Home to wineries, top restaurants and stunning scenery, the Swan Valley is a perfect weekend getaway destination. Many of the best things to see and do are located within a few kilometres of each other, making it easy to make your way around in a day or two.
Whether you’re a Perth local enjoying a staycation or a traveller including the Swan Valley on a trip to WA, spending two days in the Swan Valley gives you more time to appreciate the unique flavours of this renown wine region.
If you’re wondering what to do in Swan Valley, we’ve created a two-day itinerary that takes you to some of the best places to eat and drink in the Swan Valley. Sip and sample your way around these top wineries and restaurants to enjoy the perfect weekend getaway.
Explore the Swan Valley with this two-day itinerary
Day one
Take it easy with a relaxing morning in the Swan Valley
With the Swan Valley located just 30 minutes from Perth, you don’t need to wake up early to get a good start on the day. Most places in the Swan Valley don’t open until 10 am, so enjoy a lazy morning before getting on your way.
You can head straight for a wine tasting or there are a few alcohol-free activities to start off the day. A great place to start is Providore where you can sample their range of preserves and oils before popping next door to the Margaret River Chocolate Company.
Wine and dine with lunch in the Swan Valley
When the clock strikes midday, there’s no longer any need to pretend – we’re well into wine time. The Swan Valley is famous for the boutique wineries dotted along the banks of the Swan River and it’s time to start trying them out. Hop across the road to Lancaster Wines for a tasting at their outdoor cellar door. Or head to Riverbank to sample wines from some of the oldest vines in the Swan Valley.
When it’s time for lunch, you’re spoilt for choice in the Swan Valley. Our top picks are Sandalford Winery or Mandoon Estate for a first-class lunch with stunning views. For something a little more casual, head to Homestead Brewery or Funk Cider.
As the sun starts to sink, there’s time for one or two more tasting stops before the cellar doors close. There are still plenty of winery cellar doors to call into including Riverbank and Edgecombe Brothers. For something harder, make a stop at Limeburners & Giniversity, where tastings and cocktails are available until 6:00 pm.
Enjoy a casual dinner in Guildford
In the evening, head to Guildford for several excellent dining options amongst the charming heritage buildings of the early colonial town. Kappy’s Italian Trattoria is a local institution, serving up traditional Italian dishes for over 40 years. Locale Mio, housed in the beautifully renovated Guildford Hotel, specialises in wood fired pizzas cooked using only D.O.P. (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta) certified ingredients. Or enjoy the Modern Australian menu at Perth’s oldest pub, the Rose and Crown.
Day two
Breakfast and browsing in the morning
Get day two off to a flying start with a world-class breakfast at any one of the Swan Valley’s top cafés. Oakover Grounds offer a menu of brunch favourites including a Farmhouse Big Breakfast and Avocado Toast. For a European-style breakfast, you can’t go past the selection of freshly made pastries at Maison St Honoré. Or indulge in Perth’s most decadent breakfast, Padbury’s Meringue Munro Pancakes. The famous pancakes with lemon candy, honeycomb and meringue are sure to give even the most hardcore sweet fan a toothache.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, the morning also offers the chance to catch up on some retail therapy. The Swan Settlers Markets are open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday and feature a range of stalls selling artisan homewares and local products. Drop in to pick up a unique gift for a loved one or yourself.
The Stirling Square Market in Guildford is on the mornings of the third Sunday of every month from February to May and September to December. The collection of stalls offers vintage wares and locally produced handicrafts. With live entertainment and food stalls, wandering through the markets is an excellent way to while away a morning in the Swan Valley.
An afternoon of unique flavours at Old Young’s Kitchen
Finish off your weekend in the Swan Valley with lunch from one of the most innovative venues in Perth. Old Young’s Kitchen prides themselves on utilising local and native foods on a seasonal and unique menu. With items including emu pastrami and pumpkin risotto with saltbush, you are guaranteed to try something new.
After lunch, it’s time to meander your way back home so why not do it in style? Join a one-way cruise transfer from the Swan Valley to Perth and enjoy a relaxing river cruise back to the city. The cruise includes a dessert buffet and open bar, the perfect way to finish off a perfect getaway in the Swan Valley!
Let Swan Valley Tours be your designated driver for the day
With wine tastings, gin tastings and boozy lunches on the itinerary, you may be wondering who is going to drive. If no one is volunteering to be a designated driver, why not join a Swan Valley tour? Everything is taken care of as you are guided around the best wineries, breweries and more.
Tours depart from Perth, or if you’re staying in the Swan Valley, you can join at the Swan Valley Visitors Centre in Guildford. If you are travelling in a group of more than 12, check out the private tour itineraries for a bespoke tour designed just for you!
Have a special Swan Valley weekend with these events
These special events offer the chance to delve deeper into the unique food and beverages of the Swan Valley.
Mini Degustation at Lamonts
Lamont’s Winery offers the chance to sample their Swan Valley wines paired with a personalised food selection at their mini degustation. The 90-minute mini degustation runs on the first Saturday of the month and is strictly limited so book early.
Old Young’s Cocktail Masterclass
Whether you fancy yourself as a budding mixologist or just like making a good drink at home, Old Young’s Cocktail Masterclass offers a fantastic way to explore the world of cocktails. Over 90 minutes, you’ll make 3 signature cocktails and learn skills and tricks on how to make the perfect cocktail at home. The masterclasses run on Saturday afternoons once a month.
