If you’re searching for a day the whole family will actually talk about long after the car trip home, the Perth Hills delivers. Wide open trails, real wildlife encounters, outdoor dining and enough adventure to keep even the most energetic little ones happily worn out by evening.
Whether you’ve got toddlers scrambling up nature play equipment or teenagers itching for a bike challenge, this itinerary has something for every family fun-seeker. Here’s how to make the most of a day in the Hills.
MORNING
Hit the Trails & Meet Some Locals
Start the morning the best way possible with fresh air and muddy shoes. The Perth Hills are home to a network of local playgrounds and bushland trails perfect for letting the kids loose. Pick a spot that suits your crew’s energy levels and explore at your own pace.
Don’t miss the Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre, where you can get up close and personal with more than 70 fascinating Australian species. From blue-tongue lizards to pythons, it’s equal parts thrilling and educational and a favourite with kids of all ages.
Insider tip: Arrive early to catch feeding sessions. The handlers are brilliant at bringing out the curious side of even the most reptile-hesitant kids.
LUNCH
The Cubby Cafe at 11 Acre Farm
By lunchtime, appetites will be well and truly ready. Head to the Cubby Cafe at 11 Acre Farm a genuinely charming spot where the kids can explore the cubby laneway while the grown-ups breathe out and enjoy a proper coffee.
Prefer a picnic in the fresh air? Pack a spread and head to Churchman Brook Dam. It’s a stunning setting for a BBQ or blanket lunch, with scenery that makes it well worth the short trip.
The cubby laneway is a highlight for the kids — they’ll want to run through it again and again.
AFTERNOON
Bikes, Pump Tracks & Hidden Treasure
Afternoon energy calls for something with a bit more pace. John Dunn Challenge Park is a fantastic stop for families who love two wheels featuring a purpose-built pump track and a bike-themed playground that will keep riders of all skill levels busy.
Not into bikes today? Try something completely different and hunt for hidden treasure with Geocaching. A digital treasure hunt using GPS coordinates, it’s a surprisingly addictive way to explore the Hills landscape and it works just as well for adults as it does for kids.
Local tip: Download a geocaching app before you leave home and load up a few caches near Armadale — you’ll be amazed what’s hidden in plain sight.
EVENING
Dinner at the Roleystone Club
After a full day of adventure, no one wants to cook and you won’t need to. The Roleystone Club is a welcoming spot to wind down as a family, with a kids’ area and playground right on-site. You might even get to eat your dinner while it’s still warm.
Image Credit: Roleystone Club
A genuinely relaxed finish to a full day in the Hills good food, cold drinks and a space where the little ones can keep going while the adults finally sit still.