Middle Swan is an outer rural suburb of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. It is located in the Swan Valley, 22 kilometres north-east of the C.B.D., and is bisected by the Swan River. Middle Swan is famous for being the home town of Houghton Wines, W.A.’s largest and most awarded winery, and also having one of the states oldest churches, St. Mary’s. The church was actually pulled down and rebuilt in 1850, so even the rebuild is historic!!
The Swan Valley was originally explored by Captain James Stirling in 1827, and recent research shows that the vines at Houghtons were planted as early as 1830 and 1836!! Making Houghton’s one of the oldest vineyards in Western Australia. Today Houghton’s is a very popular tourist destination, and is a picturesque property with park like gardens.
The Swan Valley begins at Guildford in the south, travelling north-east and ending at Bells Rapids, and is bordered by the Darling Scarp. The Valley is noted for its rich and fertile soils, which is reflected in the quality of wine produced. The Swan Valley is a popular tourist destination and has many attractions, in addition to the 30 local wineries, there is the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, Caversham Wildlife Park, and the Swan Valley Cheese Factory, to name a few.
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