Introduction to The Swan Valley

20km (13 miles) NE of Perth

You don't have to go all the way to Margaret River to find rolling vineyards, local produce, and good wine and food. The Swan Valley is only 20 minutes from the Perth city center, but has 30 or so wineries, a wildlife park, antiques shops, galleries, several restaurants, and one of Australia's best golf resorts. Some outlets are closed Monday to Wednesday. Good times to visit are during two annual festivals, "Spring in the Valley" (second weekend in Oct), and "Taste the Valley" (during Apr).

Lord Street from the Perth city center becomes Guildford Road and takes you to the historic town of Guildford at the start of the Swan Valley. The Swan Valley and Eastern Region Visitors Centre is in the historic old courthouse at the corner of Meadow and Swan streets, Guildford (tel. 08/9379 9400; www.swanvalley.com.au). It's open daily, except Christmas, from 9am to 4pm. It provides helpful information, advice, and maps, and separate sheets listing the venues that are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Several companies run day tours or day cruises from Perth, and local companies run tours by black cab or Rolls-Royce.