Swan Valley is a fairly unexplored part of Western Australia, but after spending a fruitful five days here, we were sold. Everything about Swan Valley was better than expected and for just a short 30-min drive from the Perth airport, there is no reason why you should not visit this gem of Western Australia!
Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia, our journey was packed with exploring the breath-taking views and mouth-watering cuisine of Swan Valley. Besides being treated to world-class gastronomical delights, we were also greeted by gorgeous vineyards and a wide selection of fine wines and liquor.
There was so much to do in Swan Valley that every day was nothing less than fulfilling.
There was a stark contrast between the towering skyscrapers in Perth’s Central Business District and the rustic and homely feel of Swan Valley! Here are the 12 Reasons To Visit Swan Valley in Perth.
#1 ASPARAGUS MASTERCLASSES AT EDGECOMBE BROTHERS WINERY & CAFE
Asparagus is a glorious vegetable and what better way to enjoy it than to eat it raw, straight from its root? Yes, you heard us right. With Edgecombe Brother’s Asparagus Masterclasses, you can have a taste of freshly grown, juicy and plump asparaguses that are so naturally sweet and fresh, you can eat it raw (it is safe!).
We learnt a lot about asparagus farming and we also found out that Edgecombe Brothers harvest about 4 tonnes of asparaguses each year! You also have to have a taste of blanched and sautéed asparaguses; it would probably be the freshest you could ever ask for.
Prices are going for AU$58.50 per person on weekdays and AU$70 per person on weekends; payment in advance is accepted. For booking and payment, contact +61 9296 4307 or drop a message here.
1733 Gnangara Rd Henley Brook, Western Australia 6056 (Cnr Gnangara & West Swan Rds)
#2 CHOCOLATE & WINE PAIRING MASTERCLASSES AT COWARD & BLACK
Treat yourself to an exciting afternoon of wine pairing here at Coward & Black, a collaboration between Margaret River Chocolate Company and Providore. In this short 30-min class, expect a very informative yet fun and hands-on experience.
Prices start from AU$30 per person, and you can book or reserve a seat here.
448 Harmans Mill Rd Wilyabrup WA 6280, Australia
#3 CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK
As Caversham Wildlife Park is a fully independent entity, they rely on you to ensure that these animals here – who are mostly native to Western Australia – will continue to live a long and healthy life, while educating the public at the same time.
The main attractions here are definitely the albino kangaroos, and the squishy-looking wombats which have their own show – Wombat & Friends! Animals such as Dingos, Black Swans and Quokkas are also awaiting your visit here.
B/99 Lord Street Whiteman WA 6068, Australia
#4 FIORI COFFEE
FiORi Coffee is one of the leading coffee suppliers in Swan Valley, offering one of the best freshly roasted beans. After trying a couple of the aromatic cuppas here, including an exciting and intense cold-drip one, we were sold! The coffee beans here are fantastic, indeed.
14 Yukich Close Middle Swan WA 6056, Australia
#5 HALOUMI CHEESE-MAKING AT THE CHEESE BARREL
This was one of our favourite activities! We had first-hand experience making haloumi cheese from scratch; it was fun, it was eye-opening. With the guidance, we saw how easy it actually is to make the cheese.
The Cheese Barrel also offers other exciting cheese-making classes. The sheer idea of learning how to make all your favourite cheese had our hearts skipping a beat and we wished we had more time here!
The Cheese Barrel is located in the same property as Olive Farm Wines, one of the oldest wineries in Western Australia. Here, you can find unique blends of fortified wines, including the classic selections.
For enquiries or bookings for cheese-making, contact [email protected]
920 Great Northern Hwy Millendon WA 6056, Australia
#6 HUMANE FOOD AT BLACK SWAN RESTAURANT
The City of Swan is striving towards being a fully humane food region with most restaurants and cafes already onboard to serve the best and freshest food, much like a farm-to-table concept. The food at Black Swan was one of the best we had.
Our dinner started with a starter of prawns with jasmine rice; aromatic and tasty. The main of Pork Belly was served in a massive portion – much to our delight, of course. The highlight of this meal was unanimously the the Sticky Date Pudding. The table went silent, and everyone buried their heads in the dessert that was so good, we took a while to come to terms with its taste. Some of us gobbled it down within seconds!
8600 West Swan Rd Henley Brook WA 6055, Australia
#7 SINGAPORE AIRLINES ANNUAL SWAN VALLEY WINE AWARDS SHOW
We were guests at this annual event where the best winemakers in Swan Valley were shortlisted and shared equal chances to win the coveted trophies of having the best wines in their division or category. Of course, this is an invite-only event, but it was held at the stunning and huge Mandoon Estate.
Mandoon Estate is a winery with many restaurants, a craft beer brewery and more. Its architectural appeal certainly wowed us, and we felt like we were in a luxury home in Beverly Hills. Is it worth coming here? Definitely. The amazing wines here are, of course, still the stars of the show.
10 Harris Rd Caversham WA 6055, Australia
#8 TAYLOR’S ART & COFFEE HOUSE
Taylor’s Art & Coffee House is one of the most popular cafes in Swan Valley, sitting a full house daily during breakfast service. The building itself used to be the Taylor family’s home, but is now run by their two children. Caroline Taylor heads the cafe with her brother and they aim to provide humane food, using only organic produce and food that they can get from farms in the vicinity.
Jude Taylor, Caroline’s mother, displays her beautiful wild flowers artwork inside the store and has fabrics, cards and more – all available for purchase. What we tasted here, we loved. Everything was so flavourful, yet we got a sense of comfort akin to dining at home.
Every piece of furniture was made by Caroline’s brother (whom used to be a furniture maker). The quirkiness and homeliness of this place are its biggest appeals.
510 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan WA 6056, Australia
#9 THE VINES RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB
The Vines Resort & Country Club is the best place you can stay in at Swan Valley. Inside this huge area is a large golf course with free-roaming kangaroos, vineyards and amenities such as a spa and pool. The room itself is huge and you can pick from a selection of different room types.
Verdelho Drive, The Vines WA 6069, Australia
#10 WHISTLER’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY
This is every chocolate lover’s dream – a full chocolate factory offering hundreds of different chocolate options. You can have a taste of the chocolates first, before picking your favourite ones to buy. Our tastebuds were immediately drawn to the chocolate pretzels here; you bet we bought so many of that!
506 Great Northern Hwy Middle Swan
#11 WINDY CREEK ESTATE WINES
Windy Creek is one of our favourite wineries for two very simple reasons – the comforting vibes and the amazing wines. Windy Creek was also one of the award winners at the wine show, and a bottle is well-priced at an average of A$12 per bottle.
You can start off with a wine tasting session, and it including fortified options, before deciding what to buy. They also offer amazing freshly-made jams and relishes that we were so impressed with; we bought at least 5 jars each!
27 Stock Rd Herne Hill WA 6056, Australia
#12 YAHAVA KOFFEEWORKS
Yahava Koffeeworks is a very popular coffee house that you must visit when in Swan Valley. They even have an adorable drive-thru! We attended a casual talk given by an extremely skilful barista, who shared with us so much about their coffee. We even witnessed a coffee roasting session on the roasting machines.
The beans here are so fresh, and they even have coffee chocolates made in-house. Also, be wowed by the stunning view of a water body and lush greenery just behind Yahava Koffeeworks – all these while you enjoy a fresh and warm cuppa and give thanks to all that you have in life.
4752 W Swan Rd West Swan WA 6055, Australia
This trip to Swan Valley is made possible by Tourism Western Australia.
About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.
Sorry you missed out on the only certified organic winery in Perth. Next time check out Harris Organic Wines in Baskerville.