Chittering Valley

Just an hour's drive north of Perth, Chittering Valley unfurls as a bucolic patchwork of rolling hills, orchards, and vineyards that feels a world away from the city. This is the Swan Valley's quieter, greener cousin, where country lanes wind past farm gates and the air smells of wildflowers and ripening fruit. Come for the seasonal harvests, the artisan produce, and the kind of unhurried pace that makes you want to pull over and buy a bag of just-picked apples.

Highlights & What to See

• Pick your own fruit – From November to April, orchards like Core Cider and Chittering Valley Orchard open for apple, stone fruit, and berry picking. It's a quintessential Aussie summer experience.
• Wildflower wonderland – In spring (August–October), the valley erupts in a carpet of everlastings, orchids, and kangaroo paws. The Chittering Wildflower Trail is a scenic drive with pull-offs for photo stops.
• Wineries and cideries – Sip cool-climate wines at Millbrook Winery (also a top restaurant) or taste artisan ciders at Core Cider and Pickled Cider.
• Brockman Centre – A historic homestead turned arts and crafts hub, with a café, gallery, and weekend markets selling local honey, jams, and pottery.
• Walks and waterfalls – The Chittering Brook Walk Trail leads to a seasonal waterfall, and nearby Bindoon Nature Reserve offers longer hikes through jarrah forest.

Suggested Time to Spend

Chittering Valley rewards a leisurely day trip or a relaxed weekend. With a car, you can explore the main fruit-picking farms and a winery in half a day, but to really soak up the country atmosphere – and maybe include a short walk or a long lunch – plan for a full day. If you're combining it with the Avon Valley or New Norcia, two nights in the region lets you experience the valley at a gentle pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Avon Valley National Park – Just north, with dramatic river gorges, swimming holes, and longer bushwalks.
• New Norcia – Australia's only monastic town, 30 minutes east, with a Benedictine monastery, museum, and Spanish-style architecture.
• Toodyay – A historic gold-rush town on the Avon River, known for its heritage buildings and antiques shopping.
• Bindoon – A small town with a quirky military museum and the Bindoon Bakehouse, famous for its pies.
• Perth – The valley is an easy day trip from the city, so you can base yourself in Perth and head out for a rural escape.

Please check official sources for current details.