These are our favourite places, that we take friends to give them a taste of what the Swan Valley has to offer.
Check off those big ticket items like koalas and kangaroos, as well as a world-class wine region, breweries and fresh local produce just 45 minutes from the CBD.
This list was created for those with a day or two to spend looking around or for those with overseas or interstate visitors who want to spend a bit more time exploring.
So here we go, our Top Ten Things to do in the Swan Valley for 2024, written by a local who knows!
#2 – Coffee & Cake at Taylor’s Coffee House
Perth’s best coffee & Art Gallery set in a wonderful old farmhouse
Rusty (and rustic) old machinery is dotted around the venue, a nod to the ‘olden days’, making for an interesting stroll whilst looking for the perfect table to claim for morning tea or lunch
The coffee is delicious and the food casual yet homemade and tasty
Local artist Jude Taylor maybe on hand to show you her homewares, with handprinted designs on linen and silks and stunning Australian native landscape paintings
Dog friendly
taylorscafe.com.au M | 0403 628 233
#3 – House of Honey
- Live beehive display behind glass – watch the bees make honey inside the shop
- The House of Honey is a sanctuary for local bees and hives
- Try their fantastic selection of honey samples and all things honey
- Lots of fun for kids
- Enjoy bee safaris, workshops, tours and more
- Dog Friendly outside only
thehouseofhoney.com.au T | 08 9296 3635
#4 – The Restaurant at Upper Reach
- The Restaurant at Upper Reach has a bistro style menu with a Mediterranean twist
- Stop by and enjoy farm to table concept using only the freshest local produce
- Small plates, a la carte and ‘prix fixee’ menu
- Set in one of the most beautiful spots on the Swan River Valley, overlooking the vineyard
- Open for lunch Wednesday-Sunday (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
upperreach.com.au T | 08 9296 0078
#1 – Walks & Hikes in the Swan Valley
- Bells Rapids – Stunning scenery bordering the Swan River, with plenty of space to relax next to the river. Beautiful picnic location with BBQ and toilet facilities with plenty of photo opportunities, none more exciting than on the bridge over the rapids especially in winter
- Walyunga National Park – A short drive and your encompassed in a 1,800 hectare park. It is known for it’s rugged valley scenery and sensational wildflowers in winter and spring. The Swan River is one of the main attractions, thundering through the park after winter rains and reducing to a meandering waterway during the drier months.
- John George Trail Woodbridge – A 5.5km dual use pathway with option for paved or gravel walkways. Linking Woodbridge Park Play Space it weaves along the Swan River to Reg Bond Reserve. It is suitable for walkers, wheelchairs, prams and cyclists. Beautiful any time of the year.
bellsrapids.com.au T | 08 9267 9267
exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au T | 08 9290 6100
#5 – TreeHouse Pizza Bar
- The Treehouse offers a relaxed vibe where you can linger over a glass of wine or a beer on tap.
- Enjoy crisp Neapolitan style pizzas using locally-sourced ingredients straight from the handmade pizza oven.
Open Every Weekend 11.30am – 3pm. Walk-ins welcome.
upperreach.com.au T | 08 92960078
#6 – Supa Golf & Mini Golf
- Great entertainment for 6 years and up
- Oversized clubs and bigger golf balls
- 18 hole course with bunkers and water traps
- 900m walk per 9 holes, Par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s with up to 5 players per team
- Great for young and old
- Mini Golf is classic family fun
supagolf.com.au T | 08 9296 5566
#7 – Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm
- Lots of baby animals to pet and feed
- A train ride that will take the little people around.
- Cuddle rabbits, bottle feed lambs and pet some chicks.
- Pony Rides
- Children’s parties and events
- A great place for small children and toddlers…create terrific memories.
cuddlyanimalfarm.com.au M | 0424 209 730
#8 – Caversham Wildlife Park
- See more kangaroos together than anyone has ever dreamed of
- Get up close and personal with koalas, and snap a selfie
- Hand feed the kangaroos and cuddle a wombat
- Loads of native Australian animals, some you can pet and hold
- Sheep shearing
- Cows being milked –fun for children and adults of all ages!
- Recommended visiting in the early morning to allow time for lunch in the afternoon
cavershamwildlife.com.au T | 08 9248 1984
#9 – Whistlers Chocolate Company
Doesn’t everyone love chocolate?
Visit Whisters café, showroom and gift store.
Taste their chocolates
A chocolate sculpture handmade by the chocolatier.
Great café with WA roasted coffee.
An enclosed garden area for the kids to play and a lounge room to relax.
whistlers.com.au T | 08 9475 0150
#10 – Winery Tours at Upper Reach
- Walk the vineyard with one of our passionate staff
- Discover the grape varieties that make the Swan Valley region so special
- Tour our working winery, wine tasting as you go
- Explore the whole winemaking process. Not many wineries let you do this- it’s an absolute treat, like a special backstage pass
- Sample the wines directly from tank or barrels, like the winemaker
- Finish up with a tasting of fortified wines at cellar door
AWARDS:
Gourmet Traveller 2021 Best Small Cellar Door | Gourmet Traveller 2021 Best Accommodation
If a winery tour is not for you, just pop in to cellar door for wine tasting. The cellar door is full of locally made produce, honey, truffles and preserves which make perfect gifts.
There is so much to see and do in the Swan Valley – one day is just not enough.
We recommend at least an overnight stay at Upper Reach Spa Cottage to really make the most of your visit.
Upper Reach is dog friendly (except for Spa Cottage or inside Restaurant)
upperreach.com.au T | 08 9296 0078
We look forward to welcoming you the Swan Valley and Upper Reach where we believe wine is one of life’s essentials – along with good food, family and friends.