Experience a country charm across the character townships of the vibrant Perth Hills.
Armadale
Nestled in Perth's south-eastern suburbs and flanked by the Darling Scarp, the Armadale region is steeped in history, encompassing Kelmscott, one of WA's oldest towns. Stop in at the Armadale visitor centre on Jull Street for a wealth of information, including the story behind Kitty's Gorge Walk Trail - it includes a lost cow.
The heritage-listed Old Jarrah Tree, near Armadale Shopping City, is also worth a look, at more than 500 years old. If only we could count the rings on the inside...
The Minnawarra Historic Precinct is another great source of historically significant displays, encompassing the History House Museum, Minnawarra Chapel and Old Armadale School Building. Built in 1900 and transported to the Minnawarra Precinct in 1987, the school was the first brick building in the southern hemisphere to be moved intact. Alternatively, visit the Schoenstatt Shrine (meaning 'beautiful place'), a replica of the German pilgrimage site, and see if you can spot kangaroos at dusk. Of course, at the moment these spots must be admired from the outside in.
The Armadale region is also home to the striking red-tailed black cockatoo, sometimes spotted on the many walking trails available in the area. Also nearby are Serpentine, Kalamunda and Midgegooroo national parks, ideal for a picnic.
Araluen
In the Darling Range on the way to Armadale is a valley reminiscent of old England, with tudor-style architecture and a rich cultural history. Drive winding roads through deep valleys, past picturesque farms, bush reserves, cherry orchards and jarrah woodland to Araluen, one of WA's top exotic botanic gardens. Its landscaped gardens situated in a unique north-south valley have a European microclimate where exotic species like tulips, camellias and lilacs thrive.
Wungong National Park and Roley Pool Reserve offer swimming, wildflowers, picnicking and scenic walking tracks along the Canning River. Head out on a bush walk to see a quenda, brushtail possum or western grey kangaroo if you're lucky.
Kalamunda
Although it's no more than a half-hour drive from the city centre, Kalamunda seems a world away from the suburban sprawl on the coastal plain. It's on the eastern fringe of the metropolitan area; in fact, more than 70 per cent of the shire is made up of state forest, national parks, green open spaces and water catchment areas. Houses, hobby farms, vineyards and orchards are scattered throughout the foothills, which rise to meet the Darling Scarp.
Hikers come to this historic town because it is the starting point for almost 1000km of Bibbulmun Track, which winds its way down from the hills through the southwest coast to Albany. There are also plenty of tracks for mountain-biking and cycling enthusiasts. Others drop by just to breathe in the fresh air and take in the picturesque scenery.
The aptly named Zig Zag Scenic Drive, based on a now defunct railway line that transported timber from the mills to Midland, offers drivers some spectacular viewing points. The steep 3km descent has many switchbacks, with sweeping vistas over the plains across to the city.
Mundaring
Mundaring, like Kalamunda, offers a broad range of hikes and cycle paths through diverse terrain - it's the starting point for the Munda Biddi Trail.
For a fun (and low cost) family outing, pack a rug and basket and head to the hills for a picnic beside the weir or beside the waters of Lake Leschenaultia (entry is free). Thanks to the Mundaring Weir Interpretation Precinct, there are great new facilities around the area to enjoy, including sculptures, children's play areas and picnic spots with shelters and barbecues.
Image: Araluen Botanic Park.