There is something rather therapeutic about a trip to the Perth Hills.
Winding through the Darling Range, a final look back at the skyline confirms your distance from the city and, almost miraculously, tensions drain away. The suburbs soon give way to semi rural villages, orchards and natural bushland - it's time to relax.
The onset of spring is one of the best times to visit this area. Creeks and hillside waterfalls are still fast flowing from winter rains and the landscape is green, fresh and invigorating.
Cool nights make for cosy dinners before log fires and warmer days are perfect for picnics.
While the hills are great for Sunday drives, the growth in bed and breakfasts, wineries and quality restaurants is drawing those in need of a weekend (or longer) getaway.
Brookside Bed & Breakfast and Winery in Bickley is a delightful property, nestled on the banks of Piesse Brook. Comfortable accommodation is located just off the main house with glorious outlooks over the gardens.
Gather some provisions from the nearby Piesse Valley Farm or one of the many roadside fruit and vegie stalls and pack a bottle of Brookside's Cobber's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon (named after the friendly pet dog) for a picnic by the water.
No journey to the hills is complete without a visit to Mundaring Weir. The Golden Pipeline Project has seen major development of the No 1 Pump Station, while the Mundaring Weir Hotel is always lively on a Sunday afternoon.
Just a short drive away, the Mundaring Arts Centre is well worth a stop. Devoid of tacky souvenir spoons and tea towels, the Arts Centre carries an eclectic mix of crafts and quality works by local artists, some of whom are well known on the WA and Australian arts scene.
A dash across the highway will bring you to the Mundaring Visitor Centre and the place to find information on everything from accommodation and activities to wineries and restaurants.
One they're sure to recommend is Jane Brook Restaurant in Parkerville. Hearty fare, country style hospitality and glorious gardens make this a great option for lunch.
With so much good food going, you'll soon be in need of a leg stretch and fortunately early spring is prime bushwalking season.
Walk trails abound in the National Parks, bringing you in arms reach of a cacophony of natural sights and sounds. The trees are alive with nesting birds, while the forest floor is scattered with colour from springtime wildflowers.
The Hills Forest Discovery Centre is the focal point for an inexpensive range of activities that will bring you nearer to nature.
In addition to the many stunning walk trails that pass by or originate at the Discovery Centre, visitors can go cycling, camping, as well as participate in programs to experience native animals, and indigenous culture.
A jaunt into the Perth Hills is just the thing to savour the remnants of winter and herald to start of the warmer months.
For more information about the Perth Hills email the Mundaring Visitors Centre info@mundaringtourism.com.au or call 9295 0202.