WINE TRAILS
Bickley & Carmel Valleys Wine Trail
Situated approximately 35 minutes drive east of Perth and nestled in the Darling Ranges, the beautiful Bickley and Carmel Valleys form part of the Perth Hills, Western Australia. Beautiful forests, extraordinary wildflowers, tranquil bush walking trails, bird and animal life, creeks and waterfalls, are just some of the scenic attractions.
The Perth Hills Wine Region is gradually becoming known as an alternative destination to sample fine wines only half an hour from the city, and the beautiful Bickley & Carmel Valleys, behind Kalamunda, have a cluster of boutique wineries which are well worth a visit.
An easy day’s outing from Perth, the Bickley & Carmel Valley Wine Trail comprises award-winning vineyards all within a few kilometres of each other.
Vistas of vineyards and orchards in the valleys make motoring a delight and driving into the Perth Hills to sample the vintner’s wares is a very pleasant outing.
Cellar doors are all open at the weekend and most will open during the week by appointment only.
Roadside fruit stalls, asparagus straight from the farm, and beautiful open gardens delight the visitor, who can stay at one of the country-style bed and breakfast facilities for the ultimate in peace and relaxation, explore the forest from the back of a camel or buy a memento from one of the local potteries or art and craft stops. Another unique experience is to visit the Perth Observatory in the Bickley Valley.
Picturesque picnic and barbeque spots abound in the national forest and parks, including the majestic Lesmurdie Falls, with its wonderful views over the city.
There is plenty to do and see in the Hills, and interest is growing in the region as another food & wine destination not far from Perth.
Chittering Valley Wine Trail
Just under an hour north-east of Perth, the Chittering Valley is far-removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its gently rolling hills form a tranquil backdrop to the myriad of orchards, farms and vineyards that dot the hillsides.
Situated up to 300 metres above sea level, the climate and soils of the Chittering Valley are quite different to those of nearby viticulture regions.
The soils of the Valley are predominantly sandy brown and red loam over clay with some granite outcrop, while the climate is typically Mediterranean with cold, wet winters and hot dry summers. These conditions are ideal for grape-growing with winter frosts ensuring good fruit set and hot summer days and cool summer nights guaranteeing grape ripening.
This easily accessible, unique and peaceful wine trail meanders through the ever-changing scenery of rural Western Australia. It's a circuit tour where every bend in the road brings the anticipation of a new country vista. You can stop and sample one of our many award winning wines and often meet the friendly people who work the small family vineyards.
There are five wineries to visit on the trail, each with their own unique character and style, each dedicated to giving visitors an exceptional wine experience.
Wines are made from the characteristic grapes of the region - Shiraz, Verdelho, Grenache, Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are just a few of the varieties visitors can sample.
Heart of Hills Wine Trail
Mundaring, the Heart of the Hills, has been a wine producing area since the 1880’s, when the first vineyards were planted in Darlington.
Today the trail offers visitors a unique experience where they can relax in the magnificent forest surround, enjoy award winning wines and meet with the operators of these boutique wineries. All this just 40 minutes from Perth.
Open on the weekends and by appointment during the week the area specialises in Method Champenoise, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Vineyards to visit include Darlington Estate, Carosa Vineyard, Lion Mill, Chidlow’s Well Winery, Malmalling Vineyard and Lake Charlotte Wines.
From gourmet meals in wonderful surroundings, to light lunches and snacks, Mundaring offers it all. There are several award winning restaurants and wineries catering to a variety of tastes. Dine alfresco during summer, or enjoy the atmosphere of a cosy fire in winter.
The area is also home to artists, craftspeople, and all those seeking some inspiration and tranquility in this busy world. Visit the studios and the galleries, experience the flora and fauna native to this area, walking trails, cycle tracks, wildflowers, bird watching, a picnic at Lake Leschenaultia, the Mundaring Weir… the list goes on and on.
If one day is just not enough consider an overnight stay. From the luxurious, to camping near the Weir, Mundaring has it all. Two lovely old hotels with modern accommodation facilities; inviting bed and breakfast establishments to pamper and relax you; and even a youth hostel!
Serpentine Valley Wine Route
The Serpentine Valley is an easy 45 minute drive on the southern fringe of Perth, you can walk, ride or drive around this beautiful valley and its surrounding hills.
Majestic scenery, stunning wildflowers, native fragrances, exotic fauna, historic towns and country markets provide an irresistible combination for all who visit.
The hills forest, streams and fertile coastal plain attracted European settlers to the land that had sustained a diverse Indigenous Australian culture for many thousands of years.
The towns of Byford, Mundijong, Jarrahdale and Serpentine reflect in various ways the rich history of the area. From the 1830’s onward European settlers established small farms for cattle, sheep, horses and crops.
In the 1870’s a thriving timber industry was driving the economy of the State. Jarrahdale was the first "Timber Town" of many throughout the South-West of the State. Dairy and poultry farms provide food for the growing population of Perth to the present day. The materials and style of the old buildings are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the pioneer workers.
The Award Winning Millbrook Winery offers daily wine tastings and sales, plus sumptuous meals served in their restaurant overlooking the lake and vineyard. On Sundays call into Rocks Gate Estate Winery as well. (Open other days by appointment.)
