Perth to Swan Valley: Wine Cruise with Lunch & Tastings

Summary

Drift past Perth then taste Swan Valley wines by river

You’ll float from Perth’s bustle straight into Swan Valley’s vineyards, sharing laughs over lunch and local wines on board before tasting at Mandoon Estate. With live music on your return cruise and all food included, it’s an easy day full of small surprises — one that lingers in memory long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we boarded the boat in Perth — I just remember the city buildings sliding away behind us as we glided out onto the Swan River. The water was calm, almost glassy, and someone behind us pointed out a black swan drifting by (I guess that’s where the name comes from). There was this gentle hum of chatter and clinking glasses as our guide started pouring the first round of local wine. I tried to listen to her stories about the early settlers but got distracted by the smell of fresh bread coming from somewhere on board. It felt like leaving regular life behind for a bit.

Lunch was a shared platter — olives, cheeses, some kind of roast veg salad that tasted way better than it looked (I’m still thinking about that dressing). We all passed things around like old friends even though most of us had just met. The sun came out right as we reached Mandoon Estate in Swan Valley. Our guide, Sarah, knew everyone at the winery and somehow convinced me to try a macaron with my shiraz. Not sure if that’s a classic pairing but it worked — sweet and earthy at once. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Mandoon” properly; I probably butchered it.

The way back felt slower, or maybe I just wanted it to last longer. Someone played guitar near the bar and people sang along, badly but happily. Dessert showed up — tiny cakes and more wine (maybe too much?). Out on deck you could smell eucalyptus after a quick rain shower; everything felt cool and green again. We drifted past pelicans standing like statues on the banks. I kept thinking how strange it was to leave Perth in the morning and end up tasting wine in another world by afternoon — you don’t get that everywhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swan Valley wine cruise experience

• Cruise downstream on Swan River
• Enjoy shared platter lunch with wine
• Wine tasting at Mandoon Estate
• Return cruise with live entertainment
• Enjoy desserts and all-inclusive wines

Top questions

How long does the Swan Valley wine cruise take?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Perth with return river cruise included.

Is lunch included on the Swan Valley wine cruise?

Yes, a shared platter lunch is served onboard with wine tastings included.

Does the tour include wine tastings at a winery?

Yes, there is a guided wine tasting experience at Mandoon Estate in Swan Valley.

Are desserts provided during the cruise?

Desserts are served with all-inclusive wines during your return cruise to Perth.

Is transportation provided both ways between Perth and Swan Valley?

The tour includes round-trip river cruise between Perth and Swan Valley; coach transfer may substitute if river conditions require.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options for lunch?

You can advise specific dietary requirements at booking; options are available.

What age do you have to be for this tour?

The minimum age is 18 years old due to alcohol service; bookings for under 18s are not accepted.

Is live entertainment part of this wine cruise?

Yes, live entertainment is provided during your return journey on the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip river cruise from Perth to Swan Valley with live commentary throughout, a shared platter lunch served onboard with local wine tastings, guided tasting at Mandoon Estate (including a macaron pairing), plus dessert and live entertainment on your way back — everything taken care of so you can just relax into it all.