Swan Valley

The Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and lies just 25 km from Perth. The end of summer is a good time to admire the picturesque landscapes of vineyards, orchards, and rolling farmland while enjoying the grape harvest, wine tastings, and other local produce.

All Saints Church in Henley Brook is the oldest surviving church in Western Australia. It stands on the site where Captain James Stirling camped during his 1827 exploration of the Swan River.

Built between 1838 and 1840, the church held its first service in January 1841. The reason for its construction is an interesting part of the area’s history. At the time, there was no bridge across the Swan River, making St Mary’s Church in Middle Swan too difficult to reach for settlers living on the western side of the river who wished to attend regular services.

Local settlers donated the land, building materials, and labour to construct the church. The flagstones used for the floor were brought to Western Australia as ballast in ships sailing from England.

Surrounding the church is a historic cemetery containing the graves of several early pioneers, including Richard Edwards, the master bricklayer who built the church, and Frederick Irwin and William Mackie, who donated the land on which the church stands.