Forty-five minutes. That’s all it takes to get out of Perth and into the calm, green solitude of the Perth Hills. One minute you’re weaving through lunch-hour foot traffic in the CBD, the next you’re winding through gum-lined streets to the soundtrack of kookaburras.
Welcome to Mundaring, the picture-perfect pocket where nature, adventure, history, creativity, plates, and pours meet, all within a stone’s throw of the city. From cascading waterfalls and winding trails to sun-dappled vineyards and pubs that honour the past, here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Mundaring.
Chase waterfalls and wildflowers
The Makuru rains have worked their magic. Thanks to August bringing the highest level of rainfall in a few decades, Mundaring’s waterfalls are dramatically cascading, Beelu National Park smells of fresh eucalyptus, and Lake Leschenaultia is full (albeit frosty).
We’re now in Djilba (the Noongar season running from August to September) and the wildflowers along the Railway Reserve Heritage Trail are showing off, while sunrise at Mundaring Weir sets the hills aglow.
Trails, tales, and ales
The trails in Mundaring are as varied as the people who tackle them. Lace up at golden hour and tackle the Eagle Bay Trail, trade your boots for a bike and pedal the legendary Munda Biddi through the towering karri forests, or push your limits at Goat Farm Mountain Bike Park.
Guided walks with Hike Collective and Off the Beaten Track make it easy to go further and learn about the land you’re on. And for a reward that truly tastes earned, the Pedal and Pint Trail winds past the area’s historic taverns and pubs, each stop an invitation to toast your efforts. Post-cycle sips in the Perth Hills somehow taste sweeter than any inner-city pour.
History meets creativity
History is poured into every pint in Mundaring. The region’s historic pubs and taverns — Parkerville Tavern, The Mahogany Inn and Distillery, Mundaring Weir Hotel, Mundaring Hotel, Sawyers Valley Tavern, Chidlow Tavern, and Mount Helena Tavern — are steeped in the stories of the settlers, travellers, and pioneers who shaped the Perth Hills.
Beyond the bar, the region’s creative streak runs strong: browse the Mundaring Arts Centre, wander the intimate Juniper Galleries, or put your art skills to the test with a paint ‘n’ sip at Meraki Boho.
There’s plenty for the little ones, too. Kids can burn off energy at Mundaring Sculpture Park and play with the goats on a farm tour at Daw Family Farm or Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary. It’s heritage you can drink, walk through, and share with the whole family.
Slow mornings, long lunches, and artisan flavours
Mornings in Mundaring start slow. Follow your nose to locally roasted coffee at Daily Goods, White’s Mill & Grind, or Café Mojo, and settle in for a seasonal breakfast plate that will fuel you for the day of exploration.
Lunches are just as long, and often linger into golden hour with a glass in hand, whether that glass holds a cool-climate wine at Darlington Estate, a local craft beer at Parkerville Tavern, or a spirit that takes you back in time at Mahogany Inn.
Time your visit with the weekly Mundaring Garden and Farmers Market and you’ll be able to see, taste, and take home the region’s finest in one hit. Think local honey straight from the hive, still-warm sourdough, artisan cheeses, and the kind of preserves you’ll be planning your breakfasts around.
Seasonal moments to savour
Makuru’s misty mornings and afternoon rainbows offer endless opportunities for budding photographers to capture the magic of the Perth Hills. Djilba follows, bringing serene sunset walks along Eagle View Trail and clear night skies made for stargazing. These seasonal shifts are fleeting, yet utterly enchanting. Mundaring offers a front-row seat to all that nature has to offer.
Whether you’ve come for the trails, the taverns, or the tranquil views, Mundaring has all the makings of a rewarding road trip without the hours spent behind the wheel. Pack your camera, your appetite, and your sense of adventure — the Perth Hills are waiting.
