A Day in Swan Valley – Retreat to the Serenity
A mere 25 minutes drive from Perth’s CBD or 10 minutes from Perth Airport, this gourmet food and wine region offers a day filled with culinary delights and indulgent moments away from the noisy, bustling city. In 2014, Swan Valley was crowned the first Humane Food Region in Australia, with more than 30 restaurants signing up to be animal welfare friendly. Below is how you can spend 24 hours in this little retreat to serenity.
9am – Enjoy breakfast in Guildford
The colonial town of Guilford, settled in 1829, is the gateway to Swan Valley and the perfect first stop. Enjoy breakfast at Little Guildford, a cute café with tiled walls, bentwood chairs and vases of flowers. Be greeted by the fragrance of toasts, eggs and coffee or even freshly squeezed orange juice. After that, have a stroll at the nearby James Street, which is filled with beautiful antiques.
Address: 104 Swan St, Guildford
1030am – Food for Thought
Depending on the season and the harvest, huge figs, sweet melons and bright red strawberries were being sold at little roadside stalls throughout Swan Valley. If you want to grab some groceries such as olive oils, pickles and preserves, stop by Providore. The friendly staff here will be glad to discuss food, recipes and using unusual ingredients for the best dining experience.
Address: 5123 West Swan Road, West Swan
11am – Chocolate Fix
Next door you’ll find The Margaret River Chocolate Company. With equal enthusiasm, the folks here dish out free chocolate and have a huge selection for sale, including nut clusters, truffles and nougat. There is a window for watching the chocolate makers and some food enthusiasts can even sign up for chocolate and wine-pairing classes held at Providore. Be sure to buy some of these goodies and bring them back for your family and friends.
Address: 5123 West Swan Road, West Swan
12pm – Lunch Among the Vines
Manicured green lawns and lush vines abound at Mandoon Estate. Settle on the deck for an a la carte lunch and a glass of wine, or claim outdoor tables near the bar and deli to dine on pizza and meat rolls carved straight from the spit. Picnic style options include cheese boards and quiche.
Address: 10 Harris Road, Caversham
130pm – Whiteman Park
A popular recreation and conservation reserve that is 10 times the size of Perth’s Kings Park. This park has a wide range of facilities, events and attractions for the whole family. Explore the wonderful Banksia bushland and catch a glimpse of grey kangaroos and if you’re lucky, you might be able to see a black gloved wallaby. Do visit the Children’s Forest and Caversham Wildlife Park. Admission is free.
Address: Whiteman WA 6068, Australia
4pm – Coffee Meets Art
Head to family run Taylor’s Art & Coffee House for the locals’ favourite afternoon snack: a long mac, three quarters and a piece of cake. Corrugated iron buildings, wine barrels, shady trees and pergola wines give this place a lovely rustic feel. Be sure to visit the outhouse studios for Jude Taylor’s beautiful wildflower fabrics and silverware as well as jewelry created by silversmith Bethamy Linton.
Address: 510 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan
530pm – Beer Time
Swan Valley boasts two distilleries and six craft-beer breweries, one of which is outback pub lookalike Feral Brewing Company. Tasting paddles here include the popular Hop Hog American IPA and the more adventurous Watermelon Warhead, a light sour German beer. There is an on-side bbq truck where you can have dinner in the most outback manner.
Address: 152 Haddrill Road, Baskerville
=Where to Stay=
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The Hollies
$$$
Address: 5 Water Street, 6055 Guildford, Australia
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Swan Valley Bed and Breakfast Farmstay
$$$
Address: 112 Millhouse Road, Belhus, 6069 Upper Swan, Australia
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Nivalis Bed and Breakfast
$$$
Address: 78 Park Street Henley Brook, 6055 Henley Brook, Australia