Sealink WA Taste of the Valley Cruise

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Cruise up the Swan River from Perth into the Swan Valley with a wine tasting and a share platter lunch on board, visit Lancaster Winery and a chocolate company by coach, then cruise back to the city with unlimited wine, cakes and live music.

Days

About 6 hours 30 minutes

Age

18 years and over

Group size

Max 15

Start / finish

Perth / Swan Valley / Perth
Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, about 5pm

Return

Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, about 5pm

Transport

River cruise boat and coach

Meals

Share platter lunch on board with wine; afternoon tea on the return cruise

Route

Map of Sealink WA Taste of the Valley Cruise

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Included experiences

Swan River — morning cruise from Perth into the Swan Valley
On board — guided tasting of Western Australian wines
Lancaster Winery — wine tasting with a shared cheeseboard
Margaret River Chocolate Company — chocolate tasting in the Swan Valley
Return cruise — unlimited wine, cakes and live entertainment

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: UP THE SWAN RIVER FROM PERTH

The boat leaves Barrack Street Jetty in central Perth at 10:30am and turns upstream on the Swan River, which the Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh named for its black swans in 1697. You pass Heirisson Island, where western grey kangaroos live in a sanctuary minutes from the city, and the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium on the Burswood shore. On the way the crew lead a guided tasting of Western Australian wines, then lunch comes out on board: a share platter of local produce, with wine. Beyond Guildford, founded in 1829, the river winds into the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region.

MIDDAY: THE SWAN VALLEY BY COACH

At the landing you swap the boat for a coach tour run by Swan Valley Tours. Vines have grown in this valley since the 1830s, and today its cellar doors, breweries and produce stores sit along a loop of country roads. At Lancaster Winery you sit down to a wine tasting with a shared cheeseboard. Next is the Swan Valley store of the Margaret River Chocolate Company, named for the south-west wine region where it began, for a chocolate tasting, with local produce to try along the way. The coach then takes you back to the river.

AFTERNOON: WINE, CAKES AND MUSIC HOME

The cruise back downstream is the relaxed end of the day. The bar opens at 3:15pm with wine included from then on, along with cakes, tea and coffee, and the crew put on live entertainment as the valley turns to suburbs and the city skyline comes back into view. You're back at Barrack Street Jetty at about 5pm, a short walk from Elizabeth Quay station.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, near Elizabeth Quay. Elizabeth Quay train station is about 400 metres away and the free Blue CAT bus stops at the jetty.
Departure time: 10:30am, returning to Barrack Street Jetty at about 5pm. From April to October it runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; from November to March on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Duration: About 6 hours 30 minutes.
Minimum age: 18. This is an adults-only wine tour.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free lunches can be arranged if requested at least the day before. Other diets cannot be catered for.
Please note: After heavy rain or at very high tides the river can be too high to pass under some bridges, and a coach may then replace part or all of the river journey. Seating on board is not allocated and you may share a booth or table.
Suits: Adults who enjoy food and wine. The upriver boat is not wheelchair accessible: you need to step on board, and the toilets are not accessible.

What is included

Return scenic river cruise between Perth and the Swan Valley
Guided Western Australian wine tasting on the way up
Share platter lunch on board with wine
Coach tour in the Swan Valley
Cheeseboard and wine tasting at Lancaster Winery
Chocolate and produce tastings
Afternoon tea on the return cruise
Unlimited standard drinks on the return cruise from 3:15pm
Live entertainment on the return cruise

Not included

Premium drinks package (optional extra)
Purchases at the winery and chocolate shop

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.

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