Escape the city for a meander through picturesque country scenes, revelling in life’s simple pleasures and the bygone eras of the Perth countryside. This lovely daytrip of just 169 kilometres is best experienced in September and October, when the sweet scent of wildflowers wafts through the air.
Just under an hour south of Perth on the banks of the serene Murray River, historic Pinjarra dates back to the 1830s. Pinjarra was originally founded on the lands of the Binjareb tribe of the Bibblumun nation and infamous for the Battle of Pinjarra and the Fairbridge Farm School for British orphans. Today, it’s home to the 1.2-kilometre Edenvale Heritage Precinct studded with historic buildings, most famously the Edenvale Homestead – the former residence of Western Australian premier Sir Ross McLarty. Nosey your way through its 17 rooms, nibble on scones with jam and lashings of cream in the tearooms, and stop and smell the heritage roses.
The enchanting treescapes of Dwellingup, a short drive from Pinjarra, is a gem, hiding walking trails and bubbling rivers. Ride your way through dense Jarrah forests of the Darling Ranges on the endearing Hotham Valley Railway steam engine, or dine in the 1919 vintage carriage evoking ye-olde charm.
Looping back to Perth, the Peel Region’s very own wine region has been enticing visitors with lovingly made local drops, perfected over 150 years. Shiraz, chardonnay, zinfandel, viognier… It’s all here, and it’s all good. Meet the makers at the cellar door, then fill your belly with delicious local produce.
Finish up at the Peel Zoo, where you can cuddle up with a sugar glider, pat a dingo, pose with a koala or feed kangaroos – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser (especially for the kids) and a lovely way to round out the afternoon.
