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Afternoon: Swan Valley
Highlights
- Explore local galleries along the Food and Wine Trail, discovering unique creations by talented artists and craftspeople.
- Cycle the Swan Valley Heritage Trail, enjoying scenic views and fresh air while keeping the kids entertained.
- Visit Caversham Wildlife Park to encounter native animals, providing a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
- Navigate back to Perth via West Swan Road, enjoying picturesque landscapes and a smooth drive through the valley.
The Swan Valley is a hotspot for creativity in arts and crafts too. With many galleries and workshops along the Food and Wine Trail, it’s a good place to pick up unique pieces by local sculptors, painters, potters, printmakers and woodworkers.
If you are travelling with young children, there are plenty of fun ways to spend an afternoon, including the Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail, Caversham Wildlife Park, The Maze – Home of the Outback Splash Family Fun Park and many more.
To return to Perth, head south through the Swan Valley, on West Swan Road or the Great Northern Highway to Guildford and retrace your tracks west along Guildford Road.
Itinerary highlights
Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail
Just a 25 minute drive from the Central Business District, the Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail comprises a series of signs that interpret the rich history, interesting characters and natural elements so you can appreciate the unique and special place that is the Swan Valley.
The trail is made up of three routes, four kilometres, 30 kilometres or 32 kilometres, and follows West Swan Road on a shared-use path that is suitable for riders of all ages and fitness levels. It has three entry points – Guildford, Maali Footbridge and West Swan Hall.
The trail passes many interesting places including fresh produce stalls, picnic spots, galleries, wineries and restaurants to name a few so you will find many opportunities to stop, relax and enjoy an abundance of experiences.
The trail takes a half day or less to complete. Bicycles can be hired in Perth city and transported by train to the start of the cycle in Guildford. Maps available from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre.
Caversham Wildlife Park
Showcasing one of the largest collections of native fauna in Western Australia, Caversham Wildlife Park invites you to experience magical close encounters with Australia’s cutest inhabitants. Here’s your chance to hand feed the kangaroos and have your photo taken with the cuddly koalas and wombats.
Situated at the heart of Whiteman Park in the Swan Valley, it’s a 30 minute drive north east of Perth to reach the wildlife park.
Perth's Outback Splash
Surrounded by lush green lawns, large trees and picturesque gardens, The Maze, home of Outback Splash, is a great place to relax in a safe and friendly environment.
With six mazes, including the brand new Hedge Maze, a Giant Jumping Pillow, children’s playground, kangaroos, emus and koalas you will never get bored!
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A Day in the Swan Valley
Tantalise your tastebuds with a day trip to Perth’s pantry, where producers, brewers, distillers and winemakers draw on hundreds of years of food and drink heritage to create unforgettable culinary experiences. Welcome to the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
Spread a picnic rug under the shade of a eucalyptus tree and open a bottle of wine from a family-run vineyard 25 minutes away from Perth. Catch the delicate scent of wildflowers on the breeze and the sound of birds calling to one another overhead. Soaking up the relaxing rural scene, you wonder: artisan chocolate or freshly churned ice cream for dessert?
A short drive from Perth or a relaxed cruise up the Swan River delivers you into the valley’s heart. If you’re coming by car, stop to explore the old-world charm, grand 19th-century architecture and art galleries of Guildford.
The Swan Valley’s Mediterranean climate produces top-notch wines – crisp verdelho, luscious grenache and sophisticated shiraz, along with some excellent fortified varieties. Beer and gin aficionados aren’t forgotten either – some amazing options tempt at the boutique breweries and distilleries. Fill your belly with delicious fare made to time-honoured recipes, dining among the vines, or at one of the spots along the river.
Culinary excellence aside, creative endeavours flourish amid the Swan Valley’s fertile plains. Walk through art galleries and artisanal boutiques, and – from painter, potter, sculptor or woodworker – choose a special piece to take home.
Closer to nature, follow the rugged walking trails into beautiful bushland, joining a tour operating out of the Swan Valley. Family-owned Caversham Wildlife Park invites visitors to snuggle koalas, feed kangaroos and say hello to wombats.
The Swan Valley is beautiful year-round, but September to December is simply magical as colourful wildflowers put on a stunning show.