Mundaring Weir Hotel

On a warm day in the Perth Hills, Mundaring Weir Hotel is one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and relax. Just a few minutes’ drive from the Mundaring Weir dam wall, this historic hilltop pub is surrounded by towering forest and sprawling gardens, making it a great destination for families looking for a day trip out of the city. The hotel has been welcoming visitors for well over a century, and you really feel that sense of history as you wander through the old building on your way to the leafy beer garden.

Inside, the heritage-listed hotel is full of character. The original sections date back to the late 1890s, when it was first built to serve workers building the dam and day-trippers arriving by train and horse and cart. Upstairs, the bar still showcases old-world charm with antiques and curiosities that will catch kids’ eyes – it’s not every day they spot a gramophone in the wild. These little historic touches make it just as much a sightseeing stop as it is a pub lunch venue.

Most families will gravitate towards the outdoor seating, where there are multiple shady decks, verandas and terraces wrapped around the back of the building. It can feel a bit like a maze as you find your way through to the café-style ordering counter, but all the nooks and crannies create cosy spots to settle in. Once you’ve ordered at the café, meals are collected when your buzzer goes off, which keeps things quick and easy with hungry kids in tow. The huge amphitheatre lawn and beer garden areas offer plenty of space to spread out, and on sunny days you can enjoy the dappled shade of mature trees while taking in the bush surrounds.

The menu focuses on hearty, crowd-pleasing pub classics with a few more modern touches. On our visit, the steak sandwich was a hit with the grown-ups. The chips in particular got a big thumbs up from both adults and kids. The kitchen also turns out pizzas, burgers, salads and grills, with regular menu updates advertised on their website. Portions are substantial, which suits families sharing plates and grazing across an afternoon.

The kids’ menu caters for children 12 years and under and offers plenty of familiar favourites: fish bites and chips, cheeseburger and chips, nuggets, nachos, steak with salad or chips, and calamari and chips are some of the options typically available.

The kids’ menu is thoughtfully put together and arrives as a colouring-in sheet, and the café provides plenty of crayons, so young diners have something to do as they wait. On the back there’s a simple scavenger hunt or activity, which is ideal for slightly older kids who enjoy exploring the garden and spotting items around the grounds. The hotel also provides kid-sized chairs and high chairs, making it easier for little ones to sit comfortably at the table.

The dedicated children’s Playground is tucked away behind the open-air stage, making it feel like a secret garden just for kids. The equipment sits in a large sandpit and is shaded by a thick canopy of deciduous trees, which offers excellent protection from the sun in summer and lets in warm sunshine during the cooler months.

There’s a good mix of gear, including a slide, flying fox, monkey bars, climbing frames and a sweet little cubby house for imaginative play. 

Parents will appreciate that there are picnic tables right next to the Playground, so you can keep a close eye on the kids while enjoying a drink or meal. To add to the fun, the hotel provides scavenger hunt sheets, encouraging children to explore the gardens and amphitheatre area in a more structured way. For older children and teens, the amphitheatre space doubles as a casual basketball court, and there are balls, scooters and even a shaded ping pong table available, which is great for burning off energy before or after a meal. With so much outdoor space, it’s easy for kids to roam and play without feeling confined.

One of the most charming surprises for families is Gerald, the hotel’s resident giraffe. As you wander through the gardens you might suddenly notice his friendly head peeking through the greenery near the Playground – a fun photo-op and a little bit of magic for younger children. Gerald is a real highlight for many kids, and the hotel even offers giraffe fact sheets to download, which is a cute way to turn your visit into a mini learning experience as well.

Weekends are when the Mundaring Weir Hotel really comes alive. Sunday afternoons in particular are popular thanks to regular live music in the amphitheatre and the hotel’s famous lamb spit roast from 3 pm (check the current schedule and events page for dates and details). The combination of live entertainment, tasty roast meats and relaxed beer garden atmosphere makes it an easy, family-friendly outing. Throughout the year, the hotel also hosts larger concerts, special events and themed days, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their events calendar if you’d like to time your visit with something special.

Beyond food and day trips, Mundaring Weir Hotel also offers historic accommodation, which could appeal to families wanting a short getaway in the hills. Rooms range from doubles to family rooms with bathrooms, allowing you to wake up surrounded by bushland and explore the walking trails and dam at a slower pace. The venue also caters for weddings, kids’ birthday parties, corporate events and private functions, making it a versatile spot for celebrations with a country feel still within easy reach of Perth.

With its rich history, character-filled building, sprawling shady gardens and genuinely family-focused touches – from Gerald the giraffe and scavenger hunts to the shaded Playground and kids’ menu – Mundaring Weir Hotel is a lovely choice for a lazy weekend lunch, a post-dam-walk drink, or a relaxed family day out in the Perth Hills. Expect honest pub grub, plenty of room for kids to play, and an easygoing atmosphere that suits multi-generational outings.

Mundaring Weir Hotel

Address: Mundaring Weir Rd & Hall Rd, Mundaring WA 6073, Australia

Opening hours (normal trading):
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 6:00pm

Kitchen serving hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Official website: https://www.mundaringweirhotel.com.au/