5 reasons to visit the Swan Valley, guide, things to see

The region is 30 minutes drive from Perth. Start your day in Guildford visiting the Swan Valley Visitor Information Centre for Things to do in Guildford Swan Valley | Heritage, walk trails, maps, restaurants, cafes, attractions, bars, pubs, tours, accommodation. It might be hard to tear yourself away from Guildford. Promise yourself a return trip, that will make it easier.

You will have picked up a complimentary map of the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail or perhaps a kids trail. There is something for everyone in the Swan Valley.

The vineyards are often family affairs going back several generations adding to the sense of place and time to the area. Europeans from the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe brought the skills in producing fortified wines and the warm climate shiraz, cabernet, chenin blanc, liqueur shiraz, liqueur verdelho knowledge. Combined with a desire to succeed Swan Valley wineries are the understated stars of Western Australia.

There are the bigger players of the Australian wine industry in the area as well. These vineyards are usually part of the bus tours as well as river cruises. The Mandoon estate is a restaurant, winery, brewery and art gallery park. The public cellar door is open year round or you can book a private tasting in the underground cellar. Another big hitter is Sandalford Winery (circa 1840), with its well stocked gift shop and superb wine cellar it is on most tourist bus itineraries. Sandlaford is supported by a restaurant specialising in regional produce. Dignity and a plethora of awards for Sandalford’s contribution to tourism are a hallmark of the winery entrance.

Mandoon Estate and Sandalford Winery are slick and polished with gift shops and  restaurants at your fingertips. Yet for those with an opportunity to explore the byroads of the Swan Valley and armed with a visitor guide map of the region you have choices galore where and how long you visit a destination.

Forget about packing a picnic lunch. In fact it would be a crime not to leave room for all the delicious delicacies  coming your way. The Swan Valley is awash with eateries, cafes, artisan preserves and confectionary taste treats. You will be tempted with tasting delights which invariably end up in your bulging goodie bag. There are numerous places Restaurants, Wineries, Breweries & Cideries to encourage you to stop, enter and fall in love with the latest yummy treat. A day eating your way the Swan Valley is a definite possibility.

Imagine a wine valley where you can cruise to from a capital city. Then there are foodie treats, olives, cheeses, preserves and chocolate prepared by the local artisan community. A day in the Swan Valley is a wine lovers must do activity while you are visiting Perth.

Craft breweries and cider houses, sip, savour your way through Swan Valley with a beer.  Well-known Homestead Brewery, is part of the Mandoon Estate, Feral Brewing Company, Funk Cider and Mash Brewing are worthy of a visit.

The Cheese Maker runs a range of very popular cheese making courses that teach you how to make your favourite cheese at home, be it haloumi, fetta, semi-hard, camembert or a creamy soft cheese. A great group participation activity that is great for a girls only weekend or a family group learning the ropes of homemade cheeses.

The festival embraces both the Swan Valley and finishing in the Margaret River. Western Australia Gourmet Escape is one of Australia’s bigger food festivals now expanded over 10 days. All that food inspiration in Australia’s backyard. Run your taste buds around Western Australia. They will be grateful, we promise.

You would have to be keen on biking from Perth. Dedicated and fit, an option is to hire or take your wheels with you. Check out our travel pack with four different routes marked, from family friendly to 16 km exercise. You are given advice on where to hire a bike or simply bring your own. The trails are mostly flat with garden-gate produce stalls, picnic areas, wineries and cafes dotted along the routes.

Travel pack information

Here is some useful information from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre about getting there and getting around the Valley.

BY TRAIN OR BUS:

The Swan Valley is not particularly accessible by foot, meaning you will need some wheels to get around. You can catch a train on the Midland train line, get off at Guildford station and join your Swan Valley transport from there – be it a Taxi, Uber or pre-booked bike hire or tour.

BY CAR:

If you prefer to self-drive, there are clearly sign-posted and well-conditioned roads leading from the Perth CBD to the Swan Valley. Head east on Guildford Road from Perth and pick up your free copy of the Swan Valley Visitor Guide from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre – then you’re good to go.  With all the various tasting options available, we strongly suggest you appoint a reliable skipper as you make your way around the Valley. The Office of Road Safety.  in Western Australia contains all the information about our road rules, speed limits and drink driving. Have fun but always remember to stay safe!

Choosing a river cruise, is it the right choice?

A river cruise can be a girls day out for locals or a great way for visitors to to relax and indulge without worrying about the drive back to Perth. A taste of the Swan River without the hassle of getting there and back. Which river cruises to choose is a question of budget and where does the cruise boat stop. Check the itinerary in detail as well how long it is scheduled to stop at places you wish to visit. There are several major tour operators such as Captain Cook cruises and Red Balloon cruises advertising on tripadvisor and viator as well as their own websites.

• Swan Valley Cycle Brochure
• Swan Valley Visitor Guide

The journey is worth it.