As the summer days heat up, you might not think of the Perth Hills as the perfect place to cool off – but prepare to be surprised! The Perth Hills offer a refreshing escape from the usual beach crowds, with plenty of shady spots, swimming holes, and chilled-out beer and cider gardens to help you beat the heat. Trade the coast and crank the air con for a drive to the peaceful Perth Hills, packed with fun activities to fill your summer days.
Keep Cool by the Water in the Perth Hills
A beloved day trip destination for generations, Lake Leschenaultia is a bushland oasis that offers swimming, canoeing, biking, walking and picnicking. Paddle across the lake’s calm waters, swim out to the pontoon or lounge on the sandy shores for a peaceful day in the sun. Want to linger longer? You can camp at Lake Lesch too.
Slip and slide down the water slides at Kalamunda Water Park! For a family-friendly adventure, Kalamunda Water Park offers up thrilling tube slides, plus cool pools (including shallow, shaded pools for little ones) that promise hours of fun and relief from the sizzling summer heat.
Take a scenic drive to Serpentine Falls National Park, a natural wonder that’s nestled in the southern end of the Perth Hills. The cool waters and stunning setting provide the perfect backdrop for a refreshing swim or picnic under the shade of gum trees. Before hopping in the water, be sure to check the nearby safety signs to make sure that it is safe to swim and never dive from the rocks. National Park fees apply.
Shady Perth Hills Dining Spots
Start your day with a laid-back brunch at one of the many tasty cafes scattered through the Perth Hills. Sip an iced latte and tuck into taste bud tempting brunch dishes in the morning, before the heat kicks in. Just a few of our favourites include 701 Kitchen (Jarrahdale), Cherith Grove Café (Gidgegannup), Masonmill (Carmel), Café Mojo (Mundaring) and Orchard Espresso in Roleystone.
Pack an esky – the Perth Hills boasts plenty of shady spots to enjoy a leisurely picnic surrounded by nature, and curious native wildlife. Here’s just a sprinkle of location ideas to lay your picnic blanket; Araluen Botanic Park, Noble Falls Reserve, Mundaring Sculpture Park, and Serpentine Dam. A new adventure playground is now found near the dam – the kids will love it.
As the temperature climbs, chill out in one of the many shady Perth Hills beer gardens. Sip on an icy local brew or enjoy a delicious meal. Popular spots to check out include The Parkerville Tavern, Noble Falls Tavern, Last Drop Elizabethan, and the Jarrahdale Tavern. Or why not seek out a cider garden? Naked Apple Cider House and Core Cider are stunning spots where you can bask in the shade, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Perth Hills are home to a ton of delicious restaurants, wineries and bistros that serve up mouthwatering dishes from around the globe. From welcoming family-run eateries like Roleystone’s German-style Seven Sins and Pickering Book’s Sicilian inspired La Fattoria, to the friendly vineyard cafes of the Bickley Valley Wine Trail, plus the multi award-winning Millbrook Winery in Jarrahdale. There’s plenty of spots to sip on local wines, while soaking up vineyard views of lush green vines.
Perth Hills Fun OUT of the Sun
If you’re looking for indoor fun in the air con, glide around the retro rink at Rollerrama! This classic roller-skating rink is a perfect way to get active with the family while escaping the heat of the day – plus it’s right next to Kalamunda Water Park.
After a massive clean-up following last summer’s destructive tornado, Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema is back. Pack a pre-movie picnic and enjoy a movie under the stars at the beloved outdoor cinema, found near Mundaring Weir. This unique Perth experience shows a mix of family flicks, new blockbusters and art house movies, with a backdrop of bushland. Plus, there’s choc tops – woohoo!
Warm summer nights bring clear skies, creating perfect conditions for stargazing on a tour at the Perth Observatory. Join a guided night tour to gaze at the stars, planets, and other celestial marvels through the Bickley spot’s powerful telescopes. The Observatory offers a fun, educational way to learn more about our universe while enjoying a balmy summers evening.
Escape the midday sun by taking a short bushwalk through the Perth Hills in the cooler early morning or late afternoon for a sunset on the scarp. Wander along scenic trails, like at Noble Falls, surrounded by the region’s stunning native flora and fauna while enjoying the shady surroundings. Just keep a lookout for any slithery locals.
Meandering around a vibrant market on a summer morning is a foodie’s dream. Kalamunda, Serpentine Jarrahdale (in Mundijong), Bedfordale, Mundaring, and Chidlow offer up weekly and monthly farmer’s and craft markets. Grab a juice or iced coffee and take a stroll around stalls brimming with fresh summer produce, artisanal bread, local arts, and more. The air is filled aromas from sizzling food stalls, offering mouthwatering breakfast options. Don’t miss the monthly Kalamunda Night Market for a top evening full of tasty feeds.
For animal lovers, Kanyana Wildlife holds a memorable night tour experience. Explore the sanctuary after dark and get up close to some of Australia’s native wildlife, including nocturnal creatures like owls, bilbies, and other fascinating Aussie animals. This guided night tour is a perfect way for kids to learn about conservation too.
Head to the Perth Hills for a chilled summer escape filled with activities to keep cool, surrounded by nature. Slip, slop, slap and make the most of summer in the Hills, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both. From outdoor cinemas, evening tours and night markets, to refreshing swims and shady beer garden hangs, your summer day out in the Perth Hills awaits!