Swan Valley, Western Australia

The Swan Valley is a region in the upper reaches of the Swan River between Guildford and Bells Rapids. It is bordered to the east by the Darling Scarp. Both Ellen Brook and Jane Brook lie within the region and discharge into the Swan River. There are 14 suburbs within the region including Henley Brook, Caversham, Upper Swan, Brigadoon and Whiteman; It occurs in the City of Swan local government area.

The area was explored in 1827 by Captain James Stirling later to become Governor of the Swan River Colony. Stirling was so impressed with the area the he wrote in his diary (spelling errors are as written in his diary): [ [http://www.explorationswa.com.au/The_Volumes/1826-1835.php Explorers' Diaries of Western Australia] ] .

When Stirling returned to establish the Colony in 1829 he created three settlements: Fremantle as the port; Perth as the major commercial and political centre; and Guildford on the southern end of the Swan Valley region. Descendants of many of the early families still reside within the shire. Within the first ten years, two of Perth's oldest churches had been built there: the first was St. Mary's Church in Middle Swan, followed All Saints Church, Henley Brook built at the site of Stirling's 1827 camp. St. Mary's was rebuilt in the 1869 but All Saint's is still the original structure and is Perth's oldest standing church.

The Swan Valley is noted for its fertile soil, uncommon in the Perth region, and the recent expansion of tourism-based destinations. These include numerous wineries such as the huge complex at Houghtons; the State's biggest producer and Sandalfords but also many small though excellent family-owned concerns such as John Kosovich wines and there are also several microbreweries and rum distilleries. During October the annual 'Spring in the Valley' weekend takes place; it is one of Australia's biggest wine festivals.

References

Western Australia Ray Jordan's Guide to Wine 2004/05 pp13,27,29.

Websites

* [http://www.swanvalley.com.au Swan Valley Tourist Information] www.ledaswan.com.au