A self-drive tour of the Swan Valley is the perfect way to spend a winter’s afternoon (or any afternoon) in Perth. Just 25 minutes from the Perth CBD, the Swan Valley is home to WA’s oldest wine growing region. There are more than 150 venues in the Swan Valley, and the region is littered with stunning wineries, craft breweries, established restaurants, relaxed cafes and plenty of arts, culture and activities.
What to see in the Swan Valley: House of Honey
Start the tour with a trip to The House of Honey. Here, you can check out the Observation Hive to see the bees in action, and sample their range of honeys in a tasting. After that grab a coffee at The Sticky Spoon Café, where you can also enjoy a slice of German Beesting cake or some Honey Scones if you fancy. See http://www.thehouseofhoney.com.au/ for more information.
The surrounding lunch options are endless, but some recommendations include:
What to see in the Swan Valley: Ugly Duckling
For a relaxed lunch head to Ugly Duckling Wines. Here you can enjoy one of their delicious meat and cheese platters or gourmet pies, with a glass of one of their excellent wines. They offer live music regularly, and stunning views of the Swan Valley always. See http://www.uglyducklingwines.com/ for more information.
What to see in the Swan Valley: Mandoon Estate
For a world class dining experience within the Swan Valley, a table in Mandoon Estate’s Restaurant is all you need. While their al la carte menu looks divine, it’s their seasonal degustation menu, carefully matched with their award winning wines, that you really want to go for. Spend an afternoon indulging in the ultimate dining experience, while you a complimented with a view of the gardens, and vineyards of Mandoon Estate. See https://mandoonestate.com.au/ to book.
What to see in the Swan Valley: The Cheese Barrel
For a cheese board like no other head to The Cheese Barrel, less than ten minutes drive from Mandoon Estate. Here you can choose from a selection of cheese boards with matching Olive Farm Wines, or make the most of the unique opportunity to design your own cheese board. The Cheese Barrel offers cheeses from all over the globe, and if you’ve over indulged throughout the day they offer packages to take home for later. See http://www.thecheesebarrel.com.au/ for more information.
What to see in the Swan Valley: The Margaret River Chocolate Company
The Margaret River Chocolate Company offers a chocolate tasting with a view. While you indulge in a free sample or two, you can enjoy watching the factory in action, seeing exactly how all those delicious products are made. Enjoy a coffee to finish off the afternoon, as well as dessert if you’re feeling up to it. If not, be sure to pick up something to take with you, chocolate from The Margaret River Chocolate Company makes a perfect gift, if you can hang onto it for that long. See http://chocolatefactory.com.au/locations/swan-valley/ for more information.
If you do fancy a driving break, but you’re not sure if you car has the ‘legs’ or the space you need, you can always call us. Car hire isn’t just for interstate, or international visitors. For car hire in Perth, ask the company that knows Perth best, Northside Rentals.
