Girls just want to have wine: The perfect Swan Valley staycation itinerary
With a plethora of good food, wine, and exceptional activities, it can sometimes be hard to cherry-pick which indulgences to include on a day out in the Swan Valley. Instead, bid farewell to any feeling of FOMO. Fulfil all gratifications by calling Western Australia's oldest wine region home for a weekend.
The Swan Valley is a perfect place to unwind, bond, and discover new cuisine with your gal pals, with plenty of charming sceneries and outlets for fun. See what makes the Swan Valley an effortless yet lavish staycation choice with our weekend itinerary and all right on your doorstep.
Day one
Morning
Let the fun times be-gin! Head to Old Young's, an award-winning gin and vodka distillery - we recommend trying their crowd-pleaser pavlova vodka: it's the ultimate merrymaker! For a unique experience, join one of their hands-on gin-blending masterclasses where you can sip on a range of gins to become inspired with botanicals, and then create your very own concoction. Take home a 200ml bottle of your bespoke gin – a tasty memento of your newfound mixologist ways.
For something that requires less work and more sipping, continue on to the Swan Settlers Markets for a guided tasting at Sin Gin Distillery. Work your way through their colourful gin collection and purchase a Sin Gin DIY party pack to enjoy later.
Midday
AmazingCo's mystery picnic gives working up an appetite new meaning. The offbeat self-guided foodie adventure is a fun way to meet with local providers and sample the best of the Swan Valley. Solve clues and riddles to the whereabouts of each hamper item to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a scenic location.
Bonus suggested conversation starters and optional activities along the way add to the excitement of the picnic – that's if you can stomach more exploration!
Evening
Glam up for a fancy feed at Sandalford Bar and Restaurant. The award-winning restaurant weaves modern Australian flavours with contemporary European fare. Treat yourself to chef Alan Spagnolo's new seafood showstopper: mussels, preserved lemon, and cherry tomato passata topped with seaweed pesto. Or opt for a carb-overload with handmade pasta, woodfired pizzas and dishes that highlight the state's seasonal produce. Of course, toast the meal with wine (the vineyard is not short of varieties!) and revel in the restaurant's relaxed ambience.
Day two
Let someone else do the thinking – and driving. Hop on a half or full-day tour to discover the best of the Swan Valley, including those neighbourhood heroes.
D'Vine Wine Tours offers half-day sundowner tours to eliminate any afternoon lulls. Join one of their group tours to visit three wineries, a microbrewery with stops to munch on the tasty three c's – cheeseboard, chocolate, and chips.
Call yourself a wine aficionado? Book a private wine tour with Up Close & Local Tours where your knowledgeable wine guide will get you access to the region's best small family wineries and offbeat finds, meeting award-winning producers to discuss their winemaking techniques.
Have a day of discovering the region’s wines, beers, cuisines and chocolate with Out & About Wine Tours or Swan Valley Tours. Drink, eat and repeat with these full-day tours. Yum!
Before starting your half-day tour, fill your stomach and feel the vibe at Nikola Estate. Feast on their seasonal fare with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and perfectly paired award-winning wines in Woodcutter's Restaurant, or grab a grazing box and settle in under the Jacaranda trees for a casual bite.
Evening
Mingle with the local crowd at Rose & Crown Hotel. Built in 1841, the Rose & Crown Hotel is the state's oldest pour house and one of Australia's last remaining Georgian-era pubs. Pick your vibe with indoor and outdoor seating available, including some around a firepit. Capping off a weekend with friends by the fire doesn't get more wholesome than that.
Where to stay
The Swan Valley has many accommodation options.
Lap up resort life: Novotel Vines Resort
Put on a robe and live the resort life at Novotel Vines Resort. The resort has various accommodation options, including condominiums and tenth tee villas with two or three bedrooms available to comfortably fit all in close quarters.
Between outings, pamper yourself at the award-winning Keishi Day Spa or lounge by the outdoor pool and spa. What's a bonding session without some friendly competition? Unleash your competitive side at the resort's tennis and squash courts or show off your swing with a round of mini-golf. Mixing sports and sips – now that’s living a balanced life.
Luxe living: Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate
Surround yourself with vines and wines, calling Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate home for the weekend. The boutique accommodation features 32 stylish rooms overlooking Verdelho vines and the banks of the Swan River. Consider it a luxe basecamp: a short stroll from the estate's Cellar Door, Homestead Brewery, The Llawn, and contemporary restaurant Wild Swan.
Budget-conscious: Discovery Parks Swan Valley
A bad case of cabin fever? Not at Discovery Parks Swan Valley. The caravan park's flashy new cabins overlook a neighbouring vineyard. It is a sweet reminder of what's good in the region – wine and plenty of it. With different size cabins available to sleep four to eight people, it is a great choice for the budget-conscious.
See more Swan Valley accommodation options here.
Article by Julia D’Orazio
Julia D'Orazio is a travel writer based in Perth. Besides happily earring her way in over 70 countries, she counts Eurovision and scuba diving as her two greatest loves. Julia has been featured in publications worldwide, including New York Post, SBS, Sydney Morning Herald, News.com.au, Virgin Australia, Rough Guides, and more.
