Just a 30-minute drive from Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia’s oldest wine region feels a world away from the hustle and bustle.
Feature by Julie Hosking
With a reputation for excellence forged over more than 180 years, the Swan Valley is home to a dazzling array of artists, artisans and premium producers. Whether you plan the places to visit or simply stop wherever the mood takes you, there is joy around every corner.
Sip and savour the best
Where better to learn how to blend your own wine than somewhere that has been making award-winning varieties for almost two centuries? This 1.5-hour session at Sandalford Wines includes a tour of the winery. Or book a half-hour tasting that pairs new releases with canapés before settling in for lunch at the beautiful restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
Mandoon Estate is another stunning venue boasting a winery, brewery and a host of unique experiences. Browse the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery, where native herbs and spices sit alongside impressive art, then continue the cultural journey with an Indigenous tasting platter of emu sausages, pickled quandong and other delicacies.
Nominate a skipper and plan which wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries and providores to visit. Or leave the driving to someone in the know and join the Swan Valley Winery and Brewery Tour. This half-day journey of the senses leads you from Perth on a tastebud-tingling tour that includes a winery, micro-brewery and chocolate factory, all packed with premium produce.
Wine Tasting at Sandalford, Swan Valley
Glory in Guildford
This charming gateway to the Swan Valley is one of only three towns in Western Australia to be classified as historic by the National Trust. Step back to 1829 on a guided tour of Guildford and its truly grand 19th century buildings or pick up a map at the visitor centre to explore at your leisure.
There are treasures to be found in the antique stores, as well as the galleries showcasing local artists. And be sure to visit the craft market in Stirling Square if you are there on the third Sunday of the month. Linger over lunch at one of the lovely old pubs, such as the recently restored Guildford Hotel and Georgian beauty The Rose & Crown, or pop into one of the cafés dotted along the pretty streets.
Walk on the wild side
Hand feed a kangaroo, capture a close-up with a koala, watch penguins play, and meet wombat and his friends. Caversham Wildlife Park is a family attraction that brings out the inner child in all of us. Boasting Western Australia’s largest private collection of native fauna, the park is home to more than 200 species.
Book a tour to explore Woodland Reserve by torchlight in search of the endangered woylie and other curious creatures (September to April); watch sheep shearing and whip cracking at the Farm Show; and cuddle furry friends at Molly’s Farm.
It's all part of the experience at Whiteman Park conservation and recreation precinct, which is also awash with history. Take a trip down memory lane, board a vintage train or tram, and explore the Motor Museum of WA and the Tractor Museum.
Caversham Wildlife Park, Swan Valley
Sweeten the ride home
It really is the bee's knees in the Swan Valley, where The House of Honey draws visitors for its range of sweet goods, including bee pollen, beeswax candles and premium honey. Tour the meadery to learn all about the world’s oldest drink – mead, or honey wine.
Sweet tooths will also find plenty to please the palate at Mondo Nougat. Watch the nougat being made, enjoy a slice of their beloved cheesecake or rum baba with coffee, or simply stock up on your favourite nougat flavours, from cranberry and pistachio to vanilla.
Go with the flow
Revel in a novel route to the vineyards. Nowhere else in Australia can you cruise to a wine region and back within half a day (about six hours). Captain Cook Cruises invites you aboard to relax, take in the spectacular views as you leave Perth behind and meander up the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), enjoying fine food and wine along the way.
On arrival, you’re whisked away by bus to sample some of the region’s many delights. You’ll no doubt come back laden with goodies, such as wine, cheese and chocolate, but you can save them for later. Dessert, wine and live entertainment await you for the return trip.
Captain Cook Cruises, Swan Valley
Published January 2025.