Sandalford in Caversham has long been one of the Swan Valley’s best‑known wineries, and its recent revamp has made it even more appealing for families. The elegant restaurant now feels more relaxed and welcoming, and outside you’ll find a fantastic wine‑barrel themed Playground that gives kids space to burn off energy while grown‑ups enjoy a long lunch and a glass of something special. With more than 185 years of winemaking history and a string of awards, Sandalford manages to balance “special occasion” vibes with genuine family friendliness.
Dining with kids
Inside, the restaurant is spacious and stylish without being stuffy, making it a good choice for birthdays, visiting grandparents or a treat‑day outing in the Swan Valley. Large windows look out over manicured lawns and vines, so you still feel very connected to the estate even when you’re indoors.
The menu is modern Australian and changes seasonally, with a mix of share plates, substantial mains and wood‑fired pizzas. There’s a clear focus on quality local produce and beautifully presented dishes, so whether you prefer something light or a more indulgent main, you’ll find plenty of choice. Portions are generous and it’s easy to create a relaxed, family‑style meal by sharing a few plates across the table.
Desserts are a highlight and worth saving room for. Menu items come and go, but you can generally expect creative, fruit‑forward options and comforting classics, all plated to restaurant quality – ideal for rounding out a special meal or marking a celebration.
Kids’ menu and family touches
Children are well looked after with their own kids’ menu featuring familiar favourites as well as a healthier option, so there’s something for both picky and more adventurous young eaters. There is also a simple kids’ dessert so younger diners don’t miss out when everyone else is tucking into something sweet.
High chairs are available and the generous space between tables makes it relatively easy to navigate with a pram. The overall atmosphere is relaxed enough that families don’t feel out of place, but still polished enough to feel like a special outing.
The wine‑barrel Playground
One of the big drawcards for families is the Playground, which sits on the lawn a short distance from the restaurant’s outdoor dining area. It’s close enough that you can keep an eye on older children while you finish your meal, but not right on top of the tables – handy if you’re travelling with little ones who still need hands‑on supervision.
The sand‑based play area is built around an enormous wooden wine barrel. Kids can duck inside the barrel to play in the sand in the shade, then climb a ladder to reach the upper platform. From there, it’s all about zooming down the slide, practising their firefighter moves on the fireman’s pole or scrambling up the “wonky” logs.
Around the edges of the Playground, there’s a fun obstacle‑style course with balance planks and wine‑barrel stepping stones. Mature trees offer some natural shade and the surrounding lawn is perfect for spreading out a picnic rug, parking a pram or letting toddlers potter about. It’s the kind of set‑up that makes lingering over coffee or dessert much easier.
Cellar door and estate experiences
Sandalford is more than just a restaurant – for adults, the cellar door is a big part of the appeal. The Swan Valley cellar door is open daily and offers tastings of their extensive wine range, plus the opportunity to pick up bottles to take home. While one adult pops into the cellar door, the other can stay outside with the kids at the Playground or on the lawns, making it practical even with younger families.
The wider estate regularly hosts special events and large‑scale concerts featuring major Australian acts, as well as weddings and corporate functions. While these are mostly aimed at adults, it’s worth keeping an eye on their event calendar if you like the idea of planning a grown‑ups’ day or night out around a family weekend in the Swan Valley.
Sandalford has also been recognised with multiple awards for both its wines and visitor experiences, cementing its reputation as one of the Swan Valley’s standout destinations. For families, that means you’re getting a top‑tier food and wine experience without having to sacrifice playtime for the kids.
Practical information for families
Bookings are highly recommended, especially for weekend lunches and during school holidays, and can be made directly through the Sandalford website. The estate is pram‑friendly with plenty of open space, but do keep in mind that the Playground is not fully enclosed, so close supervision is still important for toddlers and young children.
One important thing to note is the estate’s pet policy: for health and safety reasons, pets are not permitted anywhere on the property, including the restaurant surrounds and vineyard areas. Accredited service dogs are the exception and are welcome. This is handy to know if you’re planning a day out in the Swan Valley and were thinking of bringing the family dog along.
Overall, Sandalford in Caversham is a brilliant choice if you want to combine excellent food and wine with a genuinely family‑friendly environment. With its wine‑barrel Playground, big lawns, kids’ menu and beautiful setting among the vines, it works just as well for a casual long lunch as it does for a milestone celebration with children in tow.
Sandalford, Caversham
Address: 3210 West Swan Road, Caversham WA 6055
Opening hours:
Bar & restaurant – Sunday lunch 11.30am–3pm; Monday–Thursday lunch 11.30am–3pm; Friday lunch & dinner 11.30am–8pm; Saturday lunch & dinner 11am–8pm.
Cellar door – Open daily, 10am–5pm.
Website: Sandalford Wines
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
