SWAN VALLEY

A DESTINATION FOR LONG AFTERNOON LUNCHES UNDER BLUE SKIES AND SUNSHINE, THE SWAN VALLEY IS WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST WINE GROWING REGION AND AN IDYLLIC WINE COUNTRY ESCAPE.

By DANIELLE AUSTIN

FIELDS OF LUSH greenery and grapeladen vineyards are interspersed with quaint country cottages and charming farmhouse homes, nestled along Perth’s iconic Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) in the Swan Valley. The bountiful landscapes give way to world-class wineries, breweries and distilleries, making the region a popular weekend getaway for vino enthusiasts, while a strong grower and producer culture supports fantastic restaurants and boutique provedores.

A twenty-five minute drive from the Perth city centre will have you in the heart of the Swan Valley, or spend a little over an hour cruising up the Swan River in style ahead of a day of winery hopping. Wine making forms the heritage of the valley, where vines date back to 1839, with Sandalford Wines one of the oldest wineries within the region and it’s Chenin Blanc a stand-out variety.

Popular with local foodies, producers are abundant around the Swan Valley while local purveyors offer preserves, dried fruit, chocolate, nuts, and more. Visit The

House of Honey, a sustainabilityfocused sanctuary for local bees and hives offering raw honey and sweet mead; or there’s Morish Nuts for decadent sweet, savoury, and spicy treats; and Mondo Nougat for fresh nougat and biscotti, homemade with the best ingredients.

Boutique distilleries abound, with Old Young’s Pavlova vodka a must-try summertime favourite.

Wildflower trails and sumptuous bushland also encourage visitors to step off the beaten track and explore the beautiful landscapes around them, offering endless nooks for romantic picnics where you can enjoy the goods you’ve gathered. Popular with picnickers, Bells Rapids offers views of white water rapids amid towering gums and paperbark. With two dedicated short walking trails in the area, wander stunning bushland that blooms with wildflowers from August to November.

There are ten dedicated food and drink trails to help visitors navigate and immerse themselves in the Swan Valley. Those who have come to the region to experience the many libations on offer will enjoy exploring unique and complex drops on the Fortified Wine Trail, sipping on award-winning wines on the Fine Wine Trail, and discovering sparkling ciders and boutique ales on the Cider and Ale Trail. Learn more about the processes used by local distillers on the Distillery Trail and meet artists and makers on the Wine and Art Off the Beaten Track Trail. Foodies might choose to sample macarons and nougat on the Sweet Temptations Trail, buy delicious fruit and veg direct from the growers on the Fresh Seasonal Produce Trail, or learn about native foods and foraging on the Bush Tucker & Beyond Trail. The Kids in the Valley Trail follows family-friendly experiences around the Swan Valley, including getting up close and friendly with baby animals and enjoying a round of mini golf.

Guildford

The gateway to the Swan Valley, Guildford is known for its history and heritage, with the area dating back to the early 1800s. The rich background of the once pioneer town makes it a natural choice for local antiquers, who are often found sifting through the vintage wares at the many antique stores along the James Street heritage strip.

Nearby cafés and heritagelisted establishments offer a place to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat when it’s time for a break.

Chittering

Venture north of the Swan Valley to find Chittering, sprawling countryside dotted with charming weatherboard-clad farmstays and cottage-style homesteads. The region is home to an abundance of producers, and a weekend trawl through the rural escape will unearth roadside stalls selling fresh and seasonal produce including oranges, mandarins, lemons, avocados, mangoes and pumpkins.

During the spring months the easy-to-navigate Chittering Farm Flavour Trail is a great way to taste the many delights of the region. On your journey pick up some juicy mandarins from Oversby’s Citrus, collect avocados from Avalon Orchard, and sample the local olives, honey and goats cheese, along with freshly baked goods, from Bindoon Bakehaus.

The annual Chittering Spring Festival invites locals to experience the bounty the countryside has to offer.

 Discover more

Swan Valley Visitor Centre, Old Courthouse, Corner Meadow and Swan Streets, Guildford +61 8 9207 8899

Chittering Visitor Centre, 6180 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon +61 8 9576 4664

Parks Of The Valley

A 4,000 hectare conservation and recreation bushland reserve, Whiteman Park is a haven for families and home to the interactive Caversham Wildlife Park. Explore Whiteman Park’s many walking trails and family-friendly playgrounds and precincts. The park’s Woodland Reserve conservation program is particularly famed for its nocturnal woylie walks, which offer a unique opportunity to spot some of these critically endangered creatures.

Among Caversham Wildlife Park’s wildlife experiences, it offers close encounters with koalas, possums, wombats and penguins, while a walkthrough enclosure allows the whole family to feed the many kangaroos and wallabies. Little ones will enjoy the farmyard animal experiences, which include goats, horses and cows.