About the East Metropolitan Region

The electoral region of East Metropolitan is a multi-member electoral region of the WA Legislative Council (the Upper House) located in the eastern and south-eastern suburbs of Perth.

The East Metropolitan Region stretches from the edge of the Perth CBD, along the Swan River to the scenic Swan Valley and Daring Range forests. It includes the Legislative Assembly electorates of Armadale, Bassendean, Belmont, Darling Range, Forrestfield, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Maylands, Midland, Morley, Mount Lawley, Nollamara, Swan Hills and West Swan.

Electoral boundary map -  Click here

The East Metropolitan Region consists of vibrant and thriving communities, inclusive of 6 regional Councils: Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan. All linked under the East Metropolitan Regional Council.

Covering an area of approximately one-third of the Perth, and about 300,000 residents, it is one of the fastest growing regions in WA, both with significant commercial, industrial and residential developments.

Having a largely central proximity to air, rail and road transport arteries, the region has seen commercial diversity, ranging from multi-national companies to micro and home-based businesses.

The region also boasts some of the best fertile agricultural land; having significant representation in wineries, orchards and other agricultural pursuits. As well, the Eastern Region has the most unique and diverse amenities found within close proximity to the Perth Metropolitan region.

Highlights include exploring the unique beauty of the Region's national parks, bush walking through the expansive State Forests or Swan River park lands, leisurely boat cruises up the Swan River, tours of wineries, spending a day at the races or visiting the natural attractions of the Darling Range.

Aboriginal Heritage

The original inhabitants and custodians of this region are historically the Nyungah people.

Archaeological evidence has shown that Aboriginal people have inhabited the State for well over 30,000 years before James Stirling and his exploratory expedition arrived in WA in 1827.

The East Metropolitan region has numerous sites of cultural and spiritual significance to the Nyungah people encompassing their people’s memories, traditions, culture and hopes for the future.

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC)

The EMRC is a collective of representative members from regional local government Councils of the East Metropolitan region, whose wide range of activities includes: waste management, environmental management, regional development, and risk management.

The Council’s vision is “to be a responsive and innovative leader in assisting Perth’s Eastern Region to be a great place to live, work, play and do business” by facilitating strategies and actions for the benefit and sustainability of the region.

Please see the EMRC’s website for more information.  Click here

City of Belmont

Belmont is less than 10 minutes to the CBD and comprises of the suburbs of Ascot, Redcliffe, Belmont, Cloverdale, Kewdale and Rivervale. It hosts a number of attractions, including Ascot Racecourse, Faulkner Park, Ruth Faulkner Library, Council Civic Centre, Ascot Waters Marina, Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre and Youth and Family Service Centre.

It also features numerous picturesque parks and gardens complete with childrens’ playgrounds and BBQ facilities along the Swan River. Take advantage of watching wild birds or river views from parks such as Garvey Park and Adachi Park, to name a few. Commercial landmark locations include both the domestic and international airports, Kewdale Freight Terminal and Belmont Forum Shopping Centre.

Please see the City of Belmont’s website for more information.  Click here

Town of Bassendean

Located along 7km of the Swan River, the Town of Bassendean is only 10 kilometres from the CBD and comprises the suburbs of: Ashfield; Bassendean; and Eden Hill. Five minutes from the Swan Valley vineyards, it boasts a cultural hub of renowned artists, writers, actors and dancers. It began as small settlement in 1829, and has several significant historical buildings, such as Earlsferry, Daylesford House, Success Hill Lodge and the Pensioner Guard Cottage.

The town features the only significant collection of railway history in WA at the Rail Transport Museum. Visitors are encouraged to come and enjoy some of Perth’s highly significant walk trails such as: the historic Bassendean village, Eden Hill parklands or the Ashfield Flats wetland sanctuary on the Swan River. As well, visitors may like to take a stroll or picnic at some of the Riverside picnic spots like Ashfield Flats, Sandy Beach Reserve, Pickering Park and Bindaring Parks, Point Reserve or Success Hill Reserve.

Please see the Town of Bassendean’s website for more information. Click here

City of Bayswater

Known as the ‘Garden City’, the City of Bayswater is located just 8km north-east of the CBD. It too, is located along 10km of Swan River foreshore and comprises the suburbs of Bayswater; Bedford; Embleton; Maylands; Morley; parts of Dianella, Mt Lawley; and Noranda.

Some of the unique features the city has to offer are: Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre, Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, Maylands Water Playground, Maylands Peninsula Public Golf Course, Maylands
Embleton Golf Course, Bayswater
Riverside Gardens, Centro Galleria Shopping Centre and a growing number of vibrant café and shopping strips throughout the various suburbs.

Several significant and loving preserved historical buildings include: Tranby House and the Old Peninsula Hotel in Maylands; and Ellis and Halliday Houses in Bayswater. Well known for its family-friendly atmosphere and regular community events, the City of Bayswater declares itself to be a place of relaxation, fun and recreation.

