Travel Guide Swan Valley

18 km northeast of Perth. Rural and picturesque, this is the state's oldest wine-growing region and a popular weekend destination for Perth residents. Settlers moved here as early as 1829 to nurture the Perth (Swan River) colony. There are now some forty vineyards, offering tastings and direct sales, as well as 10 breweries and cider mills and five distilleries! There's also the Margaret River Chocolate Company, open since 1999, where you can watch chocolate being made and, above all, taste it! The small village of Guilford is very charming. Sealink organizes cruises on the river, including tastings and lunch.