Located within a 40-minute drive of the Perth CBD, Perth Hills Armadale is known for magnificent parks, vibrant diversity of flora and fauna, and a rich arts and culture scene. Characterised by charming tree-cloaked hills, blissful dams, and boutique-style culinary operators, natural beauty isn’t all the destination has to offer. Its close proximity to the city makes it the perfect day trip location and the best time of year to visit is now.
Whether you’re a foodie, hiking enthusiast, day-tripping with the family, or a Perth local, we’ve done the leg work, so you don’t have to. Here are the best events to feast and sip on.
The month of October will bring these must-see events, and you’d be crazy not to check them out. Head to the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to collect your festival program.
Armadale Highland Gathering and the Perth Kilt Run
Celebrate all things Scottish at WA’s largest Highland Gathering event. Expect kilts, bagpipes and a medieval fair! The best thing is you don’t even need to be of Scottish descent to take part in the annual tradition at Minnawarra Park in Armadale. The morning begins with the quirky Perth Kilt Run — Australia’s only fun run featuring traditional Scottish attire. You’ll sign up for a damn good time while also raising much-needed charity funds when you register for the fully wheelchair accessible 2.5km Classic or the 5km Warrior — you’ll even have the option to buy your own kilt.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. After some adrenaline-pumping exercise, punters can spend the day enjoying Scottish market stalls, highland dancing and pipe band competitions, as well as an opportunity to learn about your ancestry, taste the notorious haggis, and a meet and greet with Scottish dogs.
When: Sunday, 8th October
Where: Minnawarra Park
Kelmscott Agricultural Show
The Kelmscott Agricultural Show is back for another year. The two-day spectacular takes place over Rushton Park on the 20th and 21st of October, chock-full of exciting activities, entertainment, stalls, food, and adrenaline-pumping rides for the whole family. Look forward to groovy tunes and dancing, magic shows, log-chopping demonstrations, animal displays, riverside arts and craft market stalls, and the iconic sideshow alley with all the favourites for big and small.
Say hello to the friendly folks at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre and pick up your free show bags. Get the kids to enter in a colouring contest created and judged by the talented Armadale Society of Artists, plus there will also be cute cuddly Koalas from Cohunu Koala Park.
The annual City of Armadale Fireworks Spectacular will also be bigger and better than ever. Pack a picnic blanket and sit under the stars while you watch the sky light up with colour from 8:30 pm.
Where: Rushton Park
When: Friday, 20th October and Saturday, 21st October
Performance Synergy Festival
Designed to offer a space for creativity to blossom, Performance Synergy Festival is a performing arts competition with an inclusive community focus. The event involves educational workshops on the importance of resilience, kindness, mental health, and self-care to cultivate artistic development.
Where: Armadale District Hall
When: Wednesday, 4th October
Last Drop Elizabethan — Last Drop-Toberfest
Dig out your lederhosen and ready your beer belly because Last Drop-Toberfest is here for its sixth year. Think German fare, bopping live music, games, cocktails, and most importantly, beer. Known for its Tudor-inspired, charming exposed brick and wood exterior, Last Drop Elizabethan will be the location of the festivities. And what better place to celebrate than an English-style tavern in the picturesque Perth Hills.
Where: Last Drop Elizabethan
When: Saturday, 28th October
Armadale Society of Artists 36th Annual Awards & Exhibition
Showcasing a vibrant array of art mediums including textiles, sculpture, woodwork, and photography, the talented Armadale Society of Artists are holding their 36th annual art awards exhibition. Taking place at the Armadale District Hall, there will be daily demonstrations and raffles, coupled with morning and afternoon tea. Programs will also be on sale with original work on the covers.
Where: Armadale District Hall
When: Saturday, 28th October
Yesterday’s World Tour
Step back in time and take a guided journey through the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum and Telegraph Centre. Led by a jovial local guide, the tour will breathe life into the museum, including a morse code demonstration. You will conclude the tour with a complimentary morning tea from the friendly staff at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre — bookings are essential.
Where: Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum and Telegraph Centre
When: Tuesday, 14th November
Off the Beaten Track — Hidden Gems of Perth
Wildflower-dotted trails, paperbark gullies, verdant jarrah and banksia forest, ancient granite boulders, and astounding views — these are just some of the highlights of the Hidden Gems of Perth Experience. Expect an experience jam-packed with mesmerising views, lots of laughs, historical tales, flora facts, and delicious local gourmet produce from a journey that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and in awe.
Discover the beauty of the Perth Hills with a full-day hiking experience. You’ll hike Sixty Foot Falls — one of Perth’s most spectacular walking trails — and take in striking city skyline vistas. You’ll admire the geology and emerald green waters at Barrington Quarry and discover the hidden pools and nature’s spa at Roley Pool Reserve.
You’ll meander along three of Perth’s best short hiking trails (approximately 9km) while exploring some of Perth’s best-kept secrets off the beaten track. After working up an appetite, head to the scenic Naked Apple Cider in Karragullen to enjoy a two-course lunch with a glass of cider, beer, or wine whilst relaxing among six hectares of lush gardens and native bushland. The day will close with a toast to the hidden gems of Perth whilst sipping on a glass of bubbles, overlooking the Perth city skyline from a beautiful vantage point in the Darling Range.
If you’re interested in attending any of these events, head to the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre to collect your festival program and book your place. And visit the Perth Hills Armadale Instagram and Facebook page for more inspiration on what to do this October.
This article was sponsored by Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre. All images supplied.
