Denmark Winter 2015 by Graphic As

Denmark Winter

2015

Free - Please take one Page 1 | Denmark Winter

William Bay National Park

Jewel in the Crown The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk has been the jewel in the crown of nature tourism in the south-west for 18 years.

A Three million visitors from across the globe.

s the premier attraction on the South Coast, it has drawn around three million visitors from across the globe to marvel at a beautiful and rare ecosystem while fostering a greater local appreciation of this unique landscape.

during the wintertime.

As part of the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre, the Tree Top Walk is now also joined by two other sites - the Wilderness Lookout at Mt Frankland and the Swarbrick Forest Art Loop.

Engagement and connection are key concepts at the Tree Top Walk.

Opened in 1996, the Tree Top Walk features a 600m walk up into the canopy of the remarkable Tingle forest. A breathtaking steel truss walkway takes the visitor up a gentle slope from ground level to a height of 40m and back down again. Visitors can then enjoy a stroll through the Ancient Empire Walk to further appreciate the scale and majesty of these natural giants from the forest floor. Managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, the Tree Top Walk achieves multiple goals of land management, education, and world-class nature tourism. Julie Ross has been the Manager at the Tree Top Walk for the last seven years. Arriving from Perth, Julie already loved the Denmark area following holiday visits and, having grown up on a farm in England, she has always loved country life. She leads a team of locals, some who have worked at the site almost from the beginning staff like 17-year veteran, Helen Nash. Passionate about her work and the natural environment, Helen is part of a dedicated team of 12 guides at the Tree Top Walk. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the ‘Go With a Guide’ program – free guided walks through the Ancient Empire offering an enhanced visitor experience. While there are more activities scheduled during the peak summer season, there are huge crowds too, so you can enjoy more personalised attention

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In the quieter months, Helen says, “you’ve got time to interact with people, because it’s not just guided walks that we do - visitors ask us questions all the time, so we’re always interacting with people”.

To this end there are also activities for families, as well as school programs to share the message about protection of the environment. The site is also home to the Discovery Centre, which features a terrific range of visitor information and displays and a gift shop filled with locally sourced products, artworks and souvenirs. While Summer crowds may head for the beach, the cooler months are a time to appreciate the forests of the South Coast. As springtime comes around, the wildflowers and fungi also become a feature of the area. Open seven days a week, a visit to the Tree Top Walk is a rich experience that bears repeating, as you will make new discoveries and new connections each time.

The Tree Top Walk Valley of the Giants Rd, Nornalup 98408263 www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/tree-top-walk

Experience Denmark Winter E

scape Perth and experience the enchantment of winter in Denmark.

Think pinot, gourmet pies and crackling log fires after a long, bracing walk on an empty beach. Find surf beaches with only a few locals enjoying the opportunity to play with the wild Southern Ocean. Migrating whales add to the scenery and remind you how amazing this natural environment still is. Well marked walking trails meander through granite outcrops and rugged headlands that have been here for millions of years. It’s a great place to broaden your horizons and get some perspective.

Kwoorabup, Denmark: Greg Edwards

Body, mind and soul are catered for, attend a lifestyle course or workshop, try a session of yoga at the beach, qigong in the bush or be vocal and enjoy the Denmark Festival of Voice over the June long weekend. Denmark combines the charm of a country town with a thriving arts, recreation, boutique food, wine and retail scene. This epicentre of lifestyle seekers will amaze and inspire you, enticing you to consider the beginning of your next great adventure. Photos by www.nicduncan.com www.circleofserendipity.net Design by www.graphicas.com.au Visitor information: www.denmark.com.au Advertising: www.denmarkchamber.com.au - 9848 2065

