Swan Valley

The Swan Valley is an area that is in the northeast part of metropolitan Perth. It is defined by the Swan River which passes through it, and the Darling Scarp which lies on its eastern boundary.

Understand

The Swan River was the main access for early access to the coastal plain between Fremantle and the hills that lay to the east of Perth. As a result, all very early European land holdings were aligned to the river. Guildford was established before Perth, and the valley had the earliest farms and founding families located in the area.

History

The area around Guildford and the Swan Valley was the location of some of the earliest settlements in Western Australia. Old wineries, old pubs and old churches give an idea of the history of the valley.

Get in

By car

Starting from the Swan Valley Tourist information centre in Guildford (not far from the railway station), it is possible to do a round drive by proceeding north along West Swan Road, up to where it links with the Great Northern Highway, and back down to Midland or Guildford. The signs and maps indicate a large number of wineries, and other attractions and businesses along this route.

By train and bus

From Perth, take the train to Bassendean or Midland. These are the main railway stations near the valley, and they have connecting bus services into the valley.

By coach tour

Coach tours from Perth include winery visits for tastings, and stopping at various places for food and drink options. There is also a hop-on, hop-off shuttle service that travels around the Swan Valley between Wednesday and Sunday, giving the opportunity to visit wineries without having to drive.

By river cruise

Leaving Perth, river cruise boats travel along the Swan Valley, and in most cases coincide with coach transport to various wineries. It is possible to go on a morning cruise, a coach winery tour, and a return cruise to Perth.

Get around

As most semi-rural areas in Australia, the car is the best vehicle to explore the Swan Valley.

See

• 1 Guildford. Perched on the banks of both the Swan Rives and Helena Rivers it is described as the gateway to the Swan Valley. Guildford is one of Western Australia's oldest settlements. While it has been absorbed into the Perth metropolitan area, it still retains its distinctiveness with many historical buildings and excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes. The whole of Guildford is now a designated heritage locality, with the quaint James St shopping strip being a good example of the streetscape of the older Guildford. 

• 2 Swan Valley Visitor Centre, Corner Meadow and Swan Streets Guildford, ☏ +61 8 9379 9400, visitorcentre@swan.wa.gov.au. 09:00-16:00. Situated in historic Guildford, the Swan Valley Visitor Centre has lots of information about Swan Valley attractions and events and can assist with bookings, tourist maps, and souvenirs. It is attached to an interesting museum, and is amongst buildings of a former prison. 

• The Swan River. (updated Jun 2017)
• 3 All Saints Anglican Church, 30 Henry St, Henley Brook (Head east at the Gnangara Rd and West Swan Rd intersection), ☏ +61 92742661. Western Australia's oldest church, set on reasonably large grounds with a historic cemetery attached. Part of the Parish of Swan, church services are still held each week. The Swan River can be accessed on foot from the church. Entry is free but donations are requested.  

Do

The Swan Valley is known for its vineyards, many with restaurants and cellar door sales available.

Along the Great Northern Highway:

• Houghtons Wines. This winery provides a popular spot for a picnic.
• Oakover wines
• Jarrah Ridge
• Sitella
• Highway
• Talijancich
• Carilley Estate
• Olive Farm
• Feral Brewing
• Lancaster Wines

Along Toodyay Road:

• Garbin Estate
• Jane Brook

Along West Swan Road:

• Edgecombe
• Henley Park
• Wild Swan
• Black Swan
• The Margaret River Chocolate Factory
• Sandalford Wines
• Lilac Hill estate wines
• Ironbark brewery
• Riverbank Estate wines

Eat

• 1 Alfred's Kitchen, Cnr Meadow and James St, ☏ +61 8 9377 1378, info@alfredskitchen.com.au. Su-Th 17:00-01:00, F Sa 17:00-03:00. Since 1946 this place has been serving burgers to hungry insomniacs at the small counter with a log fire burning in front. The food is good and not just because everything else is shut at 01:00. 
• Edgecombe Brothers, Cnr West Swan Rd and Gnangara Rd, Henley Brook, ☏ +61 8 9296 4307. Open from 10:00. Rustic family cafe restaurant and winemaker. Look out especially for their Muscat and Fortified Shiraz. They grow and sell a range of produce on premises. 

Drink

The Swan Valley is known for its abundant wineries, but you will also find a number of boutique breweries, distilleries and specialist coffee roasters.

• Yahava KoffeeWorks, 4752 West Swan Road, West Swan, ☏ +61 8 9250 8599. Daily 09:00-17:00. Boutique coffee roaster and cafe. They roast a wide range of coffees on premises, have daily coffee tastings, and sell coffee and tea making and paraphernalia and novelty items. Views overlooking the vineyards and a small lake with a large grassed area and indoor and outdoor seating. 

Sleep

• 1 Keller's Bed & Breakfast, 104 Victoria Rd, Dayton, ☏ +61 448 972 477, info@kellersbedandbreakfast.com.au. A farmstay with a WA rural feel. Breakfast at the B&B is produced ingredients produced on the hobby farm. (updated Sep 2018)

Go next

• Perth/The Suburbs
• Perth Hills