You only have to travel approximately one hour north of Perth to discover the beautiful and diverse Chittering Valley nestled in the northern hills of the Darling Range.
The area encompasses many small towns, including Muchea, Bindoon and Wannamal, and the localities of Lower Chittering, Upper Chittering and Mooliabeenie, each offering its own unique landscapes from undulating hills, sensational views over valleys of vineyards, orchards, paddocks, rocky outcrops, lakes, forest and bushland.
Wildflowers in abundance
The area is best known for its abundance of fresh produce and stunning displays of wildflowers in the spring, it offers a range of walk and drive trails designed to take in all the area has to offer.
Markets are held frequently when fruit and veg are in season where you can purchase produce direct from the farmers. There are numerous events held throughout the year which also showcase what the area has to offer.
History
Explored in 1835 by George Fletcher Moore, Chittering means the ‘place of Willie Wagtails’.
The area is steeped in heritage which is proudly displayed in several locations including the Brockman Museum and the original 1929 Road Board building which is a listed heritage site. Other buildings in the area which date back to the late 1800’s include the Holy Trinity Church, and St Annes – made from fabulous local stone and certainly worth a visit.
Chittering Road Board Building
In front of the Muchea General Store there is the Old Well which dates back to the time of early settlers. The well is still in working order and you are welcome to pump water from the bore.
Events
There are quite a few events to keep visitors to the area entertained right throughout the year. These include;
Wear ya Wellis in Bindoon
Each May the ever popular ‘Wear ya Wellies in Bindoon’ sees children (and sometimes adults) have a wonderful time in the mud and wet. Although it is mostly sunny on the day, they ensure there is plenty of water to make mud. The fashion stakes for wellies is becoming quite competitive. The monthly local Farmers Market is also held in conjunction with Wear ya Wellies.
Wear Ya Wellies
Taste of Chittering
August is the month for the ‘Taste of Chittering’, a one day extravaganza of all things Chittering, where local residents and visitors mingle to the backdrop of country market stalls, food and free activities.
Even the sheep love the produce
Wildflower Festival
September brings spring to the Valley – and the annual ‘Wildflower Festival’ which is a time to celebrate the beautiful West Australian spring and the wildflowers growing in nature’s vast garden. The three day Festival is packed with activities for all age groups and families – with up to 300 wildflower specimens on display, wildflower souvenirs, books, seeds and locally grown bunches available for sale. A historic vehicle day, markets, art and crafts and much more to see and enjoy.
The Chittering Wildflower Show
Bindoon Agricultural Show
October is the time for the agricultural community to “go to the show” and Bindoon hosts one of the largest country traditional Agricultural Shows in Western Australia. It is a big day in Bindoon with the home produce competition, cattle judging, chooks and roosters all add to the country feel of the day. It is rounded off in the evening with a Rodeo.
Fruit display at the Bindoon Ag Show
Things to Do and See
There are numerous walk trails and different natural attractions to enjoy in Chittering.
Wannamal Heritage Trail
Wannamal has a drive trail as well as a heritage walk that shows information as you go through the path. The first land lease was held in 1853 and settlers have resided along the railway line.
Wannamal Heritage Trail
Bindoon Townsite Heritage Walk
This is a two kilometre trail with loop, flat, footpath linked walk trail.
Blackboy Ridge
On Chittering Road, Blackboy Ridge is about fourteen kilometres south of Bindoon and it is a one and a half kilometre walk to the lookout with panoramic views across the valley. There are also many beautiful picnic areas to enjoy lunch.
Blackboy Ridge
Spoonbill Lake
Located near Hart Drive, there is a picturesque picnic area and a wide walkway that meanders along the lake. The abundant bird life makes it the ideal location for birdwatchers or beautiful lakeside photographs.
Spoonbill Lake
Sculptures & Other Sites
There are also numerous sculptures and art that can be seen around the area, these include;
The Travelling Monk, corner Julimar and Chittering Road
The Grass Tree, entrance to Blackboy Ridge, Chittering Road
The Lake School Bell, Chittering Road.
Wheels of Time, Brockman Centre
Joie de Vivre, Visitor Centre, Bindoon
Wannamal School site bell, Robert Hindmarsh Rest Area
Mosaics, Many displays scattered throughout the towns
The Scottalian
A favourite local pub, about four kilometres from Bindoon. It serves good pub food and wine made in the region.
The Scottalian
Mr. and Mrs. Chittering
These socialites and local mascots can be seen in most events around Chittering.
Mr. and Mrs. Chittering
Where to Stay
For campers and RV’ers there are a variety of locations to stay at including:
Bindoon Oval Camp Ground
Located on the Great Northern Highway, @ Bindoon, the oval is available for campers from April to September, (Closed other times due to the local cricket season). It has room for about 20 vans, with picnic tables, power, clean toilets and showers.
Willowbrook Farm Tearooms and Caravan Park is a pet friendly caravan park on a fourty acre land. It offers spacious powered and un-power grassed sites with awesome facilities, including a large communal fire pit.
Willowbrook Farm Caravan Park
Peace be Still Campground – Lower Chittering
Peace Be Still is a combination of bush camping, a guest house and retreat centre. It sits on a farm adjoining the Avon Valley National Park that allows walking through the adjoining bush land. This is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Peace Be Still
Robert Hindmarsh Rest Area – Wannamal
The Robert Hindmarsh Rest Area is located in the Bindoon-Moora Road along Wannamal. It can accommodate up to 5 vans and offers BBQ facilities and toilets.
Robert Hindmarsh Rest Area
Burroloo Well Hydropnics Farmstay
Burroloo Well Hydroponics Farmstay campground is ideal for families or couples seeking a special experience of peace and tranquillity. The site offers basic bush camping on over 700 acres and is accessible to all size caravans and motorhomes. Dogs are welcome as long as they are under control at all times as there is an abundance of wildlife on the property. Some are animals with injuries that the owner cares for via the Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc.
Burroloo Well Hydroponics Farmstay
