Top things to do
- Sandboard down the towering sand dunes in Lancelin.
- Visit New Norcia - Australia's only monastic town.
- Go stargazing at the Gravity Centre and Observatory.
- Let citrus-scented air lead the way through Chittering.
- Get the heart pumping on the Bindoon Mountain Bike Park.
- Visit the Moore River Estuary Lookout for river to ocean views.
Getting around & places to stay
The Northern Valleys stretch from Chittering to Bindoon and Gingin, then west to Lancelin and Moore River on the coast - all within a 90-minute drive of Perth's city centre. Accommodation in the Northern Valleys is just as varied, from tiny cabins hidden in paddocks to boutique stays. Plus, there are plenty of easy caravan parks that trade city lights for a canopy of stars.
Chittering
Chittering is all winding roads, orchard-lined valleys and citrus-scented air. Follow the Chittering Valley Tourist Drive to find wineries and roadside farm gates along the way. In spring, the annual Taste of Chittering festival celebrates local growers, small-batch artisans and winemakers showcasing the best of the season. Set against lush green hills, it's a paddock-to-plate experience with a strong sense of place. Bindoon is the hub of this region and worth a stop for its produce-driven stores and the scrumptious Bindoon Bakehaus & Cafe. For those seeking thrills on the trails, nearby Bindoon Mountain Bike Park cuts through the bushland, with climbs, corners and valley views.
Gingin
One of WA’s oldest towns, Gingin pairs country charm with an unexpected connection to science and the stars. Start at Gingin Visitor Centre, then wander the Gingin Heritage Trail to Granville Park. Here, shady trees, lawns and an adventure playground create the perfect spot for a picnic right beside the gurgling Gingin Brook and iconic water wheel. About 20-minutes east of town, the 45m 'Leaning Tower of Gingin' at Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory offers a different perspective from above the bushland. With an interactive science centre, a 1km 'Solar System Walk' and the observatory open for night tours, it's a must-visit for curious minds.
New Norcia
Rising from the Northern Valley farmland, the grand, Spanish-influenced architecture of New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery stands as a striking nod to the past. Founded in 1847, Australia's only monastic town remains a working Benedictine mission rich in heritage and quiet contemplation. The monastery's story is written into its intricate buildings and enduring traditions - from the rhythmic tolling of the bells to the bakery's wood-fired sourdough, made with flour milled on site and award-winning extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed from some of WA's oldest olive trees. In spring, the wider Victoria Plains region adds another layer of natural beauty, with native wildflowers brightening the landscape.
Guilderton & Moore River
Guilderton is about good old-fashioned fun by Moore River. Here, the river meets the ocean, often separated by a seasonal sandbar. For the best view, head to the Moore River Estuary Lookout. This laidback coastal hamlet is made for days outdoors: swimming in the river or sea, fishing and boating. Be sure to explore the upper reaches of the river by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or pedal craft, with hire available at the river mouth on weekends and during school holidays. Guilderton makes a great base for discovering nearby coastal settlements, from sleepy Seabird to the crayfishing town of Ledge Point.
Lancelin
Lancelin is where the inland palette of greens and golds gives way to white dunes and bright blue water. This small fishing town has long been a favourite for adventure on both land and sea. Protected by reef, Lancelin Bay is perfect for surfing and snorkelling, while 14 shipwrecks create a world-renowned dive trail for experienced scuba divers. Lancelin Community Resource & Visitor Centre is a handy spot to grab local information. Beyond the town, dunes tower in dramatic sweeps of white sand, drawing sandboarders and Perth Quad and Lancelin 4x4 Adventures off-road dune tours for year-round thrills. Hire a board, race to the bottom, then head back up for 360-degree views over farmland and ocean.
