Meelup Farmhouse is one of those places that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a lifestyle magazine and dropped into the bush near Eagle Bay. Set within a hobby farm and surrounded by the greenery of Meelup Regional Park, it’s relaxed, beautiful and wonderfully welcoming to families. If you’re staying in the Dunsborough/Eagle Bay area, it very quickly becomes a “must do” on any itinerary.
Most of the dining at Meelup Farmhouse takes place in an alfresco setting, with a spacious deck, shaded areas and views out over the lawns. It’s the sort of spot that works just as well for a lazy brunch as it does for a long lunch with friends or visiting grandparents.
For something more casual, you can spread out on the grassy lawn with a picnic-style set-up, which is especially lovely on warm days when the kids want space to roam. The overall feel is relaxed and coastal, with thoughtful styling that still manages to be very child-friendly.
A recent addition that families will love is a pair of rustic-style swings on the lawn, giving children a sweet, simple way to play while adults relax nearby.
The big drawcard for families is the resident menagerie. From the moment you arrive, kids are captivated by the animals that call the Farmhouse home. Silkie chooks, a gaggle of geese, alpacas, twin goats and the famous Highland cows, Lizzie and Sir Raymond, all add to the charm.
The animals are housed and managed so that they can be enjoyed safely, and wandering around to visit them between courses quickly becomes part of the experience. Mila, the resident chocolate labrador, often roams the grounds too, winning hearts as she goes.
On the food front, Meelup Farmhouse offers a carefully curated brunch and lunch menu that feels special enough for a holiday treat but still accessible for families. Seasonal dishes highlight local produce, and there are options that work for both casual grazers and those wanting a proper sit-down meal. A smaller children’s offering makes ordering for little ones straightforward, and there are plenty of things that can be happily shared in the middle of the table. Coffee, local wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic options make it an easy choice whether you’re starting the day or settling in for an afternoon.
Part of what makes Meelup Farmhouse so popular is that it’s more than “just” a restaurant. The team regularly hosts special experiences like yoga mornings on the lawn, markets and seasonal celebrations, plus there’s an on-site farm store selling a capsule collection of gifts, homewares and accessories that match the venue’s laid-back coastal aesthetic. It’s the kind of place where you can easily linger after your meal, strolling the grounds, browsing the store and letting the kids enjoy the last of the fresh air before you head back to the beach or your accommodation.
Because Meelup Farmhouse is well-loved by both locals and holidaymakers, it does get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Bookings are strongly recommended and can be made online via their reservations system. If you’re visiting with a larger group or planning a special occasion while you’re in the South West, it’s worth locking in a time well in advance.
With its combination of beautiful food, relaxed styling, plenty of outdoor space and friendly farm animals, Meelup Farmhouse offers exactly the kind of family-friendly South West experience many of us dream about: slow, scenic and full of those simple moments the kids will remember.
Meelup Farmhouse
Address: 54 Sheens Road, Naturaliste WA 6281, Australia
Opening hours: Generally open for brunch and lunch on most days, with hours and trading days varying seasonally and on special event dates. Bookings are recommended; check the official website or online reservations page for current opening times.
Official website: https://www.meelupfarmhouse.com.au/
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
