The Hills may be less than an hour’s drive from Perth CBD, but the region enchants visitors with a rural character that feels worlds away from the city. Technically the region is called the Darling Scarp, though “The Hills” is the nickname given to the area by locals. Needless to say, its simplicity doesn’t quite capture the stunning city views, silvery bushland, scenic drives and lively town centres that await.
Natural beauty is one of the biggest draws to The Hills, with the region home to a handful of national parks, state forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Lake Leschenaultia is a great place to cool off on a sultry summer’s day, while more than 40 trails wind their way through forests, gullies and valleys. For those in search of a momentous walk, the world famous Bibbulmun Track starts in The Hills and stretches for 1,000 kilometres to WA’s south coast. There are also plenty of places to wine, dine and shop, with towns like Mundaring and Kalamunda welcoming visitors with bakeries, farmers’ markets, artisan stores, cultural centres and more.
It takes just 45-minutes to reach The Hills by car, which makes it an easy day trip from the city. On weekends, locals flock to enjoy picnics, BBQs and a healthy dose of Mother Nature. That said, lots of visitors choose to escape on a mini-break and spend a night or two at one of the beautiful villages or townships. Hiring a car is the easiest way to get around, though local tour agencies also arrange group tours to popular sites and attractions.
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the fertile soil of The Hills has been nurturing vineyards since the 1880s. Today, the region is home to a well-established winemaking scene that flourishes across Darlington, Glen Forrest, Mt Helena and Wooroloo. Both the Mundaring Hills Wine Trail and the Bickley-Carmel Valley Wine Trail are wonderful ways to explore the region’s artisan cellars and taste a drop of history.