Top Things to Do
There are plenty of exciting attractions, activities and things to do in the stunning Swan Valley, including:
- Watch out for free tastings of local preserves, dried fruit, chocolate and nuts, and meet growers at farm gates for fresh seasonal produce
- Cruise along the Swan River to the Swan Valley from Perth City.
- Explore the region on foot or by bike - follow a scenic walk, cycle or wildflower trail through the surrounding natural bushland
- Wander through Guildford's charming shopping precincts and discover its rich history along a heritage walk trail.
- Look out for roadside stalls and weekend markets selling seasonal local produce, gourmet goods and hand-crafted gifts.
- Book a Swan Valley tour at the Visitor Centre, including guided experiences, chauffeured itineraries and behind-the-scenes winery, cidery or distillery tours.
- Visit the many art and craft galleries, artisan studios, and browse locally made gifts and fine art.
- Join an immersive masterclass to learn from winemakers, chocolatiers, chefs or distillers.
- Follow a scenic walk trail or wildflower trail and discover the surrounding natural bushland, or enjoy a leisurely cycle around the region.
- Travel to Chittering in the northern hills of the Swan Valley.
The award-winning Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford is the perfect place to begin your journey. Passionate local staff can guide you to hidden nooks, award-winning venues, family-friendly favourites, natural wonders and interactive experiences. The Swan Valley also offers a wide range of accommodation options to extend your visit - from resorts and caravan parks to cosy cottages - ensuring there’s something to suit every style and budget.
Food, wine & produce
The Swan Valley is renowned for its food, wine and artisan produce. Visitors are spoilt for choice with world-class wineries, boutique breweries, artisan distilleries, local growers and makers who bring generations of skill to every glass and tasting plate. From long lunches and riverside dining to immersive masterclasses and behind-the-scenes producer experiences, this is a region where flavour, creativity and community come together. A great way to explore is to follow the fine wine trail or sweet temptations trail.
Family fun activities
The Swan Valley isn't just for adults! It is the ideal place to let the kids run free and indulge in their love of nature, tasty treats and outdoor adventure with some great family attractions. Whiteman Park is a popular recreation and conservation reserve, where families can wander through the Children's Forest, discover our rich transport heritage at the Motor Museum of WA, travel around the park on a vintage train or tram and meet WA wildlife and farm animals at Caversham Wildlife Park. The park also has walking and cycle trails, playgrounds, a splash pool, village shops and pristine picnic grounds with BBQ facilities.
Perth's Outback Splash in Bullsbrook offers Australia's largest water slide playground with an abundance of attractions for kids and kids at heart. Get lost in five different mazes, play nine holes of mini golf, splash in the resort style pool, meet native animals and more. There's loads of shady picnic areas and free gas BBQ facilities, or you can enjoy a tasty home meal, snacks and great coffee. Families can also see farm animals at the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm and Swan Valley Station, try yummy chocolate at Whistler's Chocolate, play a round of mini golf at Novotel Vines Resort or at Supa Golf and Supa Putt. Follow the family fun day out trail for more!
History and heritage
Take in the wonderful history of the region in the picturesque village of Guildford, established during the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. it's collection of antique shops, cafés and heritage buildings, make it well worth a visit. Exploring the antique shops, enjoying a pint in an historical pub or a delicious Devonshire tea at one of the many cafés that line James Street, the main thoroughfare.
The Swan Valley's history starts more than 40,000 years ago with the original custodians of the land, the Noongar Aboriginal people of the Whadjuk tribe. The Whadjuk people have a deep connection with the land and tell of a Dreamtime serpent, the Waugal which once travelled across the country, carving out the Swan Valley and the Swan River. They say the Waugal still lives deep beneath the Swan River waters to this day.
The Swan Valley Heritage Trails are one way to get to know the area's history, and with flat grounds that are lush and green the walks are accessible to most abilities. The Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail takes in the rich history, interesting characters and natural elements of the Swan Valley. The trail is signposted with interesting historical characters and facts, there are plenty of rest stops and there are lots of cycle friendly businesses that are set up to make your visit via bicycle easy and enjoyable.
Nature & outdoors
With its wide-open spaces and fresh country air, the Swan Valley is the perfect place for a walk, cycle or scenic escape. Pastimes include picnicking by the river, exploring peaceful bushland and discovering hidden natural pockets throughout the region. Pack a picnic for popular riverside spots such as Bells Rapids, Lilac Hill Park, Fishmarket Reserve, Middle Swan Reserve, Stirling Square and Maali Bridge Park, or take a leisurely ride through cycling-friendly areas like Woodbridge Riverside Park, Whiteman Park and Maali Bridge Park.
Discover the Swan Valley: A Legacy of Old Vines
The Swan Valley is home to Western Australia’s oldest grapevines, which have shaped some of the most extraordinary wines in the country, with WA's first vines were planted at Olive Farm Wines in 1829, just one year after the colony was settled. These historic vines produce wines of exceptional depth and harmony, offering more than just a taste - each glass is a sip of heritage.
With the majority of vineyards set to be classified as Old Vine within a decade, the region’s Mediterranean climate supports a diverse range of premium wine styles. The Swan Valley Old Vine Charter aims to protect and celebrate these treasured vines. Explore the charter’s member wineries and savour wines crafted from these historic grapes here.
