Top Trail: Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail
Overview
The Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail is made up of three routes, 4km, 30km or 32km, and follows West Swan Road on a shared-use path that is suitable for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A series of signs interpret the rich history, interesting characters and natural elements so you can appreciate the unique and special place that is the Swan Valley.
About the Trail
The trail passes many interesting places including fresh produce stalls, picnic spots, galleries, wineries and restaurants to name a few so you will find many opportunities to stop, relax and enjoy an abundance of experiences.
The trail takes a half day or less to complete. Bicycles can be hired in Perth city and transported by train to the start of the cycle in Guildford. Maps are available from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre.
The trail passes many interesting places including fruit stalls, picnic spots, galleries, wineries, cafes, and a chocolate factory to name a few - so you’ll find many opportunities to stop, relax and enjoy an abundance of experiences. Other features include the historic Guildford area, which is one of the oldest settlements in Western Australia with many original buildings still standing, and the surrounding small farms and beautiful views through the rural valleys of the Swan River.
Whilst you can start anywhere along trail, there are three main entry points: Corner of Meadow and Swan Streets directly opposite the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford, Maali Footbridge in Herne Hill and West Swan Hall.
You can catch public transport bus or train from the city to Guildford, contact Transperth for information on timetables and fares.
Need to Know
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Time
Time depends on individual itinerary -
Distance
4km,30km and 32km routes Length is 30km. -
Trail Start
Corner Meadow and Swan Streets (oppositve the visitor centre), Guildford, 18 kilometres (25 minutes)north east of Perth -
Degree of Difficulty
Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels.
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What to Pack?
Cycle map available from visitor centre
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.
- Full large water bottle per person.
- Sturdy shoes
- Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
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Best Time of the Year
Any time of year -
Facilities
Bikes can be hired from Swan Valley Bike hire located at the visitor information centre - a five minute walk from Guildford train station.
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Hazards & Warnings
Be careful of traffic on West Swan Road -
Access to the Trail
Road or rail to Guildford. Key entry points in Guildford,. Maali Footbridge in Herne Hill or West Swan Hall -
Trail Contact
Swan Valley Visitor Centre
Telephone: (08) 9207 8899
Email: visitorcentre@swan.wa.gov.au
Web: http://www.swanvalley.com.au/Home
Destinations
Henley Brook
In the north of Western Australia's oldest wine region, Henley Brook serves a generous sample of Perth's Valley of Taste, the Swan Valley. Here, you can wile away a day indulging in the region's award winning wines, fresh produce, colonial heritage, arts, crafts and natural bushland. Just 30 minutes' drive north-east of Perth, Henley Brook and the Swan Valley are a world away from city life. Once you're here, hit the Food and Wine Trail on a self-drive tour, or go winery-hopping in the back of a horse-drawn wagon or chauffeured classic car. Many of the vineyards are still owned by the descendants of early European settlers, who may share their story over a fruity red in the cellar door. Alongside these charming family-run vineyards, you'll also find some major international award-winning wineries, small boutique breweries, art galleries, cafes and fine dining restaurants. If you're packing a picnic, stop by at the roadside stalls to pick up some fresh summer table grapes or other seasonal produce and take your pick from many natural beauty spots. But be sure to leave room for some gourmet local delights, from olives, cheeses and preserves to chocolate, nougat and ice creams. For a little family fun, swing by the green and play a round of super-sized golf. Discover the art, stories and traditions of one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth at the Aboriginal art gallery. Or venture into the Darling Range beyond, taking a walk among native bush, granite outcrops and dazzling spring wildflowers. To make more than just a day of your Swan Valley escape, select from luxury self-contained cottages, bed and breakfasts and resort-style accommodation.
Henley Brook
Visitor Centres
Swan Valley Visitor Centre
Historic Guildford Courthouse c1866 Corner of Meadow and Swan Streets, Guildford Western Australia 6055, Australia
Phone: (08) 9207 8899
| www.swanvalley.com.au
The Swan Valley Visitor Centre is located in the Guildford Courthouse circa 1866 in Guildford, just a few minutes from the Swan Valley. The Visitor Centre is co-located with a professional interpretive exhibition 'Guildford as a Gateway to a Diverse Region - the Swan Valley'. The exhibition showcases the significant heritage of Guildford and the Swan Valley with its links to the settlement of Western Australia in 1829, multiculturalism of the region, development of the table and wine grape industries and the local people who have contributed to the development of the Swan Valley. The Swan Valley Visitor Centre is your one stop shop for everything in and around the Swan Valley and Guildford. They can provide you with the latest and most up to date information, make bookings, provide information and maps and offer a large range of local produce and souvenirs. The Swan Valley Visitor Centre is open 9.00am to 4.00pm daily.
Swan Valley Visitor Centre
