So Perth
12 October 2017
1. Go for a scenic drive
Araluen Botanic Park Tulips at Springtime image
Check out the impressive landscape of the Darling Scarp on a scenic drive through the Armadale Hills.
Undulating hills and striking granite outcrops provide sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
This time of year, visitors are in for an extra special trip, with millions of wildflowers bursting with spring blooms; in Autumn, gorgeous red and golden hues adorn the region..
Start your trip at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to collect free maps and local tips.
Breathe in the fresh hills air and stop along the way to enjoy the surrounds and find a peaceful spot for a picnic.
These are the top picnic spots to explore.
Serpentine Falls National Park and Serpentine Dam image
Churchman Brook Dam Family Picnic image
Minnawarra Park Picnic Grounds Armadale Perth Hills image
Serpentine Dam at night, night sky, stargazing image
2. Hike among the hills
Kittys Gorge Walk Trail
Grab your hiking boots; one of the best ways to get back to nature is to simply surround yourself in it.
There are plenty of hike routes to choose from in the Armadale Perth Hills to suit beginners all the way through to advanced hikers.
For advanced hikers, we recommend the Wungong Regional Park to test the Wungong Gorge Walk Trail.
You’ll be amazed by the rugged landscape and diversity of native flora.
Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail is ideal for intermediate hikers, following the Serpentine River this track meanders through Serpentine National Park ending at the spectacular Serpentine Falls.
Keep your eye out for kangaroo’s along the way.
Just getting started? Head to Armadale Settlers Common to explore a variety of trails, great for spotting wildflowers and local fauna.
3. Calling all twitchers
Go bird watching in Bungendore Park, located within Wungong Regional Park. A total of 82 species of birds have been found in the park.
Springtime is the best season to spot the Forest Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, endemic to south-west Western Australia as well as wedge tailed eagles, and many parrots.
Spot Western Spinebills on Spinebill Stroll and Honeyeaters on Honeyeater Hike. Listen to the gentle warble of magpies and native birdsong as you wander through towering Jarrah and Marri trees.
4. Chase waterfalls
The Perth Hills is home to several magnificent waterfalls, each surrounded by walking trails and offering epic views of the surrounding landscape.
Make a day of it and check out our top three picks;
Lesmurdie Falls, Lesmurdie National Park – check out epic views of the swan coastal plains and Perth city from the lookout.
There are two options for car parking, the top park is for a longer walk and sweeping views of the valley, or the lower carpark where it is easier access to the bottom of the falls for photo opportunities.
Sixty Foot Falls, Ellis Brook Valley – Give your legs a work out and climb to the top of the falls before exploring the Valley, where over 500 species of wildflowers can be spotted!
(Instagram – bradley.m.wadsworth)
Serpentine Falls, Serpentine National Park (entry fees apply) – explore walk trails throughout the park and dramatic landscape before taking a dip at the base of the falls.
5. Learn about unique Australian fauna
Visit local wildlife parks, Cohunu Koala Park and Armadale Reptile and Wildlife Centre to get a guaranteed sighting of Aussie marsupials, amphibians and reptiles.
(Instagram – andrewjbalchin)
The Armadale Reptile and Wildlife Centre rescues and cares for animals that have been injured, orphaned, sick or abandoned.
Armadale Dingos Jay and Kyah
Meet Mags the magpie, dingoes Jay and Kyah, Rufus the fruit bat and Buddy the Shetland pony.
(Instagram - happymatty747)
Time it to see the baby roos getting bottle fed and take some great photos of the kids holding snakes.
Over at Cohunu Koala Park you’ll find an array of farm yard animals like goats, alpacas, deer, ponies and geese as well as a family of peacocks and ostriches!
You’ll also find the park’s furry namesake, over 25 sleepy koalas; cuddle a koala for just $30 per person.
Visit during school holidays or weekends to ride the Safari Train Ride ($4 per person) throughout the park. Families are welcome to take a picnic into the experience and enjoy the tranquil surrounds.
Ask about the discount deals for carers, two for one at the front counter if you have a valid card.
6. Take a break and picnic in a park
Picnic in the Perth Hills
Embrace the simple things in life and pack a picnic for the day.
Enjoy one of Armadale’s peaceful parks. Gather your friends and family and head to one of our favourite picnic spots;
Minnawarra Park
Minnawarra is a Noongar word meaning ‘sacred place’ and when you visit you will see this beautiful spot lives up to its name. The park is completely accessible and has plenty of shady grassed areas perfect for a picnic rug. Take a leisurely walk around the lake and say hello to the resident ducks.
Araluen Botanic Park
Tucked away in the Roleystone Hills this beautiful park is ideal for a picnic lunch.
Wander the park grounds, spot hundreds of both native and international plant species before cooking up a barbeque lunch to enjoy out on the grass. Some entry fees apply.
Hit the walk trails and work up an appetite while learning about the history of the dam.
Set yourself up in the lower picnic area and enjoy your lunch in the company of kangaroos and abundant birdlife.
Related Articles: Exploring Armadale and the Perth Hills region.
Outdoor Exploring Ideas : Spring Time in Perth
6 Reasons to Visit Armadale and the Perth Hills This Spring.
Perth School Holidays https://soperth.com.au/top-6-ideas-for-exploring-perth-hills-region-19269
