Araluen in Autumn (Fall)
Known as Heaven in the Hills, Araluen Botanical Park features a range of exotic and native species of plants making it a great time to visit in autumn (Fall). 30km’s south of Perth in the Darling Ranges, Araluen is an extraordinary garden in a breathtaking setting. Whenever you visit Araluen you will find streams flowing, enchanting bushwalks to explore and many picnic spots to unwind.
Araluen is a beautiful place to explore and autumn is a very special time to enjoy the picturesque gardens. The fantastic colour of red, yellow and brown make a gorgeous place for a colourful walk in the tranquil surroundings throughout the 59 hectacres located in a sheltered valley. The leaves on the trees start turning orange, red and yellow in late April/May, the same time as the Karri trees begin to shed their bark.
It is peaceful and therapeutic to stroll along one of the trails that meander through the trees and gardens to steep slope called The Grove of the Unforgotten. A series of terraces descend the steep slope and a waterfall cascades through the centre where it pools in the calming reflection pond below.
There is a cute cottage overlooking the park called Chalet Healey where you can sit on the balcony under the gnarly bare wisteria and listen to the sound of the steams and birds or sit inside near the warmth of the fire.
The old swimming pool has had the diving board removed but the Margaret Simons Pergola remains. Built in 1939 this is one of the largest stone and timber pergolas in the world.
Every year at Araluen thousands of tulips bulbs are planted by volunteers for a magnificent colourful display flowering in Spring, but for me Autumn is a very special time and I believe even more beautiful with the colours of the Eucalyptus, Karri, Tuart, Marri, Jarrah and Blackbutt.
Originally established as a holiday camp in 1929 for the Young Australia League where pathways, steps and terraces were created amongst the creeks running through the long valley. 88 of the YAL members were killed in WW1 and the Grove of the Unforgotten was created in memory of them. The creeks and the deep shaded valley create a cool moist climate making for a dream garden. The ideal name for this place, ’Araluen’ is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘singing waters’
Is this the first time you have heard of Araluen? Where is your favourite place to escape to during Autumn?
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I love the fall colors- we aren’t getting much of those in Brisbane. How special to find that photo of your father.
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad} recently posted…Friday Favorites: Labour Day Edition
We don’t get a lot either, little pockets in the hills areas are very pretty with all the colours for a short time. Thank you for your comment Courtney
This looks like such a serene and calming area, I’d happily spend the day wandering and moving from spot to spot with a good book, maybe do some writing. I can picture it already. 🙂
And thanks for linking up with #wednesdaywanderlust
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted…My Friday Favourites: Little Paper Lane
Malinda it is a really peaceful place, sitting on a bench in the Grove of the Unforgotten or on a blanket on the grassed area in the sunshine… ah yes! Thanks for your comment.
How pretty all the colors are. Sad about the deaths and so many deaths during the wars… Love that you found a photo of your Dad. I have so few of my Dad to enjoy.. Thank you for linking into Nature Notes…Michelle
It is sad, but nice to sit in such a beautiful, peaceful place and reflect.
Oh those autumn colours – just magical! I love that you discovered a special family connection too.
Jessi (Two Feet, One World) recently posted…{VIDEO} Two Feet In Mallorca!
Thank you for your comment Jessi. It was lovely to have Dad’s photo in my mind and find the exact spot it was taken. And how appropriate it was called The Grove of the Unforgotten. Such a peaceful and pretty place.
This is such a lovely post, Lyn! Beautiful shots and an amazing story connecting you with your dad too. We’ll definitely put this one on a must-visit for the next time we’re in Perth.
Jxx
Jim Butcher recently posted…Postcards from Cuba
Thanks Jim, the Perth hills is such a pretty area with Araluen and a few restaurants, wineries, etc making it a wonderful place to spend time. It was good to connect to the spot that Dad had that photo taken all those years ago. I do hope you get there when you’re next in Perth… maybe we can catch up at our favourite cider house nearby for lunch?
It has never occurred to me that Perth is a place with autumn foliage to enjoy. When I think of autumn, I think of places like Japan and Canada. April and May… Sigh, doesn’t coincide our local school holidays.
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Charlie Brown Cafe Singapore (Orchard Cineleisure) Review
I’m not sure when your school holidays are, these photos were actually taken first week in June which is winter, but the summer was longer this year. Don’t worry Araluen is such a pretty place at any time of the year, you would love September when all the Wisteria and thousands of tulips are in flower. It is also a very cool place to visit in summer and escape the heat.
