It can be so hard to switch off from our busy lives and take the time to enjoy the local landscape and the company of loved ones. A day trip is a perfect way to take a break from the daily hustle without having to worry about the logistics of organising a full-blown vacation. Just 40 minutes away from Perth CBD, the town of Kalamunda is an ideal day trip destination offering everything from hiking to farmers markets to an old fashion pub meal at the well-loved Kalamunda Hotel.
Perth Hills Visitor Centre
Begin your Kalamunda journey at the Perth Hills Visitor Centre where you’ll find wonderful staff and volunteers who will provide you with information on the best things to see and do whilst in Kalamunda. While you’re here, browse their selection of gifts and souvenirs, many of which are handmade by local artisans. The centre is open from 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 4pm on weekends and public holidays.
Zig Zag Gallery
Situated in the heart of Kalamunda, the Zig Zag Gallery is a boutique-style gallery displaying an eclectic collection of local works from emerging and professional artists. Designed to encourage, stimulate and promote local and regional cultural activities through its active and diverse exhibition program, visitors are invited to experience the history, culture and attractions on offer at the gallery. The Zig Zag Gallery is open from 9am – 4pm on weekdays and 10am – 4pm on weekends.
Credit: Darkelf Photography
Kalamunda National Park
Calling all nature-lovers! Surround yourself in the peaceful and idyllic atmosphere of the Kalamunda National Park. Known for its diversity, Kalamunda National Park is home to a range of wildlife including jarrah, marri, wandoo and butter gum trees. Bird lovers are sure to enjoy the huge array of native birdlife. Just a short walk from the centre of Kalamunda Township, the park has a number of trails of different lengths and difficulties, with the most picturesque being Schipp Road Walk and Rocky Pool Walk.
Lesmurdie Falls Image Credit: naturebynathan
Lesmurdie Falls
Just a short drive from Kalamunda Town Centre is the renowned Lesmurdie Falls National Park. With stunning views of the Swan Coastal Plain, the park offers a unique aerial view of the Perth area from its multiple lookout points. The falls themselves are considered some of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Darling Escarpment. Follow the meandering two-kilometre trail which will take you down the escarpment through lush vegetation to the base of the falls where there is a picnic area perfect for a scenic lunch in the heart of the Hills.
Bibbulmun Track Image Credit: marcokraus_
Bibbulmun Track
Kalamunda marks the starting point for hikers travelling south along the Bibbulmun Track. Stretching 100km from the Perth Hills to Albany, the trail winds through the scenic landscape of WA’s South West. Those visiting Kalamunda for the day can enjoy a gentle stroll through the early stages of the track taking in the beauty of the Darling Ranges. With spectacular views over the open woodlands of Marri Forrest, the terrain boasts a diverse array of natural beauty. Be sure to sport a sturdy pair of shoes and pack plenty of water when exploring the area, and don’t forget to shoot some pictures of the breathtaking landscape for the socials.
Kalamunda Farmers Market
Enter into a world of gourmet food and artisanal produce every Sunday morning from 8am to noon at the Kalamunda Farmers Market. With live music, a guaranteed tasty breakfast and a bouncy castle for the kids, the Kalamunda Farmers Market is the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday morning with the family. Stock up on all things grown, caught, pickled, preserved and baked, and make sure to bring your reusable shopping bags to reduce plastic waste!
Kalamunda Artisan Market
With over 170 stalls, the Kalamunda Artisan Market, held every first Saturday of the month, features a diverse range of handcrafted and homegrown products and local produce. Originally founded by the Rotary Club of Kalamunda for fundraising purposes, the market has grown to become one of Perth’s top tourism destinations. If you’re in need of a unique piece to spice up your home or a quirky gift, make sure to check out Kalamunda Artisan Market’s range of art and homeware, fuelled by independent designers and artisans.
Kalamunda History Village
Kalamunda History Village is the largest local history museum in WA, containing exhibits that showcase Kalamunda’s unique history and development from the town’s days as a timber and orchard district to its current status as a popular destination for Perthians. Managed by the Kalamunda and Districts History Society, the History Village offers a glimpse into early 1900s Kalamunda with displays featuring original buildings and train stations from the early 1900s, including the town’s original post office and railway station.
Credit: Photograph: Supplied/Kalamunda Water Park
Kalamunda Water Park
Dive into a world of fun under the sun with you kids at Kalamunda Water Park! With a 50m Olympic-sized pool, a wading pool, toddlers pool, and not one, but two exciting tube slides, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone. Kalamunda Water Park is open from 9am to 6pm every day of the week, so grab your bathers and sunscreen, and head on over for a fun day in the sun! For the latest on waterslide hours and the epic giant inflatables, be sure to check out their website.
Kalamunda Hotel
A nucleus of social activity, the Kalamunda Hotel, built in 1928, has played a significant role throughout the years, providing a place for workers and visitors, commercial travellers and holidaymakers to gather and reside. The hotel even served as a refuge during World War II. Hotel staff will not only share stories of Kalamunda itself but you may even be lucky enough to hear one of the supernatural tales surrounding the hotel, including the story of a pregnant teenage girl jumping off the Hotel balcony. Treat yourself to hearty pub classics, made from locally sourced ingredients, in the hotel’s bustling pub or catch the latest game at the Sports Bar with a beer to round out a relaxing day. Kalamunda Hotel is open from 10am till late 7 days a week.
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