Keeping the children entertained during the holidays has never been so easy. Let the Nearer to Nature team captivate the kids with fun-filled activities designed to capture the imaginations of children.

The activities listed below will be held at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre, near Mundaring Weir. For a full list of activities throughout Perth visit the Nearer to Nature website.

Saturday 2 October
Bob Cooper Outback Survival has been conducting outback safety courses for 40 years and is offering one day survival courses near Chidlow. Subjects include the five priorities for survival; water, warmth, shelter, signals, food, plus many more to make your outdoor excursion safer and more enjoyable. 
The cost is $180.00 per person and the course runs from 8.45am - 4.30pm. Find out more on the Bob Cooper Outback Survival website

Saturday 2 October & Sunday 3 October
Head to The Parky for a weekend of frivolity and celebrate Oktoberfest in the Perth Hills. 
• Parky-branded one litre and half litre steins    (and fills) available to purchase
• Best dressed receive a “drink on the house”    (lunch and dinner)
• Themed menu includes Pork Knuckle,
  Bratwurst and Sauerkraut
• Whitelakes Brewing Bohemian Pilsner on
   tap
LIVE music both days. Find out more here

Sunday 3 October
2021 marks the 18th year of presenting world class chamber music in the wonderful setting of the Darlington Village. Join some of WA's finest musicians for an afternoon of beautiful music, followed by afternoon tea at the iconic Darlington Hall. The final concert for this series will celebrate three extraordinary women composers: Emma Greenhill, Clara Schumann and Amy Beach.
More info. on website. Concert starts 3pm. Darlington Hall, Owen Rd, Darlington

Saturdays 2, 16 & 30 October (fortnightly)
The new Mundaring Garden and Farmers Market celebrates garden and fresh produce with some amazing local businesses.

Located near Sculpture Park, currently fortnightly on Saturday mornings (once there are more stall holders on board it is planned for this to switch to a weekly markets).

8am-12 noon, Mundaring Sculpture Park, Jacoby Street, Mundaring. View Facebook page

Opening Sunday 3 October
Juniper Galleries is open weekends 10-5 and weekdays by booking T: 0481 062 614. Explore the monthly exhibitions of talented WA artists and the extensive private collection of works by the late Robert Juniper. Lit from Within is showing through October featuring Sarah Abbott, Shannah Mitchell, Joie Villeneuve, Regina Noakes, Gulia Gataullina, Pene Turner, Emma Lashmar and more! Wheelchair, bark and tantrum friendly. Sponsored by Juniper Wines. 41a Dalry Rd Darlington. View website

Saturday 9 October
Nominations are now open for the popular Darlington Cup Mixed Pairs event being held at Mundaring Golf Course this month. Mixed 2 Person Ambrose 18 holes $25 pp, which includes a light lunch and some excellent prizes. 

Mundaring Golf Course, 665 Coolgardie St, Mundaring. Entries close 9pm on Weds 6 October.  For more info. email Ray Hart  E:hartz1@westnet.com.au

Saturday 9 October - Sunday 10 October
Create special memories with your little one by experiencing a fun filled overnight hiking adventure with Off The Beaten Track WA. Taking the next step into overnight hiking can be a lot of fun, especially when you share that experience with your child. This is your chance to give overnight hiking a go with an experienced Off The Beaten Track WA hiking guide. This Kids Overnight Hiking Adventure has been designed for 6-11 year olds. More info here

Saturday 9 October
As the sun tucks behind the trees in the late afternoon, this 6km walk on the Bibbulmun Track from Mundaring Weir immersed in Beelu National Park bushland. You’ll discover the rich history of CY O’Connor and the Golden Pipeline, before reaching Golden View Lookout to enjoy your mindful rest and didgeridoo sound healing on the rocky outcrops as the sun sets over the Perth Hills.

Hike commences at 3.30pm. View event on Facebook here

Sunday 10 October
A great range of stalls, including fresh seasonal produce, hand made jewellery, scarves, bags, clothes, craft items, garden ornaments, plants, soaps, honey, chutneys and preserves. Snap up a bargain, then enjoy a bite to eat at the Mundaring Hotel, just a few steps away. Markets run on the second Sunday of the month.

Open 9am-2pm, Nichol Street, Mundaring. View Rotary website here

This Perth Hills Mountain Bike Tour departs from The Mundaring Hotel on a “Pedal Assist “(e-Bike) mountain bike to ride down the hill to Boya and then make your way up the Helena Valley onto the escarpment for magnificent views of the Helena River and Mundaring Weir, crossing the dam wall you'll stop at Mundaring Weir Hotel for a well-earned refreshment before the final leg - a gentle uphill ride (where you can use all the assistance the bike has) to cruise back to Mundaring. More info. here. Tel 0448 611 566

Friday 15 October
WA's premier Sea Shanty team The Fo'c'sle Firkins have set sail for their return to MFnBC. This sought after 5-man crew of barnacle encrusted buccaneers recall the days of tall ships, ropes and riggings with their authentic, sing-along A Capella renditions of work songs and shanties from an era almost forgotten. Also sailing: Busking champion, with a J Cash flavour, Charlie Scott, local singer/songwriter John Barrett, and aptly named duo Sea Swallow.

