As we look for easy ways to get our kids off screens and into nature, the beautiful Perth Hills are the perfect place to do this. The Perth Hills run from Gidgegannup in the north, through towns of Mundaring, Kalamunda and Roleystone, down to Serpentine and Jarrahdale in the south. It’s a BIG area to explore! We’ve made this easier to explore with family by making bite sized area guides.
Here is our guide to pretty Roleystone, Karragullen, Bedfordale and surrounds – an area that makes up Perth Hills Armadale. Enjoy this area in any season – though autumn, winter and spring all have big highlights. Take a drive up the hill, via Brookton Highway, off Albany Highway in Kelmscott. If you are coming from the north, you may like to take a scenic drive through Kalamunda, Carmel and Pickering Brook to reach Roleystone.
Here’s our ultimate guide to things to do in Roleystone with kids, plus events, markets and more. So you can make your own family friendly self-guided tour!
Things to Do in Roleystone and Surrounds
Araluen Botanical Park, Roleystone
No trip to Roleystone would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Araluen Botanical Gardens. The gardens are stunning in any season, but at their most spectacular in spring, when the iconic tulip festival is held. Come for a picnic and wander amongst hundreds of thousands of colourful blooms – plus the Araluen train will be running. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Check out their website for fees and special school holiday events. See the Buggybuddys review here.
Raeburn Orchards, Roleystone
During May, Raeburn Orchard becomes an Instagram sensation with avid photographers keen to capture that golden snap! Their rows of Persimmon trees turn a deep red-orange in autumn, making for stunning photos. It’s a small fee to enter the orchard at any time of year, and it’s a lovely shady spot for a picnic too. Spring is equally lovely, with many blossom-covered fruit trees. Inside their packing shed, you’ll find their fresh picked seasonal fruit, plus lots of gourmet and artisan goodies, plus a café. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for all seasonal and festival updates. See the Buggybuddys review here.
Churchman Brook Dam, Bedfordale
This gem, which supplies drinking water to Perth, is tucked away in the Bedfordale bushland. Enjoy the water views from the top of the dam wall, and a picnic. There’s plenty of seating, BBQs, a great playground and a huge open grassed space to throw the rug or have a kick of the footy. See the Buggybuddys review here.
Borello Park, Roleystone
Borello Park has to be one of the prettiest parks in the Perth Hills. Take a picnic or share the spoils of tasty local produce on the grassed area. A playground with traditional play equipment is set amongst the trees, which look incredible in May, when the autumn leaves are falling. See the Buggybuddys review here.
Roley Pools, Roleystone
This part of the Perth Hills has plenty of bush walking trails. Roley Pools is perfect for kids, as it’s relatively short and there’s plenty of nature to explore. The Canning River runs through this area, so there’s plenty of opportunity for a paddle too. Kids can keep their eyes peeled for birds, insects, wildflowers and a rock wall that is millions of years old. Access Roley pools from Collins Road, Roleystone.
Markets and Festivals in and around Roleystone
Roleystone is most famous for its huge “It’s Yates Springtime” tulip festival, which is held in amazing Araluen Botanic Park during late August and September each year. In autumn, the Raeburn Persimmon Festival happens, where visitors have an opportunity to wander around the beautiful falling golden leaves.
There are several markets throughout the Roleystone and Perth Hills Armadale region. Bedfordale Bush Markets are held at Bedfordale Hall every second Saturday of the month from March to November, while the quarterly Roleystone Markets pop up every few months at Cross Park. Both markets offer up a mix of quality local art, craft, provisions and gourmet food stalls. If you’re looking out for fresh produce, keep your eyes peeled for road-side farm gate stalls too.
Head to the Perth Hills for plenty of things to do in Roleystone and a fun filled day out for the whole family!
Find more places to visit with kids in the Perth Hills here.
Get more information on Roleystone and Perth Hills Armadale on the Experience Perth Hills website.
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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.
