Whether you are arriving on the new direct flight from the UK and chasing a unique wine experience or you are a local that has lived in town their whole life, the Swan Valley Wine region really has something for everyone. It is a special place in the hearts of WA locals. A region where we can proudly showcase WA’s best wine, cheese, beer, gin, chocolate and honey. Often overlooked by the more popular sibling – the Margaret River Wine Region, The Swan Valley might be smaller in stature but it sure packs a punch. It really is the perfect day trip and one to definitely add to the itinerary.

If you are planning to visit the Swan Valley soon, we’ve put together a list of things to think about when planning your next trip so you can get the most out of your day. 

What Swan Valley Wineries should we attend?

There are virtually hundreds of wineries in the Swan Valley region to pick from. From the larger institutions like Sandalford Wines to the more relaxed, boutique types the list can actually become quickly overwhelming. Regardless of your intention for the day, having a strong list of wineries to hit is a good idea so you have structure and can let your driver know where you want to head on the day. For a complete list of our favourites, check out our take on the Ultimate List of Swan Valley Wineries.

Where should we stop for lunch in the Swan Valley?

Another pertinent question. We always promote responsible drinking and with that means a solid lunch when undertaking a day-long wine tasting expedition. In light of this, we recommend the following list of places to stop along the way:

• Relaxed atmosphere | Oakover Grounds
• Contemporary, Modern Australian | Wild Swan, Mandoon Estate
• Family-friendly | Homestead Brewery
• Large Groups | Feral Brewery Co.
• Late-night burger (on the way home) | Alfred’s Kitchen

What Swan Valley bus hire do I need?

Now, the thing about the Swan Valley Wine Region is most of the wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants and spread out. This means that having a driver on hand is essential to make sure you can get from one spot to the next. This is where we can help. We can work with you to design a custom route where our driver will be your right-hand man for the day. When considering transport, it’s important to think about:

• How many people do I have coming? 
• What sort of bus would I need? Head to our fleet page for a breakdown on what we have to offer.
• Are we all getting picked up from the same spot? Or is the bus doing multiple pickups?
• Where are we getting dropped off?
• Music. Who’s in charge? What Spotify playlists do I need? 

What should our Swan Valley bus route be? 

Planning a route is super important for the success of the day. The guys at the Swan Valley Tourism Centre have taken the hard work out of this one by putting together suggested itineraries depending on your interests. We really recommend heading to their site to get some inspiration.

We’ve also included a map here to help you map out your individualised journey.

Is this Swan Valley trip just about wine? Or should we include some other activities?

When most people beeline to the Swan Valley they are generally on the hunt for Western Australia’s best drop of vino. But, there is actually so much more to do in this great region such as grass-root distilleries, craft cider houses, bee farms and wildlife experiences. Some of our favourites are below:

• Yahava Coffee Works: These guys have you covered when it comes to coffee. The team at Yahava offer tours that can bring you up to speed on what goes into making a perfect brew. It’s also a smart starting point so you can get nice and caffeinated before the long day ahead.
• Cheese Barrel: You guessed it. Cheese. And lots of it. The Cheese Barrel has a variety from both the Swan Valley area and internationally recognised delicacies. Tasting boards are our pick for this one!
• House of Honey: Bees literally make the world go round. That’s why it’s great to visit House of Honey to get a true appreciation for how hard these little guys work. Tours will focus mainly on the importance of bees and how the honey is produced. Make sure you take some home with you. 
• Swan Valley Gin Company: Gin has recently hit the scene in the Swan Valley and for good reason! Move over Margaret River Gin Company as these guys have the goods. Offering a variety of botanical and traditionally dry gins, take the time to select your preferred tonic and get cracking. This is our pick of the bunch!
• Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm: this one is not only perfect for the kids, but we regularly see adults having even more fun. Simply visit the Cuddly Animal Farm to feed and pat a variety of farm animals from goats to geese. You can also take advantage of the massive undercover bouncy castle and picnic area!

Do we want to throw a Swan Valley adventure activity into the mix?

As we mentioned above, the Swan Valley wine region is FULL of more activities other than just wineries. If you are keen to get active, we recommend a pit stop into the following places:

• Supa Golf: this golfing institution has been around for years and is the most fun you’ll have playing golf. Supa is the operative word here guys. It’s basically regular golf supersized with larger balls. 
• Swan Valley Adventure Centre: another perfect option for kids. They’ll be kept occupied with a climbing ropes course and large open spaces to explore.

With so much more than meets the eye, a typical Swan Valley Wine Tour can be seriously elevated with some of the activities mentioned above. Not only can you leave full and merry, but you might even walk away with new knowledge of local produce or even a few very tired children. Whatever your adventure, we can help organise your transport for the day. Get in touch below.