Within an easy thirty minute drive east from Perth lies the historic wine region of the Swan Valley, well known world wide for its award winning wines. The region is built on a unique history and heritage blending Indigenous, pioneering colonial and southern European roots. It’s proudly the oldest wine region in Western Australia and you can follow a 32 kilometres loop to enjoy free tastings of wines, coffee, cheese, chocolate and nougat, visit wineries, breweries, restaurants, cafes, arts, crafts, and shop for fresh produce. See the Swan Valley Map for a huge choice of wineries to sample world class wines; just head to the Cellar Door.

The local Aboriginal people and custodians of the land are Whadjuk Noongar people who have inhabited the region for at least 40,000 years, and are the traditional owners of the Swan Valley. The historic town of Guildford in the Whadjuk region has always been an important meeting place for Noongar people. The area contains many campsites and spiritual sites which have been used by Noongars to the present day. 

Captain James Stirling first sighted the Valley in 1827, and quickly realised the Valley’s rich and fertile soils would sustain settlement – the first agricultural ventures by colonial settlers began in 1829. Southern European migrants arrived in the Swan Valley after World War I and then again after World War II, drawing upon their wine making skills from home to help make the Swan Valley what it is today. 

Within the Valley you can enjoy interacting with over 200 species of animals at Caversham Wildlife Park, which is within Whiteman Park … 4000 hectares of natural bushlands where you can enjoy a range of activities with a mini water playground, motor museum, vintage train and tram rides and plenty of BBQ and picnic facilities. Drop into the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, corner of Meadow and Swan Streets Guildford or call 9379 9400. Open seven days, or visit www.swanvalley.com.au.