Destination Perth Holiday Planner - Flipbook - Page 67
SWAN VALLEY
NIKOLA ESTATE
GETTING AROUND
Just 25 minutes northeast of
Perth, the Swan Valley is easy
to reach. Drive yourself, hop on
the Midland line to Guildford or
the Ellenbrook line to Whiteman
Park. You can also join a tour
group or cruise up the Swan
River in style.
SWAN VALLEY / WURERUP
Western Australia’s oldest
wine region, the Swan Valley, is a
beloved countryside escape set
along the banks of the Swan River.
Since 1829, generations of growers,
winemakers, and artisans have
昀氀ourished here, producing some
of the state’s most iconic wines,
like Nikola Estate’s Chenin Blanc or
Sandalford Wine's Shiraz. Today,
boutique breweries and artisan
distilleries add to the mix, including
Sin Gin distillery, famed for their
Seven Deadly Sins gin series.
Explore it all with Swan Valley Tours,
by road or river cruise.
The region is also a food lover’s
haven. Producers and artisans
tempt with preserves, dried
fruit, chocolate, and nuts. Local
favourites include Morish Nuts,
Mondo Nougat, and Maison SaintHonoré, a French patisserie serving
delicate pastries. At The House of
Honey, WA’s 昀椀rst Honey Sommeliers
share hive tours, mead tastings,
and honey pro昀椀ling. Sweet tooths
are also spoiled at Whistler’s
Chocolate Company, Margaret
River Chocolate Company and
Providore.
For a deeper cultural connection,
join one of Dale Tilbrook’s
experiences, where native bush
foods, medicinal knowledge, and
Dreamtime stories come alive.
Her Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery,
located at Mandoon Estate, also
showcases Aboriginal art and
makes a perfect keepsake stop.
The valley is also brimming with
creativity. See Antonia Battistessa’s
blacksmithing, Thomas Maurer’s
Illusionary Art, or wander Gomboc
Gallery Sculpture Park. Whiteman
Park houses the Village Art Gallery
and The Glass Flower Bar, where
you can try glassblowing yourself.
GUILDFORD
A gateway to the valley, the
township of Guildford brims with
heritage charm. Antique stores
line James Street, while cafés and
pubs invite a cosy pause. To dive
deeper, grab a map from the Swan
Valley Visitor Centre and journey
on a self-guided walk through
Guildford's history and uncover the
stories etched into its colonial past.
PARKS OF THE VALLEY
Nature and wildlife are never
far away. Whiteman Park spans
over 3,700 hectares of bushland
and is a favourite for families, with
walking trails, nature play areas,
and a range of attractions. Hop on
a vintage bus for a guided tour of
Whiteman Park, or visit the Motor
Bells Rapids is a picturesque
natural attraction featuring
昀氀owing rapids, scenic walking
trails, and sweeping Darling
Range views. It’s a popular
destination for hiking, picnics,
photography, and the annual
Avon Descent race.
destinationperth.com.au
67
