It used to be the calm, turquoise waters that everyone made the trip to Meelup for but, now, there’s another reason this quiet part of the world is drawing crowds: Meelup Farmhouse. 

Making waves for its impossibly delicious food and oh-so-Instagrammable interiors, this new cafe-slash-restaurant sits in the middle of a hobby farm on Wise Winery acreage and offers a range of dining experiences for you and the family. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Meelup Farmhouse.

Where is it?

Just like all good places in the Margaret River region, you have to do a little searching and a little driving to get to Meelup Farmhouse. But, rest assured, it’s not a total mission to get to.

The farmhouse is tucked away on acreage in the Meelup Brook gully, not far from the famous Meelup Beach. If you’re heading up after a swim, there’s a walkable track from Meelup Beach to the farmhouse’s backyard. To get there by car, take Cape Naturaliste Road out of Dunsborough, turn off at Meelup Beach Road, and then, when you see the Meelup Farmhouse sign, take Sheens Road to your destination. Sheens Road isn’t sealed (but 4WDs aren’t necessary) so be prepared for some dust kickup if you’re headed in when it’s dry, and a pothole or two if you’ve visited after heavy rains.

What to expect:

As you round the corner into the carpark, it becomes very apparent as to why Meelup Farmhouse has become so popular. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

The property

Every inch of this property is so very instagrammable, from the bright white and light wood restaurant interior and lantern covered porch, to the green, tree-lined gully and friendly farm animals. Make the most of your visit and arrive 15-30 minutes before your booking to allow time to wander around the property. 

Just by the carpark you’ll find a white-fenced orchard planted up with all manner of fruit trees, and guarded by 3 alpacas. The black beauties are friendly enough with humans, but our 4-legged mates tend to be their foes so, if you’re bringing yours along, keep them on a lead and well away from the orchard. 

Visiting kids will love feeding the resident silkie chickens that wander the herb garden by the entrance of the restaurant. Pop inside to pick up a bag of feed for a nominal fee, then leave your little ones to it while you keep a close eye on them from the comfort of a hanging chair on the dining porch. 

Perhaps the most famous of all Meelup Farmhouse’s animals is Lizzie the hairy, blonde highland cow. She lives in a paddock down in the shaded gully, just meters from the restaurant and lawn. Look for the sign and follow her moo! It’s recommended you keep a bit of distance between yourself, Lizzie, and the fence to her paddock, but photos are still more than welcome.

The food

Once you’ve met all the farm animals, it’s time to get into what you really came to Meelup Farmhouse for: the food. 

Headed up by chef Dean Williams, the kitchen pumps out some of the best brunches and lunches in the Margaret River Region, all with a hyper-local and seasonal produce focus. You can get dishes like a warm coconut and mango rice pudding, or wood roasted mushrooms with soft polenta and a poached egg, right up until the end of breakfast service at 11.45am. At 12.00pm, the lunch menu kicks in. Expect anything from a beautiful brown rice poke bowl to squid ink linguine tossed with blue swimmer crab, chilli, and herb and citrus pangrattato.

For something a little more casual, prebook a ‘farmhouse’ or ‘garden’ picnic basket. To be enjoyed on the lawn on a sunny day, the picnic baskets – complete with picnic blanket – come packed full of delicious goodies (think sourdough, terrine, garden vegetables, and homemade olives) and include a bottle of Wise red or white. 

Opening hours:

During winter, Meelup Farmhouse is open for lunch on Thursdays from 11.30am-4.00pm, and Breakfast and lunch Friday to Monday from 9.00am-4.00pm.

Website: meelupfarmhouse.com.au.

Summer opening hours will vary.

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