Kalamunda brings together railway history, cultural attractions, markets, and opportunities for walking and cycling. When choosing a destination, you can first consider what you want your stay to focus on: the history of the Hills, cultural attractions, shopping directly from producers, or a strong focus on trails. The options range from the former timber railway to a mountain bike network with more than 40 kilometres of fully signposted singletrack. This also lets you tailor your holiday rental search to the interests you want to pursue in Kalamunda.

Railway heritage: trail and former station

The Railway Heritage Trail follows sections of the former Upper Darling Range Railway, built in 1891 to transport timber from Canning Mills to Midland. Its construction date and purpose give the trail a concrete connection to the region’s timber transport history.

The Kalamunda History Village is also connected to this railway past: it is located on the site of the former Upper Darling Range Railway Station. The station was built in the 1890s to serve the Zig Zag line; the railway transported timber from Canning Mills to the main line at Midland Junction. The trail and the site complement each other as two perspectives on the railway heritage: sections of the former railway sit alongside the former station and its role on the Zig Zag line.

Museum and cultural attractions

The Kalamunda History Village is the largest open-air museum in Western Australia. It depicts the distinctive life and industries of the Hills region and offers an extensive education program, a school holiday program, and group tours. Its focus therefore extends beyond railway history: the life and industries of the Hills region are also central.

The Zig Zag Gallery offers a different cultural focus. In a boutique-style gallery setting, it hosts a range of cultural activities. The Zig Zag Cultural Centre is also home to the Perth Hills Visitor Centre. The regional history offering at the History Village and the gallery’s cultural activities therefore cater to different interests.

Walking, cycling and mountain biking

The Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail connects routes suitable for both walking and cycling. The Kalamunda Mountain Bike Collective offers a dedicated mountain biking focus: its network comprises more than 40 kilometres of fully signposted singletrack and is located in national parks and state forests. This gives you the choice between routes for walking and cycling and a signposted singletrack network geared towards mountain biking. The figure of more than 40 kilometres refers to the Mountain Bike Collective.

Markets and shopping

The markets also cater to different shopping interests. At the Kalamunda Farmers Market, customers can buy directly from farmers, growers or producers in the Perth Hills. The Kalamunda Artisan Market is located in the town centre and offers handmade and locally grown products at more than 170 stalls. At the Farmers Market, the focus is on buying directly from producers; the Artisan Market combines a wide range of products with its town-centre location.

Find a holiday rental in Kalamunda

When searching for a holiday rental, you can use these interests as a starting point and then compare the options against your personal requirements. First consider whether history, culture, trails or markets should shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Woodbridge, Harvey, Yallingup Siding, Oombulgurri, Chidlow, Kelmscott, Monkey Mia and Yanchep.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.