Whether you’re looking for a cold beer or a crisp cider, there are plenty of venues within 45 minutes drive of the city to explore. We checked out a few of the local favourites.
Mash Brewing
Mash Brewing
Mash Brewing has been a Swan Valley favourite for lunch, beer and a cider for more than 15 years. Open seven-days per week, it’s a stunning outdoor venue with an extensive beer garden and adventure playground that makes it especially popular with groups and families.
A core range of six beers on tap includes their award-winning Copy Cat IPA, which at 6.5% alcohol, needs to be treated with respect. They also boast 30 seasonal and limited release brews and make ciders from locally grown apples. A tasting paddle of beers and ciders is recommended.
Mash provide a classic home-style pub menu with a mix of small and big plates such as chicken wings, steak, burgers, curries, kebabs and fries. There’s also a few wines on the menu plus milkshakes and drinks for the kids.
Mash is open Monday to Thursday, 11am to 4pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 9pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm.
Duckstein
Duckstein
First opened in 2000, the Duckstein brewery is one of the original pioneers of craft brewing in WA and remains a popular destination in the Swan Valley for a casual lunch, dinner and awesome beers. It’s a casual and fun atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The haphazard outdoor area with bench seating, brick paving and makeshift stage creates a familiar backyard BBQ feel which is perfect for families and groups looking for a drink and a giggle.
The menu includes big servings of hearty German dishes such as Sauerkraut, Schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle) and sausage, and a mix of Australian pub favourites, burgers and meals for the kids.
There are four beers on tap includes continental-style pilsners, refreshing Bavarian-style Hefeweizen beers and the darker and richer ‘Duckstein Dunkel’ akin to the famous Augustiner and Paulaner breweries. The core range also include the lesser-known Altbier style, made using the ancient Düsseldorf tradition of lagering at cold temperatures. Seasonal varieties are also available and a $12 tasting paddle highly recommended as a way to start your Duckstein experience.
The brewery is easy to find on West Swan Road in the heart of the valley, and open from 11am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to late on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep an eye out on their social media for their popular jazz nights and other events.
Core Cider
Core Cider
Perched above one of the original orchards in the Bickley Valley, and just 35 minutes from the CBD, the team at Core Cider have cultivated a relaxed farm vibe matched with an indulgent set lunch menu, small bites, and cider tasting paddles. Situated on an 80 year old apple orchard, the Core cidery offers an authentic and artisan experience with specialty weekend events for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year.
In the Orchard Bistro, try a selection of fresh traditional ciders and more vibrant varieties such as the ever-popular Berry Perry and Sparkling Ginger, whilst overlooking the orchard where the apples grow. This balcony-seated restaurant offers both vegan, gluten free, and vegetarian options, with the black bean nachos and confit duck leg coming highly recommended. Core also create their own range of Bickley Valley wines – ask one of the friendly staff for a pairing to enhance the dining experience.
If you’re looking for a more casual experience, standing tastings are available from the bar where you can also pick up some Core cans to enjoy at home. Alternatively, the expansive grounds and surrounding orchards offer plenty of shady spots to lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy home-made pizza and street eats.
Booking is essential so be sure to plan in advance. Open from 11am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Funk Cider House
Funk Cider House
Funk Cider House challenges the expectations of the typical wine-fuelled Swan Valley trip, creating a wide array of ciders accompanied by a menu serving delicious eats to enjoy in this relaxed outdoor setting. Capturing an Australian ‘backyard’ spirit with a glass of fresh-brewed cider, Funk is a space that is perfect for friends and families alike.
The long, bench style tables encourage sharing and the menu follows suit, with a spectacular sharing platter with warm crusty bread and succulent smoked meats remaining a firm favourite among guests. Funk also serves woodfired pizzas and have a kids menu available on request.
Offering tantalising tasting paddles for all cider-lovers, Funk allows guests to sample an array of ciders depending on their tastes – from fruity all-stars like their pineapple and lemon blends, to classic apple brews. If cider is not for you, they also serve beers on tap, including the popular Hazy Pale Ale and n.e.i.p.a. Tasting paddles best enjoyed with a side of live music, every Thursday.
Find the Funk Cider House is open Monday to Wednesday 11am to 5pm (with the kitchen closing at 3pm), Thursday and Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Swan Valley Brewery
Swan Valley Brewery
With over fifteen years of beer-brewing history and a team of beer-loving friends behind its conception, the brewery opened in 2017 with a focus on English and Irish-style brews. A relative newcomer in the brewery scene, the team at Swan Valley Brewery are committed to creating brews crafted using plenty of patience and no nasties.
Swan Valley Brewery serves up beers including the fan-favourite Powerhouse Pale Ale and hilariously unique Sauvignon Plonk, along with a wine list showcasing the best of the neighbouring Swan Valley vineyards. The homestyle food menu caters to everyone, with grazing plates and classic chicken parmigianas and burgers, and of course a kids menu available on request. The brewery provides indoor seating with bushland views, and outdoor seating to enjoy a beer in the sunshine.
Find the Swan Valley Brewery open Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm, Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and kitchen open Friday and Saturday 11am to 8:15pm and Sunday 11am to 4:15pm.