Perth Day Trips: The Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is like the ultimate day trip getaway near Perth. Located just 25 minutes outside of the city, the valley opens up a number of options for things to do beyond the typical wine trail for which it is generally known. There’s food, art, beer and scenic nature to indulge in on your trip to the Swan Valley.
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Follow the Food and Wine Trail
The Swan Valley is much like the Hunter Valley over near Sydney, and any other wine region in Australia, in that good wine is combined with great food. You can spend the day eating and drinking, both outdoors and indoors, some of the region’s best. There is a food and wine trail in the valley consisting of a 32km loop and over 150 wineries. When it comes to food, the options are endless; fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and German sausages are all on the menu. Cafes with amazing coffee and shops selling fresh honey can help you get by in between proper meals.
Follow the Brewery Trail
One of the up and coming aspects of the Swan Valley is the amount of microbreweries popping up in every corner. Choose from German style beers and typical brews; there is a style of beer for everyone in the Swan Valley. If you’re a complete beer lover, perhaps a tour is in order. One in particular that can get you to 5 different breweries in one day (with a designated driver of course) and taste 22 of the valley’s finest is the Liquid Gold Brewery Tour with Top Gun Tours. You’ll be able to experience Iron Bark, Mash, Feral, Duckstein and Elmar’s all in one go.
Head to the Outdoors
From picnics to wildlife parks, the Swan Valley has you covered. Why not grab a bottle of your favorite wine and head to Whiteman Park for an afternoon in the sunshine? When finished eating, head to the nearby Caversham Wildlife Park to hang out with koalas and cassowaries. An alternative would be to visit the WA Reptile Park in Henley Brook to spend time with crocs and snakes and other cuddly lizards. Barbecue and picnic facilities are on-site.
The Swan Valley is in the vicinity of a few great national parks, like John Forrest, Avon Valley and Walyunga, if you fancy an afternoon of bush walking.
Take the Artistic Route
Australian wine country always makes for the perfect backdrop for artists to set up a studio and showcase their work, and the Swan Valley is no different. Be sure to make a stop at Guildford Village Potters for some handmade pottery and sculpture. Aboriginal art lovers shouldn’t hesitate stopping at the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery over in Henly Brook. Guildford, just at the edge of the Swan Valley, is home to fresh food markets, an antique and second-hand strip on James Street and an art market on the third Sunday of every month.
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