So Perth18 July 2018
Perth summers conjure up visions of long and lazy beach days, trips to Rotto and idyllic picnics in Kings Park.
But when we think of Perth winters 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 crunching 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.
Picnic in the Hills
Who says you can’t have a picnic in winter? – Serpentine Dam
Your feet are itching for a winter weekend down south, but you just can’t justify the three plus hour drive for just one night. We know the feeling – fortunately it’s easy to sneak in a weekend away in the Perth Hills, and we’ve got the perfect winter weekend planned for you. Ensure you stop at the local gourmet retailers in the area for fresh food and drink on the way.
Immerse yourself in native bushland
You may be waiting to hit up the trails until wildflower season hits in spring, but winter-time in the bush is seriously enchanting and if you don’t mind a little rain you’re in for a serious treat… and this is why; Picture raindrops hanging off grass trees, native birdlife bathing in streams and cascading waterfalls just begging to be instagrammed.
Native Blooms in Mundy Regional Park
A treat for your senses – particularly the smell!
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it, the smell of the bush after rain is unbelievable in the best way possible. Damp Marri and Karri trees release the beautiful scent of eucalypt and the sound of babbling brooks and birdsongs will soothe your soul.
Catch waterfall season
The hills are home to several epic waterfalls, but of course they only flow for a few months of the year, beat the crowds and head to the hills early in the morning to see the falls in all their glory – head to our favourites;
- Serpentine Falls – Serpentine National Park (entry fees apply)
- 60 Foot Falls – Ellis Brook Valley
- Lesmurdie Falls – Mundy Regional Park
Lesmurdie Falls in Winter
There are so many places to go exploring in the hills, download Armadale Walks and Trails or call into the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre at 40 Jull St for personal recommendations.
Looking for a tour guide? Check out Off the Beaten Track WA for hiking experiences with a twist, or Down Under Discoveries for authentic Aussie hikes.
Hit the cider trail (or beer, or wine…)
Not one but TWO new cideries have recently opened up in the region in 2018 and we couldn’t be more excited for a new way to find our apple a day.
Warm up from the inside out with the latest brew at Roleystone Brewing Co, open weekends 11am-3pm and grab a growler to take home with you. The brewers herald from the third generation of the Raeburn Orchards family so they know a good apple when they see one!
Roleystone Brewing Co – Raeburn Orchards, 4 Raeburn Rd, Roleystone.Image credit: @Roleystone Brewing Co
Cosy up by the fire
You’ll find Naked Apple Cider nestled up in Karragullen, among 6.4 hectares of lush gardens and native bushland. Listen to the crackle of the fire as you sample handcrafted, wild-fermented ciders along with some tasty eats. Be sure to keep your eye out for the ‘Bedrocker’, a fortified apple cider mulled with spices and served warm.
Their menu is full of hearty, indulgent winter warmers – crumbed camembert, grilled chorizo with walnut and spring onion bread, crispy pork knuckle….. 100% drool worthy.
Cider not your jam? Don’t worry, Naked Apple look after the non-apple lovers too, featuring beer from Bickley Valley Brewery and wines from a range of Perth Hills wineries including; Myattsfield, Fairbrossen, La Fattoria and occasionally a German-style mulled wine throughout winter.
Image: Winter feasts, image credit @Naked Apple Cider Naked Apple Cider, 1088 Brookton Highway, Karragullen
#ReDiscoverArmadale on the newest Urban Art Trail
Calling all arts and culture lovers, brighten your day and discover the latest instalments of visual inspiration on the streets of Armadale’s CBD.
The newest Urban Art Trail takes you on a self-guided walk past 6 large scale murals, 5 of which were painted in May this year as part of #RediscoverArmadale2018.
The trail showcases local, national and international artists; Bradley Kickett IG@bradley_kickett, Matt Adnate IG@adnate, Lisa King IG@artoflisaking, Tahnee Kelland IG@tahnee_kelland, Creed Birch IG@lewyblue and Askew One IG@askewone.
Start your walk at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to collect your urban art trail map or download a digital version.
Creed Birch at work, image credit @sixtwothreezero
Win an Ipad!
Take a photo with your favourite artwork and upload to Facebook or Instagram, be sure to tag us @perthhillsarmadale and hashtag #perthhillsarmadale and #culturelover to go into the running to win an iPad!
Competition starts Sunday 1 July and ends Wednesday 31 August 2018. Read the full T’s and C’s.
Wind down after your walk with a coffee (and cake) at the Artist Retail Collective in the Jull Street Mall, peruse artwork and creations from the local arts community and stock up on locally made gifts.
Cupcake heaven, image credit @ARCartistretailcollective
Find your perfect weekend abode
All the walking and discovering may see you plumb tuckered out by the end of the day, with so much to still see. Why not stay and play? Rest your weary head at one of our recommended boutique places to stay.
The Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre team can find the perfect accommodation for you. Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage for two, something with room for the whole family, or a 5 star B&B experience we’ve you covered. Pop in to see us, call on 9394 5410 or browse and book online.
Perth winter: Cosy by the fire in the Armadale Perth Hills regionImage credit: @bickleybrookcottage
Spring into Armadale Fashion Show
Need a little fashion inspiration or thinking of getting married?
This might be just what you are looking for! Join local media personality Carmen Braidwood as the MC and ambassador for the City’s fourth Spring into Armadale Fashion Show, Love is in the Air Wedding and Bridal Expo, in the stunning surrounds of Araluen Botanic Park on Saturday 11 August 2018.
Showcasing two dynamic design masters in the Western Australian fashion industry, the show will feature the raw-edge elegance and feminine designs of Mr.
Alvin Fernandez of Aelkemi inc, and the classic, romantic, and charming creations of Ms Samantha Wynne of Samantha Wynne Boutique. Australia’s oldest pearling business Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm will adorn models with their stunning creations.
Be entertained by the romantic melodies of the string quartet as you peruse the vendors showcasing their wares alongside beautiful floral delights by Michelle Mok Creates.Follow Perth Hills Armadale on Facebook for the announcement of more exciting vendors closer to the date.
Book your tickets and get ready for a day of spring bridal fashion.
Perth Spring in to Armadale Fashion Show
For more ideas and details, PerthHillsArmadale.com.au.
