Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Mundaring
- Where is Mundaring?
- What is the main street in Mundaring?
- How to Get to Mundaring
- What to Do and See in Mundaring
- Go for a swim in Lake Leschenaultia
- Explore the bushlands surrounding Mundaring Weir
- See the latest exhibitions in the Mundaring Arts Centre
- Have a relaxing picnic in Sculpture Park
- Where to Eat and Drink in Mundaring
- The Ming Restaurant
- Tuck In Mate
- Cafe Mojo
- Where to Shop in Mundaring
- Mundaring Village
- Hills Fresh
- Wasteless Pantry
- Where to Stay in Mundaring
- Mundaring Weir Hotel
- Mundaring Bed & Breakfast
- Rustic Cabin in the Perth Hills
- FAQs about Mundaring
A 35-minute drive away from Perth, Mundaring is the perfect quick getaway from city life. With its beautiful scenery in the Darling Ranges, this neighbourhood boasts fresh air, clear skies, and a relaxed, friendly community.
Enjoy serene parks, savour local delicacies, and explore the rich history that gives this lovely neighbourhood its unique character.
Whether you’re seeking leisurely outdoor adventures or a peaceful retreat, Mundaring embraces you with open arms. Come visit and unwind in its tranquillity!
Where is Mundaring?
Mundaring is situated approximately 34 kilometres east of Perth’s central business district. The neighbourhood lies within the Shire of Mundaring, which itself is nestled in the Darling Range, also known as the Darling Scarp.
This location provides an elevation of about 300 metres above sea level, contributing to its distinct climate and natural environment.
What is the main street in Mundaring?
The main street in Mundaring is the Great Eastern Highway. This road runs through the heart of the suburb and is where you’ll find many of the neighbourhood’s businesses, shops, and community facilities.
Since it’s one of Western Australia’s major thoroughfares, its length stretches beyond Mundaring and continues along many of the state’s other towns, like Kalgoorlie and Northam.
How to Get to Mundaring
By Bus: To get to Mundaring by bus, take the Transwa bus from Transwa Bay Transwa East Perth station, then alight at the Great Eastern Highway Transwa Mundaring station. The bus ride takes about 38 minutes and costs around $13–$19.
By Taxi: If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service from Perth to Mundaring. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs around $50–$70.
By Car: The most common way to reach Mundaring is by car. From Perth’s central business district, take the Great Eastern Highway east for about 34 kilometres. The drive takes approximately 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
What to Do and See in Mundaring
Go for a swim in Lake Leschenaultia
Photo credit: lakeleschenaultia
Address: 2135 Rosedale Road, Chidlow
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6736
One of the most remarkable places you can visit in Mundaring is Lake Leschenaultia. It’s a stunning manmade lake that was originally built as a railway dam in the 1890s before being repurposed into the beloved recreational spot we have today.
And if you think its beauty is limited to its pristine waters, you’re sorely mistaken. Surrounding this lake is an equally impressive bushland, giving Lake Leschenaultia its much-deserved majestic aura.
While I only visited this place a couple of times, I can guarantee you’re bound to have a fun time here! There’s a wide range of activities to do, including swimming, canoeing, and camping.
Explore the bushlands surrounding Mundaring Weir
Photo credit: lukemartinjones1971
Website: https://www.watercorporation.com.au/
Address: Mundaring Weir Rd
Contact details: +61 406 150 283
Operating hours:
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Every day between November and April)
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Every day between May and October)
For those captivated by modern engineering marvels, a visit to Mundaring Weir is a must. This impressive concrete gravity dam was constructed between 1898 and 1903 to supply water to the arid goldfields of Western Australia.
Aside from the dam itself, this place also offers picturesque views of the reservoir and the bushlands surrounding it. I think noon is the best time to visit because the sunlight makes everything here look great and vivid.
Even though the clear, blue water looks nice for swimming, you can’t swim here because it’s not allowed. Instead, I recommend you trek along one of the dam’s walking trails to see the wonderful wildlife living around it.
