Win an iPad: Our top five totally Insta-worthy locations to visit in the Perth Hills this spring

Blog post by: 

Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre
14 August 2019

Want to win an Apple iPad? Capture your springtime adventures in the Perth Hills Armadale and upload your photos to be in the running. Entries open 1 August to 15 November, enter at www.perthhillsarmadale.com.au or on our Facebook page @PerthHillsArmadale.

Need a little inspiration? Read on to discover our favourite locations, perfect for springtime snaps.

It's Yates Springtime at Araluen

It's Yates Springtime at Araluen

150,000 Tulips! Need we say more? Ok there’s also 20,000 Daffodils, 4000 Hyacinths, 4000 Ranunculus, 4000 anemones, and 2000 Grape Hyacinths bursting into bloom! From Saturday 10 August to Monday 30 September Araluen Botanic Park explodes into a veritable kaleidoscope of colour and the gardens truly showcase their spring beauty.

Meander along winding pathways, picnic in the beautiful grounds with friends and family and capture spectacular photos surrounded by carpets of colour.

Araluen Botanic Park
362 Croyden Road, Roleystone

Admission Fees:
Adults $15
Child (6-15 years) $7
Concession $12

Raeburn Orchards

Raeburn Orchards - photo credit IG@cathybrittonphotography
Photo credit IG@cathybrittonphotography Winner of our 2018 Spring into Armadale photo competition

After lying dormant during winter the fruit trees at Raeburn Orchards begin to wake up with the arrival of spring. Trees begin to produce buds and swell, turning into beautiful pink and white blossoms.

Raeburn is beautiful all year round, but the whimsical romance of delicate blossoms in bloom provides the perfect backdrop for family photos and engagement shoots. With gorgeous scenery at every turn, it’s impossible to not get some beautiful snapshots. Plus you can stock up on local fresh fruit, veggies, eggs, honey and all sorts of home-grown delights.

Raeburn Orchards
4 Raeburn Road, Roleystone

Admission Fees:
Adults $4
Children under 4 – free

Core Cider House

Core Cider House
Photo credit IG@coreciderhouse

Not only are the apple orchards looking pretty in pink, but the surrounding bushland is fresh and green following spring rainfall and the orchard grounds are always beautiful.

Self-confessed foodies will love the menu options on offer on the bistro deck while more casual diners are welcome to lounge on the lawn with offerings from the cider garden menu overlooking the orchards.

Sampling the cider is a must, of course! We recommend the tasting paddle if you’re suffering from indecision (not to mention they make for a great photo!). Take your Core experience to the next level with a walking or tractor tour through the orchards, starting at $25 for adults and $18 for kids. Book online* or by emailing tours@corecider.com.au.

* A minimum of ten participants are required to book online. Please email tours@corecider.com.au for bookings of less than 10 people.

Core Cider House
35 Merrivale Road, Pickering Brook

Armadale Settlers Common - Wildflower season

Yongah Lookout
Photo credit IG@beejcollins Winner of our 2019 Perth Hills Armadale in Autumn photo competition. View fromYongah Lookout

Nature’s beauty in spring is truly revealed at Armadale Settlers Common, a 383 hectare bushland reserve in Bedfordale. The area is highly important for flora conservation with a total of 318 plant species found within the Common, including an abundance of wildflowers and orchids.

There are multiple trails and pathways to be discovered, winding past towering Jarrah trees and blissful bushland with nothing but the sounds of birds and wind rustling through the leaves to accompany you.

Bright colours litter the forest floor as wildflowers come into bloom. Be on the lookout for Blue Leschenaultia, pretty purple Rose Mulla Mulla and Fringed Lily as well as an array of Orchids. If you’re seeking spectacular views, head to the Yongah View Lookout point or Observation Circle for sweeping views out over Perth and surrounding bushland.

The Jeerji Trail is a one kilometre fully accessible paved loop, perfect for those in wheelchairs or strollers. Dogs on leads are also permitted.

There are multiple access points into Settlers Common, we recommend;

  • Settlers Common East; access off Observation Circle via Canns Road or
  • Settlers Common; access off Triton Crescent via the Albany Highway

Visit the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre before embarking on your walk to collect maps and tips for the best wildflower spotting locations.

Millbrook Winery

Braised rabbit risotto
Photo credit FB@millbrookwinery Braised Rabbit Risotto

Spring has sprung and the gardens at Millbrook Winery are singing in all their abundant glory.  The Winery is situated on Chestnut Farm which backs on to the Serpentine River and is nestled among Jarrah forests, with stunning vistas of the rolling landscape.

One of the most special things about Millbrook is their focus on locally sourced and sustainably grown produce, they buy no fruit or vegetables as the 90 year-old orchard and heirloom vegetable garden provides all they need. This means the menu is constantly changing to showcase seasonal produce. An a la carte menu is available Thursday through to Sunday, but we highly recommend visiting on ‘No Waste Monday’ to truly discover the talent of Millbrook’s chefs. A three course lunch is created utilising fresh produce from the Millbrook Garden left at the end of the busy weekend service. It’s excellent value and truly showcases the chef’s abilities – who often work with an eclectic list of ingredients.

After lunch, wander through the grounds soaking up the peace and tranquillity of the vineyard.

Millbrook Winery
Old Chestnut Lane, Jarrahdale

Bookings essential by calling 9525 5796.