Dive into the rich history of the Swan Valley.
The Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region and the second oldest in Australia, has a winemaking history spanning nearly 200 years. Established alongside colonial Guildford, it remains a cornerstone of the state's viticulture.
In 1829, botanist Thomas Waters
planted the first grapevines at Olive Farm in South Guildford, recognising the Mediterranean climate's suitability for viticulture. By 1834, the region produced its first commercial vintage, marking the start of its rich winemaking tradition.
Today, Olive Farm Wines continues this legacy from its home on Great Northern Highway, at the heart of the Swan Valley. Several heritage wineries still thrive in the region, including:
These wineries are proud members of the Swan Valley Old Vine Charter, dedicated to preserving and protecting the region’s century-old vines, ensuring their historic and viticultural significance continues for future generations.
The Swan Valley’s story begins with the Whadjuk Noongar people, who have lived on and cared for this land for more than 40,000 years.
The Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) holds enormous cultural significance for the Noongar people and tells the story of the Dreamtime serpent, the Wagyl, which once travelled across the country, carving out the Swan Valley and the Swan River.
The Whadjuk Noongar people’s deep connection to country is reflected in the plants, waterways and seasonal rhythms that continue to shape the region today.
You can explore this living cultural knowledge through our Bush Tucker Story and follow the Bush Tucker & Beyond Trail to discover native ingredients, traditional uses and the enduring relationship between people and place.
The Swan Valley is home to treasured heritage buildings such as All Saints Church and Woodbridge at Mandoon.
Whiteman Park, named after Lew Whiteman, has a strong transport heritage theme. Here you can explore the Revolutions Transport Museum, the Motor Museum of Western Australia, the Tractor Museum of WA or schedule your visit to coincide with when the heritage train or tram rides operate.
The picturesque village of Guildford was established during the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829 and today is classified by the National Trust and entered in the State Register of Heritage Places.
Exquisite colonial architecture is just a small part of historic Guildford's charm - there are also fascinating museums, such as the Colonial Gaol and the Cradle of the Colony located within the Swan Valley Visitor Centre and Guildford Heritage Precinct, the 10th Light Horse Statue, the Guildford ANZACs Trail and four Heritage Walk Trails to explore.
Be sure to visit historic All Saints Church, the oldest church in WA. Built by one of the early pioneers of the area, Richard Edwards, over three painstaking years, this charming…
Don't miss Guildford's historic Colonial Gaol, the former local lock up for petty criminals awaiting trial or serious offenders awaiting transport to Perth or Fremantle gaols. A…
Learn the story of Guildford. Cradle of the Colony is a story of Guildford and the Swan Valley featuring items from the Swan Guildford Historical Society collection and housed…
Unique to Perth, this Aboriginal-owned and -operated enterprise offers cultural activities, talks, performances and bush tucker tastings. Owner, Dale Tilbrook is passionate about…
Built in the 1850s by convict labour, the fascinating Garrick Theatre originally served as a Commissariat Store and quarters and is a stunning reminder of the early convict days…
The Guildford ANZACs Trail gives people the opportunity to walk an historic town and experience the impact of World War I on each street. An ANZAC home or place of residence in…
Established on what is virtually an island encircled by the Swan and Helena Rivers, Guildford is ideally suited to exploration on foot. To assist you in discovering the numerous…
The Guildford 10th Light Horse statue commemorates the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment and its deep historical ties to the Guildford area, where the regiment was raised at…
Whiteman Park is the only place in Western Australia where you can ride on a genuine heritage electric tram. The Perth Electric Tramway Society provides a regular service over 4…
This much-admired producer of gloriously complex and rare muscats is also one of the region’s oldest, offering small quantities of elegant, full-flavoured wines made from old…
Guildford Historic Town, known traditionally as Mandoon by the Whadjuk Noongar people, is a place of deep cultural and spiritual importance. Stirling Square located in Guildford…
The Motor Museum of Western Australia is a treasure trove of auto history and home to meticulously restored displays ranging from an 1898 Star right through to the vehicles of…
A James Halliday 5 Star winery, Nikola Estate meticulously crafts wines from the original grapevines planted at this historic estate in the 1830s. This winery embodies the…
Fourth generation winemaker, Anthony Yurisich makes a diverse range of Swan Valley wines at this award-winning cellar door in the heart of the valley. A wide variety of these…
Revolutions Transport Museum is the State’s only land transport museum and an engaging exhibition showcasing the far-reaching impact that our transport choices have made, and are…
Unforgettable five-star wine experiences and superb contemporary cuisine define Sandalford Wines, a distinguished producer of premium wine with a history in the Swan Valley dating…
James Talijancich has a national reputation for his aged verdelhos, and this is one of very few vineyards in the valley where you’ll find a graciano blend. Luscious,…
See, hear and smell the machinery that played such an important part in the early life of the state of Western Australia. Dozens of relics from WA’s agricultural past are on…
The Swan Valley is renowned for the quality of its fortified wines, and Twin Hill Wines is the place to go if you’d like to explore a wide range of locally-produced dessert wines…
The Bennett Brook Railway operates steam and diesel trains over six kilometres of 610mm narrow gauge track, providing a unique railway experience through the bushland of Whiteman…
Vintage bus and train rides and the State's only operational heritage electric tram are just some of the many attractions to keep visitors young and old entertained at Whiteman…
Formerly Cobanov Wines, this third generation family-owned and family-run business has been operating in the Swan Valley since 1937. In the early days, the grapes were grown for…
Described upon construction in 1884 as 'the handsomest private residence that has yet been erected in the colony', Woodbridge sits in an area known as Mandoon on Noongar Country…
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