Chooks, coffee & playgrounds: Perth’s best farm cafes for a day out
Living in Perth comes with its perks, and one of the best is being surrounded by nature and animals. As all parents know, there are huge benefits to having our kids outside - exploring and burning off energy.
My toddler for example, is growing up quite the nature boy and shows incredible confidence as he approaches farm animals ten times his size to feed them carrots and other treats.
Luckily, Perth is home to some amazing farm animal cafes where kids can run wild, parents can sip on coffee and everyone gets to enjoy a fun day outdoors. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic mat and check out these top spots for your next family outing.
1. Banjup Local
At first glance, Banjup Local might seem modest - just a large paddock with plastic cartons, picnic tables, farm animals and a small café serving takeaway coffee and treats. But this hidden gem offers so much more.
It's perfect for toddler playdates with an impressive play space that's been enhanced over the years. Kids will love the sand pit filled with toys, mud kitchen, cubby house, and various ride-on toys for exploring the grounds. There's even a ‘car’ and boat for imaginative play. Those plastic cartons? They become magical building blocks for towers and double as extra seating!
There’s not much seating space so bring a picnic mat in case all tables are taken. At around 10am, they distribute stale bread so children can feed the animals their breakfast. The farm hosts a delightful variety of animals: cows, donkeys, sheep, horses, goats, alpacas, chickens (whose eggs you can buy at the café), and emus. The spacious outdoor area lets parents relax while kids safely explore the animal enclosures and play areas. You’ll easily spend all morning here.
Quick details
- Parking: Ample parking available with overflow area
- Food & drink: Fresh cupcakes, cookies, standard coffee menu, and babycinos ☕🍪
- Address: 342 Armadale Rd, Banjup WA 6164
- Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 6:30am–12pm
Tips for your visit
- Pack sun protection, much of the experience is outdoors
- Bring a picnic mat for busy weekend visits
- Check their Instagram and Facebook for current opening hours, as this family-run business occasionally takes breaks
2. Cubby Lane Cafe
Cubby Lane Cafe's opening was eagerly anticipated by families and for good reason. Perth had been longing for a spot just like this. With its genuine farm-to-fork focus, charming collection of farm animals and impressive lane of cubby houses for toddlers to roam free, this spot ticks all the boxes.
Being a small venue, they book up quickly, so make reservations in advance if you want a table. Don't worry though - they welcome visitors to bring picnic rugs if you're just coming for coffee, light bites and playtime.
There's plenty to keep the family occupied for hours. Walk through the farm to meet donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, peacocks, bunnies and chickens of every breed imaginable. Then let the kids loose at Cubby Lane, where a row of rescued cubby houses has been transformed into a magical little town. Children can role-play to their hearts' content in a cafe, hair salon, doctor's surgery, discotheque, classroom, police station, greengrocer, train station, fire station and stage.
The menu offers both big and small bites for adults and kids. They source ingredients from local farmers and their own fields, focusing on seasonal produce. While portion sizes might seem modest, the food is delicious and superior to your typical family-venue fare. You can also pick up homemade relishes and sauces from their retail corner in the cafe.
Quick details
- Parking: Plenty of parking with a second car park for overflow
- Food & drink: Farm-to-table menu for adults and kids with seasonal produce. Fully licensed venue — parents can enjoy a drink while children play
- Address: 448 Nicholson Road, Forrestdale 6112
- Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Friday, 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Tips for your visit
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, it’s mostly outdoors.
- Book ahead for weekend visits if you want a table or bring a picnic mat as backup seating.
3. Swan Valley Station
When you first arrive at Swan Valley Station, you might think you've walked into a garden centre and in some ways, you have. This unique combination of nursery, garden centre, café and farm offers rustic charm with plenty of space for kids to roam, making it a family favourite. Chickens and turkeys welcome you near the carpark before you walk through garden sculptures to reach the café and gift shop. Beyond that lies the outdoor area with its well-shaded playground, where goats, miniature ponies, donkeys and even more chickens entertain the children. For hot summer days, there's plenty of cooling shade from the gazebo, verandah and large trees. While the playground is mostly covered, some equipment remains in direct sunlight, so always check that play equipment is safe before letting children use it.
The menu at Swan Valley Station features comfort foods like soup of the day with crusty bread, shepherd's pie and salad, quiche and salad, ham and cheese croissants and special kids' packs.
The café fridge stays well-stocked with fruit salad, cakes, muffins and cookies. The monster cupcakes and cookies from Robyn's Creative Cakes are particularly popular with children.
Located in the heart of the Swan Valley wine region, it's an ideal pit stop while visiting nearby wineries and chocolate factories.
For those wanting to explore further and make a day of it, there's a marron lake and sculpture trail to discover. You can even try catching silver perch or marron from the lake for a fee.
Quick details
- Parking: A decent sized carpark but you can park further out and walk in on busy days
- Food & drink: Light bites with the standard coffee fare
- Address: 60 Forest Road, Henley Brook WA 6055
- Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tips for your visit
- Bring a hat and sunscreen - it’s mostly outdoors.
- Friendly furry friends are welcome on leads.
4. Keller’s Farm
If you enjoy freshly baked bread, fresh produce, and good coffee with farm animals on the side, then you'll love Keller's Farm. Formerly an Airbnb, they pivoted in recent years and now run a hobby farm in the Swan Valley. This family-run business opens only on weekends, selling what they grow, make and produce.
Philipp, originally from Switzerland, bakes Swiss Zopf and unique sweets, including his famous Swiss chocolate breadsticks. Marija bakes an array of sourdoughs using a natural starter, offering plain and grain versions, as well as variations with chili, turmeric and roasted tomatoes.
For those keen on replicating the homemade goodness, they also offer sourdough bread-making workshops.
The family take pride in doing things locally and in-house as much as possible, selling free-range, farm-fresh eggs from their own chooks. They also make their own quince paste, jam, muesli and dehydrated fruits among other products.
Depending on the season, you can buy garden-fresh and locally sourced produce including citrus, figs, potatoes, garlic and leafy greens.
Bonus: It's great to know everything they grow and source is local, organic or spray-free.
For a gold coin donation, kids can grab a basket of bread to feed the cows. There are also pigs, sheep, emus, chickens and ducks for the children to enjoy.
Get there early, grab some baked treats and enjoy the sunshine while walking around and meeting all the animals. Or there’s also a small and cosy seating area if you want to sit and enjoy your coffee while the kids roam around. It's a perfect morning out - and with Caversham Wildlife Park and nearby playgrounds like Pia's Place All Abilities Playground and Jungle Park Whiteman Edge in the area, you can easily turn it into a full day of exploration.
Quick details
- Parking: Plenty of parking
- Food & drink: Freshly baked goods and local produce with the standard coffee fare
- Address: 104 Victoria Road, Dayton 6055
- Opening hours:
- Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tips for your visit
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, it’s mostly outdoors.
- Friendly furry friends are welcome on leads.
Perth’s farm animal cafes aren’t just cute - they’re a proper day out. Fresh air, happy kids, coffee in hand and a few cheeky chickens wandering about. It doesn't get better than that if you ask us.
Before you go, check the forecast (mud is fun…until it’s not), grab your hats, sunscreen and comfy shoes, and you’re all set for a wholesome adventure with a side of animal cuddles. Happy farm-hopping!
Need ideas for your next adventure? From beach days to bush play, Wild Nestlings has your back with no-fluff guides made for Perth families.
