What’s the best way to get to the Swan Valley? By boat of course! The Swan Valley is the only wine region in Australia that can be reached by boat from a capital city on a day trip. Setting out from the city and cruising along the tranquil Swan River offers a unique way to explore this picturesque wine region.
Whether you want to cruise both ways to the Swan Valley, or combine your cruise with a coach tour, there are several options to choose from. So, which is the best Swan Valley wine cruise? Read our guide to the cruise options to help you pick the best option!
The best Swan Valley cruises for your next getaway.
Explore the Swan River on the Taste of the Swan Cruise
Best for: Cruising to and from the Swan Valley, this is the best wine tour for exploring along the Swan River.
Sit back and soak up the stunning scenery of the Swan Valley on the Taste of the Swan Cruise. With return cruises to and from the Swan Valley, you’ll enjoy all the sights as the city fades to the tranquil countryside. Enjoy wine and cheese tasting on the cruise before meeting the coach for your tour of the Swan Valley.
Tuck into a delicious lunch at Homestead Brewery before sampling more cheese and wine at Lancaster Wine’s outdoor tasting shed. Finish off with chocolate tastings before boarding the cruise to return to Perth. Admire the passing scenery and take advantage of the open bar as the crew entertain you before arriving back in the city in the evening.
Get to know the smaller wineries on the Indulgence Cruise
Best for: Visiting boutique family-owned wineries of the Swan Valley.
Start the day with a morning cruise from Perth to the Swan Valley with informative captain’s commentary along the way. After a delicious morning tea, the crew will guide you through a local wine tasting with a selection of cheeses.
Once you arrive in the Swan Valley, you’ll meet your guide who will transport you to a delicious lunch at Homestead Brewery. After lunch, set out to two of the Swan Valley’s top boutique wineries, Garbin Estate and Windy Creek. Enjoy wine tastings and learn about wine making in the region before we head off the Swan Valley Brewery for a beer and snacks. There’s the chance to sample chocolates at our last stop before we return to Perth by coach.
Start later with the Afternoon in the Valley
Best for: Sleeping in! With a later start time, this cruise is best for late risers and casual wine-lovers.
Set out to the Swan Valley with our friendly coach driver just before midday, ready for an afternoon of tasty treats! First up you’ll visit Mandoon Estate to sample their award-winning wines. Next tuck into a cheeseboard with more wine tasting at Lancaster Wines. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Margaret River Chocolate Co before boarding the river cruise back to the city. Relax and admire the river scenery as you enjoy an open bar and entertainment on your return cruise.
Combine cruise and coach on the Cruising the Swan
Best for: Travelling to the Swan Valley by coach and returning by cruise, this tour offers the best of both worlds.
Start the day with a short journey from Perth to the Swan Valley with your friendly driver guide. The first stop is Sandalford Winery, where you will sample their locally made wines before popping next door to Mandoon Estate. When hunger strikes, it’s time for a tasty lunch at Homestead Brewery.
There’s time for more wine and cheese at Lancaster Wines and chocolate tastings before you board the return cruise back to Perth. Once on board, you’ll be entertained by the friendly crew and have access to the open bar as you admire the scenery on the cruise to the city.
Do things your way on the Private Taste of the Swan Valley Cruise
Best for: Discovering the flavours of the Swan Valley in a tour personalised for your group.
Join our morning cruise from Perth to the Swan Valley, where you will sample local wines and cheese as you float serenely up the Swan River. Once you’ve arrived in the Swan Valley, you’ll meet your personal guide who will show you around the region’s top wineries. Dine amongst the vineyards with lunch at your preferred venue, before returning to the city by boat. Best of all, our private tour itineraries can be adjusted to suit your group.
Enjoy an exclusive experience on the Private Indulgence Cruise
Best for: Exploring the Swan Valley with your group of friends, family or colleagues on an intimate private tour.
Get together with friends and family on this enjoyable Swan Valley tour. Cruise from Perth on the Swan River, sampling local wines and cheese along the way. Meet your private guide once you arrive in the Swan Valley, where you will be transported for a yummy lunch. Enjoy wine and local produce tastings in the afternoon, before heading back to Perth via coach. Follow our suggested itinerary or let us know your preferences for a bespoke experience.
What are the differences between the wine cruises?
View our guide on the differences between our wine cruises to help you pick the best one for you.
Tour name | Travel to / from the Swan Valley | Time | Wine tasting | Lunch | Other Inclusions |
Taste of the Swan Valley | Cruise / Cruise | 9:45 am - 5:00 pm | Onboard tasting on the way to the Swan Valley Lancaster Wines Open bar on return cruise | Set menu at Homestead Brewery with glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink | Chocolate tastings Shared cheeseboard |
Indulgence Cruise | Cruise / Coach | 9:45 am - 5:00 pm | Garbin Estate Windy Creek | Set menu at Homestead Brewery with glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink | A glass of beer & snacks at a local brewery Chocolate tastings Shared cheeseboard |
Afternoon in the Valley | Coach / Cruise | 11:45 am - 5:00 pm | Mandoon Estate Lancaster Wines Open bar on return cruise | Not included | Chocolate tastings Shared cheeseboard |
Cruising the Swan | Coach / Cruise | 9:45 am - 5:00 pm | Sandalford Winery Mandoon Estate Lancaster Wines Open Bar on the return cruise | Set menu at Homestead Brewery with glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink | Chocolate tastings Shared cheeseboard |
Private Taste of the Swan Valley Cruise | Cruise / Cruise | 9:45 am - 5:00 pm | Onboard tasting on the way to the Swan Valley Lancaster Wines Mandoon Estate Open bar on return cruise | Lunch with a glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink at a choice of venues | Cheeseboard Itinerary and venues can be adapted to guest preferences |
Private Indulgence Cruise | Cruise / Coach | 9:45 am - 5:00 pm | Onboard tasting on the way to Swan Valley 2 wineries | Lunch with a glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink at a choice of venues | Cheeseboard Itinerary and venues can be adapted to guest preferences |
There are several wine cruise options available to travel from Perth to the Swan Valley. If you’re still having trouble picking the best option, get in touch with our friendly reservations team to help you choose!