Bindoon Bakehaus & Cafe

Bindoon Bakehaus & Cafe is the sort of bakery in Bindoon, Western Australia that locals and passing travellers alike plan a stop around, especially if they're heading north out of Perth. Pies are the big drawer here. We've heard people rave about the pastry being buttery, light and crisp without falling apart, and the fillings being generous. Beef and pepper, steak and mushroom, lamb and rosemary and a chicken, brie and cranberry pie are the kinds of things people mention. The sourdough and fresh bread are popular choices, and the cabinet is a proper spread of savouries and sweets: sausage rolls, ham salad rolls, vanilla slices, cream and jam donuts, eclairs and a much-talked-about orange cake.

The team also does custom cake orders, catering and gluten-free options, and you can eat in, take away or pick up in store. Breakfast and coffee are on the menu, with indoor tables and an outdoor area where people often stop to rest and refuel. Parking out the front is easy, including space for motorbikes, and the entrance, seating, toilet and car park are all wheelchair accessible. There's a baby change table inside as well, which makes it a handy break with kids in the car. It's also Quality Tourism Accredited and Sustainable Tourism Accredited.

Anne Maree Hagge's background is worth a mention for anyone who cares about the craft: she holds a Certificate III in Cake and Pastry and was New Zealand National Runner-up Apprentice of the Year. Staff are described as friendly and quick, and prices are seen as fair, though one local reckoned they run a touch above the average country bakery.

A few people have found the coffee burnt or bitter, and one visitor came away disappointed with a dry pie and a slow drink on a day when the dining area wasn't at its best. Most of the talk, though, is about pies and baked goods that went down well, and plenty of people say they'll be back. Popular items can sell out, so it pays to go earlier in the day if you have your heart set on something, and it's worth checking the hours before you head in.