Nestled in the Darling Ranges, just 30 minutes from the CBD, the Perth Hills Kalamunda is an idyllic day trip destination, known for a magnificent mix of natural bushland, fascinating history, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Whether you want to spend the day browsing artisan markets, exploring extraordinary landscapes, or indulging in the glorious Bickley Valley Taste Trail, there’s something for absolutely everyone.
Perth Hills Kalmunda Day Trip Itinerary
From extraordinary cultural precincts to where to dine along the way, this day trip itinerary connects you with the best things to do in Perth Hills Kalamunda.
8:00 am: Stroll around Stirk Park
The early bird gets the worm so hit the road early to get the most from your day trip. Swing by Stirk Park for an early morning stroll through the autumn-coloured trees framing the duck pond. It’s a photographer’s delight, named after Frederick Stirk who was the fourth pioneer landowner in the district and the first to clear land near the now Kalamunda Townsite in 1881.
8:30 am: Grab breakfast at Redgum Café
Enjoy a tasty feast at the new Redgum Café in Kalamunda’s Central Mall. This family-owned and operated breakfast pit stop offers fabulous coffee, speciality teas, and milkshakes, paired perfectly with smashed avocado and poached eggs or pancakes with berry compote and maple syrup. You can even bring your furry friend if you pick a perch outside.
9:30 am: Explore the Kalamunda Farmers Market
Potter around Kalamunda Farmers Market which operates every Sunday morning in Central Mall, from 8:00 am until noon. You’ll find an enormous array of fresh produce, seasonal fruit and vegetables, organic meats, seafood, and bread. Plus a collection of condiments, spices, potted plants, and local, handmade products. Here, you can chat with farmers, producers, and makers, taste samples, and meet people passionate about local produce. It’s a great atmosphere, with plenty to see and do, not to mention live music and kid’s entertainment. Don’t forget to pick up a tasty treat to enjoy later!
Central Mall is home to numerous speciality shops, bric-a-brac, antiques, and homewares. The destination is perfect for a browse while wandering through the markets. While you’re there, check out the colourful range of public artwork on display as part of the Kalamunda ArtWalk. The native animal mural by artist Melski McVee is located at the top of Central Mall, while the Horse and Whim sculpture by Nicholas Compton is situated in the Town Square.
Kalamunda is also home to a plethora of boutique shops, three op shops, and speciality food stores. If you’re in need of a few recommendations, browse the range at Replenish, Herb Circle, Perth Mosaic, First Avenue Homewares and Gifts, Our Flower Shop, Dreams, and you definitely can’t go past The Cheese Shop!
11:00 am: Visit the Zig Zag Cultural Centre
Stop by the Perth Hills Kalamunda Visitor Centre, where the staff will help you plan a day perfect for you. As well as invaluable visitor information, you’ll find a selection of Australian-made gifts, souvenirs, and books made by local artisans.
From here, you can visit the neighbouring Zig Zag Gallery, home to a diverse range of sculpture, ceramic, photography, and mixed media exhibitions from professional and hobby artists. The exhibitions run for an average of three weeks, so there’s always something new to experience and enjoy. From Saturday, May 11th to Sunday, June 9th, revel in Paper Treasures, a group exhibition of print and risograph communities from around the world. The exhibition will include printmaking workshops, artist talks, and Kalamunda’s first zine fair! While you’re at it, visit The Wagon Gift Shop which stocks everything from locally-made jewellery and paintings to woodwork.
11:45 am: Kalamunda History Village
The Visitor Centre is also the place to purchase tickets to the Kalamunda History Village. The authentic folk museum is the state’s largest and depicts the way of life in the hills and surrounding industries. It’s also home to the original train station buildings, where — until its closure in 1949 — the railway line ran through. You’ll also find a series of heritage buildings and vehicles that have been moved from their original locations and decorated to reflect life in the early days of the settlement. Pick a perch at one of the picnic tables to enjoy your treat from the Farmers Market.
12:45 pm: Lunch in the Bickley Valley
Head to the Bickley Valley — home of the Bickley Valley Taste Trail and farm gate producers — for a lunchtime feast. Autumn is the perfect time to visit as the vineyards turn from verdant green to tones of auburn and mustard. Wind your way through magnificent scenery to Hainault Vineyard for a tasty lunch platter or to The Packing Shed for something more substantial. At an elevation of 400 metres, the boutique cellar door is the state’s highest vineyard, nestled in Jarrah forest on the Darling Scarp. Here, all wines are made from estate-grown, hand-harvested fruit, using minimal interventions and sustainable practices. Be sure to try their lip-smacking variety of red and white wines, including the award-winning sparkling pinot noir and chardonnay.
2:00 pm: Perth Observatory Guided Tour
Revel in the beauty of the verdant Bickley Valley with a scenic drive to WA’s oldest observatory. The site is known for uncovering 35 minor planets between 1970 and 1999. As well as co-discovering Uranus’s ring system and the super-earth exoplanet OGLE-2005-BLG-390lb. You’ll discover the observatory’s prolific historical tapestry and wonders of the universe on a guided journey through time, from its beginnings in Mount Eliza in 1896 to Bickley in 1966. You’ll witness the Meridian, Astrograph, and Calver telescopes, learn about timekeeping and explore the museum packed with historical instruments, through a lens of past and present.
4:00 pm: Mini golf and dinner at Masonmill
For a round of mini golf on the 18-hole course and dinner in a dreamy forest setting, head to Masonmill. Sporting a fresh and revitalised menu plus an extensive selection of local drinks, there’s no better time to visit. Food-wise, the squid and prawn chilli linguine is a favourite, alongside the pan-fried gold band snapper, ribeye, and chicken parmigiana.
6:30 pm: Lions Lookout in Korung National Park
For your final day trip stop, check out the amazing views over Perth at Lions Lookout in Korung National Park. There really is no better place to park up for sunset and to watch the twinkling lights below. You’ll be forgiven for snapping a photo or taking the opportunity to indulge in a bottle from Hainault Vineyard. You might even spot a friendly quenda!
Stay the Night: Redtail Cottage
If you don’t want your day trip to end, Perth Hills Kalmunda is a fabulous destination for a convenient weekend getaway. So why not stay the night? Nestled on a 13-acre farm in the fruit-growing region of Pickering Brook, Redtail Cottage is the ideal place to unwind and relax. The charming, self-contained, three-bedroom cottage is surrounded by picturesque state forests and orchards, so you’ll experience the magnificent scenery and wildlife the area is renowned for.
