Dog Days & Afternoons

DOG DAYS

AND AFTERNOONS

If you’ve got a furry friend in tow, there are plenty of places to bring them along for a day trip to the Swan Valley. By TOM DE SOUZA

FOR THOSE WITH four-legged friends, dogs aren’t just a pet – they are a part of the family. It can sometimes be hard trying to pick somewhere to eat, drink, or exercise where your dog can enjoy it with you, but this list will help to narrow it down for you. Here’s my top dog-friendly spots in the Swan Valley.

Somewhere for a drink

FERAL BREWING CO

Friendly dogs are very welcome at Feral Brewing Co, which is a place for those who take their beer very seriously. The brews here verge on the wild, and are full of character, complexity, and experimentation. Home to an experimental brewery, barrel ageing shed, market garden, restaurant, and beer garden, the Swan Valley Brewpub is the perfect place to dig in for a few hours with your best friends (furry or not).

Their restaurant offers some of the finest seasonal produce, and is an honest reflection of the Valley’s rich soils.

Guests with dogs can be accommodated in the beer garden, and in quieter times, guests with dogs can also book the verandah area of the restaurant.

UGLY DUCKLING WINES

Ugly Duckling Wines is a small boutique vineyard and cellar door, set in a charming, rustic cottage overlooking the vines.

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, where you can enjoy a delicious platter or choose from a range of gourmet pies, some of which are even made with Ugly Duckling wines. The restaurant offers fantastic views across the Swan Valley to the Perth Valleys.

There is live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and regular market days among the vines.

Somewhere to eat

LAMONT’S WINES

Lamont’s is one of the state’s premier wine and gourmet food dynasties. It began at this Swan Valley vineyard and expanded to a variety of acclaimed restaurants and cafes around Perth and the South West.

Fiona Lamont and her team at the warm and friendly Swan Valley winery offer what the Lamont’s have always been famous for – relaxed, friendly dining with minimal pretension.

On weekends, enjoy a complimentary tasting of Lamont’s Wines at the cellar door before experiencing a lunch of simple, wine-friendly fare. From freshly baked

baguettes with a variety of butters to duck liver parfait, triple cream brie drizzled with honey and a range of more substantial produce-driven dishes, there’s something for all tastes and budgets. Friendly dogs are, of course, always welcome.

DOG’S BREAKFAST CAFE

Dog’s Breakfast Cafe is the ultimate haven for dog lovers and their four-legged friends.

Next to the Swan Valley Vet, it features an agility park, playgrounds, a dog pool and doggie spa, and a delicious menu of dog treats. This really is the place to pamper your pooch. Meanwhile, owners can enjoy a barista-crafted coffee or a scrumptious bite to eat.

Somewhere to exercise

BELLS RAPIDS

A stunning 4.5km loop around the upper reaches of the Swan River. This is known for being one of the best vantage points on the Swan River during the Avon Descent.

The scenic trail offers views of the countryside and coastal plains. It’s also home to the beautiful Grey Kangaroo - ask the Visitor Centre for information about the best places and times to see them.

You’ll find Bells Rapids a 45-minute drive from Perth. Jump on the Great Northern Highway until you reach Cathedral Avenue, and follow that until it turns into the Orlov Trail. Watch for the signs and find a space in the big gravel car park.

Pack a picnic for a lovely day out with the family. SV

PUPPY POWER

There are plenty of places where your best friend can tag along - RiverBrook at Upper Reach, Lamont’s and Bonnie the Cavalier at Bells Rapids (below right).