Bibbulmun Track

With its village charm, forested hills, vineyards and breathtaking views from the Darling Scarp, Kalamunda puts country living within easy reach of the city. It's also the starting point for one of the world's great long-distance walk trails, the Bibbulmun Track. <br/><br/>Driving east from Perth, you'll be transported from the city to the serenity of Kalamunda in just 30 minutes. You can even bus it from Perth in just over one hour and 20 minutes, making it an easy day trip.<br/><br/>Here, where the foothills of the coastal plains meet the Darling Scarp, lookouts offer sweeping vistas that stretch to Perth's city skyline. One of the best spots to snap those views is from Zig Zag Scenic Drive, and you'll find more great drives, picnic spots and bushwalking trails in the state forests, national parks and open spaces that cover more than 70 percent of the region. <br/><br/>A short walk from the main street brings you to the start of the Bibbulmun Track, leading into Kalamunda National Park and more than 1,000 kilometres to Albany on the south coast. Or take the five-kilometre drive to Lesmurdie Falls to view the cascading falls after winter rains. Time your visit to coincide with the spring wildflower season and you'll also be dazzled by a sea of colourful blooms.<br/><br/>For a glimpse of yesteryear, explore the impressive collection of heritage buildings at the Kalamunda History Village, or head for Stirk Cottage and Park - the first house to be built in Kalamunda (circa 1881) which demonstrates the amazing resourcefulness of early pioneers. <br/><br/>Lovers of art are invited to view the extensive public artworks, including the largest community-built stained glass window in Australia. You'll also find a huge variety of galleries and regular craft markets, not to mention a packed events calendar featuring the Perth Hills Wine Show (September), Zig Zag Festival (October), Kalamunda Agricultural Show (April) and the Harvest Festival (May). <br/><br/>Dining and shopping options offer just as much variety as the range of accommodations, from charming bed and breakfasts and historic hotels to family-friendly caravan parks.

Set in the picturesque upper reaches of the Blackwood River Valley, Balingup is an inspiration to many artisans, from artists and crafts people to wine makers and providors of gourmet produce. Follow one of Western Australia's top tourist drives, or take to the walking trails to sample the riches this region has to offer.<br/><br/>Take the two hour and 40 minute drive south of Perth to reach the forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, vineyards and lush orchards of Balingup. Or, enjoy the journey at a slower pace, walking the Bibbulmun Track - one of the world's greatest long distance trails, stretching almost 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda in Perth to Albany on the south coast. <br/><br/>The track meanders through Balingup's Golden Valley Tree Park - a six hectare collection of trees from around the world that forms the largest arboretum in Western Australia. Here, you can find beauty in every season, from moody winter mists, to spring blossoms and the golden glow of autumn leaves.<br/><br/>Venturing further afield, the top rated Blackwood River Tourist Drive takes in some of the region's most scenic landscapes, fascinating historical landmarks, top fishing spots and pretty picnic areas.<br/><br/>The best of the Blackwood's art, craft, handcrafted pottery, jewellery, sculpture, alpaca knitwear, herbal products, antiques and collectables can all be discovered in and around the village, not to mention a tempting array of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, fresh produce and local wines.<br/><br/>You'll be just as spoilt for choice if you decide to make Balingup your base for a country escape, with a wide range of family-friendly accommodation and romantic retreats to choose from.

The delightful Blackwood River which flows through the south west of the State offers some excellent scenic walk trails along its banks. The Blackwood is the largest river in the south west and begins its journey near the wheat belt town of Wagin, before flowing through Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup to its final meeting place at the coastal waters of Augusta.<br/><br/>The towns of Bridgetown and Nannup offer the easiest access. There are many walk trails along the river from these towns, and you can also go canoeing and kayaking along some stretches. <br/><br/>Go bird watching and see native water birds and forest species from special bird hides in Nannup. <br/><br/>Enjoy the tranquillity of a forest walk in Bridgetown which takes you deep into the picturesque Blackwood Valley.<br/><br/>Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon relaxing by the water. <br/><br/>Bridgetown and Nannup are about a three hour drive south of Perth.

