Looking for the perfect weekend escape near Perth? Just 35 minutes from the city sits a family-owned treasure that perfectly blends rustic charm with modern hospitality. Core Cider House in Pickering Brook isn’t just another stop on the Perth Hills food and wine trail—it’s a 40-acre slice of orchard heaven with a story dating back to 1939.
Whether you’re planning a day trip with friends, searching for a stunning wedding venue, or simply want to sip artisan cider under apple trees, this fourth-generation family estate offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Western Australia. Let’s explore what makes this Perth Hills hotspot worth visiting and why it continues to win awards year after year.
The Story Behind Core Cider House
The Core Cider House story begins in 1939 when Giovanni-Battista Della Franca (known to locals as Jack) planted the first apple tree on what would become a 40-acre orchard estate. What started as a simple fruit-growing operation has evolved across four generations of the Della Franca family into one of Perth Hills’ most beloved destinations.
The second generation expanded the property in the 1960s when Giancarlo Della Franca (Charlie) added a small vineyard. Today, the fourth generation continues the family legacy, transforming a traditional orchard into a complete hospitality venue that honors its agricultural roots while embracing modern tastes.
This family commitment shows in everything from their handcrafted ciders to their seasonal menus. The property maintains eighteen different apple varieties throughout their orchards, which serve as the foundation for their award-winning cider production.
What sets Core Cider House apart is how they’ve adapted to changing markets without losing touch with their heritage—a common trend among agricultural businesses in the Perth Hills region that have successfully incorporated tourism elements into their operations.
What to Experience at Core Cider House
When you visit Core Cider House, you’ll find several distinct areas to explore, each offering a unique experience:
The Orchard Bistro
The heart of the food experience at Core Cider House is their Orchard Bistro, a restaurant space featuring a stunning deck that overlooks the sprawling orchard. Here, you’ll find farm-to-table cuisine that showcases seasonal produce, much of it grown right on the property.
The menu changes with the seasons, offering set lunch options including 2-course ($52) and 3-course ($65) experiences that highlight the best local ingredients. Each dish is crafted to pair perfectly with their house-made ciders and wines.
The Harvest Room
Cider enthusiasts will love the Harvest Room, Core Cider House’s cellar door featuring a patio with panoramic orchard views. This is where you can sample their range of artisan ciders, from limited seasonal releases to their popular fruity sparkling varieties and premium traditional ciders.
The tasting experience here offers insight into how their eighteen apple varieties contribute different characteristics to their cider lineup. Staff are happy to guide you through the tasting process, explaining the unique production methods that set their ciders apart.
The Old Apple Shed
For those interested in the cider-making process, the Old Apple Shed offers a glimpse into the production side of things. This rustic venue space is where apples are crushed before being stored to ferment and mature into the finished product.
During harvest season, you might catch a glimpse of the action as freshly picked apples begin their journey to becoming cider. The space retains much of its original character, connecting visitors to the property’s agricultural heritage.
Outdoor Spaces
Core Cider House boasts beautiful outdoor areas including garden lawns where guests can enjoy picnics and casual dining, and the Cider Garden, an outdoor bar area perfect for relaxing with pizzas and other casual eats.
One of the property’s most Instagram-worthy features is the Dragonfly Ponds with an overarching bridge, which serves as a popular photo spot for visitors, especially during weddings and special events.
Core Cider House as a Wedding Venue
It’s no surprise that Core Cider House has become one of Perth’s most sought-after wedding venues. Named Perth’s best wedding venue on The Urban List and receiving The Bride’s Diary wedding of the year in 2017, this orchard estate offers a picture-perfect backdrop for celebrations.
The venue’s natural beauty creates a magical setting in every season—lush greenery and gorgeous blooms in spring, apples and bright colors in autumn, stone fruit varieties in summer, and citrus in winter. Couples can choose from various spaces throughout the property for their ceremony and reception.
Wedding packages vary, with venue hire ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the day of the week, plus food and beverage minimum spends. The combination of rustic charm and professional service has made Core Cider House a standout in the competitive wedding venue market.
