Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DARLING RANGE
Commonly known as the Perth Hills, this forest-covered escarpment provides the city with
a green backdrop and offers great spots for picnicking, barbecues, bushwalking and rub-
bing shoulders with wild kangaroos. Leafy suburbs nestle at its feet, along with a few
dozen wineries.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kalamunda
POP 54,700
Kalamunda is a well-heeled township on the crest of the Darling Range. The area began as
a timber settlement, but it's since become a quieter residential haven close to the city (it's a
30-minute drive from Perth).
The main shopping area on Haynes St has good pubs and cafes. Nearby is
Stirk Cottage
(
www.kalamundahistoricalsociety.com
;
Kalamunda Rd;
2-4pm Sun)
F
, built of mud, saplings and
shingle in 1881.
For walkers, Kalamunda is the northern terminus of the
Bibbulmun Track
, which starts near
the shops and heads into the forest of
Kalamunda National Park
.
From Zig-Zag Dr, just north of Kalamunda off Lascelles Pde, there are fantastic views
over Perth to the coast. The drive through the forested hills to Mundaring via Mundaring
Weir Rd is also wonderful, but watch out for kangaroos.
ARALUEN BOTANIC PARK
South of Kalamunda, just off Brookton Hwy, is
Araluen Botanic Park
(
www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au
;
362
Croyden Rd, Roleystone; adult/child $4/2; 9am-6pm) . Constructed in the 1920s by the Young Australia
League (YAL) as a bush retreat, the park was neglected for years and became overgrown. The state government
purchased it in 1990 and has since restored its elaborate garden terraces, waterfalls and ornamental pool. The
spring tulip displays are wonderful.
8
Getting There & Away
From Perth, buses 283, 295, 296, 298 and 299 all head to Kalamunda ($4.90, 47 minutes).