Lights Beach

Walpole Wilderness I

f you’re looking to get away from the heat, crowds and frantic pace of life, there’s no better place than the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre to lose yourself in the magic and solitude of one of the State’s best kept secrets. Put simply, the Wilderness feeds the soul, especially in the winter! There is 363,000 hectares of natural, wild landscape embracing the essence of Western Australia’s southern forest and coastline, with accommodation and restaurants; producing meals from fresh, organic produce; in Walpole, Denmark, Bow Bridge, Pemberton, Manjimup, Northcliffe, Mt Barker and Albany. The jewel in the Wilderness crown is the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s recently completed gold medal award winning Wilderness Discovery Centre. The Centre is comprised of three sites, the Tree Top Walk, Mt Frankland and Swarbrick. By visiting each one or all of these sites, you will gain an understanding of the Indigenous, natural and cultural wonders of the Wilderness. You can experience the excitement of exploring the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest on the famous 600 metre Tree Top Walk, which has a gentle gradient suitable for children, wheelchairs and the elderly. A walk trail to the Ancient

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Elephant Rocks

Empire Ground walk, takes you around and through some of the giant tingle trees. At Swarbrick, a 500 metre loop walk provides you with spaces for introspective contemplation of the wilderness. It features forest art exhibits and a giant 30 metre long “Wilderness Wall of Perception” which encourages people to explore perspectives of the forest and the Wilderness. Mount Frankland is dominated by an impressive granite peak. It provides a range of walking and viewing opportunities and a multi-million dollar wilderness lookout. So, come on down to the Walpole Wilderness, re-charge your batteries, nurture your own well-being and connect with the environment in a spiritual and enlightening experience. And be careful who you tell, the Wilderness may not be a secret for too long!

For further information, contact the Department of Parks and Wildlife in Walpole 98400 400 or www.dpaw.wa.gov.au Passes available at local tourist centres

Wood Fires & Winter Mists High on a hillside, and nestled among tall eucalypts, with views south across fields and forest to Wilson Inlet, and beyond, to the Southern Ocean, you will find Karma Chalets and Karisma Spa.

ust five km west of Denmark township, and equidistant from Albany and Walpole, you are in the heart of the western South Coast.

Beverley and Don Ford bought the business in 2007. After 18 months and 33,000 km traveling around Australia, they were captivated with the Australian tourism industry and wanted to take those positive feeling as customers and feed them back into the industry as accommodation providers. The location offers a choice of ten eco-certified chalets, spaced around the natural contours of the hillside, and surrounded by trees. Although several of the chalets comfortably sleep up to six guests, they predominantly suit couples. The two most recent additions are smaller, cosier, and more luxurious to better suit a romantic getaway. All the chalets are self-contained and self-catering. They all feature wood fires, a balcony taking in the panoramic southern views, and most chalets have a spa bath as well. Beverley says, “the philosophy is to present the chalets in the way we would like to experience them if we were the traveller”. The location is a great place to enjoy fabulous views, winter mists, the sound of the wind in the trees, and the extraordinary birdlife. Beverley and Don have been running Karma Chalets for more than seven years now, but two years ago reimagined the business to encompass a Day Spa. When expansion plans were under consideration, they decided that rather than build another chalet, it made sense to add value to the guests’ experience, and the result was Karisma Spa. The Spa building is elegant and well-appointed while in keeping with the style of the chalets. You don’t have to be a guest at Karma Chalets to enjoy the spa as day visitors are also welcome by appointment. You can enjoy a range of treatments and therapies including relaxation massage – Swedish style, hot stone, detoxifying, or aromatherapy, as well as the unique Bamboo Fusion massage. Beauty and Body treatments include scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures, hydrotherapy and the Far Infrared Sauna, and there is a range of Spa packages to suit men or women. The star of the facility is the ‘Pamper Pod’ – a body treatment capsule that incorporates Aroma steam,

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Vichy shower, and Hydro-color lighting. There are always great package deals available through the website including the winter super special, which features two nights’ accommodation and a voucher for the Day Spa, a tub of firewood and a bottle of local wine. Beverley says, “We do winter so well in Denmark - much of the rainfall is overnight, and the nights aren’t as cold as Perth, but absolutely perfect for enjoying wood fires, a warm spa bath, and a glass of red wine”. With the proximity to wineries, restaurants and many other attractions, Karma Chalets are a perfect base for exploring the best of what Denmark has to offer. Karma Chalets and Karisma Spa 1572 South Coast Hwy Denmark 9848 1568 - www.karmachalets.com.au

We do winter so well in Denmark.. perfect for enjoying a glass of red wine.

