Core Cider House, Pickering Brook

I’ve been savoring the flourishing food and beverage scene in the beautiful Bickley Valley, a stone’s throw away from Kalamunda. Nestled in the breathtaking Perth Hills, it’s no surprise that Core Cider House found its place in the neighboring Pickering Brook, where orchards have thrived for generations.

Core Cider House has become a favourite food destination for us. On a sunny day, it feels indulgent to sip on a glass of apple or pear cider in their stunning “cider garden,” and occasionally we’ll stay for lunch too. There are two dining options at Core, an a la carte Bistro, or casual eats in the Cider Garden.

The picturesque setting of the cider house is a place where you can easily enjoy a few hours amongst the fruit trees. If you can’t grab a table on the shaded patio, feel free to throw down a rug on the lush lawns. A saturday lunchtime proved to be an ideal time to visit, as live music filled the air.

The ciders at Core are a must try. They offer an array of ciders. Non-cider drinkers can also enjoy beer, house wine (surprisingly great!), plus coffee, tea, and soft drinks. For first-time visitors, I suggest trying the tasting paddle to discover your favourite cider.

For those seeking a different ambience, the more formal dining room awaits, offering sweeping views of the orchards and bush covered hills. There’s table service here and an expanded lunch menu featuring tasty options like pork belly, barramundi and roast lamb. This menu changes regulary, and is offered as two or 3 course set menu. This time, we dined in the bistro. Each dish was flavorful, expertly prepared, and brimming with locally sourced ingredients.

The desserts are worth trying too!

For the grandchildren, there’s a dedicated menu catering to their tastes, offering easy eating options like fish and chips, tomato pasta, a pork slider, and grilled chicken with creamy mash and green beans. Afterwards, kids can roam around on the lawns, explore the (now shaded) playground and play farmer on the core tractor, which provides endless entertainment.

This Perth Hills treasure is certainly worth a drive “up the hill.” Whether you choose to relax on a picnic rug amidst the fruit trees or secure a Bistro table (bookings are recommended due to its popularity), one thing is certain – we will undoubtedly return to this stunning spot time and time again.

The Details

Address: 35 Merrivale Rd, Pickering Brook.

Website: www.corecider.com.au

Disabled Access: Yes – parking and toilets. For ACROD and convenient drop offs use FIRST entrance off Merrivale Rd (follow signs).

Parking: The main carpark is gravelled and on a slight slope.

Grandchild friendly: Kids menu, playground, colouring in and more.

Find more things to see, do and eat in the Perth Hills here.

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About Amanda Carlin

Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, through "Simply PERTHfect", Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA. She enjoys brunching, lunching or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her parents in tow, Amanda always has plenty of senior-friendly eating options to recommend. Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.

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