a pit stop in the Bickley Valley and Roleystone region.

The Bickley Valley region is situated 30 minutes outside the Perth CBD and homes a cluster of boutique wineries, all situated within a few kilometers of each other. So grab some friends and a designated driver or book into a guided tour and make your way to the Perth Hills for a Bickley Valley wine tour!

Although Bickley Valley is the most frequented wine region of the Perth Hills, popular for its superior number of wineries, there are other wine producing areas in the Perth Hills. Other Perth Hills wine regions to visit include:

  • Chittering Valley
  • Heart Of The Hills (Mundaring)
  • Serpentine Valley - home to Millbrook Winery

Our Favourite Perth Hills Wineries:

  • MyattsField Vineyards (The Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre's favourite)
  • Fairbrossen Café & Winery
  • Brookside Vineyard
  • Ashley Estate
  • Due Jolly Winery
  • Plume Estate Vineyards & Café
  • Hainault Vineyard & Café
  • Stringybark Winery & Restaurant
  • Millbrook Winery
  • Polguern Estate Wines
  • Silver Lakes Wines
  • Christos Valley Estate.

Cider

The hills are now alive with brewers. The cider scene is the latest craze to blossom in the Hills with two remarkable newcomers in Roleystone.

Roleystone Brewing Co. is now open Mondays, Thursdays and weekends from 11am-2pm. The brewers herald from the third generation of the orchardists Casotti family better known for their agricultural prowess. So they may be likened to the king of apples in this region in our humble opinion. Come in for a free tasting or grab a refillable growler and enjoy the ambience of a mature orchard. Your furry friends are welcome to take a look around the orchard's trees and enjoy a picnic too. Check out their Facebook page. 

Naked Apple Cider has had its label on the Perth Cider scene for five years, but has found home on the Brookton Highway in Karragullen-Armadale. Naked Apple Cider’s mission is to create Australia’s finest cold pressed juices and craft ciders. Using fruit from the local hills, their product is both preservative and additive free. Ross claims the title of Chief Apple Lover and you will often find him pulling a cider with a smile at the servery at the back of the mystical garden grounds. The business is family friendly and often has special events with activities and a great cafe style menu. The cidery is open 11am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 5pm. There are vegetarian and gluten free food options with a selection of fresh in-house cakes also available. Dogs are also welcome to visit the gardens. They offer a selection of other Perth Hills labels in the brews, wines and cider. Dogs are also welcome to visit the gardens. Plan ahead as Naked Apple often books out in advance - call 9496 1138 to book.

Perth Hills Wine Tours:

Don't risk drink driving, book into one of these highly rated tour guide companies and explore the Perth Hills wine regions safely and expertly. This way everyone can join in on the fun!

  • Explore Tours Perth - Bickley Valley Day Tour
  • Hidden Tours - Bickley Valley Tour

Or, hire a bus, round up a group of friends and map your own wine tour.

Other Attractions

If the Perth Hills attractions and activities listed above haven’t peeked your interest, below are a few more things that the Perth Hills has to offer:

  • National parks
  • Scenic drives and sensational views
  • Golf courses
  • Fruit orchards
  • Cultural centre
  • Art galleries
  • Vineyards
  • Waterfalls
  • Local festivals and events
  • Lake Leschenaultia