Stirling Cottage Kitchen, Harvey

When we drive to and from the south-west via the inland road, South Western Highway, we always make a stop at the quaint Stirling Cottage Kitchen. Here there’s a lovely little café, gardens, very well maintained toilets and a tourist information area.

The Stirling Cottage Kitchen café is a replica of the 1880’s homestead that was built by Western Australia’s first Governor – Governor Stirling. An interesting fact is author and illustrator May Gibbs also lived in the homestead as a child. Her experience in Harvey was the inspiration for her beloved Gumnut Babies stories.

The timber constructed Stirling Cottage Kitchen offers indoor and outdoor dining areas. Being a sunny morning, we sat on the deck, which overlooks the gardens and Harvey River. If it’s a chilly winter’s day, there’s a cosy wood fire indoors.

Food

We stopped for an early lunch. There’s plenty of food options for snacks and morning tea too. We all had a cup of coffee, there is tea and soft drinks available too. We found the fresh homemade food was reasonably priced and delicious. My husband enjoyed a piping hot meat pie, which was full of chunky morsels of meat.

My grandson and I enjoyed some homemade sausage rolls, with deliciously flaky pastry.

My daughter opted for a sweet nutty chocolate slice.

There’s plenty of tables and benches in the grounds for you to enjoy a picnic, if you plan to bring your own lunch.

We walked off our lunch around the beautifully kept Harvey Heritage Gardens. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs before getting in the car for another few hours.

At the Visitors Centre, The visitors’ centre staff are very knowledgeable and friendly about local wineries and other attractions.

There’s an area dedicated to May Gibbs too.

All in All

Stirling Cottage is set in a lovely location, which is full of local heritage. It’s a must do if you are visiting Harvey or even passing though. There is plenty of free parking and public toilets, making it an ideal place to stop on a south west road trip.

The Details

Address: Cnr South Western Highway & James Stirling Place, Harvey
Open: 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm
Website: www.facebook.com/StirlingCottageKitchen
Disabled Access: Yes, there is disabled parking and toilets.
Distance from Car Parking area: The car park is next to the café.
Grandchild Friendly: Yes, child friendly food and snacks as well as high chairs.

About the Author
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About Stella B

Stella is loving retirement! Besides her loves of gardening, reading and painting, she adores spending time with her family and being out and about in Perth. Living in the Perth Hills, her time is often spent brunching with her husband at one of Kalamunda’s many cafes or enjoying a food platter over a glass of wine at a Bickley Valley winery.