Perth Hills

Just a 30-minute drive east of Perth’s city centre, the Perth Hills unfurl as a green, undulating escape of jarrah forests, granite outcrops, and tiny historic towns. This is where Perthites come to breathe eucalyptus-scented air, wander through national parks, and sip wine at cellar doors with valley views. The Hills feel a world away from the coastal plain, yet they’re close enough for a half-day dash or a leisurely weekend loop.

Highlights & What to See

• John Forrest National Park — Australia’s first national park, with walk trails leading to seasonal waterfalls (like the dramatic Hovea Falls) and the eerie Swan View Tunnel, a former railway tunnel you can walk through.
• Mundaring Weir — a historic dam that supplies Perth’s water; walk across the top, then grab a beer at the nearby Kookaburra Hotel, a classic Aussie pub with a huge outdoor deck.
• Araluen Botanic Park — a cool, shady garden set in a valley, famous for its spring wildflowers and autumn colours; a peaceful spot for a picnic.
• Bickley Valley wineries — a string of boutique vineyards (like La Fattoria and Myattsfield) where you can taste cool-climate wines and often grab a woodfired pizza.
• Lesmurdie Falls — an easy walk to a lookout over the falls and, on clear days, all the way to the coast.
• Kalamunda National Park — part of the Bibbulmun Track; walk among massive jarrah trees and keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos at dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day is enough to visit one or two highlights — say, a short walk at John Forrest followed by wine tasting in Bickley Valley. For a more immersive experience, devote a full day: start with a morning hike, have lunch at a hills pub, then explore Araluen or Mundaring Weir. If you’re self-driving, the Perth Hills also work beautifully as a stop on a longer loop from Perth to the Avon Valley or even the Wheatbelt.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Swan Valley — just north of the Hills, this is a flatter wine region with dozens of cellar doors, breweries, and art galleries; pair a Hills morning with a Swan Valley afternoon.
• Avon Valley National Park — about an hour east, with dramatic river gorges and spring wildflowers; good for a longer day trip or overnight.
• York — one of WA’s oldest inland towns, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings and antique shops; a classic country drive from the Hills.
• Perth City — the Hills are so close that you can easily base yourself in Perth and do day trips; combine with a visit to Kings Park on your way back.
• Bibbulmun Track — the famous long-distance walk passes through the Hills; you can do a short section (e.g., Kalamunda to Mundaring) as a day walk.

Please check official sources for current details.