Perth Hills

Escape the coastal bustle and head inland to the Perth Hills, a lush patchwork of national parks, historic towns, and world-class wineries that feels a world away from the city. Just 30 minutes east of Perth, this undulating landscape is carved by granite outcrops, jarrah and marri forests, and valleys dotted with orchards and vineyards. It’s a region for slow exploration: pull over at a roadside fruit stall, hike to a waterfall, or settle in for a long lunch at a cellar door. The Hills are also rich in Indigenous Noongar heritage, with sites like the Kaarta Koomba (King's Park) escarpment offering sweeping views over the Swan Coastal Plain.

Highlights & What to See

• Bickley Valley & the Cider Trail – A pocket of boutique wineries and cideries where you can taste award-winning apples and cool-climate wines. Don’t miss a pint at Core Cider House or a tasting at Myattsfield Vineyard.
• John Forrest National Park – Western Australia’s oldest national park, with easy walks to the Glen Brook Dam and the historic Railway Tunnel. Keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos and black cockatoos.
• Mundaring Weir & the Golden Pipeline – An engineering marvel that carries water 600 km to the goldfields. Visit the No. 1 Pump Station museum and walk across the weir wall for views over the dam.
• Kalamunda National Park – The start of the Bibbulmun Track’s northern terminus. Tackle the 5 km Kattamorda Heritage Trail for wildflowers in spring and glimpses of the Perth skyline.
• Lesmurdie Falls – A seasonal cascade that plunges over a granite escarpment. The lookout platform is an easy stroll; for a workout, descend the 3 km loop trail through marri forest.
• Historic town of Guildford – A well-preserved 19th-century riverside town on the Swan River, with antique shops, tea rooms, and the iconic Rose & Crown Hotel (1841).

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you a relaxed taste of the Hills. On day one, explore the Bickley Valley wineries and Lesmurdie Falls, then overnight in Kalamunda or Mundaring. Day two: hike in John Forrest National Park and visit Mundaring Weir. If you have a third day, head to Guildford for a wander and a riverside lunch. The region also works as a series of day trips from Perth or Fremantle, but staying overnight lets you catch the sunset from the Darling Scarp.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fremantle – A 40-minute drive west, Fremantle’s portside charm, markets, and maritime history pair perfectly with the Hills’ nature.
• Perth City – The capital’s cultural precinct, Elizabeth Quay, and Kings Park are an easy day trip from the Hills.
• Swan Valley – Just north of Guildford, this wine region is famous for its bold reds, breweries, and food trails – combine with a Hills itinerary for a full wine-country tour.
• Avon Valley – Further east, the historic towns of Toodyay and York offer heritage buildings, wildflower displays, and canoeing on the Avon River.
• Rottnest Island – A day trip from Fremantle or Perth; the quokkas and white beaches are a stark contrast to the Hills’ forested interior.

Please check official sources for current details.