Holiday houses in Kalamunda

Thirty minutes east of downtown Perth lies Kalamunda, a historic Western Australia town renowned for its pristine bushland, biodiverse national parks, and relaxed village vibes. Much of Kalamunda grew up along a former timber railway — now a dual-use heritage trail running from Zig Zag drive to Pickering Brook — but its trains have long since given way to modern cars and mud-spattered mountain bikes. And no wonder: With more than 40 kilometers of approved biking trails, you could spend days pedaling through dense karri forest.

In downtown Kalamunda, modern cafes offer creative menus packed with locally-grown fruits and vegetables, and a weekly farmers market sets up stalls on Sunday mornings. You can even skip the shopping and go straight to the source with tours and tastings at orchards and vineyards — just be sure to check on seasonal schedules before you plan an extended Perth Hills adventure.

Mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor exploration are best reserved for cooler months — from May through September — when the sun is less intense and it’s easier to keep yourself shaded and hydrated. For cyclists, winter rain can also be a boon for trails, helping compact soft dirt and rocks into a more stable substrate.

If you’re visiting between October and April, try to catch Kalamunda’s seasonal night market on the last Friday of each month; live music, food stalls, and local goods abound. In September and October, colorful wildflowers bloom along the Rocky Pool Walk, a five-kilometer hiking loop that ends at a cooling freshwater pool. Galleries, restaurants, and museums are accessible all year long, as is the Zig Zag drive in Gooseberry Hill.

The Zig Zag

This one-way, single-lane road winds its way down the side of the Darling Range, following a series of switchbacks — with outstanding vistas — along the former path of the timber rail line. The three-kilometer drive is open to cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, but you may need to wait in line on busier days.

Kalamunda National Park

Hike and bike through more than 300 hectares of natural forest and diverse understory. The Kalamunda National Park is home to many amazing hikes, including both the Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail and the first stretch of the Bibbulmun Track — a nearly 1,000-kilometer route winding all the way down to the town of Albany.

Weekend markets

If you’re in Kalamunda for the weekend, the markets are a must. The artisans market, open every Saturday, offers hand-crafted goods ranging from textiles to original art, ceramics, and clothes. On Sunday mornings, the farmers market brings in boxes of fresh fruit, spices, wines, and more from farms and orchards throughout the Perth Hills.