See the latest exhibitions in the Mundaring Arts Centre
Photo credit: mundaringartscentre
Website: https://www.mundaringartscentre.com.au/
Address: 7190 Great Eastern Hwy
Contact details: +61 8 9295 3991
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
One thing we Perthites can never deny is our intense love for art, which is evident in our many art galleries. That’s why even in a relatively distant neighbourhood like Mundaring, you’ll find a vibrant art gallery called the Mundaring Arts Centre.
Established in 1979, the centre is dedicated to promoting visual arts and crafts through a diverse range of exhibitions. Some exceptional artists whose works have been exhibited here include Shelley Cowper and Gareth Morse.
Beyond the impressive artworks, another reason to visit is the centre’s many workshops and events. A friend of mine regularly participates in their sculpting workshops and now creates footy figures as his main hobby.
Have a relaxing picnic in Sculpture Park
Photo credit: kylary87
Address: Jacoby St
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6645
First-time visitors to Mundaring should definitely make a quick stop at Sculpture Park. It’s located right in the heart of the neighbourhood and is only a few minutes walk away from the Transwa Mundaring bus station.
What makes this park so fun to visit is the diverse collection of sculptures here that were created by local and international artists. It also has the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, a scenic rail trail that follows the path of the old Eastern Railway.
For families, the playground is a perfect spot where kids can spend hours playing and burning off energy. And if you didn’t pack your own food, don’t worry! There are usually one or two food trucks parked nearby, ready to serve up delicious snacks.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mundaring
The Ming Restaurant
Photo credit: mundaringhillsopenstudios
Website: http://www.themingrestaurant.com.au/menu.html
Address: 7545 Great Eastern Hwy
Contact details: +61 8 9295 6388
Operating hours:
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (TUES-THURS)
5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (FRI and SAT)
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (SUN)
You might find this surprising, but Mundaring actually has an extremely vibrant food scene. One of the main contributors to this amazing phenomenon is The Ming Restaurant, an authentic Cantonese cuisine restaurant.
It’s run by Head Chef Hai Feng Zeng and his wife Leona Gu, who take pride in preparing each dish with fresh ingredients and sauces made daily.
During my visit, the dish that stood out to me was their honey chicken. It had crispy, golden chicken pieces perfectly coated in a luscious, sticky-sweet honey glaze that made each bite absolutely irresistible.
Tuck In Mate
Photo credit: tuckinmate
Website: https://www.tuckinmate.au/
Address: Shop 6/7025 Great Eastern Hwy
Contact details: +61 412 029 061
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (MON-WED)
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM (THURS and FRI)
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (SAT)
If you love Indian cuisine, then Tuck In Mate is definitely a must-visit for you! Located along the Great Eastern Highway, it’s known for its high-quality, allergen-friendly meals made from authentic ingredients.
A key reason why it quickly became one of the neighbourhood’s top food spots is its highly diverse menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty curry, a fresh salad, or a comforting bowl of stew, Tuck In Mate has something to satisfy every craving.
Out of all the dishes I’ve tried here, the one that stood out to me was their Malabar beef curry. It perfectly balances spiciness with tenderness, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour and texture.
Cafe Mojo
Photo credit: cafemojomundaring
Website: https://cafemojomundaring.com.au/
Address: 16 Craig St
Contact details: +61 410 270 784
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Cafe Mojo is undoubtedly one of the most memorable cafes I’ve ever visited. This place boasts a sprawling, beautiful garden filled with whimsical decorations that have certainly added some flair to my Instagram feed.
To start, its tables and seats are distinctly different from one another, and there’s a random painting or sculpture here and there that breaks any semblance of monotony to this place. Now that I think about it, it kind of reminds me of my grandma’s home!
Beyond the eye-catching decor, Cafe Mojo is also famed for its delectable dishes and drinks. My personal recommendation is their Big Brekkie Roll, perfect for kicking off your day with its hearty ingredients like crispy bacon, spinach, and fried eggs.
Where to Shop in Mundaring
Mundaring Village
Photo credit: mundaringvillagesc
Website: https://www.mundaringvillage.com/
Address: 7295 Great Eastern Hwy
Contact details: +61 8 9426 1777
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
Starting off with Mundaring’s biggest shopping centre, we have the Mundaring Village. It offers a convenient shopping experience with a variety of stores, including Coles Supermarket, Priceline Pharmacy, and over 18 specialty stores.
