PARKS AND GARDENS MOUNT HELENA

Set in the Darling Range east of Perth, Lion Mill Vineyards is planted with vines on land selected in the 1870s. Initially part of an important timber milling area, the region later became a centre of fruit growing and small farming.

The Lion Mill cellar door looks out over the vineyards on this picturesque property.

Lion Mill Vineyards is located on the northern side of a gently sloping valley on Charlotte Brook, an upper tributary of Jane Brook. The soils are those typical of the Perth Hills Geographical Indication: loam, gravelly loam and lateritic gravels.

The elevation - about 300 metres, the cold winters and the warm dry summers provide conditions that are well suited to the production of quality fruit displaying regional characteristics.

The Mundaring Arts Centre is situated in the heart of the creative hills community of Mundaring, only 40 minutes north east from the Perth central business district.

We champion local Western Australian artists and crafts people by promoting and exhibiting their work, fostering and advocating their inclusion in the activities and cultural development of the Mundaring Shire, Eastern Metro Region and the State of Western Australia.

We aim to nurture the growth of an interactive arts environment in the Shire of Mundaring. An environment that expresses promotes and values the arts and culture as an integral to the well being and life of our unique community.

We develop, promote and produce high quality visual arts and crafts through a range of arts access and education programs in our Gallery, Gift Shop, Studio and through community activities and events.

As well as being an idyllic place for a scenic drive, a picnic with friends, or bushwalking, Mundaring Weir is also an important part of Western Australia's heritage. Located in natural bushland in the Perth Hills, Mundaring Weir is one of the world's greatest engineering projects. Completed in 1903, the Weir was the start of the water pipeline that pumped water to the Kalgoorlie goldfields, some 700 kilometres away. At the foot of the weir is the Number 1 Pump Station Museum where you can learn more about the brilliant engineer behind the project, C.Y. O'Connor, who endured much public criticism and tragically took his own life. A drive trail that follows the pipeline called the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail starts at the museum. There are several walking trails around Mundaring Weir that take you deep into virgin bush. You'll see beautiful native plants, animals and plenty of birds. You can also walk across the massive concrete Weir wall. Pack a picnic and enjoy the barbecue facilities, grassed areas and shady trees. While improvement works are underway, there will be limited access both above and below the Weir wall. Mundaring Weir is about a 40 minute drive from Perth.

The Munda Biddi Trail (which means path through the forest in the Nyoongar Aboriginal language) is Western Australia's premier long distance off-road cycling experience. The Track extends 1,000 kilometres from Mundaring in the Perths hills to Albany in WA's south. Starting in Mundaring, the Top Trail meanders through scenic river valleys and the magnificent forests of the state's south west. Joined by purpose built track, the Munda Biddi uses a network of bush tracks, firebreaks, and disused railway formations and has sections suitable for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Every day out on the Trail promises a different experience. Cycle through towering eucalyptus forests and ancient, unspoiled bushland, discovering plants and wildlife not found anywhere else in the world as you enter one of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots. Camp out in purpose built shelters spaced a day's ride apart or stay in quaint country towns. Learn about Aboriginal culture and the rich heritage of the region as you visit wineries and attractions of the south west.

Located within the picturesque Perth Hills in Western Australia, Railway Reserves Heritage Trail retraces 59 kilometres of the old Eastern Railway that formerly linked Fremantle to York in the late 1880s. This popular walking, cycling and horse riding rail trail begins its journey at Bellevue forming a unique 41 kilometre loop at Mount Helena entirely on railway formations, before extending to Wooroloo Reserve. The Trail is the perfect place to relax and unwind as it takes in the peace and tranquillity of the attractive flora, fauna and natural landscapes of the Darling Range and John Forrest National Park. Enjoy the pleasures of time with family and friends, connecting with nature or simply appreciating the fresh air. Whether you explore the Trail by walking, running, jogging or riding, fulfil your appetite for activity by choosing from different sections, challenges and lengths. While on your journey, take in the romance of the rail era as you discover the history and character of the many charming settlements that evolved alongside the railway line, including Darlington, Parkerville and Mundaring. Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is accessible from many of the town sites within the Shire of Mundaring, a 40 minute drive east of Perth.

