10 Delightful Cafes To Visit On Your Next Drive Up To The Perth Hills

There’s nothing we love more on a summer afternoon than going for a cruisy drive into the Hills, and exploring all the cosy cafes the area has to offer. Here are seven of our favourites:

Cafe Mojo

Cafe Mojo has all the quirky charm you hope to stumble upon on your next day trip. Eclectic furniture and artwork fill the homey space, plus there’s a charming garden you can enjoy. Just picture yourself, perched under the shade of a Norfolk pine, making use of that free wifi if you need to catch up on emails. You can even bring your dog! The menu has plenty of gluten and dairy free options as well, so you can rest assured there’ll be suitable snacks for everyone.

16 Craig Street, Mundaring

The Packing Shed

Situated on the picturesque Lawnbrook winery in Bickley, the Packing Shed ticks all the boxes. The standout, seasonally rotating menu is worth the drive alone, but when paired with the gorgeous setting, it’s worth its weight in gold. In winter you can get cosy next to wood heater, but if the sun’s out you can also make use of their picnic blankets and spread out on the lawn. Next thing you know, you’ll be staying for a wine tasting…

19 Loaring Road, Bickley

Taylors in the Valley

Converted from a family homestead, Taylors oozes artsy charm. Also home to an art gallery and studio, their rustic grounds are the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. The menu not only features heaps of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly options, but also champions local producers, with a strong focus on sustainability and waste-reduction. Family and pet-friendly, kids can explore the gardens while you relax under the shade of the gum trees with your pooch. What’s not to love?

510 Great Northern Highway, Middle Swan

Haynes Street Larder

Last year took a lot from us, but some things just can’t be kept down. After indefinitely closing in March of 2020, Haynes Street Larder is almost ready to reopen. Paleo, vegan, gluten free – you name it, Haynes Street Larder has something delicious for you. Focusing on healthy treats, their past menu has featured plenty of smoothie bowls, vegan wraps and other healthy treats, so we can’t wait to see what they come back with.

2A Haynes Street, Kalamunda

Little Nook Cafe

If you want to really feel like you’ve left the big smoke, you’ll have to stop in at Little Nook Cafe. It’s the ideal stop after exploring the Railway Heritage Trails, with a verandah that’s perfect for soaking up the winter sunshine. The all day menu runs the gamut from guilt-free muesli bowls and salads to classic big breakfasts, decadent pancakes and homestyle burgers.

2 Montrose Avenue, Darlington

Hidden Specialty Coffee

Ok, so this might not exactly be deep within the Hills, but Hidden Specialty is certainly worth a mention. Coffee that can hold its own against the best in Perth, plus a brekkie menu that’ll keep you satiated all day… Now you know where to stop in on the way to Araluen.

21 Page Road, Kelmscott

The Hive Darlington

Occupying a historic building that was formerly a general store and post office, The Hive Darlington (formerly Perella’s) is more than just a cafe – it’s a hub for the Darlington community. It’s recently changed hands to the Bell Family (locals for the past 10 years), who are keeping the community vibes strong with nutritious, home cooked meals that recognise the importance of connecting with folks in the neighbourhood over a great meal or cuppa.

1 Beenong Road, Darlington

Jack & Jill

Haynes Street Larder’s sister venue and another creation of owner Jess (who comes from legendary Kalamunda family the Balfours), Jack & Jill’s clean and spacious interior makes for an excellent brunch proposition, as do their enormous fried chicken burgers. Don’t fret though, the menu is as equally jam-packed with fresh and healthy goodies as it is naughty treats.

18B Haynes Street, Kalamunda

Mason & Bird

Since opening in 2016, Mason & Bird has become a stalwart of Kalamunda’s cafe scene. With some fine-dining pedigree in the cafe’s DNA, the spot is a go-to for classic brunches as well as brekkies with a twist – like a speck and egg burger with house made barbecue sauce.

7 Williams Street, Kalamunda

Bakery 37

Before you journey back to the big smoke, stop in at the award-winning Bakery 37 for a box of goodies that will make you the talk of the town. Pastries are picture-perfect, cakes are delicately piped and topped with edible petals or fresh fruit – you’ll be besotted!

37 Haynes Street, Kalamunda

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Header image: The Packing Shed