Seasonal Activities at Core Cider House
One of the best things about Core Cider House is that there’s always something new happening with the changing seasons:
Fruit Picking
In summer and autumn, visitors can participate in fruit picking experiences, harvesting stone fruits, apples, and other seasonal produce straight from the trees. It’s a fun activity for families and a great way to connect with where your food comes from.
Tractor Tours
Explore more of the 40-acre property with tractor tours that take you through the orchard and surrounding areas. These tours provide insights into the property’s history and agricultural practices while offering spectacular views of the Perth Hills landscape.
Twilight Dinners
During December, the venue hosts special Twilight Dinners on Fridays, offering a magical evening dining experience under the stars. These events showcase seasonal menus paired with their craft ciders in a festive atmosphere.
Where Core Cider House Stands in Perth Hills Tourism
In the regional context, Core Cider House has established itself as one of the “well-known attractions” in the Perth Hills alongside establishments like Carmel Cider Company, La Fattoria, and Myattsfield Winery.
As of early 2025, it ranks as the #1 restaurant in Pickering Brook on TripAdvisor and has received Travelers’ Choice recognition, cementing its status as a must-visit destination in the region.
The business operates in a competitive but growing tourism market within the Perth Hills region, which is increasingly popular for day trips from Perth, particularly for food and beverage experiences. Its continued success reflects both the quality of its offerings and the growing interest in agritourism experiences close to the city.
The Visitor Experience
Recent reviews indicate a mixed but generally positive experience at Core Cider House:
Many visitors praise the venue’s atmosphere, views, and cider quality. The orchard setting is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, creating a tranquil escape from city life just a short drive from Perth.
Some reviews mention the exceptional quality of their premium traditional ciders, while others rave about the seasonal food offerings that showcase local produce.
The venue receives particular acclaim for its location and panoramic views, with the combination of majestic state forest surroundings and neat rows of fruit trees creating a picturesque setting that’s hard to beat in the Perth Hills region.
Like any popular destination, there are occasional mixed reviews, particularly regarding food service during busy periods. The business has responded constructively to feedback, noting they are “consistently working on our garden menu in order to better meet the needs and requests of our guests.”
Planning Your Visit to Core Cider House
Location and Access
Core Cider House is located at 35 Merrivale Road, Pickering Brook in the Perth Hills region of Western Australia, approximately 35 minutes from Perth city center. The scenic drive through the hills is part of the experience, with the route offering stunning views year-round.
Opening Hours and Reservations
While specific opening hours may vary by season, it’s always wise to check their website or call ahead, especially if you’re planning to dine at the Orchard Bistro where reservations are recommended during peak times.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Allow plenty of time to explore the property beyond just having a meal or tasting ciders
- Check what’s in season if you’re interested in fruit picking experiences
- Consider visiting during different seasons to experience the changing landscape
- Book ahead for special events like Twilight Dinners, which tend to sell out quickly
- Bring a camera – the views of the orchard with state forest backdrop are spectacular
Why Core Cider House Matters
Core Cider House represents a successful example of agricultural diversification, transforming a traditional orchard operation into a multifaceted hospitality venue. Rather than being just another food and drink destination, it’s a distinctive property that has evolved over four generations of family ownership.
For visitors to Perth, Core Cider House offers an authentic farm experience combined with quality food and beverages in a picturesque setting. Its continued operation and expansion over 80+ years demonstrates its resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions in Western Australia’s agricultural and tourism sectors.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day out, a special celebration venue, or simply a taste of Perth Hills’ agricultural heritage, Core Cider House delivers an experience that connects visitors to the land, the seasons, and the rich history of this special corner of Western Australia.
The next time you’re looking for a day trip from Perth that offers more than just a meal or a drink, head to the hills and discover why Core Cider House has remained a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike for decades.
The information in this article about Core Cider House is based on publicly available sources. We do our best to make sure all details are correct, but some information may be estimates or subject to change. If you have any updates or corrections, we welcome your feedback.