Exotic Creations from the Dark Side You may come looking for a box of chocolates, but you are entering a world of couverture, cacao, and intriguing flavour combinations - and what a delicious and surprising world it is. Dark Side Chocolates are tantalising, stylish treats in a dazzling array of taste combinations.

he only problem will be choosing your favourite or knowing when to stop.

While professional chocolate makers usually emerge from training in the food industry, John Wade draws on 40 years’ experience as a winemaker. He arrived in Denmark 28 years ago, heading west from Victoria to start Howard Park Wines in Denmark. In recent years, he has been contracting winemaker and consultant to several other local wineries. John still makes wine, but six years ago he swerved into chocolate making, which quickly took over his life. As a winemaker, John focused on the palate, flavour, balance, structure and the finest raw ingredients, and this would prove equally valuable in the new realm of chocolate making. Experimentation, curiosity and creativity keep new ingredient combinations developing. Some recipes come quickly; some take weeks of experimenting, but this trial and error can be liberating. For John, preserving the flavours and maintaining the aromatics is also imperative. Perhaps you can imagine how a chocolate filled with lychee puree or lemon myrtle and olive oil, or wattle seed tastes. Until you put one of these exotic creations from Dark Side Chocolates in your mouth, however, your imagination will fall short of the mark. With a carefully chosen Swiss couverture (featuring cacao from Venezuela and other South American regions) as a foundation, John develops fantastic flavour profiles. Examples include sichuan pepper, beetroot and

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shiraz, and even blue cheese. John always wanted to use local flavours and Australian ingredients, and he offers a superb range of bush tucker flavours. These include lemon myrtle, strawberry gum, roasted wattle seed, and native pepper. Traditionalists will still find classic ganache, mint truffle, and coconut cream truffle to savour. While most people would struggle to become a wine connoisseur, as John says, “everybody is an expert on chocolate.” You can see John at work too, as chocolates are made on the premises several days each week. At the start of 2015, Dark Side Chocolates reopened in a new location - the Denmark Visitors Centre – which brings more space and new opportunities. Hot chocolates, iced chocolates and desserts may feature in the future, and John is also considering wine and chocolate tastings down the track. After your visit to Denmark, your cravings for Dark Side Chocolates can still be satisfied by mail order, with orders dispatched to Perth in an overnight express bag. People often tell John he is quite artistic - “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body,” he says. Nevertheless, the chocolates are miniature works of art, imaginatively crafted inside and out, and the unique recipes result in a box of chocolates like no other. Dark Side Chocolates - Denmark Visitor Centre 0407 984 820 john@darksidechocolates.com.au www.darksidechocolates.com.au

Superb range of bush tucker flavours.

Colour to Brighten the Winter World Many people only daydream about making Denmark their home. When Sue Snooks’ husband wanted to fulfil his dream of moving to Denmark, Sue insisted on chasing her dream too – opening a fashion boutique. Snookzy’s appeared on South Coast Hwy in Denmark shortly after, in May 2014.

ue had worked in a friend’s boutique in Mandurah, and with the knowledge and sales experience she had gained, she set about establishing her store in Denmark. Snookzy’s offers an impressive mix of women’s fashion and accessories from day wear through to evening wear. It is important to Sue to cater for all ages and sizes, and keep the stock affordable. She says everyday wear is the most important clothes that people can wear downtown, and not just keep in the wardrobe for best. She makes a point of sourcing styles that will also flatter plus size ladies. Sue believes it is essential that customers “leave with something they feel comfortable in and look good in”. While online shopping is a big part of the fashion retail world now, Sue still finds it is important to see and feel the fabric personally when buying. Sue also sources a range of colours to suit all tastes and colourings - “I love colour”, she says. Although advised not to be too influenced by her personal taste when sourcing her range, Sue found it was important to her that she stocked garments that she would wear herself. In a small community, Sue also found it was smart to change her stock regularly, so customers do not find themselves wearing the same thing as other people they meet. Sue has been thrilled to notice locals bringing their visitors into the shop, and holidaymakers are delighted to find different lines that they don’t see in chain stores and malls in the city.

