We all know that the Perth Hills are a winter wonderland – many don’t realise that there’s SO much to do in the Perth Hills during summer! Instead of heading west to the coast, head east to the hills for shady trees, swimming spots, cool heritage pubs, and much more. Planning a summer drive to the Perth Hills? Here are 14 fun activities to fill your day:
Pack an esky and enjoy a picnic in a park. There are so many shady and scenic parks in the Perth Hills to choose from; Araluen Botanic Park, Lake Leschenaultia, Noble Falls Reserve, Mundaring’s Sculpture Park, and Serpentine National Park. Stirk Park has long been a go to Perth Hills picnic spot, and now has a brand-new adventure playground too! Enjoy a leisurely bite to eat surrounded by nature, and keep your eyes peeled for curious local wildlife. Don’t have time to make a picnic? Order a ready-made basket of goodies to enjoy in the recently re-opened Masonmill Gardens.
The water slides are back this summer at Kalamunda Water Park! For a family-friendly adventure, Kalamunda Water Park offers up exciting tube slides, plus cool pools that promise hours of fun and relief from the sizzling summer heat.
As the temperatures rise, chill out in one of the many shady beer gardens that dot the Perth Hills. Sip on an icy local brew or enjoy a delicious meal. The Parkerville Tavern, Naked Apple Cider House, Noble Falls Tavern, Last Drop Elizabethan, Core Cider House and the Jarrahdale Tavern are just a handful of spots where you can bask in the shade, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
You can’t beat the freshness of just-picked fruit eaten straight from the tree. Summer is the season for stone fruit, and you can get in on the action by picking your own fruit at local orchards in the Perth Hills. S&R Orchard holds their annual Christmas & Fruit Picking Festival from early December. Take a picnic to enjoy down the rows of leafy trees filled with fun and festive props, perfect for photos.
Catch the movie stars under the stars at Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema! Take a pre-movie picnic along and enjoy a movie under the night sky at the beloved Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema, found near Mundaring Weir. This unique Perth experience combines the magic of cinema with the beauty of our natural bushland, and there’s choc tops too!
The Perth Hills are home to a ton of delicious restaurants and bistros that serve up mouthwatering cuisines from all around the world. From cosy family-run eateries like Roleystone’s 7 Sins and Pickering Book’s La Fattoria, to the vineyard restaurants of the Bickley Valley and the multi award-winning Millbrook Winery in Jarrahdale. The Perth Hills have a diverse range of culinary options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
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 and picnic under the gum trees, on a hot summer day. Be sure to check the signs to make sure it’s safe to swim. National Park fees apply.
Experience the wonder of the night sky with a tour at the Perth Observatory. Warm summer nights make for perfect clear sky conditions. Join a guided night tour to gaze at the stars, planets, and other celestial wonders through the Bickley spot’s powerful telescopes.
Found near Chidlow, Lake Leschenaultia is a bushland oasis that offers swimming, canoeing, and picnicking. Paddle across the lake’s calm waters, swim out to the pontoon or relax on the sandy shores for a peaceful day in the sun. You can camp there too!
Start your day right with a lazy brunch at one of the many charming cafes in the Perth Hills region. Indulge in an iced coffee and taste bud tempting brunch menus before the weather heats up. Just a few of our favourites include Bistro on the Dam (Serpentine), Cherith Grove Café (Gidgegannup), Mason and Bird (Kalamunda), Carmel Tea Rooms (Bickley Valley), The Hive (Darlington) and Orchard Espresso in Roleystone.
Escape the midday sun by taking an early morning or late afternoon bushwalk through the Perth Hills. Discover the region’s stunning native flora and fauna while enjoying the shady surroundings, just keep a watchful eye out for our slithery friends.
Meandering around a 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, all with a vibrant atmosphere. Grab a juice or iced coffee, and take a stroll around stalls brimming with fresh summer produce, artisanal bread, local arts, flowers and more. The air is filled with aromas from sizzling food stalls, offering mouthwatering breakfast options. The monthly Kalamunda Night Market is a top evening event to get a tasty feed too.
Explore the Perth Hills vibrant art scene and visit one of the many art galleries scattered throughout the area. From Mundaring Arts Centre, the Zig Zag Gallery and more, be sure to admire beautiful works of art created by our talented hills artists.
The Perth Hills are known for its thriving boutique wine scene, and a visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without exploring its wineries. From Millbrook Winery in the south, to the Bickley Valley Wine Trail and Lions Mill Vineyards in Mount Helena, there’s plenty of spots to sip on local wines, while soaking in the vineyard views of the lush green vines.
The Perth Hills offer a chilled summer escape filled with activities to keep cool surrounded by nature. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, our region has something for everyone. Slip, slop, slap and be sure to make the most of summer in the hills. From outdoor cinemas and night markets, to refreshing swims and shady beer garden hangs, your summer day out in the Perth Hills awaits!
