Swan Valley, Perth 2013

Perth Journal Day 06

Initially, we planned to drive to the Margaret River wineries but after finding out how exactly how far away it was, we decided to keep it simple with a drive to the closer Swan Valley region. Before entering the Valley, we stopped off at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in the town of Guildford. There, the lovely guides introduced us to the various establishments in the Valley and recommended the places we should visit or have lunch. I highly recommend you do that if you are a first-time visitor because they are so many choices in the Valley, it can get overwhelming.

It was a truly beautiful day to drive around the Swan Valley, blue skies and white clouds. We couldn't have asked for a better last day in Perth. Armed with the map and recommendations, we took an easy drive through the valley, stopping at places we thought would be interesting or were recommended by the Visitor's Centre. We stopped in at Sandalford Wines and Houghton Winery. Sandalford had on display some heritage vines that were planted in 1890 and are still producing grapes (second image in this set)!

For lunch, we decided on Mash Brewery & Restaurant. I really like that cheeky gorilla and garage feel they have going on in that place. So many hilarious ape and beer puns all over too! Both the food and the beer was really good. We had the fish & chips and buffalo wings, accompanied by a glass of Crush beer. Perfect holiday food.

After that yummy lunch, we stopped for a scoop of ice cream at the delightfully old-fashioned Oggie's Ice Cream Cafe. Seems like many others had the same idea too. I ordered a scoop of whiskey (yes, whiskey!) ice cream. While enjoying my ice cream, I poked around the shop and discovered they stocked tins upon tins of old-fashioned candy. I imagine many of the older customers must love re-discovering all their favourite childhood candies and buying up truckloads to reminisce about yesteryear.