What makes visiting here so special is its community feel. The shops here aren’t too big, and the open-air concept keeps the atmosphere lively and exciting, especially when there’s a huge party or event going on.
If there’s one store you should definitely visit here, it would be the local gift store. It has all sorts of knick-knacks and souvenirs that are perfect for gifts that are a bit more special and eye-catching.
Hills Fresh
Photo credit: hills.fresh
Website: https://www.hillsfreshwa.com.au/
Address: 7110 Great Eastern Hwy
Contact details: +61 8 9295 2700
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MON-SUN)
If you’re on the hunt for the freshest groceries to stock your pantry, look no further than Hills Fresh. Established in 2006 by local residents Brad and Kath Hayden, this store is all about providing fresh, tasty, and nutritious produce.
During my visit, they did not disappoint! The number of fresh fruits and vegetables I bought here made my car feel noticeably heavier on the drive back.
Beyond just produce, Hills Fresh offers a wide range of dairy, bread, and meat. And if you can’t find the time to visit their store, don’t worry, they offer online ordering with prompt delivery straight to your door.
Wasteless Pantry
Photo credit: wasteless_pantry
Website: https://www.wastelesspantry.com.au/
Address: 17/7295 Great Eastern Hwy
Contact details: +61 8 9295 6440
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MON-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
Another Mundaring store that’s worth supporting is Wasteless Pantry. It’s a fantastic zero-waste grocery store that incentivises its customers to reduce waste and embrace eco-friendly shopping habits.
Here, you’ll find a wide range of groceries and everyday items. Unlike what you’ll find in Woolworths or Coles, everything here is packaged in reusable containers, such as mason jars and canvas bags.
I was pleasantly surprised by how things are done here on my first visit. I hope that this zero-waste model catches on in more stores across Perth!
Where to Stay in Mundaring
Mundaring Weir Hotel
Photo credit: mundaringweirhotel_
Website: https://mundaringweirhotel.com.au/
Address: Mundaring Weir Rd &, Hall Rd
Contact details: +61 8 9295 1106
Check in: 2:00 PM
Check out: 11:00 AM
Pricing ($ for $199 and below, $$ for $200–$300, and $$$ for $300 and up): $
One of the best ways to spend the night in Mundaring is with a quick reservation at the Mundaring Weir Hotel. Built in 1898 to serve the workers on the Mundaring Weir dam, the hotel has since become a beloved destination for Mundaring’s visitors.
A key reason this hotel is a must-visit is its picturesque location. Situated on the tranquil banks of the Mundaring River, the hotel provides breathtaking views of the surrounding state forest.
And it also has a wide range of great amenities to enjoy during your stay. In particular, the hotel’s garden, terrace, and BBQ facilities make it an ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.
Mundaring Bed & Breakfast
Address: 6 Cockatoo Dr
Contact details: +61 428 260 449
Check in: 2:00 PM
Check out: 10:00 AM
Pricing: $
If you prefer booking Airbnb, then Mundaring Bed & Breakfast is certainly worth considering. It’s a beautiful property with spacious rooms, a sun terrace, and a lovely garden where guests can relax.
And as its name implies, you’re also guaranteed to enjoy a hearty breakfast during your stay here. My friend had the chance to experience it herself, and she told me the continental breakfast served here was superb.
Another good thing worth mentioning about this place is its location. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the town centre from here, and it’s also close to many of Mundaring’s top spots, like the Munda Biddi Trail.
Rustic Cabin in the Perth Hills
Address: Walker St.
Check in: 3:00 PM
Check out: 10:00 AM
Pricing: $
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the stunning views around Mundaring, this charming Airbnb spot is a must-visit. It perfectly captures a rustic vibe as it transports you back to the early 1900s with its timeless charm.
One of the highlights of staying here is its proximity to the Black Cockatoo Reserve. This ensures a serene environment where the only sounds you’ll likely hear are those of the local wildlife.
The house itself boasts a simple yet inviting ambience, free from modern distractions. In my opinion, it’s the ideal place for anyone looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and truly unwind.
