10 reasons to head for the Perth Hills Armadale this Autumn
Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to end – it’s high time to enjoy the cooler weather, get out there and get exploring!
We’re loading up the car and driving to the Hills to rummage amongst the autumn leaves, catch some sweeping views, boutique-style beverages, and mouthwatering feasts. Check out a few recommendations below, and while you’re up there, head to the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to get more info from the local experts.
Araluen Botanic Park
We like to bang on about Araluen, but it bears repeating – the place is gorgeous! While it’s most popular during the spring festival, when over 150,000 tulips burst into bloom, it’s just as spectacular during the autumn months as the leaves change colour and the camellias start to flower. Plus if you haven’t planned something for Mother’s Day this weekend, they’re celebrating mums all weekend long!
Raeburn Orchards
The very Instagrammable Raeburn Orchards’ autumn harvest provides a stunning backdrop for a picnic or picturesque stroll. It’s all about their perfect persimmons, which not only taste great, but create an impressive wall of crimson leaves that are as stunning in real life as they are in photos! Plus they have an on-site shop where they stock everything WA local!
Walking trails
Trade the salt-laden air of the coast for the crisp, fresh air of the Perth Hills across any number of beautiful walks traversing through national parks, crossing gushing rivers and wandering near increasingly-flowing waterfalls. There’s the 383-hectare Settlers Common, home to a diverse range of flora including many rare species and a vast network of trails. Or Bungendore Park has almost 500 hectares to explore, while Roley Pools (pictured below) only gets better as the rain continues to fall. The Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre has plenty of trail maps to pick up before you get started.
Picnics in the park
After a nifty upgrade last year, Churchman Brook Dam is a stunning spot for an autumn picnic in the hills, with an epic nature playground to keep the kids busy and barbecue facilities to keep everyone well-fed. Likewise the equally lush surrounds of Minnawarra Park are just as delightful with manicured lawns, pleasant views of the Neerigen Brook footbridge and plenty of cute ducks roaming around to keep the kids entertained, just like this little guy:
Naked Apple Cider
Naked Apple Cider is one of the essential eat and drink stop-ins around the region. Set on 6.4 hectares of lush garden and bushland in Karragullen, this family-friendly venue features four beautiful areas to enjoy: the restaurant, the deck, the courtyard and the gardens. Tables and chairs are located all over the magical property, so you can go with the flow or turn up the chill factor in a secluded space – whichever you feel Naked Apple Cider has got you covered! Plus they are paw-friendly so why not bring the whole family down! Sit back, relax and enjoy where the good times roll, the banter flows and the soulful smiles are warm and free.
McRobert Distillery Co.
If spirits are more your drink of choice, perhaps a trip to the world class McRobert Distillery for a tasting or tour could be on the cards? Distilling runs in the McRobert family blood, from way back to the 1800s up until now, where you can visit their state-of-the-art Armadale facility. Enjoy tastings and tours of the distiller and understanding the process from grain to glass. Just make sure you book ahead!
Seven Sins
Seven Sins is one of the Armadale Hills’ most beloved dining spots and they know their way around an autumnal feast. Indulge in one of their many renowned signature dishes from their crispy crackle pork knuckle to a 1.2kg Omugi Beef Tomahawk. Plus their cocktail game is absolutely on point, and we know from experience they’re best enjoyed around sunset as you look out over the beautiful deck. Be quick, Seven Sins fills up fast and bookings are essential.
Last Drop Elizabethan
A little slice of Olde England, this family-run pub has been loved by locals for over 25 years, and it’s the ideal spot to warm up by the fire with a hearty pub feed on those chilly autumn afternoons. “The Lizzie” has a village green to relax with a pint from their own microbrewery while the kitchen offers an array of bar snacks, big bites (including big juicy burgers) and sharing plates. Plus they are pet friendly so you can bring the whole gang down! Our final tip: you might not be too late to book in a Sunday roast this Mother’s Day.
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Araluen Estate
We’re not short on fantastic public golf courses around WA, but Araluen Estate might just be the most picturesque spot to get a round in. There are kangaroos everywhere, the tumbling hills make for equal parts challenging and fun holes including the steep Par 3 16th, which is an absolute icon of WA golf.
Avocados Perth
Whether you’re just popping out for the day or are keen to stay a little while, a trip to Avocados in Kelmscott should be on the cards. Set on the banks of the Canning River, there’s beautiful gardens and native flora to explore, a fantastic cafe and bar perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s also perfect timing for their Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch for those wanting to spoil their mums (bookings essential). Meanwhile the boutique accommodation offers 20 chalets that are perfect for couples and families who want to experience a slice of the Perth Hills life.
Start planning your next hills adventure via the Perth Hills Armadale website.
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This article is sponsored by Perth Hills Armadale and very happily endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.