Masonmill Gardens, Carmel

Nestled in the picturesque Perth Hills, Masonmill in Carmel is a brilliant all‑in‑one family destination. Just a 25–30 minute drive from Perth’s CBD, and close to the Bickley Valley and Kalamunda, this leafy spot combines relaxed dining, mini golf, a gorgeous nature play area and beautiful gardens, making it very easy to while away a few hours with the kids.

Restaurant & Cafe

Masonmill’s busy restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of space for prams and lots of highchairs available. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on the terrace or balcony, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the gardens and surrounding forest – it feels like a real escape from the city.

The venue is fully licensed, with a focus on local drinks, so parents can enjoy a glass of wine or a pint while the kids tuck into their meals. The menu is seasonal and comforting, with all the family favourites covered. On our visit, colouring‑in pages were offered to help keep little ones occupied at the table, and a cabinet of tempting desserts made it hard to say no to a sweet treat at the end.

Masonmill is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, with breakfast served from 8am to 10am on Saturdays and Sundays, and lunch and dinner available through the day and into the evening on selected days. Weekend mornings are lovely for a hearty brekkie in the fresh hills air – think smashed avo with poached eggs, indulgent apple-crumble French toast, and big breakfast plates. With plenty of larger tables inside and out, it’s an ideal spot for family celebrations, mums’ group catch‑ups or multi‑generation gatherings.

There’s also a relaxed bar and Irish‑village style beer garden, where you can sit back with a drink and enjoy the expansive garden views and forest backdrop. Masonmill regularly hosts functions and events, and is popular for weddings and end‑of‑year parties, so it can have a lively, festive buzz on weekends.

Do note that Masonmill is a fully licensed venue and BYO food or drinks are not permitted anywhere on the premises.

Playground

One of the biggest drawcards for families is Masonmill’s fantastic, fully fenced Playground. It’s positioned close enough to the café and pergola area that adults can relax with a coffee while still keeping an eye on the kids.

The Playground has a charming cubby‑house feel and is largely nature‑based, with stepping stones, logs to balance on and a slide, as well as a lawned area for running around.

There’s also a sandpit where kids can happily dig and build for ages. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, and suits a wide range of ages from toddlers to early primary school children.

A large covered pergola beside the play area offers plenty of tables and shade, which is especially handy on hot days. This space can also be booked for children’s birthday parties, making it easy to host a celebration where kids can play safely in a contained area while adults enjoy platters and drinks nearby.

Mini Golf

Further into the grounds you’ll find Masonmill’s rustic mini golf course. Mostly flat, it’s accessible for most abilities, though the gravel pathways can be a little tricky with prams or wheelchairs, so it’s worth keeping that in mind.

The course weaves around logs and big coffee rocks that act as obstacles, with tunnels, tight corners, little “bunkers” and slopes that keep things interesting. It’s challenging enough to be fun for older kids and adults, but still achievable for younger players. There are spots to sit and wait your turn, and as always in the hills, sunscreen and hats are a must on sunny days as shade is scattered rather than constant.

Clubs and balls are hired from the nearby café, where you can grab refreshments before or after your round.

Fish Pond

A highlight for many children is the picturesque fish pond. Be sure to pick up a bag of fish food from the café – once the pellets hit the water the koi come to life in a colourful feeding frenzy, which is always a big hit with little ones. 

The pond is a lovely spot for a quiet moment of watching and chatting, though it’s important to keep smaller children close and hold hands around the water’s edge.

Gardens

Masonmill’s gardens are beautiful year‑round, but they really shine in spring and early summer when the roses are in full bloom. Families can wander among the rose gardens, enjoy the colours and fragrances, and snap some pretty photos.

Tucked away behind the restaurant, up a set of steps, is a hidden French‑style garden that many first‑time visitors miss. This more formal space features manicured hedges, winding paths and quiet nooks that feel a little bit magical. Kids enjoy exploring the pathways and “discovering” secret corners, while adults will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and photo opportunities.

The extensive lawns and forest backdrop make Masonmill feel wonderfully open and green, and there are plenty of spots to spread out. Picnics can be enjoyed using Masonmill’s own picnic baskets and food offerings – outside food isn’t allowed, but you can book a basket and then relax on the grass anywhere in the gardens.

Events, Functions & Practical Info

Masonmill is well‑set up for groups and special occasions, from weddings and big family get‑togethers to festive functions and work events. Various indoor and outdoor spaces are available, and the events team can tailor food and drinks packages to suit. During the year you’ll also find special events popping up, such as yoga in the gardens and themed celebrations, which add to the venue’s “something always happening” feel.

Current opening hours (at time of writing) are:
Masonmill is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Thursday from late morning to mid‑afternoon, and open later on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with breakfast service on weekends from 8am to 10am. The kitchen closes in the early evening and a surcharge applies on public holidays, so it’s always worth checking the latest details and making a booking via their website before you head up.

With a good mix of tasty food, space to play, mini golf, fish feeding and beautiful gardens to explore, Masonmill is a fantastic choice for families looking for a relaxed, scenic outing in the Perth Hills. You can easily spend a few hours here between eating, playing and wandering – and still feel like you’ve had a little holiday in the forest.

Masonmill is located at 40 Masonmill Road, Carmel.  

For more information visit masonmillgardens.com.au

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