Swan Valley Station

Swan Valley Station at 60 Forest Road, Henley Brook, is part nursery, part garden, part rustic cafe, and one of the Swan Valley's easiest outings with a dog because the welcome extends well past a footpath table. The venue's own policy is simple: friendly dogs are welcome but must stay on their leads, and that covers the outdoor seating, the nursery and the garden and sculpture trail beyond.

The dog setup

Seating is casual and outdoors, so you settle in the garden with shade from mature trees doing the summer work. The lead stays on everywhere, including along the sculpture trail past the marron lake, where the resident donkeys, miniature ponies, goats, chickens, rabbits and peacocks live. Those animals are the reason to keep the lead clipped and to skip this one if your dog loses its head around poultry; for a calm dog it is a genuinely pleasant wander. On-site water bowls are not guaranteed, so bring your own.

Worth knowing

The kitchen pours Fremantle-roasted barista coffee and runs a country-style menu: avocado smash, quiche and soup of the day, patisserie-made pies and gourmet sausage rolls, ham and cheese croissants and Devonshire tea, with cakes, muffins and fruit ice cream for the sweet end. The shed stocks local honey, candles and gifts if you want a browse. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday plus public holidays, 9am to 4pm, closed Monday and Tuesday; details on (0432) 386 633.

Getting there and parking

Turn off West Swan Road at the Forest Road corner and the property is right there, roughly 30 minutes from the Perth CBD. Parking is ample and on-site, which makes arriving with a dog straightforward. Mornings are quietest and coolest, and the tree shade keeps a midday visit workable even in summer.

While you're out there

For a proper off-lead run, Whiteman Park Fenced Dog Park is the standout nearby, 2.5 fully fenced hectares with dog-vision-coloured agility gear and a small-dog yard. The valley's dog-friendly cellar doors stack up well too: The Naked Fox is practically next door and Ugly Duckling Wines pours dogs welcome a little south on West Swan Road.

More options are on the WA dog friendly restaurants guide and the Henley Brook destination page.