There’s nothing we love more on an autumn 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
Perella’s
Occupying a historic building that was formerly a general store and post office, Perella’s is more than just a cafe – it’s a hub for the Darlington community. Owned by locals, the quaint cafe serves up a generous, unpretentious menu that features plenty of goodies made in-house. Plus, the huge array of sweet treats goes oh-so-nicely with the locally roasted coffee.
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 St, Kalamunda
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Header image: The Packing Shed