The Red Dirt Arts Studio displays Joel Smoker's ceramics, drawings and photographs and is open to the public by appointment. Joel's Ceramics are represented in the collection of the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria as well as many other public and private collections. Joel's studio is located in the hills east of Perth and a visit there can be a rewarding afternoon's drive. Joel is also an accomplished musician and is available for performances. To find out more about Joel's art and music please look up his web site.

Lovers of art and culture will delight in a day spent at the Mundaring Community Sculpture Park. Artistic sculptures are set amidst natures own masterpieces of Golden Wattles, gums, and wildflowers. Immerse yourself in the local history, appreciate the artistic merits of the sculptures, and enjoy the beautiful natural environment. Mundaring Community Sculpture Park is located on the site of the former Mundaring Railway Station. Eight Western Australian artists have created sculptures for the park. In addition to creating an individual sculpture, artist Trevor Woodward was involved in formulating the original design concept of the park. The visually exciting Moodae-ring acoustic sculpture is carved from Karri and Wandoo timbers and is fun to experience. A variety of sounds can be heard by pressing the touch activated panels. If you have time, take a walk or cycle along the adjacent Mundaring Railway Reserves' Heritage Trail, or pack a picnic to enjoy while the kids take advantage of the well equipped playground. Mundaring is located a short one hour drive from Perth via Kalamunda or Midland.

The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail takes you to Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields, rich in gold, history and scenery, revealing the story of a unique engineering feat. Travel on the old Goldfields Road along which fortune seekers rushed in the 1890s. Stop to explore where they stopped to rest and fill their waterbags. Prospectors learned that water is more precious than gold - some died of thirst - and a scheme was devised to deliver water further and higher than ever before to supply the goldfields. The well-signposted Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail follows this life-giving water east from its source in the forested Perth Hills, through the golden expanses of the Wheatbelt to the gold boomtown of Kalgoorlie. This Top Trail is an easy 650 kilometres and is ideal for motorists who have a couple of days or more to explore the history, hospitality and horizons of Golden Pipeline Country. There's plenty to get you out of your car: 100-year old pumping stations, remote sites where workers lived to keep the water flowing, walk trails around massive granite outcrops - 25 interpreted sites in all. The Golden Pipeline Trail begins only three-quarters of an hour east of Perth at scenic Mundaring Weir.

The No 1 Pump Station Mundaring stands at the foot of Mundaring Weir and provides an opportunity to explore one of Australia's most significant industrial heritage sites. The pump station was opened in 1903 to transfer water from the Perth hills to the goldfields of Western Australia, a distance of 560 kilometres. With its' specially developed 'interpretation machine' and a number of informative plaques on display to explain the history and vision of the site, you will be amazed at the stories and controversy surrounding its development. The building and its 41.5 metre chimney is a fascinating display of late 19th Century architecture, and if you have a passion for historic machines, you will be struck by the genius of a technology that has seen ninety million litres of water pumped daily uninterrupted. You can see three of the original Babcock and Wilcox boilers, the Green's Economiser and one of the original Worthington triple expansion steam engines. The No 1 Pump Station is the starting point for The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail, which offers a range of walk and cycle trails around the weir. Mundaring Weir is located a short one hour drive from Perth via Kalamunda or Midland.

Fred Jacoby Park is a great spot for picnics, watching wildlife, photography or just relaxing before, or after heading off, on one of the numerous walk trails within the Mundaring National Park. Fully equipped with picnic facilities, free barbecues and a children's playground, you will enjoy communing with nature in this beautifully landscaped park. The park features a range of trees from many parts of the world including one of the biggest English Oak Trees in Western Australia. A boardwalk enables visitors to get in under the canopy of this 140 year old heritage listed tree, whilst protecting the tree roots from compaction. Mundaring National Park has over 3,000 hectares of park land abundant with flora and fauna that is native to Western Australia. See possums, echidnas, kangaroos and wallabies as well as Jarrah trees, Marri trees and Banksias. Mundaring is located a short one hour drive from Perth via Kalamunda or Midland.