Looking for an easy day trip that feels like a mini-holiday without leaving Perth? Kalamunda and the Bickley Valley are perfect for families who love fresh air, big trees and plenty of things to see and do. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find waterfalls, bushwalks, mini golf, markets, Playgrounds, fruit orchards and child‑friendly cafés and wineries. Whether you’ve got pram-aged littlies, adventurous tweens or hard-to-please teens, there’s something here to fill a relaxed morning, or a whole day in the Perth Hills.
Kalamunda History Village
Next to the Zig Zag Cultural Centre, Kalamunda History Village is WA’s largest open‑air museum and a brilliant way for kids to step back in time. Curious little ones can climb aboard the old steam train, peek inside the schoolhouse and post office, and see how families lived in the hills over 100 years ago – complete with vintage vehicles, machinery and even an old dunny that always gets a giggle. Read the Buggybuddys review of Kalamunda History Village here.
56 Railway Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.kalamundahistoryvillage.com
Lesmurdie Falls
Just a 10‑minute drive from Kalamunda, Lesmurdie Falls in Mundy Regional Park is a stunning family‑friendly bushwalk, especially in winter and spring when the waterfall is roaring and wildflowers are out. There are short trails suited to younger kids that lead to lookouts over the escarpment, with sweeping views back to the city, plus plenty of picnic spots to soak it all in. Read the Buggybuddys review of Lesmurdie Falls here.
Falls Road, Lesmurdie WA 6076 – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/lesmurdie-falls
Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail
The Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail is a sweet, low‑cost adventure for little imaginations. Pick up a fairy map from the Kalamunda Visitor Centre, then wander through town and nearby Stirk Park hunting for colourful, hand‑painted fairy doors hidden in nooks and crannies. It’s an easy way to get kids walking without complaints, and you can pair it with a café stop or Playground visit. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Kalamunda Fairy Door Trail here.
Kalamunda Visitor Centre, 50 Railway Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.experienceperthhills.com.au
Kalamunda Water Park
Open over the warmer months, Kalamunda Water Park is a budget‑friendly way to cool off in the hills. Families can spread out on the shady grass with a picnic while the kids move between the leisure pool, toddler pool and lap pool, or brave the two refurbished waterslides. It’s a relaxed, old‑school waterpark that’s ideal for primary‑aged kids and younger. Read the Buggybuddys review of Kalamunda Water Park here.
Cnr Canning Road & Collins Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/recreation-facilities/kalamunda-water-park
Stirk Park, Kalamunda
Stirk Park is a beautiful green space right in Kalamunda, perfect for a picnic, scooter ride or big run‑around. The huge adventure Playground has something for every age – from toddler‑friendly areas through to big tube slides, climbing structures and a flying fox for older kids. There’s also a modern skatepark and bowl, shady trees and plenty of room to kick a ball. Read the Buggybuddys review of Stirk Park here.
Kalamunda Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au
Bushwalking in Kalamunda (Including Whistlepipe Gully)
Kalamunda is a major hub for Perth Hills bushwalking, with everything from sections of the iconic Bibbulmun Track to shorter family‑friendly trails. A popular choice with kids is Whistlepipe Gully in Lesmurdie – a picturesque track that follows a bubbling stream, with rocks to scramble on and plenty of spots to stop for snacks. It’s dog‑friendly and particularly lovely in winter and spring. Read the Buggybuddys review of Whistlepipe Gully here.
Whistlepipe Gully: End of Lewis Road, Forrestfield WA 6058 – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mundy
Rollerrama, Kalamunda
Rollerrama brings retro fun back to the Perth Hills with an indoor roller skating rink that’s perfect for parties, school holiday sessions and burning off energy on wet or hot days. Kids can wobble around with hire skates, join in games to classic tunes and build confidence on wheels, while parents relive their 80s and 90s skate nights from the sidelines.
18 Owen Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.rollerrama.com.au
Kalamunda Artwalk
The Kalamunda Artwalk is an easy way to add a little culture to your day out. Grab a self‑guided map from the Visitor Centre and stroll through town spotting colourful murals and public art pieces tucked along laneways, on walls and in small open spaces. It’s pram‑friendly, free, and a nice way to break up café stops and Playground time.
Kalamunda town centre, starting at 50 Railway Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.experienceperthhills.com.au
Pic Credit: Debbie Collins Photography
Kalamunda MTB Trails
Older kids and teens who love riding will be in their element on the Kalamunda Mountain Bike Trails. This well‑known network near the old Calamunda Camel Farm offers a mix of green, blue and more advanced trails that wind through native bushland. Families can start on the easier loops and build up confidence, making it a great place to introduce kids to singletrack riding. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Kalamunda MTB Trails here.
