When mum asked me to go check out the Raeburn Orchards I had no idea what she was talking about. So I immediately turned to Instagram and after a few minutes of stalking I knew we had to go check out the Raeburn Orchards Persimmon Festival. I was mesmerised by the colours and had to go witness the beauty for myself.

Raeburn Orchards is located in the Bickley Valley, a new up and coming wine region which is taking over the ever so popular Swan Valley. This gorgeous region is filled with natural bushland, wildflowers, wildlife (we even spotted an emu casually walking along the road), creeks, forests, boutique vineyards and orchards, art galleries, restaurants and cafes. And you can find all this only a 30 minute drive from Perth city.

While the busy Swan Valley wine region is a pretty flat landscape, Bickley Valley and the Carmel Wine Route offers a more exciting and diverse landscape to wine and dine. Filled with forests and creeks, it transports you to another place, similar to the well known Margaret River wine region.

And no trip to the Bickley Valley would be complete without a visit to Raeburn Orchards. For a tiny $4 per person you can walk among the avocados and pomegranates, take a break under their gorgeous willow tree, and then make your way to the gloriously coloured persimmon orchards.

As you can see, mum and I had loads of fun playing in the autumn leaves.

And when you’re done playing in the colourful gardens, you can buy some delicious local produce from the store before leaving.

For 3 weekends in May, Raeburn Orchards put on a cute little festival celebrating food and drinks from the region. We chose to visit on a weekday instead to avoid the crowds, but I’d say the festival is a lovely experience.

If you don’t go to the festival you may work up an appetite while walking around the property. So just a short drive on from the orchards you can find many lovely wineries, cafes, cideries and restaurants.

We chose to have lunch at the Masonmill Gardens. A stunning property situated on 10 acres of colourful gardens surrounded by the peaceful Jarrah forest of Carmel. They serve up an Irish style menu and it’s a perfectly chilled setting to wind down and let the afternoon get away from you.

Visit Raeburn Orchards here:

4 Raeburn Rd, Roleystone WA 6111

Visit Masonmill Gardens here:

40 Masonmill Rd, Carmel WA 6076

Getting to either of these locations is easy and it’s a beautiful scenic drive through the rolling hills. I’d love to hear about your experience in the Bickley Valley and any other recommended places to visit here.