A relaxing lunch and tour of the wineries and breweries in the Swan Valley is one of the best day-trips available in Perth, even with kids in tow. Only a 30-40-minute drive and you are in a world of green, rich in gourmet food, local art and 50+ wineries and craft breweries.
How to sell it to the kids? Tell them you are doing a tour of awesome playgrounds and fun things to do in the Swan Valley: mini-golf, giant chess and connect-4, jenga, electronic games, free paddle boats and fishing. While the kids entertain themselves, sit back and relax with a glass of local wine or craft beer and see if the kids figure out that each new adventure happens to have a winery or brewery attached...
The Taphouse at Mulberry Estate
Sporting a brand new minigolf course, at The Taphouse the whole family will be well catered for. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a playground, sandpit and other activities like giant chess and Jenga for the little ones.
While the kids are enjoying the open spaces, you can sit back and enjoy a beer tasting tray, pizzas or their classic “Aussie pub grub”, with crowd favourites such as steak sandwiches and salt and pepper squid. With views of the Swan River, a cellar door and a beer garden close to the playground, this spot has something for every member of the family.
Details:
Thursday and Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm
34 Hamersley Rd, Caversham
9379 0344
Mash Brewing
Located on the same property as Oasis Resort, home to Supa Golf and Adventure Putt mini golf, the kids can go nuts at the playground and indoor kid’s hangout, fitted out with toys, books and electronic games.
Mash Brewing have expanded their outdoor licensed area, which means you can sit closer to the kids play area, and with kids eating free from 5pm on Fridays, there is no reason they shouldn’t tag along!
Open for lunch every day and also dinner on the weekend, be sure to check out their award-winning craft beer, matched perfectly with their seasonal beer-friendly menu.
Details:
11am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 11.30am-8pm on Friday and Saturday, 11.30-5pm on Sunday.
10250 West Swan Rd, Henley Brook
9296 5588
Oakover Grounds
While Oakover does not have a standalone playground, they make it up with an expansive lawn area, stunning grounds and unique family-friendly activities. You can use their free paddleboats on their lake, have a go at cricket on the lush lawns, or try fishing for barramundi and rainbow trout with equipment available for use. If you’d like to keep the fish, you are welcome to take them for a fee.
As well as a cellar door, the grounds are also home to FiORi coffee and Side-Kick Cider, so you’ll have your choice of beverages to suit the time of day. With shaded outdoor seating and views of the vineyard and rolling hills, Oakover Grounds offers something for kids of all ages. Get the family together and enjoy a lazy Sunday out in the fresh air.
Details:
Currently open 9am-4pm everyday
14 Yukich Close, Middle Swan
9374 8000
Mandoon Estate and Homestead Brewery
Mandoon Estate offers a range of culinary experiences including fine dining at Wild Swan, a relaxed and family-friendly beer garden at the Llawn and casual dining at Homestead Brewery.
The Llawn, popular for its alfresco area, is close to their fenced and shaded playground. Enjoy the picnic tables on their lush grassed area, where you can buy picnic-style charcuterie and cheese platters, salads, pizzas and homemade ice cream. Alternately, Homestead Brewery offers German beers, burgers and tapas in their cosy restaurant.
Details:
Homestead is open from 11am-4pm on weekdays, and 7.30am-5pm on weekends
10 Harris Rd, Caversham
6279 0500
Txoko Brewery and Winery
Previously The Laughin’ Barrell, this rebranded brewery (now pronounced “cho-ko”) is inspired by the Basque country in the north of Spain. Their playground and sandpit are quite new, having been replaced only a year ago, and fitted with swings and a slide.
Enjoy alfresco dining looking out onto the vineyards, with ample space for the kids to run around. There is a cellar door, brewery and restaurant, with plenty of beer and wine available for tastings. Check out their gourmet pizzas, made freshly in their woodfire oven.
Details:
Currently open Friday and Saturday 11.30am until late, and Sunday 11.30am-4pm
247 Haddrill Road, Baskerville
9296 1348
The Vines Mini Golf
Although it's not technically a brewery or winery itself, The Vines Resort is only a stone's throw away from some of our favourites including Upper Reach Winery, Feral Brewing, Old Young's Gin, and Olive Farm Wines. Located just off Verdelho Drive, The Vines is Swan Valley's only resort hotel, and boasts an incredible 18-hole landscaped mini golf course. Making for the perfect stopover point for families travelling through the Valley, their mini-golf course is open seven days a week from 8am – 9pm (last tee off 7.30pm) with no bookings required.
Prices are $10 for kids/concession, $15 adults, under 4s free, or family for $39, making it the perfect activity for parents and kids to enjoy together.