Doors open 6.45pm. Show starts 7.30pm. Mundaring Sporting Club. Coolgardie Ave. Entry: $10.00. View website here

Saturday 16 October
Browse the range of local crafts, artworks, giftware, skincare, homemade preserves and baked goodies, locally grown fresh produce and plants. Let the kids play in safety in the enclosed playground, then, when you have finished scouting the stalls, hop over the road for a bite to eat at The Bay Tree Cafe or check out the amazing railway memorabilia at the historic Chidlow Tavern. Markets run 10am-2pm Chidlow Hall, Old Northam Road, Chidlow. View event on Facebook

Saturday 16 October - Sunday 17 October
Time for a fun weekend on the Bibbulmun Track. Gain confidence, outdoor skills and new walking friends as you don a backpack for a weekend escape on the Track. Covering 11km on both days, you will spend Saturday night at the newly rebuilt Helena campsite perched over the stunning Helena valley. Finish the next day with a chance to have a relaxing afternoon at the local pub. View website for details

Sunday 17 October
Learn how to make a coiled vessel with Aboriginal weaver and jewellery maker Emma-Jane Hunt. Using wool and raffia you’ll learn this traditional basket weaving technique with a contemporary twist. Emma-Jane Hunt is a Yindjibarndi and Djaru woman with both traditional and ancestral links to both the Pilbara and Kimberly regions of Western Australia. Emma-Jane is passionate about keeping weaving as a cultural practice alive. She also creates handcrafted jewellery using Quondong seeds. This workshop is run at Mundaring Adult Creative & Learning Centre. Workshop runs 11am-2pm. Suitable for ages 10+ Find out more here

Saturday 23 October - Sunday 31 October
The Mundaring Hills Open Studio art trail event presents a great opportunity to experience the lives of Perth Hills' artists and gain an insight into their work environment, skills and methods.

Mundaring Hills Open Studios gives you access to the art work of more than 60 artists working with a broad range of medium – from glass and ceramics to oil painting, water colours, textiles, sculpture in wood and recycled metals, jewellery, textiles, photography and much more!

Opening times are 10am-4pm. Download the program to check individual artists opening times throughout the week.

Thursday 21 October
The Lounge at Amaroo Retreat & Spa is proud to present its inaugural Wine Night featuring five-courses of delicious gourmet cuisine, carefully crafted by Head Chef Surendra Sooriyarathna. Each course paired beautifully with fine wines from the prestigious Margaret River winery Leeuwin Estate. Experience next level dining with a beautiful Perth Hills backdrop.

This special 18+ event commences 6pm. Price per person $135. You can book your table on-line or find out more here.
Amaroo Retreat & Spa, 1200 Alison Street, Mount Helena. T: 6244 4800

Saturday 23 October
Why not check out the first of six, monthly night markets coming to Swan View this month! Enjoy an evening out for the whole family. Browse the various stalls, art, craft, MLM, foodies, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks or bring a picnic blanket and watch the kids play.

Markets run 5pm-9pm. Brown Park, Amherst Rd/Salisbury Rd, Swan View. View Facebook event here 

Sunday 24 October
Polish up your pride 'n' joy and head to the Chidlow Tavern for a few cold bevvies and check out the Car & Bike Show. It will be a great day out, with raffles, food and LIVE music from the local legends Crippled Chaos. The cars will be on display from 11am. Kitchen is open all day, starting with brunch from 10am. View event on Facebook here. 

To find out how you can be involved E: katie@chidlowtavern.com.au or T: 9572 4154

Monday 25 October
Shelly Miller plays Alice Ottey, the original owner of The Railway Hotel (now The Parkerville Tavern), as she marvels at what her hotel has become since its humble beginnings in 1902.  This unique experience includes a 3 course dinner, history performance and tour of the Tavern. Dinner starts at 6.30pm, with the performance and tour taking place between the main course and dessert. Please note, a certain level of mobility is required to walk up the stairs and out on to the balcony. Keep an eye on The Parkerville Tavern Facebook page for more information - coming soon!

Saturday 30 October
Something creepy is brewing at the Chidlow Tavern... and while everyone's invited - enter at your own risk!

