Adventure in the Valley

The Swan Valley isn’t all about wine tastings and gourmet food. We look into the more adventurous side of the valley if you are searching for an adrenaline rush.

By BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER

ADVENTURE IN THE

VALLEY

BATTLE WITH FRIENDS

If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, Prue Mroczkowski, manager of Paintball Skirmish says players can step away from reality and do something different that’s thrilling and exciting. “They get to run around on our bush fields in camouflage having a friendly game of ‘shoot em ups’ while having a great laugh,” she says. “Players can expect some awesome fun on our six different playing fields in the Swan Valley. Set on bushland, they can run and hide among trees, barricades, cars, buses, tunnels and pits! It’s an endless session of fun operated by experienced referees. Our weekend sessions also include a sausage sizzle and we take team photos too.” Visit paintballskirmish.com.au

HIT THE BULLSEYE

If you want to try something out of the ordinary, book in with the WA Archery Centre (part of Whiteman Park International Shooting Complex) and try

archery for yourself. Nick Towill, State President of Archery WA, says for those wanting to do something a bit adventurous, archery is challenging for the mind as well as the body.

“We have 10 different courses for people of different distances,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how old you are or how tall you are you can get into it and have a good time. You can get the kids, you can get mum and dad, grandad and grandma all involved. Some of our archers are 75 years of age and older, so we try to make it that everyone has the ability to come and have a go. Visit archerywa.com.au

SPLASH AND SLIDE

During the warm months, the water slides at Perth’s Outback Splash are sure to get the heart racing. Eli Barlow, business development manager of Funday Entertainment Group, says if you are looking for something adventurous, it would be hard to go past the fastest waterslide in WA.

“This slide will test the nerves of even the most extreme thrill seekers,” he says. “It’s just you, 100 tonnes of water per hour and the sound of your heart beating in your ears. This breathtaking, gut-wrenching slide takes riders to a speed of up to 75 kilometres per hour, before they gently slow down, adjust their clothing and race off to go again! The Wedgie is just one of the many awesome waterslides to experience at Perth’s Outback Splash along with mini golf, mazes and Australian animals up close.”

Water attractions are open September through to April but the park’s year-round attractions include mini golf, mazes and close encounters with Australian animals. Visit outbacksplash.com.au

EXPLORE WALKING TRAILS

Walk one of the trails at Bells Rapids or explore a bush walking trail in Whiteman Park. trailswa.com.au/trails/bells-rapidswalk-trail whitemanpark.com.au/wildlife/bushwalking-trails

GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW

If you think wine tours are nice but you prefer something a bit more exciting – then you have never travelled to a wine tour by helicopter. Forget the tour bus; this is a wine tour with a difference!

“The Ultimate Local Winery Lunch experience is a unique way to view some of the best scenery Perth has to offer, and enjoy first class food and wine,” says Luke Wyllie, owner/director of Corsaire Aviation. “Travelling by helicopter allows the guests to depart from a central location (options include Crown Towers

TEST YOURSELF

Team up for a battle at Paintball Skirmish (left), or pit your wits at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre (above). Take a private wine tour flight with Corsaire Aviation (left below). Perth, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Fremantle or Jandakot) and overfly the iconic Rottnest Island, taking in views of the turquoise bays and white sandy beaches. Passengers will then be treated to a bird’s eye view of the Swan River and Perth CBD as the flight crosses the coast and overflies the vineyards. The first stop is a private wine and cheese tasting at trendy Lancaster Wines. Following the tasting, the helicopter will fly you over the vines to your choice of Sandalford Wines or Mandoon Estate where you will be greeted for a private wine tasting followed by a three-course à la carte lunch. There is no better way to see Perth from coastline to the heritage vines all in a day’s work.” Visit corsaireaviation.com.au

Swan Valley Adventure Centre offers day camps during the school holidays with a range of activities available for different age groups. Try the high ropes course, flying fox, commando course, canoeing and more. Some activities are also able to be booked on weekends during the school holidays. It also offers the opportunity to host children’s birthday parties. SV Visit swanvalleyadventurecentre.org

Fast facts

come for the fun

THERE ARE ALSO many other things to do in the Valley if you want some fun or action:

Try golfing with a difference (using golf clubs with oversized heads and an oversized ball) at Oasis Supa Golf and Mini Golf. Visit getgolfing.com.au

Get on your bike and ride along the Swan Valley

Cycle Trail

Visit swanvalley.com.au/Seeand-Do/Drive-Cycle-or-Walk/ Cycle-around-the-Valley

Or for those who want to sit down for a relaxed lunch but your kids want to burn off some energy, Bailey Brewing Co has a nature playground – complete with flying fox, Visit baileybrewingco.com.au

BIG ADVENTURES

Outback Splash appeals to all ages. Right, Swan Valley Centre.

See the Swan Valley differently...

Escape for a while from the hustle of modern life to a horse drawn wagon tour where the pace is unhurried and relaxed. Sample fabulous Swan Valley produce, foods and wines. Meet our happy Draft horses and leave with some very special photos. A must do experience when visiting Perth or living local.