The Bickley Valley in the Perth Hills is a mere 35-minute drive from Perth City and is a prime locations for exploring vineyards and quaint cellar doors, stonefruit orchards, and atmospheric restaurants with luscious views.
The region thrives in the cooler autumn sun and pops with a myriad of colours amidst the rolling hills, and this May there’s a fabulous opportunity to head out to the Perth Hills, for the Bickley Harvest Festival.
Now in its 24th year, the two-day festival will celebrate the region’s finest wine, cider, spirits, produce, food, scenery, and attractions across Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May.
The weekend however is not your average soiree. The Bickley Harvest Festival is self-guided and takes place at 18 different venues across Carmel, Bickley, and Pickering Brook, this concept allows visitors to curate their own personalised festival experience amongst the breathtaking valley.
Navigating the 18 venues will be a piece of cake with the specially made festival map which explains each site’s intent during the Bickley Harvest Festival. From grounds tours, workshops, and tastings to one-off menus, and produce, including family-friendly locations too.
Mosey around local orchards and vineyards to witness first-hand how the produce is grown and harvested. Indulge in sensational food from local restaurants, and tastings from boutique owner-operated wineries, cider houses and distilleries with hand crafted beverages. Enjoy live music performances and discover the local artistic talent. Take home fresh local produce or treat yourself to a delicious lunch – all while enjoying the magnificent surroundings.
Bickley Harvest Festival coordinator, Nicole Airay says, “The festival is a choose your own adventure. Each venue caters for a different audience, and some will require that you book ahead, while others will cater for those who just want to pop in for a tasting, bite to eat, see the open studio or just soak in the amazing scenery of Perth Hills orchards and vineyards.”
Two Bickley Harvest Festival highlights include: Core Cider House’s two or three course set-menu lunch and their apple picking orchard tour; and Myattsfield Vineyards’ fair where visitors can enjoy live music, market stalls like Jarrah Farm honey, local arts, delicious food trucks, as well as vineyard exploration and tastings.
The Bickley Harvest Festival is an untapped treasure, and there’s plenty more on the cards for all those who are up for an adventure close to home. Download the festival map here, and explore the beauty and richness of the region this May at the 24th annual Bickley Harvest Festival in the Perth Hills.