Kalamunda Trailhead, 199 Hummerston Road, Piesse Brook WA 6076 – https://www.kalamundacollective.com.au/mountain-biking
The Zig Zag, Gooseberry Hill
The Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a memorable way to arrive in – or leave – the Kalamunda and Bickley Valley region. This one‑way, winding road was once a railway route for hauling timber and now offers incredible views over Perth from the edge of the escarpment. Kids will love the tight bends and lookout stops where you can hop out for photos, especially near sunset. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Zig Zag here.
Zig Zag Scenic Drive, Gooseberry Hill WA 6076 – https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au
Markets in Kalamunda
Kalamunda is a market‑lover’s dream, with three different regular markets offering plenty for families. On Sunday mornings, the weekly Kalamunda Farmers Market is packed with fresh local produce, treats, coffee and kids’ activities like a bouncy castle. The monthly Artisan Market (first Saturday) showcases handmade arts and crafts, while the seasonal Night Markets bring food trucks, live music and an easy, family‑friendly dinner option. Read the Buggybuddys review of Kalamunda Farmers Market here.
Kalamunda town centre, around Central Mall & Haynes Street, Kalamunda WA 6076 – https://www.kalamundachamber.com/markets
Perth Hills Fruit Picking and Festivals (S & R Orchard & Core Cider House)
Across the Bickley Valley, orchards come alive throughout the year with family‑friendly fruit picking and seasonal festivals. S & R Orchard is famous for its blossom festival in spring, colourful autumn leaves and Christmas fruit‑picking days in summer, complete with photo spots and themed activities. Nearby Core Cider House offers tractor‑style orchard tours, apple picking in season and a relaxed venue for lunch with space for kids to play.
S & R Orchard, 36 Halleendale Road, Walliston WA 6076 – https://srorchard.com
Core Cider House, 35 Merrivale Road, Pickering Brook WA 6076 – https://www.corecider.com.au
Mini Golf at Masonmill Gardens, Carmel
Masonmill Gardens is a one‑stop hills destination where families can easily spend a few hours. The mini golf course offers a fun challenge for all ages, surrounded by leafy gardens and tall trees. After your round, kids can explore the Playground and watch the fish in the ponds, while parents enjoy a coffee or meal in the café or beer garden. Read the Buggybuddys review of Masonmill here.
40 Masonmill Road, Carmel WA 6076 – https://www.masonmill.com.au
Kalamunda and the Bickley Valley make it easy to unplug from city life without a long drive, offering that perfect mix of nature, play, good food and fresh country air. With waterfalls to explore, markets to browse, orchards to wander and plenty of kid‑approved stops in between, you can build a day out that suits your family’s pace and budget. Pack a picnic, pop the esky in the car, and head for the hills – your next family adventure is closer than you think.
A day out in the Kalamunda and Bickley Valley region of the Perth Hills, amongst gum trees, vineyards and orchards, is a lot of fun for the whole family. There’s family friendly cafes and wineries, bushwalking, mini golf, museums, a waterpark and more! Be sure to check out the quaint town of Kalamunda and the neighbouring Bickley Valley wine region – they’re packed full of family fun!
Suggested Itinerary for Kalamunda and the Bickley Valley
- 9am – Breakfast at a Kalamunda café, followed by a play in Stirk Park.
- 10am – Take an esky and browse the Kalamunda Farmers Market (Sunday Mornings)
- 10.30am – Explore the Kalamunda History Village.
- 11.30am – A short bushwalk to Lesmurdie Falls. (best winter and spring)
- 12.30am – Drive around the Bickley Valley wineries, stopping for lunch.
- 3.30pm – Mini Golf at Masonmill.
Get more information on the Kalamunda and the Bickley Valley on the Experience Perth Hills website.
Find more things to do in Perth here.
- About the Author
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
And don’t forget to drop by ‘Bickley Valley Fresh’ on your drive through Bickley. It’s a family run Orchard open to the public every Friday and Saturday . Offers local fresh fruit and veggies. Located next to’ Plume Estate’ !
[…] Discover more family-friendly things to do in Kalamunda here. […]
[…] city centre. Masonmill, Core Cider House, Kalamunda town and Lesmurdie Falls are all close by too (see our big guide here), so be sure to make a day of it and enjoy spring in the Perth Hills! […]