The Team at Mundaring Visitor Centre would like to be among the first to wish you a very Happy New Year!  May 2018 bring you and those you love plenty of good times, fun and laughter. To help kick off the year in style, here's just a sample of the activities on offer in Perth Hills-Mundaring throughout January. 

Miriam Gardiner - local artist/educator is offering some great school holiday art workshops, suitable for ages 7-15 years from her studio in Midvale. To enquire or book, call Miriam on 0434 330 864 or find out more about these and other workshops for all ages and capabilities on her website.

The evenings are just so balmy at this time of the year - perfect for an evening picnic and a few hours of relaxation under the stars at the iconic Kookaburra Cinema. Here's this month's program:-
Fri 5, Sat 6: Justice League (M)
Sun 7: Loving Vincent (M)
Fri 12 & Sat 13: Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG)
Sun 14: The Killing of a Sacred Deer (MA)
Fri 19, Sat 20: The Disaster Artist (M)
Sun 21: The Teacher (M)
Thur 25: Coco (G)
Fri 26, Sat 27 & Sun 28: Star Wars - The Last Jedi (M)
Gates open 6.30pm, show starts 8.00pm.
Cost $15 adults, children $10. No EFTPOS Visit website here

Join the guys from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain Biking team for a fun-filled adventure trail ride these holidays.

Monday 8 January
Junior Trail Ride - 4pm- 6pm
Tuesday 9 January
Introduction to Mountain Biking
(suitable age 6-9) 8am-10am
Learn to Jump
(suitable age 13-17) 4pm-6.30pm
Thursday 11 January
Fundamentals of Mountain Biking (suitable 13-17) 8am-11am

Rock and Roll Mountain Biking Trail Hub, 361 Paulls Valley Rd, Kalamunda. Visit website.

Sunday 14 January
Head to Lake Leschenaultia to watch the canoe spectacular as competitors navigate their way around the championship circuit. This is a great spectator-friendly event, so why not come early for breakfast at Reflections Cafe, or bring your picnic/BBQ, settle back and enjoy the race. While you're there, be sure to check out the awesome display of MGs and Rolls Royces (from 12.30pm). Rosedale Rd, Chidlow

What a great way to enjoy these balmy summer nights outdoors and spend some time in nature getting your ADRENALINE FIX, balanced with watching the stars and enjoying the stillness and ambiance. No matter what your skill level, all you need is a reasonable level of fitness, and a desire to learn and have fun! For more information Tel Sven on 0423 182 663 or visit website.

Just Add Passion Gallery & Gift Shop will re-open Weds 3rd January, along with the NEW Coffee Van JAC (Just Add Coffee), situated just outside the Gallery. The gallery and gift shop stock gorgeous artworks, locally handmade creations such as jewellery, soaps, candles, children's wear, woodwork, metalwork, mens and womens beauty products, garden art and so much more, including an extensive range of signed books, in all genres, by WA authors. Check Facebook for more info and hours here.

The Team at Nearer to Nature are back with a fun-packed summer school holiday program! Here's just a sample of the activities on offer this year:
Monday 15 January - Where's wallaby
10am-11.30am
Suitable ages 4-7 years
Monday 15 January - Big kids campout
3pm-10am
Suitable ages 8-12 years
Wed 24 January - Lovely ladybeetles
10am-11.30am
Suitable ages 4-7 years
Wed 24 January - N2N Spy kids
1pm-3.30pm
Suitable ages 7-12 years
All above activities are held at Perth Hills Discovery Centre, Allen Rd, Mundaring. For full program visit website here.

The beautifully restored “Parky” is ideal for families, with great outdoor spaces and a playground for the kids, plus an awesome line up of live, local music every month: 
Sun 1 Jan: Delta Hicks Duo (4-7pm)
Sat 13 Jan: Louis King Trio (6-9pm)
Sun 14 Jan: Funkoustic (4-7pm)
Sun 21 Jan: On the Level (4-7pm)
Thurs 25 Jan::Nathan Gaunt Duo (6-9pm)
Fri 25 Jan (Aust Day): Funkoustic (4-7pm)
Sun 28 Jan: Flaming Galahs (4-7pm)
6-18 Owen Rd, Parkerville. Tel: 9295 4500 or visit Facebook for more details.

The iconic Mundaring Weir Hotel provides the perfect laid-back atmosphere for a Sunday chill out. The traditional lamb spit roast is served every Sunday - carving and serving starts at around 3pm, and is served till 4pm. 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 Mundaring Hotel, located in the heart of Mundaring, overlooking Sculpture Park has live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

The hotel has five areas including a lounge, bar, restaurant, outdoor patio and beer garden plus kids playground. Children's meals are only $2 on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday evenings, when purchased with a main, adult meal (not available on public holidays). View menu here. Corner of Nichol and Jacoby Street, Mundaring. Tel: 9295 1006

The Historic Mount Helena Tavern was brought to life in 1902. The Tavern is a traditional Australiana-style pub with a country feel that appeals to families with its large beer garden and kids playground - perfect for relaxing through the lazy days of summer.

The kitchen is open every day for lunch and dinner with daily specials available. View menu here. 900 Keane St, Mount Helena. Tel: 9572 2121

Midland Tourist Park is celebrating installation of a new spa-swimming pool  and is offering 20% discount on a minimum 2-night stay in selected Deluxe Chalets and Cabins! The Park is conveniently located to explore beautiful Perth Hills and the Swan Valley. The offer is valid only for the first 100 bookings for stays until 28 Feb 18. Book this special offer online or mention it when booking by phoning the office (08) 9274 3002. Cancellation fee is 1-night prepayment. Other conditions apply. Open Mon-Sun and Pub. Hols 8am–6pm. For more details, please visit website.

Another long weekend is just around the corner! With the craziness of Christmas behind us and memories of your New Year celebrations fading fast, before you know it, it will be time to muster family and friends for another special day on the calendar. 

Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page to stay up to date on Australia Day events and activities in and around Perth Hills-Mundaring.

There will no markets this month. Mundaring Rotary Markets will be hosting a special Twilight market on Saturday 10 February and the Chidlow Hall Market Day will also be a Twilight market, which will be held on Saturday 17 February. More information in February newsletter.

Throughout the month of January
Since 1830 when exploration parties, accompanied by pack-horses, first ventured over Western Australia’s Darling Range in search of greener pastures, horses’ hoofprints have made a mark on the Hills’ landscape. Whether used for ploughing, warfare, transportation, entertainment or therapy, horses have been integral in shaping and enriching the Shire of Mundaring’s past and present.

This exhibition, presented by Mundaring and Hills Historical Society, celebrates the horse, and the many and varied ways humans have interacted with these magnificent animals over the years.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm, Sun 10am-2.30pm. Closed New Year's Day.

The Old School (co-located with Mundaring Visitor Centre), 7225 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring. Tel: 9295 0540. Visit MHHS Facebook page here.