A Day Out in the Chittering Valley

When city life calls for a change of pace, a relaxing country drive is never far away.

Wind down the windows, turn up the radio and leave suburbia behind. A day out in Chittering is all about slowing down. Just an hour north east of Perth’s CBD, this scenic pocket pairs winding roads, rolling farmland, seasonal wildflowers and plenty of delicious stops along the way. Visit between July and October to catch the region at its colourful best, when roadside verges and bushland reserves come alive with spring blooms.

Roadside Finds and Wildflower Wanders

A visit to the Chittering Valley is as much about the drive as the experience. Chittering Road weaves through the valley’s patchwork of emerald-green pastures, native bushland and bursts of spring colour, offering one of the prettiest country drives within easy reach of Perth.

This drive encourages the occasional spontaneous camera stop to take in the view or to collect roadside produce, so be sure to pack the esky. Depending on the season, you may come across small farm stalls selling citrus, avocados, eggs, honey, preserves and other local farmgate produce.

Start the day early, with a wander of Djidi-Djidi Ridge. This 1.5km trail is one of the area’s standout wildflower walks. Moderately difficult, the trail is named after the Noongar word for willy wagtail; and chances are you’ll spot the friendly birds here. Wander the gravel track amongst grass trees, native orchids, wattle and parrotbush, up to the lookout and soak up sweeping views across the valley.

Bindoon Browsing

Next, take a short drive into the heart of Bindoon, the main hub of the Chittering Valley. Small in size, but full of character, there is a collection of independent shops found along Great Northern Highway. Start with a coffee at The Local Larder of Bindoon, where there’s always a delicious line-up of cabinet bites to grab and go, from bacon and egg rolls, salads, frittatas and more. The gourmet café also serves as a great spot to pick up locally made produce, including the popular house-made chutneys.

The Little Country Store offers the sort of chic homewares and useful gifts that make it easy to treat yourself. Love a thrift-store treasure hunt? Rummage through the rails at ADRA Op Shop. Striking metal artworks at Martin Jaine Sculptures bring a creative touch to town. Bindoon Bakehaus, once visited by Prince Harry, is a good excuse to buy fresh bread, hearty pies or something sweet for later, royal credentials aside.

The Chittering Visitor Centre is worth ducking into for local advice, souvenirs and brochures. The 1.8km Bindoon Tale Trail loop threads around the town’s highlights with interpretative signage reminding you to slow down, learn local stories and notice the details. If your timing lines up with the fourth Sunday of the month, the Bindoon Farmers Market is worth making time for.

Sweet Stops and Valley History

By mid-morning, point the car north, towards Little Eeden Honey Farm and The Hive Café where you can see the fruits of the region’s wildflowers and orchards – delicious honey. Set amongst shady pines, get the buzz about different types of honey, sample unprocessed bush honey, infused honeys and other bee-related treats. The Hive Café is reason enough to linger longer. Our tip – order the honey crepes. If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love to explore the playground.

On the fringes of town, the Bindoon Heritage Museum (open Wednesdays and weekends) tells the region’s story through a fascinating collection of curios, vintage cars, tractors, and even a 1930s fire engine. The museum precinct is also home to the Bindoon Arts & Craft Centre, where handmade quilts, pottery and other locally made pieces give a glimpse into the valley’s creative side.

Lunchtime Bites

After the history fix, lunch is calling. Stringybark Winery is the classic choice, sitting right on the scenic tourist drive and offering exactly what a country day out calls for. With the country setting, inviting restaurant (with cosy fires in winter), cellar door tastings and live music in the beer garden on Sundays, it’s easy to turn lunch into a leisurely afternoon. The addition of Bushranger Distillery gives visitors even more reason to stay awhile to sip local spirits or simply soak up the Stringybark surroundings.

Brisket arancini, anyone? If you’re craving something smoky and substantial, Moustachery BBQ Smoke Grill is a new option in town. Known for its slow-cooked meats, from 12-Hour Smoked Brisket, smoked wings and crowd-pleasing sides, these passionate pitmasters are serving plenty of delicious morsels and all the comfort of a casual country feed.

When to Visit

While the Chittering Valley has year-round appeal, wildflower season is particularly special. From July to October, Bindoon and the Chittering Valley are at their most vibrant. The Taste of Chittering festival (30 August 2026), celebrating local produce and community, and the Bindoon Ag Show and Rodeo (17 October 2026) are popular events.

In the Chittering Valley, it's just as easy to fill an esky with local produce as it is to refill your own cup. Come for the scenic drive, stay for the country-town charm, and leave with a few local finds – the perfect excuse to explore Perth’s countryside.

A Day Out in the Chittering Valley Map