Only a short drive from the city, the Swan Valley is practically heaving with amazing spots to eat, drink and enjoy the lush surrounds. We’ve rounded up just a few of our favourites to enjoy on your next weekend drive.

EAT & DRINK

Wineries!

When we’re talkin’ Swan Valley we’re talking world class wineries – and a lot of them! Too many for this article, so we recently knocked up a list featuring nine of our favourite places, including Lamont’s, Garbin Estate, Ugly Duckling and more. Take a gander HERE.

Old Young’s

Old Young’s certainly know how to make a splash – whether it’s their audacious manifesto (“don’t be sh*t”), bevy of awards or their bold flavours. A must-visit next time you’re in the Valley, the distillery has a steadfast commitment to high quality ingredients, and innovation: perhaps most effectively demonstrated via Juniper Society, their gin subscription born out of the pandemic. While each month’s flavour is a surprise, past highlights have included Lilly Pilly Old Tom, Cider, Christmas Tree and VB.

10581C West Swan Road, Henley Brook

Funk Cider

WA produces some tip-top apples, so it’s only natural that we’d make some killer cider, too. In fact, Funk are so good at it, they’ve had to open a second location about 15 minutes up the road in Baskerville. Their original Caversham location has been a long-time favourite for sunny afternoons, so any excuse for more cider – we’re on board with.

Funk: 55 Benara Road, Caversham
Funk 2.0: 38 Swan Street, Henley Brook

House Of Honey and Sticky Spoon Cafe

Showcasing all things honey, the House of Honey and adjoining Sticky Spoon Café aren’t just for those with a sweet tooth. The shop stocks everything from candles, to skincare, giftware, and of course, honey. You’ll also be able to learn all about the world of bees with a live bee display. Relax under the picturesque wisteria with a Devonshire tea – and don’t forget the honey!

867 Great Northern Highway, Herne Hill

Elmar’s In The Valley

Highgate locals will be familiar with a Saturday morning street sausage from Elmar’s, but that’s just a tiny taste of what’s on offer from their Swan Valley restaurant and micro-brewery. Beers are produced in the southern hemisphere’s largest glass micro-brewery kettle, and strictly adhere to the 1516 German Beer Purity Law, but most importantly: they go down really well with a pork shank. Prost! The sprawling lawns and kid-friendly events make it the perfect spot for a family day out, too.

8731 West Swan Road, Henley Brook

Maison St. Honoré

You’d need a heart of stone to resist the dreamy pastel macarons of Maison Saint Honore – and these guys will even deliver them to you seven days a week. Not just about macarons, Maison Saint Honore also create a delectable assortment of pastries, cakes, crepes and other desserts from their Swan Valley location.

100 Benara Road, Caversham

Yahava KoffeeWorks

Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or you just want to get your day of Swan Valley exploring off to an energetic start, Yahava KoffeeWorks is a fun – and educational – spot to stop by. Learn different types of coffee, how to brew them and so much more. There’s plenty of opportunities to sample some of the flavours too, and you can grab a little something for yourself in the market place.

4752 W Swan Rd, West Swan

SEE, DO, SHOP

Tackle A Swan Valley Trail

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with what to do out in the Swan Valley, why not embark on one of their eight specially themed trails? There’s literally something for everyone, offering a guided trip through the Swan Valley’s 40+ wineries, 10 breweries, five distilleries, three cideries, markets, art studios and more. Head to the Swan Valley Trails website to start planning your next adventure.

Caversham Wildlife Park

Owned by a WA family since 1988, the Caversham is home to the largest private collection of native wildlife in the state. Get the whole family on board for some interactive fun with the animals – you can hand-feed the kangaroos, pat a possum or lizard, or say g’day to a wombat. Plus, watch the cheeky penguins at feeding time or get a photo with a koala. Don’t forget, the park is within the larger Whiteman Park conservation area, so you can follow up your visit with a walk through the bush and wetlands.

233B Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman

Outback Splash

For some more family-friendly fun, you can’t pass up a visit to Outback Splash. Throughout the summer, you can visit the ultimate water playground, with something to enjoy for all ages. Little ones can enjoy Splash Island’s slides and interactive sprays, while those looking for some more adrenaline-pumping action can have a go on their larger attractions – like the super trippy Blackout slide or the 75km/hour plunge of the Wedgie! If you’re not going during summer though, don’t worry… there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained year-round. Six mazes cover all age ranges, plus there’s a mini-golf course, nature playground, and plenty of animals to meet!

1635 Neaves Road, Bullsbrook

Paintball Skirmish

From the idyllic, serene surrounds of the Avon River… to Paintball Skirmish. Surely you need to release a bit of pent-up aggression? As WA’s first paintball operators, they’ve been allowing the people of Perth to release their inner maniac for nearly 30 years. Their facility occupies over 25 acres of natural bushland; choose from several battle fields, each scattered with plenty of objects to use as cover.

12191 West Swan Road, Henley Brook

Bells Rapids

A super popular hiking spot, Bells Rapids attracts the crowds thanks to the glorious scenery along the Swan River and a series of  trails and nature walks that run along the banks of the Avon River. Being dog friendly helps and on the weekends you’ll see plenty of people out enjoying nature, having a picnic or going for a stroll.

Although Bells Rapids is a beautiful spot in itself, just a few hundred metres away is its lesser-known sibling, Bells Falls. If you park at Bells Lookout, look at the rapids and walk at a 45 degree angle, you’ll come across a hidden waterfall with beautiful views over the city and an informal firepit which can be used outside of the fire ban season. After heavy rainfall, this forgotten 25m waterfall can be heard before it’s seen. It is truly a beautiful sight, but getting there without a strictly defined path (at least not until the very end) can be quite daunting, so only go if you are feeling up to it.

Brookleigh Estate

You’re out of the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, why not pamper yourself? Set within a French chateau-inspired property, the wedding venue and accommodation is also home to a spa, beauty salon and health retreat. Take some time to rest and unwind with a facial, massage or beauty treatment. Go on, you deserve it.

1235 Great Northern Highway, Upper Swan

Swan Settlers Market

No visit to the Swan Valley is complete without a wander through the Swan Settlers Market. This historical building is packed to the brim with vendors, with lots of vintage and collectibles, arts and crafts, and of course – delicious produce and cuisine from all over the globe. We can never pass up a cannoli, and Mr Cannolo‘s are some of the best. Umi’s Kitchen serves up a tantalising fusion of Malaysian and Cocos Islands cuisine, plus the market is also home to one of our favourite American-style barbecue joints, Gryphon Smokehouse. Make sure to go on an empty stomach!

124 Lennard Street, Herne Hill

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Header image: Pandemonium Estate