Mundaring

Mundaring invites you into the heart of the hills to wander through some of Western Australia's oldest conservation areas, marvel at one of the world's great engineering feats, Mundaring Weir, or hit the epic Munda Biddi Bike Trail. An easy day trip from Perth, just follow the Great Eastern Highway and you'll arrive in Mundaring within 40 minutes. From here, it's a leisurely drive through the forests to reach Mundaring Weir, engineered by C Y O'Connor in the 1890s to feed freshwater to the goldfields 560 kilometres to the east. To continue your historical journey, head for the original steam pumping station or follow the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail into the outback. Other adventures await at the start of the Munda Biddi Bike Trail, one of few places on Earth where you can cycle hundreds of kilometres off-road through stunning biodiversity hotspots. There's also the Railway Heritage Trail that retraces the 70-kilometre Fremantle to York railway line, passing through Western Australia's first conservation area, John Forrest National Park, and revealing the unique history and character of the small settlements that sprang up along the railway line. The trail is suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding - a great way to experience the forests and bushland where native wildlife and spring wildflowers abound. An early morning walk in the cooler months can be a magical experience as the mist rises in the treetops. These are the sights that feed the souls of local artists who exhibit their works in the local galleries and Mundaring Community Sculpture Park. Lovers of landscaping can also wander through the creations of Mundaring's most gifted gardeners in spring and autumn, and on star-filled summer evenings, the bush plays host to an array of cultural and music events, including the outdoor cinema. Spend the day sampling the Hill's fine wining and dining options, or stay and enjoy more of Mundaring's hospitality at a farm stay, cottage, hotel or bed and breakfast.