They’re right on the city’s doorstep, but when was the last time you took a leisurely drive into the Hills? Don’t worry, we’re overdue, too – which is why we’ve rounded up just some of the best eating, drinking and exploring the area has to offer!
You’ve heard a lot about the other Valley, but have you heard about Bickley? Filled to the grape-lovin’ brim with boutique wineries, the Bickley Valley is Perth’s best-kept secret. Plume Estate Vineyard, Brookside Vineyard, La Fattoria and The Packing Shed (mentioned below) are just the tip of the iceberg. They’re all stunningly picturesque, whatever time of year you’re visiting – with views of undulating hills, babbling brooks, tasty eats, and velvety vino goodness.
We’ve been fermenting the beginnings of a Perth Hills Cider trail over the last few years, and it’s yielding some scrumptious, straight from the orchard brews. From the pop-up stylings of National award-winning Carmel Cider Co. to the always pumping Core Cider House, Naked Apple Cider and the Roleystone Brewing Co. Core Cider‘s spectacular grounds are a great spot for a springtime picnic, or if you’re there in winter you can head to the Fire, Fable and Feast Pagan-inspired event.
Since opening in 2016, Mason & Bird has become a stalwart of Kalamunda’s cafe scene. With some fine-dining pedigree in the cafe’s DNA, the spot is a go-to for classic brunches as well as brekkies with a twist – like a speck and egg burger with house made barbecue sauce.
7 Williams Street, Kalamunda
Cafe Mojo has all the quirky charm you hope to stumble upon on your next day trip. Eclectic furniture and artwork fill the homey space, plus there’s a charming garden you can enjoy. Just picture yourself, perched under the shade of a Norfolk pine, making use of that free wifi if you need to catch up on emails. You can even bring your dog! The menu has plenty of gluten and dairy free options as well, so you can rest assured there’ll be suitable snacks for everyone.
16 Craig Street, Mundaring
Hankering for a coffee? The Packing Shed is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Situated on the picturesque Lawnbrook winery in Bickley, it really ticks all the boxes. The standout, seasonally rotating menu is worth the drive alone, but when paired with the gorgeous setting, it’s worth its weight in gold. In winter you can get cosy next to wood heater, but if the sun’s out you can also make use of their picnic blankets and spread out on the lawn. Next thing you know, you’ll be staying for a wine tasting…
19 Loaring Road, Bickley
In the short time since opening at the end of 2020, Seven Sins has been making big waves. Taking up residence in the old Roleys On The Ridge in Roleystone, you’re treated to stunning views of the Darling Scarp below while you dine, which automatically makes for a unique dining experience. The menu is flush with hearty meals for the soul, and we can say from experience – the German night is well worth a drive to the Hills.
1 Soldiers Road, Roleystone
We can’t help but say “ooh la la!” when we see Mistelle’s enticing French plates. Helmed by Benoît Lasplace (formerly of Rockpool and Print Hall), the restaurant’s amazing view overlooks the Hainault Vineyard, and their menu is a little taste of France with a modern Australian twist.
255 Walnut Road, Bickley
It’s not secret we’re a fan of waterfalls around here – especially when they’re right on our doorstep, with many that can be found in the Hills. The easiest to find is Lesmurdie Falls, located in Mundy Regional Park. Tumbling over the Darling Range Escarpment, the falls have five walk trails to choose from, each offering a different view of the cascading Lesmurdie Brook. With more than five different waterfall adventures in the Perth Hills to choose from, you can really take your pick.
Teaming up with Six Two Three Zero (responsible for an equally awesome trail in Bunbury), the ReDiscover Armadale Urban Art Trail showcases artists locally and abroad via a series of magnificent murals. As you walk along and discover each mural, you can read about the artists behind them after grabbing a copy of the ReDiscover brochure from the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre or downloading a copy HERE.
One of the longest running markets in WA, the monthly Kalamunda Artisan Market features over 150 stalls of artisan goodness. Keeping it fresh by featuring funky new up-and-coming designers every month, the market is held in central Kalamunda on the first Saturday of every month. A true village vibe, this market is particularly family friendly, with a bouncy castle, face painters and live entertainment to keep the kids entertained.
Named after the stunning blue wildflower, Lake Leschenaultia is a year-round favourite for camping, summer fun and wildflower spotting in spring. You can hire canoes or just walk off the white sandy beaches and hit the pontoon. Explore on foot via the 3km walking trail, fire up a barbecue or hit Reflections Café right on the water. With a permanent orienteering course and geocaching to discover, it’s the perfect place to relax by the water in the Perth Hills.
Passing through Hills communities including Darlington, Parkerville, and Mundaring, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is a unique 41km loop trail connecting villages like bright beads on a thread. Join the trail in Perth Hills Mundaring and follow the route of the old Eastern Railway through John Forrest National Park for spectacular views of the Perth city skyline.
You can access some of WA’s best mountain biking trails just outside Kalamunda in the Perth Hills. Set in the picturesque State Forest and national parks, the network features mainly intermediate trails but also has some excellent beginner tracks such as the ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ loop trail. Don’t have your own gear? Hit up the guys at Rock And Roll Mountain Biking for a loaner or join one of their clinics for skills.
Sometimes called “Heaven in the Hills” the Araluen Botanic Park is an historic, landscaped wonderland full of breathtaking exotic and native plants, stunning water features, and in springtime, over 145,000 tulips burst to life in a remarkable show of massed plantings of colour.
362 Croyden Road, Roleystone
Visit a working Perth Hills orchard to experience the stunning spring blossoms or the fun of a pick-your-own fruit festival. Local grower and inspiring trailblazers S&R Orchard have been throwing their farm gates open to the public for the last few years, offering fruit picking in summer and blossom tours in spring. It’s a photogenic day out that will charm kids and adults alike.
36 Halleendale Road, Walliston
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: a visit to the Observatory is one of our top interesting date night ideas. Whether you’re a science buff or an astrology nerd, there isn’t anything more romantic for two lovebirds than gazing up at the stars. Located just a short 25km out of the city, there’s plenty of night tour options, head to their website for more info.
337 Walnut Road, Bickley
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Header image via WesternAustralia.com.