Gloucester Tree rises above the karri forest of Gloucester National Park and remains one of Western Australia's most iconic visitor attractions. Following recent upgrades and reopening, visitors can once again climb the famous tree and enjoy spectacular views across the South West landscape.<br/><br/>Originally used as a fire lookout, the Gloucester Tree helped forestry workers monitor the surrounding forests for signs of bushfire before aerial surveillance became common. Named after the Duke of Gloucester, it stands today as an important reminder of the region's forestry heritage.<br/><br/>Whether you're seeking adventure or a leisurely day in nature, the area offers plenty to enjoy. Explore the surrounding karri forest, take a picnic among the towering trees, spot native wildlife, or discover nearby walking trails.<br/><br/>Climbing information:<br/>- The lookout platform sits 37 metres above the ground and is reached via steel pegs attached to the trunk. The climb is physically demanding and includes steep sections.<br/><br/>For a safe visit:<br/>- Wear enclosed, sturdy footwear.<br/>- Leave backpacks and bulky items on the ground.<br/>- Secure phones, cameras and loose belongings.<br/>- Do not climb if you have a medical condition, limited mobility or a fear of heights.<br/>- Children should be closely supervised.<br/>- If you're not confident climbing, enjoy the surrounding forest from ground level.

The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk gives you a bird's eye view of some of the tallest timber giants on Earth - Western Australia's majestic tingle trees. Climbing 40 metres into the forest canopy and meandering through the treetops for 600 metres, the walk trail is the first of its kind, designed to maximise views and minimise impact.<br/><br/>This peaceful and exhilarating experience can be encountered 15 minutes east of Walpole, on Western Australia's south coast. It takes approximately four and half hours to drive there from Perth and also features on many extended coach tour itineraries.<br/><br/>The Tree Top Walk sits within the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness Area, offering spectacular views over densely forested hills. Descending to the boardwalks below to explore the Ancient Empire Walk, you'll enter a grove of towering veteran tingle trees. These giant eucalypts are found nowhere else in Australia, or on Earth as a matter of fact, and some have been standing for more than 400 years. <br/><br/>Be sure to add this multi-award winning attraction to your holiday wish list and take a moment to sit and reflect on the special nature of the tingle forest.

Peaceful Bay is a picturesque coastal holiday destination on the edge of the Southern Ocean just 33 kilometres east of Walpole town site. It is part of what was once a large coastal grazing lease used by landowners from the Warren and Cranbrook areas as summer grazing for their cattle.<br/><br/>It's a chilled-out seaside holiday spot just a 40-minute drive from Denmark or a five-hour drive from Perth. You can also take a well-earned rest stop here if you're making the epic journey on foot along the Bibbulmun Track - one of the world's greatest long-distance trails.<br/><br/>If you just fancy a leisurely walk, join the Bibbulmun Track at Peaceful Bay and enjoy the rugged south coast scenery on the way to Point Irwin.<br/><br/>In spring, the dunes and coastal bushlands are carpeted in the colourful blooms of wildflowers.<br/><br/>If you prefer to explore on four wheels, there are several unsealed tracks leading through the Walpole-Nornalup National Park.<br/><br/>Head for Conspicuous Cliff with a pair of binoculars, between July and October, and watch for spouting, breaching and tail-slapping whales as they pass by on their annual migration.

<p>The world-class Adventure Trail town of Collie is an outdoor playground for travellers and campers seeking a nature hit. Wind your way through pristine forests as you hike or bike Collie’s bush tracks and trails, white-water raft through spectacular river valleys and navigate blue lakes by canoe or kayak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The town of Denmark is a natural beauty where the rugged wilderness of tall tree forests and tiny, knee-high wildflowers meet emerald green lagoons studded with rounded boulders. Denmark sits peacefully at the end of a five hour road trip, south of Perth. You can also fly in via Albany (Kinjarling), a coastal city 40 minutes away. Limited coach lines reach Denmark.</p>