With its patchwork of rolling farmyards, idyllic coast, fresh seasonal produce and ribbons of vineyards, the stretch of countryside from Guilderton and Lancelin through to Gingin and the Chittering Valley offers a highly appealing place to explore.
This beautiful area is about one hour’s drive north of Perth by following the coast or heading north on the Great Northern Highway. You can start your explorations on the coast at
Guilderton which boasts an idyllic coastal setting and is situated on the banks of the languid
Moore River.
There are many walking trails in and around Moore River which allow visitors to relish nature at its best. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing and cruising along the fertile river are also high on the agenda for holiday makers. A boardwalk allows visitors to appreciate the many species of birds and the surrounding area offers a great place to relax and have a picnic.
Fishing is a popular past time in this region and you can fish either in the river itself or off the coast in spots like Ledge Point, Caraban and Quinns Rocks. If you want to stay a few days, visitors can book into a beach house in the area and really make the most of the activities on offer.
A little further north, the coastal township of Lancelin offers all manner of outdoor activities. Soaring sand dunes frame
Lancelin to the east and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean spread to the horizon in the west. Here you can indulge in all manner of outdoor activities, taste locally caught seafood or simply laze on the uncrowded beaches.
Lancelin is something of a mecca for adventurers and popular activities include
sand boarding down the mountainous sand dunes or joining a
4WD tour bus for a ride of a lifetime across the massive dune environment.
With a virtually year-round consistent swell, Lancelin is a superior
windsurfing,
kitesurfing and
surfing destination. If you are not a surfer but are keen to learn, there are plenty of local surf schools available. Divers are also spoilt for choice with over 15 ghostly
shipwrecks lurking just offshore.
Venturing inland from the coast along
Gingin Brook Road, you can stop at one of the charming restaurants or cafes nestled amid sprawling cottage gardens. These cosy settings offer an excellent way of tasting some of the region’s fresh produce. The area is also well known for its vast olive tree plantations.
Further inland you’ll discover the beautiful rural area that includes the small towns of
Gingin and
Bindoon and the scenic
Chittering Valley. Fast gaining a reputation as a gourmand’s retreat, this charming area is rich in food, wine, scenery and art.
Here you’re far away from the city in a tranquil and nature rich environment. The soils are very fertile and throughout the area, you can sample some wonderful fresh produce which includes anything from beef, citrus fruit and honey to olives, olive oil, locally produced wine and all manner of tasty organic treats.
A great journey through this region is the
Chittering Valley Wine Trail. This 76 km looping passage takes you through the rural settlements of Bullsbrook, Bindoon, Gingin and Muchea and puts you directly in the path of seven world class wineries.
Visiting the wineries is a fantastic way to sample premium wines made from the characteristic grapes of the region with each winery offering their own unique character and style to their produce.
Just as appealing as the culinary delights, are the region’s scenic wonders. The trail winds its way through the heart of this pretty region, past hills cloaked thick with forest, though deep valleys and over high hill-tops.
During Spring, the whole region is a great location to view the
West Australian Wildflowers and you’ll find a splendid array of wildflowers along the roads and throughout the natural bushland and native reserves.
Blackboy Ridge on Chittering Valley Road is set ablaze with colour during this time and makes a breathtaking spot to view the surrounding hills and farmland.
The region is also the starting point for WA’s newest road - the
Indian Ocean Drive - where you can explore the coastline all the way north from
Lancelin through to
Jurien.
Want more info?
Chittering Visitor Centre
6180 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon
Tel: 61 8 9576 1100