Visit Perth Hills and Darling Range WA
The Darling Range is the tilted edge of a huge plateau that is the foundation of the South Western third of Australia. It is one of the most ancient places on earth; its granites and quartzite were formed some 2,500 million years ago. In this range, known locally as the Perth Hills lay the Shires of Mundaring and Kalamunda, and south along the range and in the foothills lay the heritage towns of Armadale, Gosnells, Serpentine and Jarrahdale.
Mundaring, once a major logging centre is the site of one of Australias greatest engineering feats, the Weir and the start of the water pipeline to the goldfields, completed in 1903. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty with large tracts of ancient forest, wonderful walking trails and a huge diversity of wildflowers. National Parks, prolific wildlife, a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and wineries offer something for everyone, so come and spend a few days in the Hills, just east of Perth.
Visit Mundaring WA
In the heart of the hills, Mundaring is a short 35 minute drive from the City of Perth. The community is warm, friendly, multicultural and welcoming, enriched by the traditions of past generations and days gone by.
Mundaring is home to the amazing engineering feat of the Mundaring Weir, where the Golden Pipeline starts its journey to Kalgoorlie Boulder. Water is pumped 963 kilometres from the Weir in peaceful Helena River Valley to Kalgoorlie. Following wet winters, the dramatic sight of the Mundaring Weir overflowing draws sightseers and residents alike to the valley.
The new Munda Biddi mountain bike trail which begins in Mundaring and will eventually finish in Albany currently goes as far as Dwellingup. The trail passes through some very beautiful countryside and is becoming a highly regarded and popular trail for mountain biking enthusiasts.
It was at Mundaring that bushranger Moondyne Joe roamed among the tall jarrah trees and scaled the rocky outcrops of what is now John Forrest National Park on the side of Greenmount Hill. Wildlife abounds and beautiful birds and wildflowers can be found right throughout the Shire. Cyclists and walkers can enjoy the heritage trails running through small picturesque villages including Darlington, Glen Forrest, Parkerville and Chidlow. You can also go horse riding, canoeing or play a round of golf.
Magnificent gardens are open to the public in spring and autumn. In spring the bush is alive with colour, with native flora including kangaroo paws, spider orchids, leschenaultias and hoveas. Visitors can enjoy an early morning walk as the mist rises in the treetops and the joyful laughter of the kookaburra heralds a new day.
With Mundaring's tourism being predominantly nature based, there are many facilities and outdoor activities to enjoy in the area: walk trails, Lake Leschenaultia, John Forrest National Park, Mundaring Weir and the Golden Pipeline, wildlife sanctuaries and a marsupial hospital.
Hotels, farm and homestay properties, as well as cottage accommodation, offer overnight or longer term bed and breakfast facilities. Guests may choose to sample fine wines at local wineries or enjoy a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants throughout the Hills.
Visit Kalamunda WA
The Shire of Kalamunda is located a 30 minutes' drive east of Perth, where the hills of the Darling Scarp meet the plains of the foothills. This unique location offers a mix of residential and rural areas scattered with hobby farms, vineyards, and orchards.
Kalamunda is an ideal daytrip for families and nature lovers alike. Spectacular forests are perfect for bushwalks, while lookouts provide excellent views across the coastal plains.
Kalamunda offers visitors a variety of activities, from walking the Bibbulmun Track and travelling down the historic Zig Zag Scenic Drive, to the local history village which offers various activities for children. More than 70 percent of the Shire of Kalamunda is made up of state forest, national parks, open space and water catchment areas. This provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, scenic drives and picnic spots. Also worth seeing are the local arts and craft galleries and their selections of public art.
Some of Kalamunda's other tourism features include: the historic Shire Cottage, Stirk Park, open garden displays, Lesmurdie Falls, forest wildflowers in season, heritage walk trails and spectacular city views by day and night.
A range of bed and breakfasts, hotel accommodation and caravan parks are available.
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