Sealink WA Indulgence Cruise Tour

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A day in the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region, that starts with a two-hour cruise up the Swan River from Perth, with a wine tasting and a shared lunch on board, then carries on by coach to two wineries, a brewery and a chocolate maker.

Days

About 6.5 hours

Age

18 and over

Group size

Shared cruise and coach tour

Start / finish

Perth / Swan Valley / Perth
Perth, about 5pm

Return

Perth, about 5pm

Transport

Swan River cruise boat, then coach

Meals

Shared platter lunch with wine; tastings

Route

Map of Sealink WA Indulgence Cruise Tour

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Included experiences

Swan River — two-hour cruise from Perth up to the Swan Valley
Wine tasting — three West Australian wines on board
Swan Valley wineries — tastings at two wineries with a cheeseboard
Whistler's Chocolate Company — chocolate tasting
Microbrewery — beer sample and snacks

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: UP THE SWAN RIVER FROM PERTH

Your day starts at Barrack Street Jetty in central Perth, with about two hours cruising upstream on the Swan River, Derbarl Yerrigan to the Noongar people. The city towers fall behind, the river narrows and bends, and the banks turn to paperbarks, horse paddocks and old homesteads as you reach the Swan Valley. The captain's commentary fills in the history along the way. Colonists planted the valley's first vines in about 1830, a year after Perth was founded, which makes it the oldest wine region in Western Australia.

ON BOARD: TASTING AND LUNCH

While you cruise there's a guided tasting of three West Australian wines, so you learn what the region does best before you meet the winemakers. Lunch is a shared platter served with a glass of wine, eaten as the scenery slides past. Seating isn't allocated, so you may share a booth or a table, and by the end of lunch most people are swapping notes on the wines.

AFTERNOON: WINERIES, CHOCOLATE AND BEER

At the end of the river leg your driver-guide meets you with a coach for the afternoon in the valley. You stop at two wineries for tastings, with a shared cheeseboard to go with them. The Swan Valley is warm and dry, known for fortified wines, Verdelho and Chenin Blanc, and many of its cellar doors are still run by the families who planted them. Then comes a chocolate tasting at Whistler's Chocolate Company, where you can buy a few gifts to take home, and a beer sample with snacks at an award-winning boutique brewery. All the tasting fees are included.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO PERTH

The coach brings you back into Perth in the late afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook Cruises ticket counter, Pier 3, Barrack Square (Barrack Street Jetty), Perth, by the Bell Tower near Elizabeth Quay. Check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Elizabeth Quay train station and busport is about 400 m away, and the free Blue CAT bus stops at Barrack Street Jetty. Parking at the jetty is limited to two or three hours; the Terrace Road and Council House car parks take longer stays.
Departure time: 10:30am, back in Perth about 5pm. It runs Friday to Sunday from April to October, and on Mondays and Wednesdays too from November to March.
Duration: About 6.5 hours.
Minimum age: 18. This is an adults-only tour.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free lunches can be arranged if booked at least the day before; other diets can't be catered for.
Please note: Seating isn't allocated, so you may share a booth or table. After heavy rain or at very high tides the boat can't pass under some bridges, and a coach may replace part of the cruise, sometimes at short notice. Dress is smart casual. Mobility access is limited on all the Swan River boats because of how they're built, and toilets are small and often downstairs. Mention any mobility needs when you book.

What is included

2-hour Swan River cruise from Perth to the Swan Valley with commentary
Guided tasting of three WA wines on board
Shared platter lunch on board, with wine
Coach touring in the Swan Valley and back to Perth
Tastings at 2 wineries, with a shared cheeseboard
Chocolate tasting at Whistler's Chocolate Company
Beer sample and snacks at a microbrewery
All tasting fees

Not included

Extra drinks from the bar
Wine, beer and chocolate you buy to take home

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.