Perth: Full Day Swan Valley Cruise & Wine Tasting With Lunch

If you’re heading to Perth and looking for a way to enjoy both the city’s scenic river and the renowned Swan Valley wine region, this tour promises a well-rounded day of relaxation, tastings, and good food. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a great option for those seeking a mix of leisurely cruising, local wines, and regional treats.

What makes this experience appealing? For us, three standout features include the beautiful 2-hour cruise along the Swan River, the pairing of wine tastings with a shared lunch onboard, and the variety of stops in Swan Valley—from wineries to chocolate shops. A minor consideration is the minimum age of 18, so it’s not suited for families with young children.

This tour suits travelers who love wine, scenic views, and good food, especially those wanting a full-day experience that combines a bit of everything in one package. Perfect for couples, friends, or wine enthusiasts wanting an authentic taste of Western Australia’s wine country.

Key Points

• Relaxing River Cruise: Enjoy stunning views and informative commentary while sipping on WA wines.
• Diverse Tastings: From premium wineries to chocolate and beer, there’s a broad range of regional flavors.
• All-Inclusive Value: Food, wine, and snacks are included, making it a cost-effective way to sample Swan Valley.
• Comfortable Transport: A smooth coach journey connects the highlights, easing logistics.
• Engaging Guides: Many reviews praise guides like Lucy and Ed for their friendly, knowledgeable approach.
• Flexible Cancellation: Book with confidence thanks to a 24-hour full refund policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

This full-day tour offers a combo of a 2-hour scenic cruise on the Swan River followed by a coach tour through Swan Valley. You’ll start in Perth, boarding the Captain Cook Cruises vessel around 10:30 AM. The cruise lasts about two hours, during which you can enjoy commentary from the captain and sample three local wines while taking in panoramic river views.

Once you arrive in Swan Valley, the day continues with a coach tour that mixes wine tastings, food treats, and sightseeing. The tour is thoughtfully designed to showcase the best of the region without feeling rushed, with some stops including cheese boards, chocolates, and craft beers. The day wraps up with a return to Perth, making it an easy, seamless experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Captain Cook Cruises — Perth

The day begins at the main check-in point in Perth, with guests arriving from 10:00 AM for a 10:30 AM departure. This early start means you’ll have plenty of time to settle in before the boat leaves, and the relaxed check-in process helps set a calm tone for the day.

Swan River Scenic Cruise

The 2-hour cruise promises stunning river vistas and expert commentary—likely delivered by a skilled captain like Ivan or Michael, who are praised in reviews for their engaging storytelling. The boat is described as clean, tidy, and comfortable, with outdoor seating options to soak up the sun and scenery.

Guests are treated to guided wine tastings onboard, sampling three local WA wines — a highlight that travelers say makes the cruise both relaxing and educational. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the wine and the friendly, knowledgeable crew, who often go out of their way to ensure guests feel well looked after.

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Arrival in Swan Valley & Lunch on Board

Post-cruise, a shared platter lunch is served on the boat, paired with more wine, creating a delightful mid-morning to early afternoon break. The food is described as delicious, with some reviewers highlighting how the portion sizes and quality exceeded expectations. The inclusion of wine with lunch offers a true sense of regional flavor, and many comment on the pleasant, casual atmosphere onboard.

Coach Tour of Swan Valley

After the cruise, a 20-minute coach ride transports you into the heart of Swan Valley, where your guide continues to impress. The tour includes visits to two premium wineries, a chocolate shop, and a brewery, each offering tastings and regional snacks.

• Wineries: Guests often praise the personal and family-run vibe of these venues, with some describing wines as “interesting” and “delicious.” One reviewer even mentions the sparkling wines from Garvin Winery as unique and beautifully crafted.
• Chocolate Tasting: The Margaret River Chocolate Company is a highlight for many, offering a variety of samples and an opportunity to purchase treats. Reviewers mention the chocolate’s quality and the friendly staff.
• Beer & Snacks: A brewery stop provides a refreshing change, with options for local snacks and craft beers. Reviewers like the informal, fun atmosphere, and many say it’s a good way to wind down the day.

Ending the Day & Return to Perth

The tour concludes with a 45-minute coach ride back to Perth, during which guides like Lucy are noted for being engaging and friendly. The entire experience lasts approximately 6.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

What Makes This Tour Special

Many reviews highlight the great variety of tastings, ensuring you get a well-rounded sampling of Swan Valley’s offerings. The quality of the food and drinks is consistently praised, from the shared platter onboard to the chocolates and wines at the wineries. The scenic river cruise adds a layer of tranquility and gorgeous views that set this experience apart from traditional wine tours.

The guides, often described as friendly and knowledgeable, genuinely enhance the day with their banter and insights. For example, one reviewer mentioned how Michael’s engaging commentary made the cruise even more enjoyable, and Lucy’s welcoming attitude at the winery stops made guests feel right at home.

Value for Money

Considering that the tour includes a delicious lunch, multiple wine tastings, chocolate samples, beer, snacks, and scenic transport, many guests find it offers excellent value. Several reviewers have noted that it’s a “well-organized, fun day” with plenty of tastings and a relaxed pace, making the price worth it.

Accessibility & Practical Tips

The tour is suitable for most adults, but guests should be aware of the minimum age limit of 18 years. The timing is smooth, with check-in at 10:00 AM for a 10:30 AM departure, and the entire day wraps up around 5:00 PM. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended, especially for the outdoor vineyard stops.

Summary: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Swan Valley, combining scenic river cruising, wine tasting, regional food, and sightseeing—all in a relaxed setting. The expert guides and quality venues elevate the experience, making it feel authentic and well-curated.

While it’s a full day, the pace is designed to be enjoyable rather than rushed, and the all-inclusive nature means you won’t have to worry about extra costs. For wine lovers, foodies, or anyone wanting a taste of Western Australia’s countryside without the hassle of planning, this tour provides fantastic value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

• Wine enthusiasts seeking a curated tasting experience in a beautiful setting
• Scenic lovers who enjoy relaxing river views paired with regional food
• Groups or couples looking for a fun, full-day adventure
• Foodies wanting to sample chocolates, cheeses, and craft beers
• Travelers wanting convenience—all logistics handled for you

This experience is best suited for those aged 18 and over, and it’s ideal for anyone wanting a relaxing, informative day out that balances sightseeing, tasting, and socializing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the minimum age for this tour is 18 years old, as it involves wine and beer tastings.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience takes about 6.5 hours, starting from check-in at 10:00 AM and returning around 5:00 PM.

Are all tastings and food included?
Yes, the tour includes wine tastings, a shared lunch onboard with wine, chocolate samples, and snacks at the wineries and brewery.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, and a driver’s license for identification. Wear comfortable shoes and consider sun protection for outdoor stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is transportation between the river and the wineries provided?
Yes, the coach transfers are included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the stops without worrying about driving.

What makes this tour stand out compared to other Swan Valley experiences?
Guests love the combination of a scenic river cruise, quality wine tastings, regional treats, and the friendly guides. Many reviewers highlight the good value for money and the well-organized itinerary as key advantages.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fun, relaxed way to explore Swan Valley with a perfect mix of scenic views, regional flavors, and guided comfort. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a memorable day out, it’s a sensible choice that provides a genuine taste of Western Australia’s best.

You can check availability for your dates here: