A day out in the picture-perfect Perth Hills isn’t complete without a trip to a historic hotel, leafy winery or orchard.
Core Cider House, in Pickering Brook, is found amongst natural bushland and rows of fruit trees, smack bang in between Kalamunda and Roleystone.
This spot has long been a family-friendly favourite of mine. Not only are there acres of lawns for kids to roam, but there’s also a pretty good playground!
Kids will love playing farmer on the old tractor. Plus a small shaded playground will keep them busy too. A nature play area includes big climbing logs, smaller stepping logs, balancing logs and a concrete tunnel running through the middle.
Core can get mighty busy on a sunny weekend, so it’s handy to bring a picnic rug to throw down under a shady apple tree, in case there are no free tables.
There are two dining areas at Core Cider House, and each has their own menu. If you’re sitting in the Cider Garden, the casual garden menu offers up charcuterie box, nachos, cider braised pulled pork burger, a choice of pizzas and other casual eats. Order at the bar, and wait for your pager to buzz to collect. Did I mention the drinks at Core are top notch too? Even if you’re not a fan of cider, there’s plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pick from.
We dined in the Orchard Bistro, which enjoys elevated views over the tops of the orchard trees. The food is delicious and the portions generous.
I loved my dessert – a panna cotta with fairy floss!
The kids menu includes three choices (April 2023).
Core holds many kid-friendly events year round. From school holiday activities, including tractor rides.
The seasonal apple picking, usually held in autumn, is also very popular for the kiddos to pick their own lunchbox snacks! Keep a look out on Core’s socials for events.
If you’re looking for a venue with excellent food and drinks, a relaxed atmosphere and a playground for the kiddos, Core is always a great option. Core Cider House can get very popular on weekends, so it’s best to book a table in the bistro. We’ll be catching up with friends and family here (and taking pics by their swing mural!) for years to come, I’m sure.
Find out more on their website.
Get more ideas for a day out in the Kalamunda region of the Perth Hills here.
Find more family-friendly restaurants in Perth
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
