Autumn is on its way out in Perth. With the wintry chill creeping in, make the most of the few days filled with stunning autumnal colours close to the city. We’re lucky to be surrounded by beautiful, quaint towns within driving distance, which make for picture-perfect escapes. Consider Toodyay, a historic town about 90 km north-east of Perth, for your next weekend getaway.
Located in the Avon Valley, it offers panoramic views, tinged with blush-red and hazel accents that scream autumn. With nature hikes, award-winning bakeries, and Victorian architecture on the prospective itinerary, you can pack a lot into a Toodyay visit.
Things to do in Toodyay this autumn
Proudly called ‘a valley for all seasons‘, Toodyay has dozens of activities you can partake in throughout the year. Autumn, in particular, is great for traversing the many walking trails around town.
Pelham Reserve, near the south, has over 50 hectares of multi-coloured bushland with over 6 km of signposted walking tracks. Explore the Drummond Memorial Garden and, if you’re lucky, spot local wildlife. Another popular trail is the 6.5 km Bilya Walk Track along the Avon River from the Toodyay Caravan Park to the Nardie Cemetery. Great for birdwatching, this trail goes past several historic buildings.
Consider a trip to the Pioneer’s Arboretum for some more autumn colours in Toodyay. A living catalogue of WA’s lush flora, it mainly consists of evergreens such as eucalyptus. Dotted with variety, however, it offers a lovely visual contrast.
Other interesting activities in town
Toodyay has several ancient buildings you can explore, from Connor’s Mill, one of the finest 1870s steam-driven mills in Australia, to the Newcastle Gaol, built to house notorious bushranger, Moondyne Joe. With 19th-century landmarks such as the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, the Toodyay Library, the old Post Office, and the Courthouse, the town is a history buff’s paradise.
Next, check out the Cola Cafe and Museum for a stroll through 45 years of the soda with 1950s ambience and delicious food to boot. Another eatery you cannot miss out on is the Toodyay Bakery. Melt-in-your-mouth baked goods, consisting of award-winning pies and sausage rolls, abound! Grab a coffee and walk the town’s quaint main street to get transported to the past. You could also take a short trip to the Roam Distillery for Australian-made spirits rooted in sustainability and enjoy a meal with the best of their farm produce.
For an authentically Australian rural experience, visit the Free Range Emu Farm, the oldest of its kind. Open on weekends, witness all growth stages (from egg to adult) and pick up a unique carved egg as a souvenir! For more about Toodyay, including overnight stay options, click here.
How to get there
About 90 km from Perth, the fastest way to get to Toodyay would be to drive out. Most of the 75-minute journey will take you through some of Avon Valley’s best bits on the Toodyay Road. Alternatively, take the AvonLink Train from East Perth Station to Toodyay Station for a comfortable on-rail route. It runs twice a day, and you can get more information here.
