Bindoon brings together local history, cycling and rural heritage as different reasons to visit. There are trails in the town area with local stories; the Mountain Bike Park offers trails and views of the landscape. There is also a heritage-listed complex of buildings in a rural setting. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether trails, cycling or architectural history should be the focus.
Trails through Bindoon and into the hills
Clune Park is immediately north of the Bindoon town area, on the Great Northern Highway, and serves as the starting point for the Bindoon Townsite Heritage Walk. The park also connects the Lake Needoonga Walk with the Stonehouse Walk. These trails have different connections to the town: the Heritage Walk starts at a park that also links the other two walks.
The Bindoon Tale Trail is a separate 1,800-metre loop through the town area. Its interpretive signs explore local history and stories from the local community. This distinguishes the Tale Trail from walks whose connection to the town comes mainly from their starting point or their link to other walks.
Mountain bike trails and scenery
The Bindoon Mountain Bike Park covers 100 hectares. From there, you can enjoy views of the Chittering valleys, lakes, orchards, farms, forests and the town of Bindoon. The first stage of development includes a range of trails suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. The offering is not limited to any one experience level; you can take your own riding experience into account when choosing a trail.
In the hills outside Bindoon, the Chinkabee Trail is located in Bindoon Mountain Bike Park. This 5 km loop is shared by cyclists and walkers and offers wide-ranging views of the town and landscape. Unlike the variety of trails in the first stage of development, the focus here is on a named loop of a set length that is shared by cyclists and walkers. The trails offer different perspectives: local history on the Tale Trail, a choice of mountain bike trails in the park, and a loop for cyclists and walkers on the Chinkabee Trail.
Architectural history and heritage
Catholic Agricultural College, Bindoon is an impressive complex of buildings in a rural setting that attracts visitors. The heritage-listed complex includes Catherine House (1937, around 1943 and 1951), the Dormitory Block (1940–1942), the Classroom Block (1942, 1948, 1955 and 1970s), the Refectory Block (1944), the Central Block (1944–1953), the Technical Block (1948–1951), the Old Convent (1948–1950), and Laundry & Bakery (1949).
The complex also includes fourteen Stations of the Cross statues (1949), statues of Christ the King and the Holy Family (1949–1950), a cemetery (1950–1960) and the main gate. The different elements and dates give the site a longer architectural history than looking at a single building: they range from Catherine House to later work on the Classroom Block in the 1970s, and include statues and a cemetery as well as buildings.
Visitor information, local products and events
The Chittering Visitor Centre is in the Bindoon town area and provides maps, brochures and information about the Chittering region. It also displays and sells local art, crafts and gifts. If you’re interested in the region beyond the town, the Centre combines travel information with an insight into local art and crafts.
Bindoon Bakehaus & Cafe serves sweet treats and pies in a café setting. If your trip includes a local place to stop for a bite as well as trails and heritage, this is another part of what the town has to offer.
Volunteers organise the Bindoon Show and Rodeo throughout the year. If you’d like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kukerin, Mandurah, Shadforth, Scotsdale, Mindarie, Muchea, Gracetown, Spalding.
For the broader travel guide: Western Australia.
