The Perth Hills refers to the collection of character townships, scattered throughout the wide ranges in the picturesque Darling Scarp. Located only a short 45-minute drive east of Perth, the Perth Hills offer a stunning, natural landscape, scenic drives and walk trails, charming local towns and an endless number of fun activities and attractions.
Visitors to the Perth Hills are never short of something to do as the area homes an impressive range of attractions, activities, tours and accommodation. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor explorer, a shopaholic, a foodie, a wine enthusiast, a thrill seeker or a family, the Perth Hills is guaranteed to have something that everyone will enjoy.
The Perth Hills has it all; nature, history, art, culture and country charm. Offering an enchanting mix of natural bushland, wildflowers, creeks and waterfalls, towering trees, vineyards, sensational views, art galleries, restaurants & cafes, shopping, festivals & events, local produce, exercise trails and more.
Perth Hills Attractions
There is never a dull moment in the Perth Hills and a small Google search will give you endless ideas for a fun day out, but here are a few of our Perth Hills attractions.
Kalamunda History Village
Kalamunda History Village is the largest folk museum in Western Australia, allowing visitors an insight into the life of the early years in the Perth Hills and the heritage of the industries that developed in the area.
Kalamunda Markets
Farmers Market
Every Sunday morning at the Central Mall. Browse the stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables and local Perth Hills produce.
Night Markets
Held on the last Friday of every month from October through to April from 6pm to 9pm at the Central Mall. Come and enjoy the live music and street performers.
Village Markets
Held on the first Saturday of every month from 8.30am-2.00pm. Considered one of Perth’s premium markets, boasting over 200 stalls of unique crafts and delicious produce.
Kalamunda Water Park
Escape the summer heat with a swim and a splash Kalamunda Water Park. A fun day out for all with an Olympic size lane pool, diving boards tube slides, kiddie’s pools, playground, BBQ areas for hire and a cafe kiosk.
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls attracts visitors with its stunning views of the Swan Coastal Plain, which can be observed from lookout platforms. Make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy in the area off Falls Road and work up your appetite beforehand by partaking on one of the several Lesmurdie Falls walking trails.
Zig Zag Scenic Drive
The Perth Hills are renowned for its iconic Zig Zag drive. Attracting thousands of visitors a year, who take the slow winding drive through Gooseberry Hill National Park to see the breathtaking views of the Perth city skyline and entire metropolitan area. On a clear day you can see as far as the Indian Ocean and at night, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular light show.
Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
No animal lover can visit the Perth Hills without a visit to the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Come and meet some native Australian animals and learn all about their uniqueness, whilst supporting an initiative that’s been giving sick, injured and orphaned animals as second chance for over 30 years.
Mundaring Weir
Used in the 1900’s to transport water to the booming gold rush town of Kalgoorlie, Mundaring Weir is an exciting part of WA history, located right here in the Perth Hills. Discover the history of the weir through the local artwork displays and then stay for a picnic, making use of the barbeque facilities and playground whilst enjoying the view of the weir.
Perth Observatory
Visit Western Australia's oldest observatory and learn all about the fascinating world of astronomy. Located in Bickley, The Observatory has been educating WA about the mysteries of the sky since 1896 and today offers an array of different and exciting tours.
Outdoor Trails
The Perth Hills is a popular destination for walkers and outdoor lovers, as it is home to hundreds of walking, hiking, cycling and tourist trails. Varying in distance, difficulty, purpose and sights, there is guaranteed to be a trail for everyone to participate in. Although there are hundreds of trails to try and discover, here are some of the favourites:
- Araluen Botanic Garden Walk(s)
- Bibbulmun track
- Bickley Reservoir
- Kalamunda Mountain Bike Trails
- Kalamunda Town Heritage Trail
- Minnawarra Park Geocache Trail (cache located at the Perth CBD Visitor Center)
- Munda Biddi Trail
- Railway Heritage Trail
- Settlers Common Geocache Trail
- Stathams Quarry
- The Kep Track
and several more.
If you are interested in group walks, Perth Day Walks features social walks with locals and visitors to Perth.
Food and Wine
Did you know that hidden in the Perth Hills is a boutique wine region? That's right, the Swan Valley isn't the only wine producing area in Perth. A visit to the Perth Hills wouldn't be complete without a pit stop in the Bickley Valley.
The Bickley Valley region is situated 30 minutes outside the Perth CBD and homes a cluster of boutique wineries, all situated within a few kilometers of each other. So grab some friends and a designated driver or book into a guided tour and make your way to the Perth Hills for a Bickley Valley wine tour!
Although Bickley Valley is the most frequented wine region of the Perth Hills, popular for its superior number of wineries, there are other wine producing areas in the Perth Hills. Other Perth Hills wine regions to visit include:
- Chittering Valley
- Heart Of The Hills (Mundaring)
- Serpentine Valley - home to Millbrook Winery
Our Favourite Perth Hills Wineries:
- MyattsField Vineyards (The Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre's favourite)
- Fairbrossen Café & Winery
- Brookside Vineyard
- Ashley Estate
- Due Jolly Winery
- Plume Estate Vineyards & Café
- Hainault Vineyard & Café
- Stringybark Winery & Restaurant
- Millbrook Winery
- Polguern Estate Wines
and many more!
Perth Hills Wine Tours:
Don't risk drink driving, book into one of these highly rated tour guide companies and explore the Perth Hills wine regions safely and expertly. This way everyone can join in on the fun!
- Explore Tours Perth - Bickley Valley Day Tour
- Hidden Tours - Bickley Valley Tour
Or, hire a bus, round up a group of friends and map your own wine tour.
Other Attractions
If the Perth Hills attractions and activities listed above haven’t peeked your interest, below are a few more things that the Perth Hills has to offer:
- National parks
- Scenic drives and sensational views
- Golf courses
- Fruit orchids
- Cultural centre
- Art galleries
- Vineyards
- Waterfalls
- Local festivals and events
- Lake Leschenaultia
