All Aboard

Up Close and Local

Jump on board and leave a professional to take the wheel - whether it be by bus or by boat - so you can discover the range of what the Valley has to offer.

By MARCIA BALL

THE SWAN VALLEY is best known for its incredible wine and for boasting Western Australia’s oldest vineyards, dating back to 1829, but the region’s attractions don’t stop there.

With such a rich history, it is no wonder a variety of artisans have flocked to the region and are now flourishing as some of the leading producers in the state.

With breweries, distilleries, macaron and chocolate factories, as well as the many wineries at hand, tour operators have a smorgasbord of behind the scenes glimpses to offer into these boutique businesses, and their range of unique experiences will delight the senses and have you eager to explore them all.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a oneof-a-kind experience with the Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise, which has been operating for over 40 years and is the only trip of its kind in Australia.

Nowhere else in the country can you depart from a capital city by boat and arrive in a world-class wine region (and back), all in the same day.

Being such a unique offering meant SeaLink won silver in the Major Tour & Transport category of the 2021 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards.

“It was a great honour to be part of the 2021 WA tourism awards. We believe the win is a reflection of all the hard work and dedication our staff put in on a daily basis, which makes our experiences so special,” says Leycester Cory, commercial partnerships and sales manager for WA.

A most scenic and relaxing way to visit the Swan Valley, this tour features gourmet local produce enjoyed on and offshore and includes wine education, commentary and live, onboard entertainment. The view from the river will delight even the most seasoned traveller. captaincookcruises.com.au/cruises/ wine-cruises

The only horse-drawn wine tour in Australia is run by Alida and Peter of Swan Valley Wagon Tours. It’s a unique historical experience that is loved by a range of visitors, including families with young children or grandparents. It’s a fantastic attraction for celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, children’s parties, weddings and even hen’s parties with a difference.

“We love introducing people (especially

children - who often ask us if the horses are real) to the type of horses that were used exclusively to work the land throughout Australia before tractors were invented,” says Alida.

Tours include free wine and food sampling and there is a range of lengths and styles of wagons to choose from. swanvalleywa.com

Black Swan Tours offers personalised, small group wine, gin and brewery tours that are focused on supporting small business and offering guests an introduction to the hidden gems in the region, as well as the more well-known Swan Valley favourites.

Anything but a party bus service, their drivers and guides offer quality tours and pride themselves on exceptional customer service.

Black Swan Tours is also a responsible tourism business, donating a portion of every tour seat sold to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. blackswantours.com

Up Close and Local works hard to create bespoke experiences and in 2021, won bronze at the 2021 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards in the Tour & Transport category.

Captain Cook Cruises

LOCAL EXPERTISE Taste local produce, sip on carefully crafted wine and spirits, and learn the hidden gems of the region when booking a tour with a local guide.

The full-day tours include a behind the scenes, authentic insight into wine production and viticulture; whether it be picking, crushing or fermenting, a barrel tasting, or sampling grapes in the vineyard.

Every winery on each tour is carefully selected for its quality, historical contribution to the region, and for its amazing team and families behind the wines, many of whom guests have the opportunity to meet in person.

“The in-depth experience we offer gives guests an insight into the challenges and complexities involved in being a boutique producer and why it’s so important to support (and drink) local,” says experience creator Shannon Oliver.

“There is always something new to discover and love about the Swan Valley, no matter where you are in your wine journey.”

Book a tour today to discover their best kept local secrets. upcloseandlocaltours.com.au

Hidden deTours was the first of its kind, offering gin tours before the market exploded in WA.

With four distilleries on their tour - one hidden in an urban setting and not revealed until arrival, followed by Old Young’s, Sin Gin and Swan Valley Gin Co - this six-hour experience supports local gems while guests try new and unique gins that vary significantly on the palate, to the usual international favourites we all know and love.

You will meet the producers, learn how the gin is made, and how best to drink and garnish it as you explore the distilleries, up close and personal. hiddendetours.com.au