With camping and picnicking back on the cards for West Aussies, we’re all feeling more at east about exploring our own backyard again. While we’re still confined to the Perth and Peel region for now, there are so many things to do in the Perth Hills, making it the perfect place to start your local adventures.
From walks and hikes to tasty eats and Perth’s most scenic bottle shop, here are all the best things to do in the Perth Hills.
Fuel Up At One Of The Best Perth Hills Cafes
Today is going to be active, so before you do anything else, you’ll need to fuel up. Mason and Bird is still open and dishing up takeaway breakfast burgers and smashed avo that’ll keep you going while Jack and Jill is serving decadent porridge, muffins and, of course, delicious coffee. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, don’t miss the Kalamunda Farmer’s Markets which are bursting at the seams with locally grown produce plus loads of treats so you can really #shoplocal. This is also the perfect place to stock up on picnic goodies for later on—don’t forget to pack your freezer bag to keep that cheese from melting in the car.
Take A Hike
Now that you’re buzzing, it’s time to earn stop number six (hint: it’s delicious). You’re spoilt for choice with walks and hikes in the Perth Hills so take your pick from one of these—just keep in mind Araluen Botanic Park is still closed to the public for now so you can strike that off your list. If you haven’t yet done a section of the Bibbulman Track, stop right there and add it to your list. It’s an iconic West Australian walk and you need to have done at least part of it, plus it starts in Kalamunda so you won’t have to drive too much further after your coffee stop to get started.
Pick Up Your Lunch Time Ciders At Core Cider House
Core Cider House recently re-opened for takeaway and it’s got to be one of our favourite places to go in the Perth Hills. You might not be able to hang out and take in the sweeping views, but grab a growler of cider or stock up on cans to take home. Obviously, the designated driver will have to limit themselves on the cider, but you won’t be mad when you taste their new craft soda range. Take your pick from lemon and ginger or passionfruit and then take solace in the fact that these babies are full of probiotics so your gut will thank you.
Carmel Cider Co is also open, and you can even hang out there and have a picnic amongst the orchard if you’re not keen on stop number five. Don’t forget to pick up a mulled cider pack here, winter is looking up.
Picnic At Lake Leschenaultia
One of the Perth Hill’s prettiest spots, Lake Leschenaultia has finally re-opened to the public (and the campgrounds aren’t far off now—they’ve pegged Monday 8 May as their re-opening day). Grab the picnic rug and all those goodies you picked up at the Kalamunda Farmer’s Market and have a nice long relaxing lunch. Play some cards, read your book and maybe even go for another short stroll to walk off some of your lunch. If you’re feeling brave, you can even go for a dip.
Take A Snap At Raeburn Orchards
Autumn equals red, yellow and orange leaves at Raeburn Orchard so stop in, snap a few pics and pick up some fruit, flowers and beautiful gifts from their little store which is still up and running—just remember to keep that physical distance to 1.5m.
Treat Yourself To The Most Insane Baked Goods At Honey’s Bakehouse
No trip to the Perth Hills would be complete without a stop to Honey’s Bakehouse in Roleystone. Owner Brett creates crazy eats like deep-fried potato and gravy, Mars Bar doughnuts, Nutella doughnut cones, Tim Tam meringue and more. Side note: they have a mad vegan range which has a cult following in Perth, so if you’re plant-based and missing your pastries, you know what to do. Make sure you get here before it closes at 5pm, or if you’re as mad for Honey’s as we are, you might actually make this your first stop. No judgement.
Want more? Here are the best road trips in the Perth and Peel regions.
Image credit: Lousie Coghill