Come to the Perth Hills...
Scattered throughout the wide fertile ranges of the
Darling Scarp and only 45 minutes east of Perth city centre, you'll find the stunning scenery, meandering drives and vibrant villages that make up the Perth Hills. The world famous
Bibbulmun Track starts in the hills stretching
1000kms from
Kalamunda to Albany.
While the Hills are part of the city, you'll find the region and its character townships exude a country charm and views that are simply astounding. The tree-lined village of
Mundaring is one of the major towns of the Perth Hills and makes a wonderful day trip or weekender for visitors to the region. In town, you can stop off at the Mundaring Visitor Centre where you can learn about the history of the region and pick up a variety of maps highlighting the large amount of activities and attractions to be found.
Just out of town you will find the vast water reserve of the
Mundaring Weir and the
Perth Hills Nature Centre where you can learn about native flora and fauna. You can also picnic at any number of stunning parks in the area.
Kalamunda town centre is also particularly appealing, with its gift stores, character eateries and quaint village feel. Art, music and history play a big part here with several heritage building sites in town. Also a must drop into the
Zig Zag Cultural Centre to learn more about the history, culture and attractions of the area.
A visit to the town library will reward you with views of the largest community-built stained-glass window in Australia, and if you are visiting on the first Saturday of the month, be sure to drop in on the village market.
Kalamunda is also a great staging point for visiting the breathtaking Bickley and Carmel Valleys renowned for their wine and local produce. Considering its Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and cool wet winters, and with the first vineyards in the region planted in the 1880s, it comes as no surprise that the Perth Hills now boasts a well established wine scene with each part of the hills having their own distinct wine trails for you to discover.
The Mundaring Hills Wine Trail will lead you through the forests and gullies of
Darlington, Glen Forrest, Mt Helena and
Wooroloo to some of the oldest wineries in the region and continuing further south, the
Bickley-Carmel Valley Wine Trail touts seven world class wineries including some fine examples of sparkling wine made in the French Tradition. Cellar doors are open most weekends and public holidays and you can set your tastebuds dancing with good selection of wine varieties.
Visitors to the Perth Hills will also be impressed by the range of excellent restaurants and the level of sophisticated accommodation to be found. There are gracious country bed and breakfasts, spa retreats and private luxurious hideaways.
While you're in the Hills, try retreating to the
national parks and the cool of the forests to indulge your love of the natural environment. The hills are blessed with a series of more than 40 bike and walk trails, as well as scenic lookouts and picnic spots.
Want more info? Mundaring Visitor Centre
The Old School
Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring
Tel. 61 8 9295 0202
Kalamunda - The Zig Zag Cultural Centre
50 Railway Road, Kalamunda WA
Tel: 61 08 9257 9998