Family Favourites

Large adventure playgrounds, pasta making, farm animals and aqua play; these venues have families front of mind.

By MONIQUE CECCATO

The Vines Resort

Bailey Brewing Co

IT’S NOT OFTEN that a child’s desires align with those of the parents, but keeping both parents and children happy is part and parcel of day-to-day operations for these seven Valley-based venues.

Swan Valley Station

It’s the open air, friendly atmosphere, and broad appeal that has families coming back to Swan Valley Station, time and time again.

“Good coffee and food for the adults with the kids happy and safely entertained by the playground, displays, and animals – this is the rare combination that we offer well at Swan Valley Station,” says owner Jon Jessop, who purchased the Henley Brook property in 2019 before transforming it into the combined nursery, cafe, and animal farm that it is today.

It’s an ever-growing venture, with Jon recently adding aquaculture activities to the long list of existing experiences on offer at the Station, with a sculpture trail to come.

“We have a lot of water features with floating china animals; we have solar fountains and waterfalls, and we have lots of farm animals for kids from suburban blocks to experience and learn about.”

The animals at the farm are friendly, says Jon; often allowing the kids to pet them gently.

“The atmosphere and surrounds are nature-based and give families time to slow down and relax together, to chat and reconnect with each other.

“We love it when families comment that the kids and adults both want to come back again and again.” swanvalleystation.com.au

GET OUTDOORS

Get the kids out in the fresh air while you enjoy local food with views. Swan Valley Station

Bailey Brewing Co

Headed up by Steve Bailey and his two sons, Dan and Geoff, Bailey Brewing is a true family affair.

Opened in 2020, the trio set off on their beer-making journey simply because they “just like beer.”

They like making it, sharing it, drinking it.

But being ‘just’ a brewery wasn’t enough. They envisaged a fuss-free, family-friendly venue with simple, fresh food and plenty of space to kick back and relax. It was designed to be something for both kids and adults alike. So, that’s what they delivered.

Set on a 9.5-acre property in Henley Brook, the brewpub has ample space for the kids to run around.

There’s even an adventure playground built into and around some old farm trucks left on the property by the previous owner, Alton “Toppy” Geer, a beekeeper who sold his produce around WA for 38 years.

For the adults, there’s a sprawling lawn that invites picnics in the sunshine. Often, there are scheduled live music events too, adding to the brewery’s atmosphere and charm.

The kids are well catered for in the kitchen, with a dedicated menu made for little mouths.

There’s pizza and burgers, fish or

Guests don’t even need to leave the grounds to rack up a full day of fun.

chicken; often served with a healthy side of vegetable sticks for good measure. baileybrewingco.com.au

Outback Splash

“Family-owned, family-operated, family and FUN focused,” are the words used to describe Outback Splash by business development manager Eli Barlow. If you couldn’t already gauge from the name, the main attraction at Outback Splash is its epic waterslides.

Key destination Splash Island features interactive sprays, colourful water cannons and instruments, with six waterslides built in for ample entertainment.

With deck chairs for relaxed viewing, it’s a family favourite for a day out on the weekend.

If it’s a bit brisk for bathers, head to one of the park’s mazes, visit the koalas, or get competitive with a round of mini golf. outbacksplash.com.au

The Vines Resort

The Vines Resort offers all the seclusion and luxury of a getaway down south, without the three-hour drive and all the

SMILES ALL ROUND There are endless activities to keep the kids entertained while on a trip in the Valley.

backseat fights to get there.

Just 45-minutes from the Perth CBD, The Vines is a convenient hub to access some of the Valley’s famed wineries, breweries, and family-friendly attractions. But, with so much happening on-site, guests really don’t need to leave the grounds to rack up a full day of fun.

“The resort features a large swimming pool, which is ideal for the kids to keep cool during the warmer months,” says marketing manager Carly Odgers.

“There’s also an outdoor playground and our state-of-the-art mini-golf course. It features 18 holes and is ideal for all ages.”

A big day of fun starts with a big breakfast, and The Vines Resort has one to boot.

It’s complimentary for all children staying overnight in a resort room and has one of the best pancake selections of all Perth’s hotel buffets.

For those that prefer to do their own cooking, self-catering is easy in one of the three-bedroom apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and handy washing facilities. vines.com.au

Oakover Grounds

“Activities aplenty” – it’s the best and only way to describe the multi-faceted Oakover Grounds.

Home to Oakover Wines, the Swan Valley Marketplace, the Smokehouse cafe, and more, Oakover Grounds is a one-stop-shop that’s

got something to please anyone of any age.

There’s FiORi coffee fresh from the roastery for the adult caffeine-fiend and half a dozen wines for the over-18s to sip and swirl.

In spring, summer, and autumn, the Smokehouse cranks up its smoker for American barbecue-style meals, as well as gourmet pizzas and rolls.

Younger visitors can tuck into a ham and cheese toastie, fish and chips, or a hearty pasta bolognese for just $10, all day.

Post-feed, there’s plenty of family fun to be had.

Jump aboard an aqua trike and peddle the family around the lake, or test your spinner’s arm in a game of backyard cricket.

Board game fanatics will love the giant Connect Four game on the lawns, while the under 10s will get their kicks finishing the ‘nature hunt’ game sheets and running about on the large playground, now expanded to include swings. oakovergrounds.com.au

Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm

There’s nothing that keeps the kids entertained like a bunch of cute and cuddly animals. The rest of the family would surely have a soft spot for the baby lambs, fluffy bunnies and piglets, too.

Described as a delightful experience for the young and ‘young at heart’, the Cuddly Animal Farm features animals aplenty, including bunnies, guinea pigs, and chickens to cuddle and feed. Lambs, kids, and piglets are regularly found in the nursery, while alpacas, llamas, ponies and emus are just a few of the highlights you’re likely to see outside.

It’s a great spot to stop for a casual lunch, with shady picnic areas and free barbecue facilities.

Make sure you check the website for feeding times for the most interactive experience. The goats are milked each day at 11.30am. cuddlyanimalfarm.com.au

Pasta in the Valley

There’s no need to worry about how to keep the kids amused when visiting Pasta in the Valley in Caversham.

The restaurant, which specialises in freshly-made pasta and pizzas, offers its popular Mini Pasta Chef classes from Tuesday to Sunday.

Choose a session during the 9 to 11am or 2 to 4pm window. They cost $7 per participant, last approximately 10 to 15 minutes and will see each child create 500g of pasta to take home for a future meal.

Kids’ pasta meals are priced at $8 and include lasagne, carbonara and Bolognese.

But there’s more than pasta-making to keep the kids amused, with a big covered and enclosed playground with vineyard backdrop allowing parents to sit back and enjoy their meals while the kids have fun. pastainthevalley.com.au

Mash Brewing and Kitchen provides a laid back, family friendly venue to enjoy their award winning handcrafted beers and ciders, with a selection of local wines, spirits and cocktails.

The food is passionately prepared in an open kitchen with tasty seasonal menus. Visit today and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere.

Kids eat FREE* Fri/Sat from 5pm. Open 7 days.

10250 West Swan Road Henley Brook Ph: (08) 9296 5588 www.mashbrewing.com.au