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.
Gingin & Guilderton
One of WA's oldest towns, Gingin & Guilderton pairs country charm with an unexpected connection to science and the stars. Gingin Visitor Centre then wander the Gingin Heritage Trail to Granville Park and picturesque Gingin Brook, or head to the nearby Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory to climb the 45m Leaning Tower of Gingin, explore interactive exhibits and the Solar System Walk, or experience the observatory after dark. From country to coast, head west to Guilderton, where the Moore River meets the Indian Ocean. Swim, fish or spend a lazy day beside the water, explore the river by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, and take in the view from the Moore River Estuary Lookout. Guilderton also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding coastline and nearby communities such as Seabird.
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.
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.
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.
