It’s been a long, hot summer. As much as we love warm summer nights and days spent at the beach, we’re starting to pine for the cooler weather – we’re even day dreaming about wearing a cosy jumper or two! To make the most of the cooling temperatures, we’re packing up the car and heading for a trip to the Hills, where picturesque surrounds, delightful beverages and delicious feasts await us.
Armadale Hills Scenic Drive
While you may expect to have to drive hours out of the city for a proper scenic drive (using a lot of fuel in the process), but what about one that’s barely even 35 minutes from the city? The Armadale Hills Scenic Drive weaves through 34km of beautiful bushland, as well as a few of the lovely spots we’ll be mentioning below…
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.
Photo via Shutterstock/Andy Lim
Raeburn Orchards
Another spot that’s extremely popular during spring, 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.
Photo via Shutterstock/Shree Neupane
Churchman Brook Dam
After a nifty new upgrade, Churchman Brook Dam is more than ready for your next day out. Walking trails around the dam boast some spectacular views, plus there’s now a nature playground for kids to explore with new barbecue facilities perfect for picnicking:
Armadale Wildlife & Reptile Centre
If you really want to get up close and personal with nature, you’ve got to check out the Armadale Wildlife & Reptile Centre. Meet some local reptiles and marsupials, and find out more from the Centre’s experts about how we can reduce negative impacts on local wildlife.
Araluen Golf Resort
The spectacular vistas, the delightful wildlife… Is that not enough for you?! Well, how about if they’re combined with a world-class 18-hole golf course? Araluen Golf Resort is one of WA’s most picturesque spots to have a putt – kangaroos even like to hang out on the green!
Perth Hills Cider and Brews Trail
Perhaps, like us, you may be a little more motivated by all the good eating and drinking on offer? The region produces some tip-top produce, which means scrumptious ciders – from the pop-up stylings of the award-winning Carmel Cider Co., to the always pumping Core Cider House, Naked Apple Cider (pictured below) and the Roleystone Brewing Co. If you like to take things at your own pace, you can check them all out on a self-guided drive trail through the region.
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, with ancestral links dating all the way back to the 1800s up to now, with their state-of-the-art facility in Armadale. You can do tastings and tours of the distiller, getting an overview the process from grain to glass through a union of quality local ingredients, traditional time honoured methods, science, art and passion – bookings essential.
Seven Sins
Speaking of eating and drinking… We haven’t been able to stop thinking about the German feast we had at Seven Sins, and we’re more than happy for any excuse to head back there ASAP. Crispy pork crackling, succulent meats and creamy mash? If that’s not an autumnal feast, we don’t know what is! Plus their cocktail game is absolutely on point, and in some very excellent news just to hand – their epic German nights are back from April 28!
Last Drop Elizabethan
Nestled amongst the leafy Bedfordale surrounds, you turn a corner and… A Tudor pub? A little slice of Olde England, Last Drop Elizabethan is the ideal spot to warm up by the fire with a hearty pub feed and a pint. Plus put April 24 in your diaries when the Last Drop celebrates St George’s Day with medieval fighters performing, live music, Sunday roast, outdoor games and more.
Heritage Country Motel and Avocados Manor House
Even though the Hills are on Perth’s doorstep… Why not spread out some of this eating, drinking and adventuring over a whole weekend of fun? The Heritage Country Motel (pictured below) offers a variety of great value rooms, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Or get a few mates together and stay at the Avocados Manor House: set amongst manicured gardens, it can sleep a whopping 18 people!
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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.