Please see the City of Bayswater’s website for more information. Click here

City of Swan

The City of Swan, is located just 25 minutes from the CBD, and is the largest local authority, comprising the suburbs of: Aveley; Ballajura; Baskerville; Beechboro; Belhus; Brigadoon; Bullsbrook; Caversham; Cullacabardee; Ellenbrook; Gidgegannup; Gnangara; Guildford; Hazelmere; Henley Brook; Herne Hill; Jane Brook; Kiara; Koongamia; Lexia; Lockridge; Malaga; Middle Swan; Midland; Midvale; Millendon; South Guildford; Stratton; Swan View; Upper Swan; Viveash; West Swan; Whiteman; Woodbridge; and parts of Noranda.

Attractions for the Swan region are numerous. Ranging from the historical Guildford town through to Swan Valley wine region. Guildford offers three self-guided heritage walk trails, taking in a rich collection of historic buildings, antique/gift shops, and a choice of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The Swan Valley is home to 40 wineries, five breweries, distilleries, nougat factory, chocolate factory, Art galleries, wildlife parks, picnic areas, golf, Whiteman Park, river cruises, wagon trails, wide range of accommodation ranges, together with a huge range of restaurants and cafés.

The City of Swan’s commercial hub is the once thriving economic powerhouse of Midland. This centre is currently undergoing revitalisation and boasts two major shopping centres, markets and the recently redeveloped sites of the former Midland Railway Workshops. Midland also features several significant historical buildings such as the Midland Town Hall and Midland Post Office, to name a few.

From a naturalists perspective, the City of Swan manages more than 50 bushland and foreshore reserves, and is home to three national parks (Walyunga, John Forrest and Avon Valley), State government conservation areas (Whiteman Park and Caversham Wildlife Park), private conservation areas (Karakamia and Paruna wildlife sanctuaries). Visitors to these areas enjoy famous wildflower displays (such as the Gidgegannup Wildflower Drives), numerous walk and bridle trails featuring picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, Australian birds and fauna in their natural bush land habitat, as well as the intricate ecosystems of the various of waterways.

Please see the City of Bayswater’s website for more information.  Click here

Shire of Mundaring

The Shire of Mundaring is a major water catchment area, located 30 minutes from the CBD, and comprises the suburbs of: Bailup; Beechina; Bellevue; Boya; Chidlow; Darlington; Glen Forrest; Gorrie; Greenmount; Helena Valley; Hovea; Mahogany Creek; Malmalling; Midvale; Mt Helena; Mundaring; Parkerville; Sawyers Valley; Stoneville; Swan View; The Lakes; and Wooroloo.

This is a vibrant tourist destination, which is rich in history, art, natural attractions and nature based activities, such as bush walking and cycling. Local attractions of the area feature: pubs, cafés, award winning restaurants, galleries, craft outlets, Railway Reserve Heritage Trail, Munda Biddi Trail, Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary, Hills Wine Trail, Lake Leschenaultia, Mundaring Weir, Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema and Perth Hills National Park Centre.

Heritage and history combine to blend with the abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Accommodation features deluxe forest hideaways, family friendly farm stays and chalets. A choice of five national parks will deliver spectacular views of granite outcrops, rolling forests, wetlands and water courses.

Please see the Shire of Mundaring’s website for more information.  Click here

Shire of Kalamunda

The Shire of Kalamunda, is the central hub of the Perth Hills, and is located 30 minutes from the CBD, and comprises the suburbs of: Bickley; Canning Mills; Carmel; Forrestfield; Gooseberry Hill; Hacketts Gully; High Wycombe; Kalamunda; Lesmurdie; Maida Vale; Paulls Valley; Pickering Brook; Piesse Brook; and Wattle Grove.

This area, where the hills of the Darling Scarp meet the plains of the Perth foothills, is a popular destination for visitors and lovers of nature. Kalamunda means “home in the forest” from the Aboriginal words Cala (home) and Munnda ( forest) and it offers a unique blend of residential, rural areas, nature reserves, state forests, open spaces, national parks, water catchment areas, hobby farms, vineyards, and orchards.

The town of Kalamunda includes a host of attractions and activities such as: the History Village & Railway Museum and Stirk Cottage;
arts & crafts markets; a large collection of public art, sculptures, ceramics works; the largest community built stained glass window in Australia; Perth Hills Wine Show (September); the Zig Zag Festival (October); the Kalamunda Agricultural Show (April); the Harvest Festival (May); Gooseberry Hill Village;
and the Kalamunda Village, including boutique shops, restaurants and cafes.

Regionally, Kalamunda provide visitors with spectacular forests, lookouts, picnic areas, walk trails and scenic drives. Some of the variety of activities and attractions on offer are: Bickley Carmel Wine Trail and Festival; Mundaring Weir Road scenic drive; Zig Zag drive trail;
the start of the world famous Bibbulmun Track; Bickley Reservoir
Golden View lookout of Mundaring Weir;
Jorgenson Park;
Lesmurdie Falls and look out;
Lions look out;
Victoria Reservoir;
Camel Farm;
wildflower guided tours; and the Perth Observatory.

Please see the Shire of Kalamunda’s website for more information. Click here