Christmas in Perth isn’t quite like the northern hemisphere — where, in some parts, flurries of snow add a touch of magic, and families rug up and hang stockings by the fireplace.
Here, the beads of sweat dripping off our skin add that extra sparkle to our Christmas Day as we grin and bear a 40C heatwave (usually).
Alas, there are a number of traditions we can still incorporate despite the contrast in climate, and one that is growing in popularity in our sunny State is going to pick your very own real Christmas tree to decorate.
The most common tree species grown for the festive season around the world are the fir, spruce, and pine. Here in WA, you too can be like a lumberjack and forage through rows of glorious conifers to source a special tree to display in your home, with most plantations here growing pine varieties.
It’s not long now till Santa stops by, with most pine tree farms announcing they will open in the first week of December to give families ample time to pick up a tree. Some plantations will sell trees up until around December 22 or until sold out, while others have opted to open for only a few select days.
A lot of tree farms also recommend bringing cash, as EFTPOS services can be hit-and-miss. Also, keep in mind that most farms will not be reserving trees due to limited stock.
Happy tree hunting!
Christmas Trees of Wanneroo (Opening delayed due to bushfire)
Christmas Trees of Wanneroo was gearing up to open its doors to sell its real Christmas trees on Friday, December 1, but a raging bushfire in the area threw their plans into disarray when they were forced to evacuate.
Taking to their Facebook page, Alex and Gail Frichot informed their 3000 followers of the hard situation but said they believed many of their hundreds of Christmas trees were saved.
“Hi everyone, at this stage, we think we will still have some trees available,” the post said.
“Alex and I are both safe and at this time they have saved the house. Opening day will more than likely be delayed as we have no water or electricity and have no idea how long it will take.”
“We will post the new opening date as soon as we can asses the property. At this time we are not allowed back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages and love. Alex and Gail.”
Once open, visitors can take a stroll through the big pine plantation to find their perfect real Christmas tree. A saw is supplied for the cutting down of your tree, along with a tree trolley to transport your tree from the fields to your car.
Alex says their trees are of the “highest quality in the metro area”.
“They [the trees] are thick and bushy,” he states on his website. “This variety of tree is suited to the Australian climate and does not drop needles after initial set and decorating when brought into the cooler environment of your home.”
The plantation is only five minutes from the Wanneroo Central shopping centre. The farm will close on December 22 at noon or when all the trees are sold out.
Location: 99 Rousset Rd, Mariginiup, Wanneroo
Opening day: To be announced on Facebook
Opening times/dates:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 6pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm
- Mondays closed
Closing December 22 at noon (or when sold out!)
Price: All trees are individually priced, ranging from $140 (1.8m) to $230 (3m). Find out more.
Wilbury’s Christmas Trees
Get into the festive spirit and browse the rows of pine trees at Wilbury’s to find your one-of-a-kind Christmas tree.
The plantation is conveniently located in the heart of the Swan Valley, just 25 minutes from the Perth CBD.
The owners say a real tree will “create a Christmas atmosphere in your home, with that fresh aroma of pine that your family will love”.
“We have 5 to 6ft trees available this year,” Wilbury’s website states. “Unfortunately, no large trees and a limited supply of 5 to 6 ft trees.”
Location: 8350 West Swan Road, Henley Brook
Opening times/dates: From December 1 until sold out. Weekdays and weekends from 9am to 5pm.
Price: From $130 for a 1.5m tree. Find out more.
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Perth Christmas Trees
If you want to stay close to the ‘burbs but still want to buy a fresh-cut pine tree, then the trees sold at Sunday markets by Perth Christmas Trees are your best bet.
Their trees, grown and harvested in Collie, will be available at four markets being held in December in Mt Claremont, Swanbourne, Stirling and Claremont.
The family-run business has been growing and selling Christmas trees of the pinus radiata variety for more than 10 years now.
“We started selling freshly cut Christmas Trees at the Mt Claremont Farmers Market in WA in 2009 and were surprised by the number of people that were delighted to be able to once again have a real Christmas tree in their home,” their website states.
“Many of these people are now regular clients, coming back year after year for a real tree.”
Opening dates/times/locations:
- Claremont: Freshwater Bay Primary School car park, 64 Bayview Tce — December 9 and 16 from 7.30am.
- Stirling: Stirling Markets, Cedric St — December 10 and 17 from 7.30am.
- Mt Claremont: John XXIII College, John Xxiii Ave — December 9, 16, and 23 from 7.30am.
- Swanbourne: United Petroleum Station, Servetus St and Claremont Cres — December 10, and 17 from 7am.
Price: From small at $120 to x-large at $250. Find out more.
Toodyay Christmas Trees
Out in Toodyay — only an hour’s drive from Perth — you’ll have to be quick to pick a tree, with Toodyay Christmas Trees deciding to sell all their trees, no matter what the size, for just $50 this year.
In a post on their Facebook page, the owners said, “A Christmas gift from us to you 🎄😍🎄 ALL TREES ARE $50!”
“To enable us to keep costs down during these tough times, for all our customers loyal and new, we will be running a little differently this year,” they continued, noting they’ll only be open for the first two weekends of December this season.
“This year’s trees are a different variety to our usual stock — you will still have that beautiful Christmas smell, they are just not as soft and cuddly as our usual variety.
“Our usual tree variety is growing away, ready for many Christmases to come.”
The owners also reminded tree hunters to bring their gardening gloves and saw, as customers will need to cut and load their tree this year, but pensioners will be provided with assistance if required.
They asked all visitors to check their Facebook page before making the trip out to make sure trees are still available.
“There are no holds — it is first in, best dressed,” they wrote.
Location: 428 Goomalling-Toodyay Road, Toodyay, WA
Opening times/dates: Weekends of December 2, 3, and 9 and 10 from 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.
Price: $50 for all trees 1m to 3m. Cash only. Find out more.
Tom’s Real Pine Christmas Trees
For 30 years, owners Tom and Joan have been growing real pine Christmas Trees on their farm at Lake Clifton and selling them throughout the Perth area.
One of the pioneers of the Christmas Tree market in Perth, the couple has since moved down the coast a little to Wannanup, just south of Mandurah.
Their trees can be picked up from various locations, including Wannanup, Carine and Bunbury.
Opening times/dates: Available from December 2. Find out more.
Muriale’s Tree Farm (Temporarily closed)
The popular Muriale’s Tree Farm in the Swan Valley has announced it will be closed for the 2023 season.
“We made a decision to take a little break this year,” the owners told their Facebook followers.
“This temporary closure will allow us to replenish our stock and make the next season even more magical!”
They encouraged people to instead create new traditions.
“A fun Christmas tree alternative is a DIY Christmas tree with branches or driftwood,” they suggested. “It can be hung on a wall or over a door, and decorated with just some simple string lights or go wild with loads of decorations. Whatever it is, we look forward to seeing your crafty creations.”
Location: 633 Great Northern Hwy, Herne Hill
Opening times/dates: Closed for 2023. Find out more.