Eat, drink and be scary is the order of this Adults Halloween Costume party night to delight the undead. So dress up, grab your mates and dance the night away under the stars, as live music plays in the garden. Get in the spirit, drink down your poison and relax. A little party never killed anyone! More here

Saturday 30 October
Spoooooky Fun will be had by all at The Parky's family-friendly Halloween Party. Get dressed up for an evening of fun with face painting, a costume parade, prizes for the best dressed, lolly bags & popcorn for the kids, and spooky decorations. 5pm-9pm

View event/book your table on website here or T: 9295 4500. The Parkerville Tavern, 6 Owen Road, Parkerville 

Sunday 31 October
The Whim Festival has always aimed to keep you busy for the entire day. With the Hills Billy Cart races also running on the same day, there's no one in the family who won't be entertained! 

The festival day includes entertainment, stalls and activities with the main stage showcasing a variety of musical delights including blues, jazz and rock. Event runs 10am-4pm, Pioneer Park, McVicar Place Mount Helena

Exhibition runs through to March 2022
Mundaring Hills Historical Society's ‘Open All Hours’ exhibition tells the story of shops and shopping in the Shire of Mundaring, from the 1880s to the 1980s – a time when most shops were still family-run businesses that were an integral part of the community. Featuring items from Wells General Store, a Mundaring institution between 1911 and 1958. Find out when self-service replaced personal service in our shops, and how the area’s retail landscape has changed over the last 100 years.  7225 Gt Eastern Hwy, Mundaring

This Exhibition runs throughout October
Gallery 1 & 2 - Finders Keepers
A crucial figure in the development of contemporary fibre sculpture in Australia over four decades, Nalda Searles shares her extraordinary approach to craft. This pivotal exhibition showcased as part of the inaugural Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, embraces previous and new works and demonstrates Searles’ role as the instigator of an innovative art movement utilising Australian plant fibre and found objects.

Visit website for info. Open Tues to Fri 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun 11am-3pm. T: 9295 3991

Cumin Cook recently ran a competition in celebration of completing 12 months running Indian vegetarian cooking classes. Congratulations to Jenny Seymour who won a traditional Indian spice box and a free Cumin Cook class. 

Enjoy a relaxing, fun day in the Hills with Cumin Cook and learn traditional vegetarian dishes from various regions of India from Prapti’s home kitchen in Hovea. Classes are usually held on a Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Prapti also takes private bookings and designs a class to suit what you would like to learn. Book a cooking class via the Cumin Cook website.  T: 0438 044 489

The Parkerville Tavern is a lovely heritage venue in the heart of Perth Hills. Steeped in history, this double-storey federation style pub has an extensive menu, 10 beers and cider on tap and locally produced wines.

With arguably one of Perth's best beer gardens, the beautifully restored “Parky” is ideal for families with a great line up of live music on Friday and Saturday from 6.30pm and Sunday from 3pm. 6-18 Owen Rd, Parkerville. T: 9295 4500

Hemingway & Co brings all the fun of an inner-city bar right into the heart of Mundaring, with a focus on providing an exceptional range of drinks, a small dining menu and outstanding service 7 days a week.  Check out their jazz Tuesdays, on between 7pm-9pm. Stay up to date by following Hemingway & Co on Facebook. 7095 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring

The iconic Mundaring Weir Hotel provides the perfect laid-back atmosphere for a Sunday chill out with the family. There's a playground, table tennis and basketball hoops, so you can relax knowing the kids are happy and amused.  Live music from one of three resident folk bands, together with the spectacular backdrop of Beelu National Park makes this an extra special way to spend a Sunday in the Perth Hills. Mundaring Weir Precinct. Tel: 9295 1106 or visit website

The Lounge at Amaroo Retreat is a venue with sophistication, friendliness and comfort. With a small, but delicious menu, there's something for all taste buds. All produce is locally sourced, meaning the quality and freshness is always at an exceptionally high standard. The Lounge now welcomes children 10+. Open for Lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and for Dinner Wednesday - Sunday. 1200 Alison Street, Mount Helena. Bookings and Enquiries T: 6244 4800 or email thelounge@amarooretreat.com.au

The Mundaring Hotel is a family-friendly restaurant, bar and beer garden located in the heart of Mundaring. The hotel offers an extensive A La Carte Menu with top quality pub favourites as well as exquisite dishes from The Daily Specials Board, tapas bites and kids meals. Check out the menus here. Courtesy bus Fridays & Saturdays from 6pm-midnight. LIVE MUSIC on Friday 7.30pm-10.30pm and Sunday 3pm-6pm. Visit Facebook.Cnr Nichol/Jacoby St, Mundaring.  T: 9295 1006

Known locally as The Mounties, the historic Mount Helena Tavern was brought to life in 1902. This Australiana-style pub has a picturesque beer garden with winter creek and there's open fires to keep you warm and cosy in the cooler months.

The kitchen is open 7 days a week from 11am for lunch and dinner (with some great daily specials). Visit website here to find out more. 900 Keane St, Mount Helena. T: 9572 2121