Swan Valley to Perth Hills Day Trip

Slide into the driver's seat for a world of exploration just a short 30-minute drive from Perth (Boorloo).

It's a locale brimming with natural marvels, wildlife and wildflower moments, historical allure, where meticulously refurbished buildings beckon you to step inside and discover hidden treasures. This is a hub of artistic creativity, where painters, poets, and potters find inspiration, and art galleries – both indoors and outdoors – promise something truly unique. A place where culinary delights abound at every turn, from artisanal chocolates and cheese to exceptional shiraz wines.

Welcome to the rich and captivating Swan Valley and Perth Hills in Western Australia. Just a mere 10 kilometres separate these two splendid regions, yet there's an abundance to explore that will have you considering an overnight stay.

And when it comes to accommodation, you have a wealth of options at your disposal. Choose from historic hotels, cosy homesteads, welcoming farmstays, or charming bed and breakfasts, all providing an opportunity to savour local hospitality and contemplate the adventures that await the following day.

The House of Honey | Swan Valley

Cuddle a Koala at Caversham Wildlife Park | Swan Valley

Bush Tucker Experience with Dale Tilbrook at Mandoon Estate, Swan Valley

Mandoon Estate | Swan Valley

Perth to Swan Valley (Leg 1)

Arrive in Guildford, the welcoming gateway to the Swan Valley and a picturesque representation of old-world charm. Take a moment to appreciate the facades of the magnificent 19th-century buildings that grace this historic village before stepping indoors to peruse antique shops, explore art galleries, or savour a pint in one of the well-preserved heritage-listed pubs. Behind the doors of a former theatre, the Museum of Natural History showcases an exhibition of local wildlife that will captivate the entire family.

Make your way to Caversham Wildlife Park, where a multitude of Australian animals are ready to provide an interactive experience like no other. Embrace the opportunity to cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos, pet a possum, and try your luck at spotting elusive wombats. You'll never get closer to our unique wildlife.

Feeling hungry or thirsty? You've arrived at the perfect destination. Referred to as Perth's pantry, the Swan Valley will entice your taste buds at every twist and turn, whether it's the ambrosial honey at The House of Honey or the delectable sweets from Whistler's Chocolate Company.

Work up an appetite while savouring the offerings of Western Australia's oldest wine region. Uncover the flavours of quandong and native limes with Dale Tilbrook Experiences at Mandoon Estate and gain insights into the secrets of Aboriginal bush tucker. Take your time for a leisurely lunch in the beautiful surroundings or grab a seat in a beer garden to sample local brews alongside a delicious burger.

Craving some sunshine? Handpick a selection of gourmet delights from the incredible local producers and providores along your route and assemble your own picnic basket. Choose a scenic spot for your picnic and bask in the scenery that matches the fantastic cuisine.

Swan Valley to Perth Hills and back to Perth (Leg 2)

Embark on a journey to the Hills, a relaxed drive that treats you to breathtaking vistas at every turn. Nestled in the Darling Range, this lush terrain is also a veritable cornucopia of food, with orchards, vineyards, and a host of gourmet producers eager to greet you. Sample a gin at The Packing Shed @ Lawnbrook or hop on a tractor tour through the orchards before indulging in a satisfying lunch at Core Cider.

Enveloped by forests, the Perth Hills are blessed with natural beauty. Plan your visit for spring and be dazzled by the vibrant carpets of wildflowers that adorn the national parks. Take a refreshing dip in a granite pool as water cascades over the magnificent Serpentine Falls. Traverse a section of the world's lengthiest hiking trail, the Bibbulmun Track, and experience the serene embrace of towering jarrah and marri trees while inhaling the invigorating forest air.

Stand in awe of an astonishing engineering marvel, the Mundaring Weir and No 1 Pump Station (Minderinjy), constructed over a century ago to transport fresh water to the Goldfields, 560 kilometres away. The grand vision is as striking as the surrounding panorama.

For an adrenaline rush, momentarily trade your car for a bicycle and take on the Munda Biddi Trail. Extending over 1000 kilometres from Mundaring to Albany (Kinjarling), this trail meanders through the breathtaking Noongar boodja (country), traversing bushland and farmland, winding beneath eucalyptus trees, and following ancient rivers all the way to the ocean. Spend an hour or two exploring, and chances are, you'll find yourself planning to complete the full journey one day.

In spring, tiptoe through tulips or crunch through rust-coloured leaves in autumn—any time is ideal for strolling through the floral wonderland that is Araluen Botanic Park. And if you plan to extend your visit and savour the hospitality of the Hills, there's no better way to contemplate all you've experienced than beneath the starry sky. Peer through a telescope at the Perth Observatory for an enchanting tour of the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders.

Perth Observatory