The regions surrounding Kaarakin are full of a huge variety of things to do and places to see. We have compiled some of our top picks of the best things to do in the area around our site. So if you’re visiting us and you want ideas of how to spend the rest of your day or you’re just in the area then definitely check out some of these amazing places.
Things to do for the Family:
S & R Orchard
This fully functioning fruit orchard holds several events a year giving the public the opportunity to immerse themselves in the picturesque scenery. In September, the blossom festival is held which provides Perth locals the unique experience of being transported into an explosion of pink and white flowers. Then, over the Summer period they hold regular fruit picking events with activities for the whole family. This is a location unlike anything else in Perth and should not be missed!
Araluen Botanic Park
Set against a bushland backdrop, these gardens are the perfect location for a picnic, barbecue or a simple stroll. They are especially stunning during the native wildflower season in Spring but with a wide array of flora they are an experience at any time of year. If you’d prefer to dine onsite, the Chalet Healey Café is also available for lunch Thursday to Sunday.
Kalamunda History Village
Kalamunda History Village provides visitors with an opportunity to step back in time to the late 19th century and experience the lives of early settlers in the Hills region. There are a large a variety of original buildings to explore which have been restored with authentic furnishings. If you’re lucky you may even spot some volunteers from the Kalamunda Historical Society dressed in outfits authentic to the era.
Perth Observatory
Originally established in 1896 and offering a range of both night and day tours, this is a unique opportunity to view our sky in an entirely new way. The observatory is almost entirely volunteer run and holds regular events and tours or if you’d prefer you can book your own tour which takes you through the museum and then provides you with the opportunity to view the stars, planets and the moon through one of their telescopes.
Arts and Culture
Zig Zag Gallery and Cultural Centre
Next to the Kalamunda Visitor Centre is the Zig Zag Cultural Centre which includes an architect-designed art gallery. The gallery showcases locally and regionally made art and always has a diverse variety of exhibitions displayed. The on-site café Mason & Bird is also a favourite with locals and visitors alike!
Kalamunda Artisan Markets
On the first Saturday of every month, these markets are a collection of creators and growers from all over Western Australia. They run from 8:30am to 2pm and are held in the Kalamunda Town Centre. The markets offer over 200 stalls featuring high quality, hand crafted products and fresh, local produce. If these markets appeal, why not check out the night markets which are held over Summer or the Farmers Market which occurs every Sunday morning throughout the year.
Dining
Core Cider House
Established in 1939 and located in Pickering Brook, Core Cider House presents their award-winning cider and wines made on site along with a wide array of tasty food options. Enjoy these on their picturesque grounds overlooking their orchards. They offer set menu options or if you’d prefer something more casual then their Cider Garden is open every weekend from 11:30am to 4pm which offers a simpler menu and pared back drink options. You can even try their cider tasting try with five different ciders for just $18!
Fairbrossen Winery
Located in the Carmel Valley, Fairbrossen offer free tastings of some of their 21 different wines, along with a selection of platters designed to complement their individual wine style. The winery sits overlooking the vineyard, so it is a delightful place to spend a relaxing afternoon and is a family-run business with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Jack & Jill’s
This trendy cafe is located in the heart of Kalamunda and is open for breakfast and lunch. Some favourites with locals include the breakfast (yes breakfast!) buttermilk fried chicken and their ever-changing assortment of freshly baked muffins which are enjoyed best with their barista crafted coffee.
Avocados Restaurant (pet friendly)
Avocados café and bar offers indoor, outdoor and riverside seating in Roleystone. Boasting a family friendly, pet friendly atmosphere with great food and coffee!
Outdoors and Adventure Activities
The Bibbulmun Track
One of the world’s biggest and best long-distance walking trails, the Bibbulmun Track begins in Kalamunda and stretches over 1000km to end in Albany. While taking on the full length may definitely not be for everyone, there are plenty of opportunities for shorter sections to be tackled in the region with a few short overnight hike options available too. Most sections lead you through the stunning marri and jarrah forests in the region and are best enjoyed in the cooler months.
Lesmurdie Falls
These falls are some of the most spectacular in the Perth region and are best viewed in the Spring when they are full after the Winter rains and wildflowers are blooming. Year round though, there are a number of walking trails available with different difficulty, length and incline to be explored. Just off Falls Road there is a picnic area with toilet facilities and rubbish bins, and just a short walk away are the lookout platforms which sit above the falls. These provide a stunning view of the falls and over the Swan Coastal Plain allowing you to see Perth City on a clear day.
Kalamunda Mountain Bike Trails
Within the National Park and Greenmount State Forest, are over 40km of tracks with everything from beginner friendly family options to advanced trails for experienced riders, all within the native bushland. Never fear if you’re new to the sport, Rock and Roll Mountain Biking, situated at the beginning of the trails, offer guided rides and hire bikes to the public.
Ellis Brook Valley Reserve
Just 10 minutes away from Kaarakin, this is one of our favourite sites for bird spotting and bushwalking. There are four walking trails with different degrees of difficulty and it is home to ahuge variety of flora and fauna including a breeding site for black cockatoos and flowering plants, which generally bloom over Spring. It is open to the public every day from 8am to 5pm and the view from the top of the Sixty Foot Falls should not be missed!
Please share below if you’ve tried any of these places and what you think or if we have missed any other hidden gems in the Perth Hills area!