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Sue is experiencing particular success with the label, Clarity. This collection of versatile, ready to wear pieces in bold patterns and colours, feature a relaxed, chic look, with a focus on flattering combinations to suit plus size women. You will also find labels like Misha, Embellished, Spicy Sugar, and classic brands like Wrangler jeans, and this winter Sue is introducing a range of hats from Avenel of Melbourne. Snookzy’s is starting to cater to the growing demand for ball gowns, while still concentrating on day wear and a supporting range of accessories: handbags, scarves, belts, jewellery and sunglasses. Snookzy’s was quick to display paintings by a local artist in the store, but Sue is keen to join the Art Trail as a venue later this year as well. The future for Sue means building a profile for the boutique, developing her website and adjusting her buying to suit the emerging trends and customer requirements. Meanwhile, her focus is finding styles that flatter any size figure, and lots more colour to brighten the winter world. Purchase an item of clothing and mention the Winter Campaign to receive a free pair of earrings or selected bracelets.

Snookzy’s 6/40 South Coast Hwy, Denmark 9848 1853 www.snookzys.com.au

Styles that flatter any size and figure.

Good food, good wine, good service - all three together consistently is paramount.

Executive Chef Discovers Denmark For a great dining experience, the following are prerequisites; good food, good service and good wine. When Frederick and Jacqueline Kirby opened Kirby’s Restaurant at Rickety Gate Estate in December 2013, all three ingredients came together beautifully.

he story begins with Rickety Gate Wines, which Russell and Linda Hubbard have created from the ground up beginning in 2000, with an ethos of ‘no compromises’. They planted Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and engaged experienced winemaker John Wade to produce a delightful and wide range of premium wines. Then in 2012 the Kirbys discovered Denmark while on holiday. After six years in Perth, they made the decision to move to Denmark, recognising it as a beautiful region, and a better place to raise their son. Frederick’s impressive credentials includes elevated positions at several Michelin starred restaurants in Europe and hotels in his native Ireland, and most recently, his position as Executive Chef at the one of the most prestigious restaurants in the Swan Valley. Frederick’s CV would suggest that he is the most qualified chef working in the Great Southern. When the Kirbys met the Hubbards, they clicked with them immediately, and were equally impressed by the wine, and Rickety Gate soon became their new home. The original focus was establishing a cooking school. The Kirby’s ran three months of cooking classes before moving to the restaurant operation. Cooking classes, which take place over four hours on a Friday night, are very hands-on as up to 12 participants prepare the courses and then sit down to enjoy the meal in the private dining room. Popular cuisines have been Moroccan, Spanish, Rustic Italian, and Classic French, and many

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participants return again and again. Interestingly, more men than women have attended the courses. The focus of the restaurant is Fine Dining, with the main menu featuring 2 or 3 course options, and includes stunning treats such as “Oven roasted Mt Barker chicken fillet with brie mousseline, crushed roast pumpkin and sage, smoked bacon risotto cake and leek cream sauce”. Kirby’s at Rickety Gate quickly hit no.1 on Trip Advisor as the highest-ranked restaurant in Denmark and they have continued to hold that position. Recently, they were also recognised by the Australian Good Food & Travel guide, with a Reader’s Choice award as best restaurant in the Great Southern region. Jacqueline says, “Good food, good wine, good service - all three together, consistently - is of paramount importance to both families” Visitors to Denmark will, however, need to be here over a weekend, to enjoy a meal at Kirby’s and they would be wise to book well in advance so as not to be disappointed. The restaurant and cellar door are open for lunch and tastings on Saturday and Sunday, but dinner only on the first Saturday of each month. Bookings are recommended as they are fortunate to be fully booked most weekends.

