Less than one hour north-east of Perth, Chittering Valley is the perfect escape for kids as well as mums and dads. The surprisingly hilly region is covered in green and an endless variety of farming and paddock-to-plate experiences.
Farmstays are a beautiful alternative for families and a great way for kids to interact with animals and get a better understanding of life on the farm. With meals includes and animals on-site to entertain the kids, it’s also a super relaxing holiday for mum and dad. The Chittering Valley is also a great base from which to explore Gingin, New Norcia, Northam and plenty more.
Orchard Glory Farm Resort
Centrally located along the Chittering Valley food and wine trails, choose from contemporary two or three-bedroom chalets on this 40-acre farmstay. There are a few activities for both kids and adults, including fruit picking (with grapefruit and oranges currently in season), animal feeding, wine tasting, lakeside family BBQs and even a playground for the little ones.
The animals on the property include horses, sheep, alpacas, cows, and chickens, with the opportunity to pick freshly laid eggs each morning, perfect for a hearty breakfast. You’ll be happy to know there is also a winery on site, with wine tasting and facility tours available. If you’re lucky, you may even get to have a go at bottling the wine yourself!
Families can hop on a scenic tractor ride to enjoy the property, taking you to the animals, fruit orchards and the winery.
Getting there: Head about 90 km out of Perth on Great Northern Hwy, then turn down 41 Mooliabeenee Rd.
Contact details: 9576 2888 orchardglory@westnet.com.au Website
Burroloo Well Farmstay
Situated high on the Darling Ranges, this two-storey house lies on a 700-acre farm above Lake Chittering, with beautiful panoramic views of the paddocks and the lake. There is a cosy woodfire to snuggle up next to after a day exploring the stunning Chittering Valley.
The kids can feed the animals, including joeys and sheep, and collect fresh eggs in the morning. The whole family can enjoy scenic bushwalks on the property, or wander through the farm, where kangaroos, peacocks and farm animals roam freely. Your dogs can even tag along for the ride. You can relax at the house on the wrap-around veranda, or admire views from the upstairs balcony, both perfect spots to enjoy a local glass of wine. There are plenty of quaint wineries in the Valley to choose from.
Getting there: Turn off at 5332 Great Northern Highway in Upper Chittering, less than an hour from Perth. The accommodation can be seen about 1.5 km up the driveway.
Contact details: 9576 1010 ann.rufftuff@hotmail.com Website
Brockman House
Situated on 200 acres next to Brockman River, this French Provisional farm estate can sleep up to 12 people, so it’s a great option for those wanting to get a few families together. The large house has 5 beautifully decorated bedrooms, and right next door is another cottage for extra guests.
Enjoy views of vineyards, horse paddocks and rolling hills on this working farm. You can even bring your dog along, as long as they remain outside. Only a 45-minute drive from the city, it’s a beautiful and convenient country escape. Only 2km up the road is Golden Grove Orchard, a popular destination for families. They offer fruit picking, tractor rides and a café on their vast citrus farm. It’s a great way to get the kids out and about, tasting freshly squeezed juice and appreciating the farm to plate experience of fruit picking. Golden Grove is reopening on July 23 from Thursday to Sunday for the foreseeable future.
Getting there: Located at 1602 Chittering Rd in Lower Chittering, accessible off Great Northern Hwy.
Contact details: 0419 950 981 groupbookings@hougoumonthotel.com Website
Moore River Holidays
If you’re willing to head out a little closer to the coast, the Moore River region is about an hour north west of Chittering. About 30mins from Lancelin, it’s a good stopover point if you’re heading north to tackle the Turquoise Coast. From there, it’s an easy drive to the Pinnacles, New Norcia and the Chittering Valley.
Moore River Holidays is nestled on the Moore River, and can accommodate up to 14 people, so this is a great multi-family option. The large house is self-contained, and the property has everything you’d need, including a wood fire heater, BBQ facilities and a gazebo on the river – perfect for getting the gang together for meals and evening drinks under the stars. There are large lawns for outdoor games, and the neighbouring farm next to Moore River Holidays operate Caraban Canoes, where you can hire canoes to go straight out onto the Moore River.
Getting there: Head up Indian Ocean Drive for about one hour north of Perth. Moore River Holidays is at Lot 201 on Caraban Rd.
Contact details: 0419 909 167 rona@mooreriverholidays.com.au Website
Enderslie House Bed & Breakfast
Only 45 minutes from the city, this quintessential country house is on a quaint hobby farm with an avocado orchard and friendly animals. With daily animal feedings held at 4pm, you’ll be able to interact with kangaroos, emus, sheep and alpacas. In the mornings, the beautiful and allusive Blue Wrens can be seen feeding on your veranda.
The B&B, hosted by Olga and Wayne, has six bedrooms and communal dining and kitchen areas. Each room is individually decorated, and the house can host up to 16 people. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and home cooked meal or head out and make the most of the eateries and wineries in the region. Ask your hosts about the best places to check out – the Valley is home to plenty of hidden delights.
Getting there: They are located at 15 Peters Road, only 200m from the Brand Highway in Muchea.
Contact details: 9571 0595 info@endersliehouse.com.au Website
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