Swan Valley

When immigrant Croatian and Italian farmers planted the first grape vines in the 1920s, they probably had no idea they would be instrumental in developing Western Australia’s first wine region. A century later, the Swan Valley’s Mediterranean climate produces grapes ideal for verdelho, chenin blanc, petit verdot, shiraz and fortified wines.

Interspersed with wineries, the Swan Valley is also home to countless breweries, cideries, distilleries, fresh produce outlets and outstanding restaurants. Considered one of Western Australia’s premier tourist regions, the Swan Valley offers year-round wildlife encounters, gourmet experiences, sporting activities, markets, galleries, boutique accommodation, day spas, reserves, wedding venues and a variety of food, wine and cycle trails to explore by car, foot, bus, on tour or a cruise.

Falling under the City of Swan, the Swan Valley comprises several suburbs such as Baskerville, Belhus, Caversham, Henley Brook, Herne Hill, Millendon and West Swan. Properties range from modest homes built in the 1950s to sprawling homesteads along the Swan River.

Spanning the upper reaches of the Swan River between Guildford and Bells Rapids and border by the Perth Hills and Darling Scarp, this historic region is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists. Many drop into the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford for a map and itinerary suggestions, although it's just as much fun to traverse the 32-kilometre loop along Great Northern Highway and West Swan Road with just a sense of adventure.