I love the sound of Chalet Healey and I’ve never heard of this area before. I was surprised that it is near Perth. We liv ed there for 2 years but I don’t recall ever visiting. Autumn colours are gorgeous.
budget jan recently posted…Walking Zagreb and Airbnb
Chalet Healey Tearoom and Function Centre is a quaint little place full of ambiance and rustic charm, great for a relaxing cuppa or a special occasion nestled in the Roleystone hills. Such a shame you didn’t get there Jan.
What a beautiful park and the autumn colors are lovely.
Vicki Green recently posted…An Alaska Cruise Adventure
Thanks for your comment Vicki, Araluen is a great place any time of the year.
Fall is seriously my favorite time of the year. It is just an absolutely beautiful time of the year to be outside and see the wonderful leaves change color. Great post!
Yvonne @ Lost with Yvonne recently posted…Island # 3: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
I love colour so agree it is a wonderful time of the year. Thank you for your comment Yvonne.
Great shots! I love autumn and your photos really capture the beauty of the season.
Ruth Daly recently posted…Peggy’s Cove
Thank you Ruth. It is an easy place to photograph, it may surprise you these were all taken on my iphone or Canon point and shoot.
W.A is about the last place in the world I think of when I think of Autumn colours, although I think you might have cheated a bit here. It is spring in Sydney right now. I know W.A is behind the eastern states in time-zone terms but surely it isn’t that far behind – lol.
Lyn (aka) The Travelling Lindfields recently posted…Whale Watching in Sydney with Captain Cook Cruises
Yes, you are right there Lyn, not many would associate Perth and Autumn/Fall colours. Although it is Spring here now, I wanted to highlight the beauty of the best season in Araluen. Thanks for your comment.
Araluen is such a special place and one of the few places in Perth where we get to see the full spectrum of autumn colours. It’s a great place for a visit anytime of the year, my favourite spot is the Magnolia garden in spring time when it’s in full bloom.
Thank for your comment Nina, I agree, Araluen is a special place and I just love Magnolias too.
I can see why it’s known as heaven in the hills! The leaves haven’t really turned colour here in London yet as it’s been quite warm but looking forward to that
Suze The Luxury Columnist recently posted…Bombay Brasserie – Fine Indian Dining in Kensington
The trees here turned a few months back Suze as it’s now spring in Perth. The tulips are spectacular but for me, autumn is the best time to visit.
Lovely pics! Having lived in LA for the last 11 years I haven’t seen the leaves changing in so long!
Sadie recently posted…No Trains to Germany
Glad you enjoyed the photos, thank you for your comment Sadie.
I keep saying I’m going to go to Araluen but I never seem to get around to it. I really must do it, it looks so beautiful 🙂
It is such a lovely drive to get there too Felicity, we were not far away yesterday and all the fruit trees are in bloo, very pretty. Thank you for your comment.
This looks like it would be such a lovely place to walk around and then curl up with a nice hot cuppa! Especially in Autumn when the weather is starting to get chilly.
Karyn Jane recently posted…10 Affirmations That Got Me Through Cancer Treatment
Thank you for your comment Karyn, you got that right as it can get a chill in the air in Autumn.
Stunning! I think my partner and I will have to make time to visit! He’s a photographer and would love this.
Kylie Travers recently posted…Time Saving Tips from Time Stylers at the AusMumpreneur Conference #AusMum15
Kylie if you are going to go, you might be lucky to see the tulips in flower now. It is always pretty, but I think Autumn is the best. Thank you for your comment.
Beautiful…
Muza-chan recently posted…Kagura suzu, the “divine entertainment bells”
Thank you
it’s not your autumn right now though, is it? either way it looks like a lovely place to take a walk!
eileen g recently posted…3 Reasons to Stay Up Late At Disney Land
No it’s now Spring and just lovely, but Araluen is lovely now too. Eileen thank you for your comment.
I love autumn, but then I love spring, winter and summer too. Araluen looks so beautiful. My fave place, would be the country town of Tumut, in NSW, where they even have a Festival of the Falling Leaf.
Paula McInerney recently posted…Insane (But True) – Your Hotel Booking Site is Not Being Totally Honest
I love all the seasons too Paula, though I complain a lot in summer hehe The Tumut Festival of the Falling Leaf sounds interesting, thank you for your comment.
Your post about autumn reminded me of the beautiful colors of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, Lyn. It seems though that fall has beautiful colors in the Southern Hemisphere too. We have a couple of gardens here in Los Angeles very similar to the one in Araluen. Great pictures!
Anda recently posted…Lake Como, the Playground of the Rich and Famous
It is beautiful in Autumn here Anda and such a compliment from a photographer like yourself to praise my photos, thank you.
You heaven in the hills looks beautiful! Love the fall colors
Priya recently posted…A horse carriage ride around Seville
Yes it is spectacular Priya. Thanks for your comment.