The best family-friendly pubs and breweries around Margaret River and Dunsborough
WA’s Southwest has plenty on offer the adults in the family; fine diners, wineries, distilleries, gourmet produce and bespoke art…
Article by Jono Outred.
But, when the kids are along for the trip – as they often are – sometimes you need to put those adult destinations on hold and instead opt for somewhere the whole family can enjoy. Thankfully, options are not limited within the expansive, tourist driven region and many of those options do well to cater to both old and young within the group.
From expansive breweries with plenty of space to run around and quality food to boot, to busy pubs with impressive food menu’s for the kids, these are the best family-friendly pubs and breweries around Dunsborough and Margaret River
Margaret River Brewhose
While Margaret River does have a reputation for the more adult attraction of fine wine and fine food, the region also has its share of family orientated venues. One of those, Margaret River Brewhouse, has taken their offering to another level. The venue has meals for the young ones plus an expansive beer garden, lawn area and an impressive playground that overlooks stunning Karri Forest.
The brewery is a hotspot for mountain bikers thanks to the venue accommodating with its spacious, outdoor picnic table seating and bike parking. Dog owners will feel welcome here, too, with plenty of patrons choosing to bring along their pooches, with staff happily dropping dog bowls wherever you choose to sit.
35 Bussell Highway, Margaret River
The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is a Busselton institution, a historical pub with history that dates back to the 1840’s. Today, however, the venue is well positioned to look after you no matter your taste. The venue has a casual restaurant, beer garden, sports bar and, most important for families with young ones, a kids play area complete with playground in full view and earshot from the sun-drenched beer garden.
The kitchen happily serves up dishes for young and old, with a kid’s menu and a seniors lunch menu on offer through the week. From the pass, expect dishes like lemon pepper calamari, southern fried chicken sandwiches, bbq pork ribs and, of course, a well put together chicken parmi serving across lunch and dinner.
8 Albert Street, Busselton
Beerfarm
Beerfarm has long been a brewery with families in mind. The repurposed dairy farm, situated less then 20 minutes from Margaret River, opened in 2015 and has always had the relaxed and approachable setting for families front and centre. The venue is exceptionally welcoming to the family dog and food here is simple, generous, and designed to share. Perfect for grabbing a few dishes, dropping in the centre of the table and tucking in family meal style!
It isn’t just the pups, the ‘little farmers’ menu and beers for mum and dad that make Beerfarm a particularly family friendly venue, as a visit to Beerfarm could also include a few turns on their much-loved slip-n-slide. Setup during the warmer months, it’s free for kids and a heap of fun!
77 Gale Road, Metricup
The Dunsborough Tavern
A stalwart in the heart of ‘Dunsy’, the Dunsborough Tavern strives to accommodate all their local and visiting patrons. Good old fashioned tavern hospitality, cold beer and quality style pub food are at the heart of this local icon, but like many of the regions well-respected pubs, the team here goes above and beyond.
The venues ‘family bistro’ is the perfect spot for uncomplicated meals that focus on local produce; steak sandwiches, house made gnocchi and satay chicken skewers are just a few options and all are accompanied by local wines and beer. But for the kids, a huge outdoor playground will be the highlight, with plenty of outdoor seating for parents to keep an eye out while enjoying the beer garden setting.
2 Dunsborough Place, Dunsborough
Wild Hop Brewery
At first glance, Wild Hop might seem like a pretty grown-up venue, with a refined food menu and a lengthy selection of unique, full-flavoured craft beers being on offer. But look a little closer and you’ll realise their venue is perfectly setup with families in mind. The venue features a spacious deck with ample seating, room for the family dog and a super cool, natural looking jungle gym playground for the kids, shaded by established tree’s, perfect for those hot summer months. All of this alongside stunning natural views. Food here is shareable and leans heavily on the woodfire grill with small plates ideal for snacking, perfect for bigger groups and those looking for a casual style of eating.
1301 Wildwood Road, Yallingup
Cheeky Monkey Brewery
Cheeky Monkey has been plying their trade in Margaret River for well over a decade, and their Caves Road brewpub has been a family friendly affair since day dot. Flanked by stunning views of natural bush and vineyards, the 450-seater venue has plenty of room to run around and burn off some energy, as well as a playground for the very young in the family. Dogs are of course welcome, and the picnic table seating gives off a relaxed vibe more akin hanging out at the local park. The kitchen serves up a little bit of everything for everyone here, but pizzas are highlight and keep diners of all ages happy.
4259 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
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Shelter Brewing Co.
This big, beautiful brewery is situated near the famous Busselton Jetty and has been serving up some great eats from their seasonal menus. Peruse their selection of unique brews and sit back in the arvo with a beer in hand while you overlook views of the bay; or pop down in the morning and grab yourself a coffee and a bagel for the best brekky start to your day. Either way, they’ve got a playground for the little ones, along with the big, green expanses of the Busso foreshore if you can nab a table overlooking them.
11 Foreshore Parade, Busselton
Eagle Bay Brewing Co
If it’s sweeping down south vistas with a beer in hand you’re chasing, Eagle Bay Brewing Co has it in spades. They’ve also got a great, unassuming lunch menu (with a couple of kids items), friendly staff who’ll happily walk you through their brew selections, and an epic kids playground to keep ’em occupied in the form of a pirate ship – yarrrrrrr.
252 Eagle Bay Road, Eagle Bay
Header Image Credit: Beerfarm