Nestled approximately 45 kilometres from the Perth CBD, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale spans an impressive 905 square kilometres. With the picturesque Darling Scarp as a backdrop, the area is home to beautifully forested hills and stunning natural attractions. Whether you’re a local or not, Serpentine Jarrahdale is a hot day trip destination worthy of a little exploration. Here’s our guide to what to do and where to eat and drink along the way.
Day Trip Itinerary
From hiking Serpentine Falls to horse riding and an overnight stay in a tiny cabin, there are so many ways to while away the hours in Serpentine Jarrahdale.
8:00 am: Hit the road
The early bird gets the worm so hit the road early and make your way to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. First stop: the famed Serpentine National Park.
9:00 am: Explore Serpentine Falls
Western Australia is home to a plethora of spectacular national parks, and Serpentine National Park is one of them. Unsurprisingly, Serpentine Falls is the star of the show, known for attracting hordes of crowds each year. When the winter rains arrive, water cascades down 15 metre granite outcrops into a rock-lined pool below, transforming it into a beloved swimming and picnicking destination.
The area is known to reach capacity before 10:00 am, so it’s a good idea to arrive as close to 8:30 am as you can. After paying the $15.00 entry free, spend the morning bushwalking, kangaroo watching, and picnicking. Falls Walk Trail, Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track, and Kitty’s Gorge are three trails of varying difficulty that kick off from the falls. If you’re a wildflower enthusiast, we recommend visiting during September for the finest displays.
12:00 pm: Check out the Old Post Museum
Built in 1896, the Old Post Office Museum not only serves as a tourist centre, but a museum, documenting the area’s history. Set on Jarrahdale Road, it’s also home to a vast collection of unique records and photos and is the starting point of many guided walks, run by the Jarrahdale Heritage Society.
1:00 pm: Lunch at Millbrook Winery
Nestled among jarrah forests and expansive vistas of the gradient terrain, Millbrook Winery is located at the charming Chestnut Farm. The carefully curated menu nods to sustainability and locality, with dishes crafted with the fruit and vegetables grown in the one-acre garden and 90-year-old orchard. Expect haricot bean and broccoli risotto, line-caught rankin cod, and berbere spiced pumpkin and Berkshire pork, paired with matching wines. It’s also the picture-perfect winery for a photo opportunity.
3:00 pm: Horse riding at Jarrahdale Equestrian Centre
If you’re down for a little adrenaline-pumped adventure at the farm gate, pull on the cowboy boots and buckle up for a horse-riding junket at Jarrahdale Equestrian Centre. For those wanting to connect with nature and its many inhabitants, a peaceful horseback ride through the enchanting countryside might just be the perfect way to while away the hours.
This stunning 150 hectare property on the foothills of Perth’s Darling Range is the perfect place to boost your confidence while being at one with nature on the back of a gentle Australian stock horse. It’s never too late to learn a new skill, so whether you’re a horse fanatic or a complete novice, all are welcome.
5:30 pm: Stay in a Heyscape tiny cabin
Tiny cabins have become a novelty accommodation option for holidaymakers eager to swap the crowds and bustling cities with an experience grounded in nature. With the fresh air by day and sky full of stars by night, the miniature abodes provide an eco-friendly and convenient yet minimal countryside stay.
Surrounded by trees and picturesque vistas, stay overnight in the Serpentine Heyscape Cabin, nested on the edge of Karnet Nature Reserve. With plenty of friendly horses and sheep roaming free, the experience will be one of a kind.