A Relaxing Morning at Lavender Estate, Yanchep: A Family Guide
Personal Note: Our Mid-August Escape
During our Western Australia trip, we made a detour to Lavender Estate in Yanchep in mid-August. If you know Western Australia’s seasons, you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t that the wrong time of year?” And you’d be absolutely right. Mid-August is the tail end of the cool, sometimes rainy winter [1], and the famous lavender fields are mostly dormant.
Despite the lack of purple blooms, the trip was totally worth it. We spent a quiet, relaxing, and enjoyable morning there, staying for roughly an hour and a half. It’s not a massive, sprawling farm, which actually makes it incredibly manageable with kids. We ended up buying some lovely lavender products from the gift shop and, of course, had to try their signature lavender ice cream. Even without the flowers, it was a refreshing change of pace from the city.
What to Expect at Lavender Estate
Formerly known as Yanchep Lavender Farm, the property has recently been reimagined and reopened as Lavender Estate [2]. Located just 40 minutes north of Perth in Carabooda (right next door to Yanchep National Park), it spans 26 acres and is Western Australia’s largest operating lavender farm [3].
While the estate is famous for its 40,000 lavender bushes across 44 rows, it has evolved into a fully-fledged family destination. It features a casual café, a shaded playground, and a boutique retail store [4].
The Café and Dining
The dining experience here is decidedly relaxed and unpretentious. Food and drinks are ordered at the counter and served in takeaway-style packaging, giving you the freedom to choose your spot—indoors, on the deck, on the lawn, or right by the lavender [5]. That said, if you’d prefer a guaranteed table indoors or on the veranda, booking ahead online is recommended [17].
The menu is designed for sharing and family-friendly dining, featuring items like woodfired pizzas, burgers, cheese kranskies, and grazing platters [6]. For the adults, they are fully licensed (no BYO) and serve WA craft beers, local wines, and even lavender-infused cocktails like a Lavender Gin & Tonic [7].
And for the kids (and young at heart), the signature lavender ice cream—made by Millers Ice Creamery—is a must-try [8].
The Playground and Grounds
If you have Gen Alpha or Beta kids in tow, the shaded playground is a massive win. Set in sand, it features slides, climbing ropes, a wobbling bridge, and balancing logs [9]. It’s a great spot for them to burn off some energy while you enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat nearby.
The wide-open lawns also provide plenty of space for kids to run around safely. You can even borrow one of their picnic blankets to set up on the grass [10].
The Gift Shop
Don’t leave without browsing the boutique gift shop. It is stocked with products made from the three oil-producing varieties of lavender grown and steam-distilled right on the farm (Grosso, Impress Purple, and Vera) [12].
You’ll find everything from their award-winning pure lavender essential oils to sleep sprays, skincare, teas, candles, and local honey [13]. It’s a great place to pick up a thoughtful gift or a little self-care treat.
Understanding the Seasons
Our mid-August visit was lovely, but if you are chasing that picture-perfect sea of purple, timing is everything.
If you visit during the winter months (June to August), expect cool temperatures, generally ranging from highs of 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F) [16]. Dress warmly, especially in the mornings.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Peak Bloom) | December – February | Vibrant purple fields, ideal for photos, hot weather. |
| Winter (Dormant) | June – August | Green fields, cool weather, quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. |
Family Visit Checklist
- Check the weather: If visiting in winter (like we did), bring warm layers.
- Book ahead (optional but recommended): While walk-ins are welcome for the lawns and picnic tables, booking a table online secures a spot indoors or on the veranda [17].
- Supervise at the playground: Keep a close eye on younger kids due to the proximity to the road.
- Leave the snacks at home: The estate is fully licensed and operates a café; please do not bring BYO alcohol or outside food [18].
- Bring the dog (if you want!): Dogs are welcome on a leash in the outdoor areas [19].
Plan Your Visit
Location: 272 Old Yanchep Road, Carabooda WA 6033
Google Maps: Get Directions here
Opening Hours:
- Thursday & Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm [20]
(Note: Kitchen closes approximately 1 hour before the venue)
Whether you go for the spectacular summer blooms or a quiet winter morning escape like we did, Lavender Estate is a charming, easy day trip for Perth families.
[1] Australia.com: Weather in Perth. https://www.australia.com/en-us/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia/perth-weather.html
[2] RAC WA: WA’s largest lavender farm reopens. https://rac.com.au/horizons/explore/was-largest-lavender-farm-reopens-with-new-look-yanchep
[3] Destination Perth: Lavender Estate opens as WA’s largest Lavender Farm. https://www.destinationperth.com.au/articles/post/lavender-estate-opens-as-was-largest-lavender-farm/
[4] Lavender Estate: About. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/about
[5] Lavender Estate: Visit Us. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/visit-us
[6] Perth Is OK: Lavender Estate Reopening. https://perthisok.com/eat-drink/lavender-estate-reopening-yanchep/
[7] Buggybuddys: Lavender Estate Carabooda. https://buggybuddys.com.au/yanchep-lavender-carabooda/
[8] Perth Is OK: Lavender Estate Reopening. https://perthisok.com/eat-drink/lavender-estate-reopening-yanchep/
[9] Buggybuddys: Lavender Estate Carabooda. https://buggybuddys.com.au/yanchep-lavender-carabooda/
[10] Buggybuddys: Lavender Estate Carabooda. https://buggybuddys.com.au/yanchep-lavender-carabooda/
[11] Buggybuddys: Lavender Estate Carabooda. https://buggybuddys.com.au/yanchep-lavender-carabooda/
[12] RAC WA: WA’s largest lavender farm reopens. https://rac.com.au/horizons/explore/was-largest-lavender-farm-reopens-with-new-look-yanchep
[13] Buggybuddys: Lavender Estate Carabooda. https://buggybuddys.com.au/yanchep-lavender-carabooda/
[14] Lavender Estate: About. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/about
[15] Lavender Estate: About. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/about
[16] Wikipedia: Climate of Perth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Perth
[17] Buggybuddys: Lavender Estate Carabooda. https://buggybuddys.com.au/yanchep-lavender-carabooda/
[18] Lavender Estate: Visit Us. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/visit-us
[19] Lavender Estate: Visit Us. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/visit-us
[20] Lavender Estate: Visit Us. https://lavenderestate.com.au/pages/visit-us




