Discover the Chittering Valley with this two day itinerary!

If you’re looking for the perfect short-break destination, then consider visiting the Chittering Valley.

Day 1: Arrival, Wine & Nature

Once you’re all settled in, wander into town and stop in at the Chittering Visitor Centre. Select from the range of maps and brochures available for free, that will enhance your stay. This includes the Wannamal Walk brochure, as it contains information on each of the historical points along the trail, and you will need that for your walk tomorrow.

Next, stroll across the road to the Bindoon Bakehaus and make a selection of stunning fresh bread and pastry products, all crafted in-house before heading next door to discover Northern Valleys Locavore Store.  Take your time as you look around the shelves heaving with fresh produce that’s delivered direct from the local farms in the region. Pick up supplies for your evening meal before heading back to camp to unpack before heading out to explore.

It's time to get this weekend escape started, so head to the rustic Stringybark Winery and enjoy a relaxing lunch under the shade of giant gum trees. After lunch, it’s time for a bit of ‘choose your own adventure’. What do you feel like doing now? A spot of nature or a bit more wine tasting?

A short distance down the road you’ll discover the Djidi Djidi Walk Trail. Named in Noongar for the beloved Willy Wagtail bird, this is a beautiful short trail at 1.5km return.  Enjoy the birdsong from an array of Australian Native birds, and in the springtime, the surrounding bushland is abundant with stunning wildflower displays including wattles and orchids. You’ll be delighted by expansive views across the valley as you meander along the pathway, and there’s even a little lookout which is the perfect place for photographs to capture your weekend.

If it’s time spent wine tasting that suits your style, as you head back towards town stop in at Western Range Wines, whose philosophy is about making attributes of the natural environmental conditions part of their wine-making story. A little further along the road at the delightful Nesci Estate Wine Farm you’ll experience the flavours of the Chittering Valley in their thoughtfully curated wines. You’ll be spoiled for choice to find the perfect bottle to go with your evening meal.

Using the produce procured earlier in the day, create a magnificent fresh dinner, and once the sun goes down it’s time for something a little different. Would you fancy spending your evening stargazing?

Spoonbill Lake is considered one of the top night sky locations in the region. Pack your telescope or binoculars and maybe a thermos for a cup of tea later in the evening, then head out there after dinner. Discover the wonder of the Milky Way and feel engulfed in a blanket of stars billions of years in the making as you experience WA’s incredible dark night skies.  If you aren’t quite confident with your telescope, the Stargazers Club put on regular introductory evenings in Bindoon. Check out their events page for details.

Day 2: Food Delights & a History Lesson

Waking up to a beautiful day in the Chittering Valley listening to the birdsong in overhanging trees, after breakfast it’s time to enjoy an early morning walk.

The Wannamal Walk Trail is a step back in time a little north of Bindoon. Wander through this little ghost town and learn its history on a 3.2km guided walk. It can take up to 90 minutes to complete if you take your time to stop at each location to explore. Be sure to use the brochure you picked up at the Chittering Visitor Centre or download it before you arrive

Settled in the 1870’s, discover remnants of the past. In the spring the wildflowers are on display and bird life is abundant around the lake, a majestic part of the landscape you’ll discover.

Once you’re finished with your walk, it’ll be time to nourish yourself with brunch at the delightful Hive Café, located at Little Eeden Farm and Apiary. Set on 100 acres, this beautiful place sells delicious pure and unprocessed honey made by the happiest bees. They also sell a range of infused honey that makes a great gift idea to take home with you.

Depending on how much time you have left in your day, here’s another junction where you can 'choose your own adventure'.

After brunch, head further along the road to Local Goat. Here you’ll purchase the freshest goat cheese to take home and enjoy slathered on crackers, or in a beautiful salad made with fresh produce you will no doubt return home with from the region.

If you are heading back into Bindoon to finish your whirlwind mini-vacay, head over to the Brockman Arts and Crafts Centre before you leave. Learn more about the history of the area in the museum that’s home to vintage vehicles, and artifacts that tell the story of the region before browsing in the onsite shop for a special creative gift, made by the local community members.

Written by Sarah Schmitt