Welcome to Birak

We’ve now entered the hottest and driest time of year in the south-west of Western Australia. Birak, one of the six Noongar seasons, is usually the December-January period- although Noongar seasons are not confined by precise dates and instead follow the emergence and changes to the natural world. If we told you that the season Birak was symbolised by the colour red that probably wouldn’t surprise you, right? Birak’s red symbolism comes from the heat, sun and fire that the season brings.

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Flora and Fauna to spot in the Perth Hills

5 tips to make the most of summer

During the summer months, spotting wildlife begins to get more challenging. Marsupials are resting to avoid the heat of the day and wildflowers lay dormant following their spring spectacle. But there’s still plenty to see, that is if you know where to look.

1. Rise early to spot kangaroos
2. Birdwatch in Bungendore Park
3. Find a WA Christmas Tree
4. Be on the look-out for beetles
5. Spot a Christmas Spider

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Summer is Here, Make a Splash

4 spots to cool down in the Perth Hills Armadale and surrounds

1.	Serpentine Falls Serpentine Falls National Park, 100 Falls Road, Serpentine
2.	Wungong Recreational Lake Wungong Dam, Admiral Road, Bedfordale
3.	Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre 76 Champion Drive, Seville Grove
4.	Lake Leschenaultia Rosedale Road, Chidlow

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Give the Gift of Experience

7 ideas for thoughtful gift giving this Christmas

With the rise of Konmari and the idea of things sparking joy, Christmas just got a whole lot more stressful. Christmas is so full of tradition and the idea of consumption that you might be wondering, can minimalism ever go with Christmas? Can I have my joy and plum pudding too? The answer is yes, but it also involves thinking about what your friends or family really want and finding experiences that go with it. It might sound counterintuitive, but think about the best Christmases you’ve ever had and consider - do you remember the gifts or the moment?

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Christmas Eateries, Wine and Dine in the Perth Hills

Busy planning those Christmas lunches and end of year catch-ups? We know the feeling. Getting groups together can be challenging, but there’s plenty of delicious dining options on offer in the Perth Hills and surrounds – the only problem is picking which one!

1.	Naked Apple Cider 1088 Brookton Highway, Karragullen
2.	Last Drop Elizabethan 25 Canns Road, Bedfordale
3.	Myattsfield Winery Union Road, Carmel
4.	Plume Estate 91 Glenisla Road, Bickley

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Warm up your vocal chords - Christmas Carols are coming

Get ready to Fa-la-la-la-la your heart out. Is there any better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with Christmas Carols?

The City of Armadale is celebrating with its annual Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Parade Friday 6 December, with all the bells and whistles.

Araluen Botanic Park are also getting ready to celebrate, with Carols by Torchlight Sunday 15 December.

If you prefer to listen, rather than belt out a tune yourself – head to the Roleystone Christmas Markets Sunday 1 December.

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