Enveloped by the pristine forests and native bush of Perth’s famed Darling Range, Gidgegannup is celebrated for its scenic walking trails, cascading waterfalls, vibrant springtime wildflowers, and effervescent country charm. Located just 30 minutes from the CBD, the destination is a convenient mini-escape for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Mere minutes from the town’s main street, you’ll find the bushwalking and wildflower hotspots of Noble Falls and F.R. Berry Reserve. Every year, between August and November, these parks showcase some of Perth’s best wildflower displays of yellow wattles, rich blue leschenaultia, and rare varieties found nowhere else on Earth.
Perth Hills Day Trip Itinerary
From picturesque bush walks and wildflowers to horse riding lessons, and where to dine along the way, this day trip itinerary connects you with the best things to do in Gidgegannup.
8:30 am: Grab breakfast at Gidgegannup Bakery
Start your day trip right with breakfast from Gidgegannup Bakery & Café. The countryside pit stop in the Perth Hills is a favourite for both locals and blow-ins alike. Brimming with a colourful variety of continental and European-style cakes, slices, pastries, quiches, fresh salad rolls, gourmet baguettes, and toasties. It’s also the perfect place to pick up your daily caffeinated brew. Devour your morning goodies in the alfresco area or at a picnic table under the trees.
9:30 am: Hike the F.R. Berry Reserve Walk Trail
Championing a glorious collection of wildflowers including yellow wattles, vivid blue leschenaultia, and unique varieties that can’t be found anywhere else on earth, F.R. Berry Reserve is becoming one of WA’s most popular natural attractions. And we can confirm that the walk trail is the best way to experience the remarkable rock formations, waterfalls, and native flora and fauna. The reserve is the largest in the City of Swan, with pristine forests and native fauna spanning across 529 acres. You can walk the Class 1, 2.7 kilometre bush trail in less than an hour, and don’t forget to admire the native wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the honey possum, mardo, Gould’s monitor, and bobtail. As well as the western green tree frog, weebill, splendid fairywren, migratory rainbow bee-eater, and the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo.
12:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at Noble Falls Tavern
Call into the Noble Falls Tavern to fuel up on sustenance before heading out to the restaurant and sports bar’s namesake. Pick a perch on the verandah or in the beer garden, and let the food do the talking.
1:30 pm: Revel in the waterfalls and wildflowers at Noble Falls
Once you’re full and ready to continue your Gidgegannup day trip exploration, make your way to the Noble Falls picnic and parking area. It’s the starting point of the Class 2, 3.6-kilometre Noble Falls Walk Trail which traverses through dense jarrah, marri, and blackbutt bushland. The picturesque track along Wooroloo Brook is the prettiest during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, while the waterfall is absolutely stunning during the winter months.
3:00 pm: Horse riding at Zia Park
For an afternoon of horse riding in the heart of the Perth Hills, head to Zia Park Equestrian Centre. The long-established horse riding school offers lessons and trail rides for all skill levels on a picturesque 140-acre property. Here, you’ll learn to ride with confidence under the watchful eye of highly experienced riding coaches. All while gaining the skills to progress to more advanced levels. The complex features five arenas, a cross-country training course, an 800-metre training track, two round yards, private riding trails, 28 private yards, and several large paddocks with shade trees and dams.
7:00 pm: Stay the night
If you don’t want the day trip to end, why not stay the night? Gidgegannup is the perfect place for a convenient weekend getaway or extended staycation. Book a stay at Lakeview Lodge — a six-acre property that oozes all things rural charm in the Perth Hills.
