The best things to do around Chittering
Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? But prefer the convenience of a destination close to the CBD, that doesn’t skimp on beauty and entertainment? If you want countryside vistas dotted with wineries, nestled in the undulating hills of the Swan Valley region, we’ve got just the place for you.
And the best part – it’s only a 45-minute drive from Perth! So, whether it’s a day trip or overnight vacay, distance stands no barrier for this charming country town. Chittering is a place deserving of discovery, with sensational landscapes, delicious fresh produce and good wine, located 70 kilometres north east of Perth, along the Brockman River in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region.
The town is perched between Gingin and Toodyay, and home to the townships of Bindoon, Muchea and Wannamal. It’s ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway, offering something to suit all tastes and styles with a range of accommodation options including farm stays, tiny cabins, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses.
Known for the mesmerising blankets of wildflowers in spring, lush paddocks and pastures and verdant valleys of vineyards and orchards, Chittering boasts a plethora of activities, worthy of exploration:
Mystery Picnic with Amazing Co.
For a self-guided foodie adventure, the Amazing Co Mystery Picnic experience is a must! It’s far from your traditional weekend escapade, but worth it for all the fun. You’ll use your smart phone to solve clues and riddles, which will guide you to local artisan producers, where you’ll collect all the ingredients for a delicious picnic that you’ll enjoy at a stunning location. Expect to gather a collection of cheeses, meats, bread and dessert along the way. Experiences can also be conveniently tailored to suit vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements. You’ll be supporting local and discovering Chittering along the way, it doesn’t get much better than that!
Tiny Cabin Stay – Heyscape at Nesci Estate
Tiny cabins have become a novelty accommodation option for holidaymakers eager to swap the crowds and bustling cities with an experience grounded in nature. With the fresh air by day and sky full of stars by night, the miniature abodes provide an eco-friendly and convenient yet minimal countryside stay.
Heyscape Cabins are at the forefront of WA’s tiny cabin movement and offer cosy, secluded tiny cabins, decked out with everything needed for an off-grid, digital detox. Lauren is one of three cabins (two standard and one luxury cabin) perched on the picturesque Nesci Estate Wine Farm property, where a short stroll will find you in the vineyards or at the cellar door. Here, guests are encouraged to rest and recuperate while devouring a cheese board on the deck, enjoying a bath beneath the stars, or a movie on the indoor projector – that’s a big yes from us!
For more info and bookings head here!
Wootra Asparagus Farm
For freshly picked asparagus and marinated varieties, visit the Aspara-van at the farm gate. Wootra Asparagus Farm also sell an array of jams, chutneys and pickles, made with produce from the farm orchard and garden. Peter and Colleen Osborn established their asparagus venture in 2015 with 500 crowns and now have 14,000. They picked Bindoon, as its rich soil would assist the production of asparagus, which could be harvested fresh to eat fresh, limiting carbon miles.
Bindoon Bakehaus & Café
Known and adored by locals and blow ins alike, Bindoon Bakehaus is an iconic Chittering pitstop, be it for a bite or caffeine fix. The bakery was originally purchased in 2000, with only five staff to cater for the local community. In 2010, the icon had outgrown its premise and a larger New Zealand-inspired bakery was built on the block next door. The menu is broad and versatile and adheres to all dietary needs, featuring the extremely popular steak and mushroom pie, gluten free peanut butter brownie, dairy free cinnamon bun and their latest creation – vegan scones!
Djidi-Djidi Ridge Walk Trail
Djidi-Djidi is the Noongar term for willy wagtail and the name was inspired by the sound of its call. The ridge is a scenic 1.5-kilometre return trail, abundant in wildflowers and mesmerising Chittering Valley vistas. The best time to visit is during spring when the wildflowers will be out in full bloom. Keep an eye out for little kangaroo paw, honeybush, blue leschenaultia and the cowslip orchid.
Chittering Farm Flavour Trail
The best of the region’s produce can be found along the Chittering Farm Flavour Trail which traces 120 kilometres of farm-fresh goodness, direct from the farm gate. You’ll begin the self-driven escapade on Chittering Road, pulling in at stalls and shops along the way, to sample all things stone fruit, cheese, wine and honey.
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Farm Stay
Ever wondered what it would be like to live on a farm? Farm stays have been gracing the bucket lists of families for years, but it’s often difficult to choose the right one for you. Chittering is home to a variety of options, from the Orchard Glory Farm Resort – perfect for those interested in fruit picking, to the dog-friendly, animal aplenty Burroloo Well Farmstay. So, pack your Blundstones and buckle up for a real good time.
Wine Tasting at Nesci Estate
Established in 1948 by Antonio and Carmelina Nesci, who cleared the land by hand and planted the first grape vines, Nesci Estate is one of the oldest vineyards in Chittering Valley. Perched on more than 60 acres of vineyards, and home to around 100 beef cattle, the winery is known for its production of wines, ports and liqueurs, from more than a dozen grape varieties. And everything is made and bottled on site! It’s worth popping in to enjoy one of their local produce grazing boards with a bottle of wine under the shaded alfresco area.
Little Eeden Farm
Locals and travellers alike, journey far and wide to explore and taste the produce of Little Eeden Farm Honey and Apiary. Be sure to pop in to try the weird and wonderful repertoire of pure and unprocessed natural and infused bush honey. The Farm also offers light lunches, coffee and cakes.
Header Image Credit: Alexandra Casey
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