Written by Ramya Mehta, Hannah Forsyth & Angelie Forzado
As part of our Year 10 Global Voices and Perspectives class, we recently spent a day in the Swan Valley exploring how tourism, agriculture, and culture come together to shape regional identity and support the local economy. The excursion gave us firsthand insight into real-world examples of agritourism and sustainability. The day was not only educational but also fun, giving us a taste (literally!) of how businesses in the Swan Valley engage with visitors and support regional tourism. It was a great day out filled with learning, laughter, and chocolate!
Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Providore
We had the opportunity to visit the Margaret River Chocolate Company and its sister company, the Margaret River Providore. The purpose of this excursion was to explore local businesses, learn about the tourism industry in Western Australia, and understand how food production and marketing contribute to the local economy. At the Chocolate Company, we were welcomed with delicious chocolate samples and given an informative talk by a staff member who explained the history of the company, the range of jobs available, and what the busiest seasons look like. One highlight was the viewing window, where we could watch the chocolate being made right in front of us. We also spent time at the Providore, browsing through gourmet products, sauces, jams, and more. Students had time to buy lunch, explore the chocolate shop, and experience the diverse range of locally made goods.
Sandalford Winery
We visited the Sandalford Estate Winery in the Swan Valley to explore how agritourism operates in a real-world setting. The purpose of the excursion was to investigate how tourism and agriculture work together to support the local economy and community while also offering meaningful and premium experiences to visitors. During our visit to Sandalford Winery, we explored the vineyards, barrel room, and production areas while learning about the winery’s history and how natural elements like soil and the Swan River impact wine quality. We saw how modern technology supports wine production and distribution, and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the winemaking process. We also learned about the various experiences Sandalford offers, such as fine dining, concerts, and weddings, which help attract tourists to the region. The field trip was not only educational but also provided us with a firsthand perspective of how businesses like Sandalford play an important role in cultural preservation, sustainability, and economic development in the Swan Valley.
At the Swan Valley Centre and Museum, we explored a range of displays that gave us a deeper understanding of the region's history. We looked through exhibits about the traditional custodians of the land, the Noongar people, and learned about the impact of early European settlement in the area. The museum featured artefacts, photographs, and stories that helped us see how the Swan Valley developed over time, from its agricultural roots to a thriving hub for tourism and local produce.
Yahava Koffeeworks
At Yahava Koffeeworks, we experienced a hands-on introduction to the world of coffee. We tasted a variety of coffee blends from different parts of the world and watched a demonstration of the roasting and fermentation processes. It was a fun and informative session that showed us the journey of coffee from bean to cup, and the skill and passion that goes into every brew.