The Swan River is a gentle river right at Perth's doorstep. It was named in 1797 by the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who was impressed by the countless black swans which he observed upon its waters. Captain James Stirling founded the City of Perth as part of the Swan River Colony in 1829. The banks of the Swan were the site for Stirling's settlement. Today, the Swan River and Perth are bound together.

Perth , which is situated on the Swan River, is rated among the most beautiful cities in the world. The river, which separates the downtown area from its southern suburbs, provides vistas without equal. The Swan River begins quietly in the foothills of the Darling Range. Its waters nurture the upper Swan Valley, which is the traditional area for Western Australia's fine wine making. The river next slips silently past Guildford, Perth's oldest inland suburb. Every now and then along its banks are dignified colonial homes, reminders of the beginnings of prosperity. On weekends, you can see yachting action but the Swan River is not just for sailors. Luxury motor cruisers glide by, while small outboards peacefully putt-putt on the calm waters. Fishermen use the waters too, for prawns, crabs, and a variety of fish.

Matilda Bay at Crawley has its own special magic. The distinctive Mediterranean style buildings of the University of Western Australia provide an outstanding backdrop. The long sweep of beach is popular all summer long for family picnics, swimming, sunbaking, and for boating activities.

Follow the river further on its way to the Indian Ocean. After passing some of Perth's most lavish homes, it narrows into the busy port of Fremantle. Here, ocean liners, modern container ships, and tramp steamers berth beside towering cranes, while old stone warehouses echo to the dockside bustle and cries of gulls.

The Darling Range is the tilted edge of a huge plateau that is the foundation of the South Western third of Australia. It is one of the most ancient places on earth; its granites and quartzite were formed some 2,500 million years ago. In this range, known locally as the Perth Hills lay the Shires of Mundaring and Kalamunda, and south along the range and in the foothills lay the heritage towns of Armadale, Gosnells, Serpentine and Jarrahdale.

Mundaring was once a major logging centre and is the site of one of Australia’s greatest engineering feats, the Weir and the start of the water pipeline to the goldfields, completed in 1903. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty with large tracts of ancient forest, wonderful walking trails and a huge diversity of wildflowers. National Parks, abundant wildlife, a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants, and wineries offer something for everyone, so come and spend a few days.

The Fremantle Chocolate Factory was formerly Davenports of Fremantle and is now owned and run by the founder of the Margaret River Fudge Factory. There are quality handmade truffles, pralines, and specialty chocolates that will leave your taste buds with a smooth, rich sensation.

The Fremantle Chocolate Factory brings to you the fine craft of chocolate making. Offered is a collection of specialty confectionery delights and fudge in twenty six mouth-watering flavours. As well as our deliciously smooth chocolate products, there are also old fashioned candies, and the wonderful Davenports range of Australian Native flavoured biscuits. Drop in and watch the superb chocolates being hand-crafted on the premises. Try our range of Margaret River chocolates, fudges, and sauces, plus other products from Margaret River producers.