Swan Valley

Lush green vineyards, vines bursting with grapes, wine, delicious food and other delights are all part of the experience in Perth's leafy Swan Valley, nestled at the foot of the Darling Ranges to the east of the city. Encompassing the towns of Midland, Guildford, Caversham, Whiteman, Henley Brook, Herne Hill, Upper Swan and Middle Swan, the region houses boutique restaurants, art and craft galleries and enough beautiful scenery for a thousand postcards.

There are more than 40 wineries to visit, from small family-run concerns through to world-famous vineyards; recent years have also seen the establishment of several boutique breweries in the area. You can also visit art and craft galleries and workshops, a chocolate or nougat factory and a host of cafes and restaurants, all of which will combine to ensure a great day out for the whole family. In order to see and do as much as possible, drive up either West Swan Road or Great Northern Hwy, then come back down the other one. the Swan Valley map includes a comprehensive listing of attractions and places of interest.

Enjoy a range of daily wine cruises visiting the vineyards of the Swan Valley. Captain Cook Cruises operates ‘Perth’s Famous Wine Cruise’ departs daily at 9.45am and remains the most popular wine cruise in Perth. Enjoy morning tea and local ‘Wines of the Month’ on board, then transfer by coach for premium wine tasting at WA’s historic Houghton Winery and Sandalford Wines. Afterwards, sit back for a delicious three course lunch with live entertainment at Waters Edge Winery overlooking the Swan. If you don’t have a full day to spare, try the ‘Swan Valley Lunch Cruise’ departing at 1.15pm with a buffet lunch served on board before wine tasting at Waters Edge Winery. Both cruises include return city hotel transfers. Pier 3 Barrack Square Perth and C Shed Victoria Quay Fremantle. Phone +61 8 9325 3341.

At Whiteman Park you'll find Revolutions WA’s most diverse transport exhibition, the Motor Museum of WA, tram and train rides, a variety of quaint craft shops, a fantastic birds of prey flying display and much more. There is always lots happening, so be sure to allow plenty of time to explore. There are playgrounds and paved cycleways through picnic areas, and multi-sport courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis players, with equipment available for use. Bring a picnic, have a barbecue or purchase a meal from the cafe. There is plenty of free car parking, even on busy days. Best of all, entry to the park is free, and it’s open all year round. Lord St, Whiteman Phone 9209 6000. Within the park is Caversham Wildlife Park home to many of Australia's favourite cuddly animals and exotic birds. With shady picnic areas plus a kiosk, it's a great spot to relax at lunch time while taking the opportunity to make friends with some unique Australian wildlife. The park also has a souvenir shop where you can purchase Australian souvenirs including CDs, videos, kangaroo skins, carved emu eggs, books, badges, t-shirts, cuddly toys and much more. Open every day of the year from 8.30am through to 5.30pm. Phone +61 8 9248 1984.

Looking for a wine experience with a world class reputation? Founded in 1840, Sandalford Wines is one of Australia’s oldest, largest and most prestigious privately owned wineries. Whilst enjoying an international reputation as one of the state’s leading premium wine producers, it has in recent years three times been awarded best wine tourism operator in the state by the WA Tourism Council. Take a winery tour on suspended walkways, dine indoors or alfresco under 160-year-old vines, or enrol in a wine appreciation class. Located on the banks of the Swan River, Sandalford is just a twenty minute drive from the Perth business district. Offering luxury river cruises, culinary distinction and world-class concerts and events, this is a ‘must-visit’ tourism destination, open 7 days a week. 3210 West Swan Rd Caversham. Phone +61 8 9374 9374.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a free Swan Valley wine-tasting map from the WA Visitor Centre in Perth and head east for the day. For further information on the Swan Valley contact the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, open 9am to 4pm Mon-Sun. Cnr Meadow and Swan Streets, Guildford. Phone +61 8 9379 9400

Transperth operates regular bus and train services that can take you to the Swan Valley. Catch a train from the city on the Midland line, bus route 311 departs from Midland Station, travelling north on Great Northern Highway.

If you're driving, use Guildford Road or Great Eastern Highway to leave the city centre and head north along either Great Northern Highway or West Swan Road.