Swan Valley: River Cruise, Wine Tasting & Lunch Day Trip

Summary

Wine cruise to Swan Valley with tastings, lunch, chocolate and brewery stops

You’ll float up the Swan River sipping local wines with new friends before sharing lunch on board. Explore two Swan Valley wineries with tastings and cheeseboards, then relax at a brewery and sample chocolates before heading back to Perth by coach. It’s an easygoing day full of flavors and small surprises you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the captain grinned when he handed me my glass — “Try this one, it’s from Margaret River.” I’d barely finished laughing at his story about pelicans on the Swan River when our little group started swirling and sniffing, pretending we knew what we were doing. The river was calm, sort of milky blue that morning, and you could hear gulls over the commentary. The wine tasting on board was more relaxed than I expected — no pressure to say anything fancy. Someone spilled a bit (not me, for once). Lunch came out as a big shared platter with bread still warm in the middle. I liked how everyone just dug in without fuss.

When we docked in Swan Valley, our guide (her name was Mel) rounded us up with a quick “Alright team!” and off we went by coach. Windy Creek Estate was our first stop — honestly, their semillon surprised me. Mel explained how the soil here gives it a sort of grassy edge. There was this cheeseboard at Garbin Estate too; I probably ate more cheese than I should admit. At some point I tried to pronounce ‘verdelho’ and got a laugh from one of the staff — apparently my accent needs work. The day trip through Swan Valley kept moving but never felt rushed.

The brewery stop was louder — footy on TV, someone’s dog under a table, cold beer that tasted almost sweet after all that wine. We had snacks there too (the chips were gone fast). By the time we reached Whistlers Chocolate Co., it smelled like sugar and cocoa even before you walked in. They handed us these tiny truffles that melted instantly — not exaggerating, I still think about that taste sometimes. Then back on the coach for Perth just as the light started to change outside.

It’s funny how you end up remembering little moments: Mel’s stories about her dad picking grapes as a kid or how everyone got quiet watching boats slide past on the river. If you’re looking for a Swan Valley wine tour from Perth that feels friendly but not forced — well, this one surprised me in good ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swan River cruise and Swan Valley tour

• Take 2-hour Swan River cruise
• Enjoy guided tasting of 3 local wines
• Have shared platter lunch on board
• Visit Windy Creek Estate for wine tasting
• Cheeseboard and wine tasting at Garbin Estate
• Chocolate tasting at Whistlers Chocolate Co.
• Relax with beer and snacks at brewery
• Return to Perth by coach

Top questions

How long is the Swan Valley river cruise from Perth?

The morning cruise up the Swan River lasts about 2 hours before arriving in Swan Valley.

Is lunch included during the Swan Valley wine tour?

Yes, a shared platter lunch with wine is served onboard during your river cruise.

What wineries are visited on this day trip?

The tour stops at Windy Creek Estate and Garbin Estate for guided wine tastings.

Are beer tastings part of this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a local brewery in Swan Valley where you can enjoy beer samples and snacks.

Is chocolate tasting included on this tour?

Yes, chocolate tastings and a decadent truffle are included at Whistlers Chocolate Co.

How do we return to Perth after visiting Swan Valley?

You’ll travel back to Perth by coach after completing all tastings in Swan Valley.

Can people under 18 join this wine tour?

No, all participants must be at least 18 years old to join this tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby departure points.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour guided river cruise from Perth with onboard wine tasting and shared platter lunch with local wines. After docking in Swan Valley, travel by coach for premium winery visits with cheeseboards and tastings, sample beer with snacks at a local brewery, indulge in chocolate treats at Whistlers Chocolate Co., then return comfortably to Perth by coach in late afternoon.