The Perth Hills boast a relatively untapped treasure trove of delights for domestic, interstate and international tourists.
Its offerings rival those in the Adelaide Hills, with incredible nature trails, wineries, cideries, dining, farmers and artisan markets, arts trails and boutique accommodation.
But word of the region’s charm has not travelled as far and wide as its South Australian cousin’s stellar reputation.
Perhaps that’s because it’s only relatively recently that the Perth Hills has begun to be marketed as a complete entity, and not lumped in with the Swan Valley.
Around six years ago, the Perth Hills Tourism Alliance (PHTA) was formed as a collaboration between the five local governments which preside over the Darling Scarp – the City of Kalamunda, City of Armadale, Shire of Mundaring, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, and City of Swan (Gidgegannup).
It was recognised that together these five councils could pool their (limited) marketing resources and spruik the hills as a premier tourist destination.
Experience Perth Hills is the banner under which this alliance has been working diligently to create a buzz around the region.
And that work is already paying off – the PHTA has just been named a finalist in this year’s WA Tourism awards.
“I think it goes to show we are making a difference showcasing this unique region of the Perth Hills,” PHTA chair Barbara Hugill said.
Ironically, the pandemic was also one of the driving factors which helped invigorate interest in the Perth Hills.
Ms Hugill explained it wasn’t long after the alliance formed that COVID chimed the (thankfully temporary) death knell for global and interstate tourism, and there were fears their efforts would be in vain.
But domestic tourism went gangbusters, and Barbara said they were fielding calls from all over Perth asking for recommendations on the best bushwalking and cycling trails.
“Then of course local businesses adjusted and started offering takeaways,” she said. “And the interest in our region has just grown from there.”
Each week the Experience Perth Hills Facebook page gets thousands of hits – especially on their Trails Tuesday posts, which highlight local bushwalking gems.
And now the PHTA has another two tools in their arsenal.
Last week, the alliance officially launched the Perth Hills’ first ever glossy visitor guide at a tourism industry event, co-hosted with Destination Perth, at Araluen Botanical Park.
“When you look at the Adelaide Hills and all that’s on offer there, those same stories haven’t been told here,” Araluen Botanic Park CEO Suzy Parravicini said. “So, this is a really exciting time for us now.”
The 24-page Experience Perth Hills Visitor Guide is a visual one stop shop to all the best events, trails and road trip inspiration throughout the vast Perth Hills region.
Considering the booklet has been produced on the smell of an oily rag, it really is a thing of beauty and quality.
“I’m really excited by this – people like to have a hard copy to give to friends and family when they visit and to take away as a memory of their time here,” City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield said.
At the launch, the PHTA also took the opportunity to introduce its new user-friendly website – a comprehensive showcase for the entire Perth Hills region which is broken into five distinct categories: Things To Do; Events; Wine & Dine; Places To Stay; Plan Your Trip.
Plus, the rolling blog will showcase seasonal round-ups, listicles, and showcase ‘must-see’ visitor experiences.
“I’m looking forward to the boost in tourism these will bring to the area,” Mayor Butterfield said.
The guide will be available for download and to pick up at your local Perth Hills visitor centre soon.