Kirby’s at Rickety Gate 1949 Scotsdale Road, Denmark 9840 9967 - www.frederickkirby.com.au www.ricketygate.com.au

Ideal Destination Often our fondest memories are of childhood holidays camping and staying in a caravan park. Camping holidays offer families a place to not only have fun but an opportunity to escape the TV and other devices and get reacquainted with one another.

his timeless experience is still available with the addition of ultra modern updates that today’s holiday maker has come to expect. Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park is located a short distance from Denmark township and only a quick stroll from both Wilson Inlet and Ocean Beach where you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and surfing. Mandy and Michael Barton have been resident managers for over four years and are dedicated to offering the very best holiday experience they can muster. Special requests are always considered and large groups are well catered for. This monster park is meticulously maintained. The powered and unpowered sites are generous and welcome the very largest of tents or a super sized fifth-wheeler. A formal layout in the first area of powered sites, is followed by a more relaxed area among established trees with casual outback unpowered sites around the peppermint grove. The park although recently enjoying a refurbishment still sports a natural feel. Hundreds of kangaroos dot the ground come sundown and birdlife is abundant. Campers and caravanners need not compromise on comfort. The latest amenities blocks are large, clean and light, designed to satisfy modern holiday-makers expectations. The camper’s kitchens feature a number of cook tops, microwaves and fridges. The main kitchen moreover, has a large flat screen TV for those all important sporting events and a warming heater for cooler southern nights. For visitors seeking a more luxurious stay the chalets, some with inlet views and sea glimpses, are dedicated to comfort. All are two-bedroom, self-contained modern units, and two chalets include soothing spa-baths which are perfect after a tiring day of surfing or lunching at one of Denmark’s amazing eateries. The budget minded are not forgotten here with cabins large enough to accommodate a family of six at a nice price but still offering the comforts of home with cooking facilities, a

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bathroom, toilet and lounge contained within. Family fun being ever at the fore front the youngsters and those young at heart will be entertained by facilities including the giant jumping pillow, pedal go-karts, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and miniature golf. You may wish to venture out and enjoy one of the regions premier wineries and here the operator’s offer a free shuttle bus service for guests from the Holiday Park to Boston Brewery at weekends and during peak holiday periods. Whether a brew or a glass of wine is your desire all needs are met at this family friendly micro brewery which is located within Willoughby Park Winery. Meals are a must and littlies are well catered for with the comprehensive children’s menu. Denmark is the ideal destination whatever your flavour. This quaint small southern town has a couple of wine trails, three local chocolate shops including a chocolate lounge, a meadery, a toffee and cider factory, a honey shop, and so much more including many natural attractions. Ocean Beach is renowned for its terrific surfing, fishing and swimming. There are a number of walking tracks in and around Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park including the trek to Monkey Rock. This is a wonderful twenty minute clamber to the most scenic views in the area.

Kangaroos dot the ground come sundown and birdlife is abundant.

As Ocean Beach Holiday Park is a member of BIG4 Holiday Parks, guests can expect a high level of service, a range of facilities, and a friendly atmosphere. During the quieter months, when the weather cools, you can enjoy a relaxed Winter getaway. Ocean Beach is visited by friendly whales from July to October and dolphins can be found there often. Low season specials are often available to entice you to stay a little longer, but another more permanent option is also available. The Holiday Park now includes Denmark Ocean Beach Lifestyle Village, where you can purchase a home and enjoy a long lease on the land, and live like you’re on holiday every day.

Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park 770 Ocean Beach Rd, Denmark 9848 1105 www.denmarkobhp.com.au

Quality of Life Means a Focus on Health It is more what you won’t find in our foods that makes the difference.

