Free chocolate tastings, nougat, honey, craft beer and more than 30 wineries, just 25 minutes from the city. Here's my guide to a day out in the Swan Valley.
Perth’s food and wine playground
Just 25 minutes from the Perth CBD, the Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region. It’s also packed with chocolate makers, cafes, breweries and family-friendly stops, which makes it one of the best day trips from Perth.
Here’s my guide to a day out in the Swan Valley, whether you’re after cellar doors or a sugar hit.
“The Swan Valley is my go-to when family visit from out of town. Chocolate tastings for the nieces and nephews, a cellar door for the adults, and a long lunch for everyone.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
Start in Guildford
The Swan Valley Visitor Centre is in the old Courthouse in Guildford, on the corner of Meadow and Swan Streets. It’s open seven days, 9am to 4pm, and it’s the best place to pick up a map of the valley’s Food and Wine Trail. You can also plan ahead on the official Swan Valley website.
Guildford itself is worth a wander. See our guide to Guildford’s heritage and antiques.
Chocolate
- Margaret River Chocolate Company: more than 200 handmade products, free tastings and a viewing window into the chocolate making.
- Whistler’s Chocolate Co and Cafe: making chocolate since 1972, with free samples, a cafe and an enclosed kids’ garden.
Nougat, gelato and honey
- Mondo Nougat: handmade Italian nougat, plus homemade gelato and biscotti.
- The House of Honey: an apiary, meadery and cafe, with honey tastings and a demonstration beehive.
Coffee and cafes
- Yahava KoffeeWorks: freshly roasted coffee and the famous Iced Koffee.
- Maison Saint-Honoré: a Parisian-style cafe with pastries, macarons and a children’s play area.
Cellar doors, breweries and distilleries
The Swan Valley is home to more than 30 wineries, many with cellar doors offering tastings and lunch. There are also plenty of craft breweries and distilleries to explore.
For families, Bailey Brewing Co has a relaxed, family-friendly setting with a playground, and The Henley Brook offers pub meals, weekend entertainment and a nature playground in Henley Brook.
Fun for the kids
Whiteman Park covers more than 3,700 hectares of bushland, with walking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, tram rides and go-karts. It’s also home to Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can meet kangaroos, koalas and wombats.
Nearby, Oasis Supa Golf and Adventure Putt in Henley Brook is a hit with all ages. See our guide to Perth’s best mini golf.
Tips for your day out
- Organise a designated driver, or book a winery tour so everyone can enjoy a tasting.
- Book lunch ahead on weekends and in the school holidays.
- Many venues close by 5pm, so start early.
- Bring an esky for your chocolate on hot days.
A delicious day trip
Chocolate, wine, cheese, honey and wildlife, all within half an hour of the city. The Swan Valley is the perfect day out for food lovers and families alike.
Featured image: Talijancich Winery. Photo: Gnangcomapp, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s about 25 minutes from the Perth CBD.
