The Swan Valley of today is made up of a fascinating blend of history and viticulture combined with more recent recreational and tourism influences. Its culture is textured by Indigenous, pioneering colonial and southern European roots. Captain James Stirling first sighted the valley in 1827 and its rich alluvial soil convinced him that the area would make a settlement viable. However, the area had of course been inhabited for thousands of years before that by the Nyoongar people who believe the Swan Valley was carved by the tail of a monstrous serpent-like creature called the Wagyl.

This spiritual significance has been an instrumental reason for environmental protection within the area, which limit encroachment by industry and housing developments. The visitor and tourism information centre in the old courthouse at Guildford is a great starting point from which to learn more about the area.

The first agricultural ventures by colonial settlers began in 1829 with arable and livestock farming. Large estates were formed giving the area a gentrified British character.

Returned servicemen from the First World War were offered smaller parcels of land on which to farm. However, many of these enterprises failed creating an opportunity for southern and eastern European migrants returning from the Gold Rush further east. Many of these people hailed from Croatia and were experienced in small-scale horticulture. It was these Croatian farmers who largely transformed the nature of the agricultural land into what we now see in the area. Their hard, unrelenting toil during the 20th Century made viticulture the valley’s principal source of wealth and income and their efforts continue to help shape the culture and heritage of the Swan Valley today.

Popularity: 12% [?]

The Swan Valley of today is made up of a fascinating blend of history and viticulture combined with more recent recreational and tourism influences. Its culture is textured by Indigenous, pioneering colonial and southern European roots. Captain James Stirling first sighted the valley in 1827 and its rich alluvial soil convinced him that the area would make a settlement viable. However, the area had of course been inhabited for thousands of years before that by the Nyoongar people who believe the Swan Valley was carved by the tail of a monstrous serpent-like creature called the Wagyl.

This spiritual significance has been an instrumental reason for environmental protection within the area, which limit encroachment by industry and housing developments. The visitor and tourism information centre in the old courthouse at Guildford is a great starting point from which to learn more about the area.The first agricultural ventures by colonial settlers began in 1829 with arable and livestock farming. Large estates were formed giving the area a gentrified British character. Returned servicemen from the First World War were offered smaller parcels of land on which to farm. However, many of these enterprises failed creating an opportunity for southern and eastern European migrants returning from the Gold Rush further east.

Many of these people hailed from Croatia and were experienced in small-scale horticulture. It was these Croatian farmers who largely transformed the nature of the agricultural land into what we now see in the area. Their hard, unrelenting toil during the 20th Century made viticulture the valley’s principal source of wealth and income and their efforts continue to help shape the culture and heritage of the Swan Valley today.

MUST SEE & DO IN SWAN VALLEY:

• Take a boat cruise from Perth City along the Swan River and retrace the historic journey taken by Captain James Stirling in 1827.
• Visit delightful All Saints Church (c1841) – one of Western Australia’s oldest churches, open 7 days a week.
• See where the first settlers are buried at East Guildford Cemetery.
• Learn more about the history of the region from the displays at the Swan Valley Region Visitor Centre – housed in the old Guildford Courthouse (c1866) (open 7 days).
• Pick up a free Guildford Heritage Walk Trail brochure from the visitor cenre detailing the town’s 3 heritage walk trails.
• Take a wander around Guildford’s historic shopping precincts – Swan Street/Terrace Road and James Street.
• Visit Woodbridge House, a National Trust-listed house open for viewing Thursday to Tuesday. The old coach house alongside houses a friendly cafe with amazing river views.

Popularity: 14% [?]