In the food journey from paddock to restaurant plate, a chef gets involved just before we eat the meal. So when that chef becomes a supplier of fresh organic, raw ingredients in a retail outlet, it is a story worth noting.

hef, Attila Hagymas, isn’t giving up cooking, he is just taking his belief in healthy, organic, seasonal produce into a new phase. Attila and partner, Ranee Wilson, took over the Denmark Organics store late last year. They believe a focus on quality of life, means a focus on health and nutrition and a lifestyle approach to physical well-being. They know that the best meals are also usually based on the best ingredients - fresh, seasonal, organic and locally produced. Denmark Organics offers a range of fruit and vegetables, biodynamic meats and chicken, local and sustainable seafood and organic groceries. They are sourced direct from the farmer and producers wherever possible, organically and seasonally. Local producers Richard and Valda StuartWilliams from Box Organic; Aard and Eve Brink at Youngs Siding and Lex and Karen Langridge from Karanda Farm in Bornholm; all provide fruit and vegetables. Mike and Barb Shipley from Shipley’s Farm; near Torbay; provide a seasonal supply of pastured eggs, bio-dynamic beef, lamb and pork. Denmark Organics is a locally owned and operated business that, for Attila, is part of being socially responsible and actively involved in the local community.

and has worked and trained with some of the best chefs and in some of the best restaurants in Australia. He is also influenced by his family’s Hungarian heritage, and their love of food and fresh produce. This is not the first food venture in Denmark for Attila and Ranee. They previously converted an old heritage listed house in Denmark into a small, intimate restaurant called Six Triple Three. The restaurant was open for four years and they still use the name for food catering jobs. Attila says, “I believe in keeping food simple and as close to its natural state as possible, free from preservatives, unnecessary processing and artificial ingredients”. “With the growing demand for organic foods, I hope to encourage the community to make positive changes and to make healthy eating a part of their everyday lives.” Ranee believes that achieving a balance of being active and fuelling your body with the right nutrition, is the key to transforming both your body and your mind. Denmark Organics is open six days a week, but Attila still finds time to partner with wineries to provide special event catering and themed dinners.

Attila says, “Our aim is to provide quality ‘real’ food, educating our customers with a focus on regionally sourced, seasonal and sustainably produced ingredients without chemical pesticides or genetic modification.” “It is more what you won’t find in our foods that makes the difference,” he says. Attila has been a qualified chef for over 20 years

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Denmark Organics Shop 3, 27 Strickland St, Denmark. - 98481183 www.denmarkorganics.com

Retailers Unite Didis Boutique - 9848 2118 didisboutique@bigpond.com www.didis.com.au

idis has been a reliable Denmark destination for stylish, casual fashion and accessories since 1990.

Michelle Wright has owned the business for the last ten years, and this high street boutique remains popular with visitors and locals alike.

Beautiful things inspire Liz, especially items that help transform your house into a home.

Didis stocks easy-to-wear pieces that suit the relaxed country lifestyle of Denmark, and the range reflects the needs of our cooler climate and casual atmosphere. Focusing on natural fabrics, the outfits are classic, and styled for an individual look.

Karrisma - 9848 2996 karrismagifts@outlook.com facebook.com/karrismadenmark

alk into MOO’ved Fashion & Art Gallery, and the vibrant colours immediately draw your eye. For seven years, owner Shelley Hughes has sought out colourful, funky, fresh designs. With an emphasis on Australian labels and natural fabrics whenever possible, seasonal outfits for all ages keep customers coming back. The store features labels like Boom Shankar, Seafolly, Vigerella, and even Ben Sherman menswear. Shelley says the clothes need to be appealing and good quality and not generic chain store designs, but Moo’ved balances upmarket flair with affordable prices.

Karrisma is about unique gift ideas, whether local hand-crafted wood products, something for a children’s birthday party, wedding gifts or an irresistible treat for yourself. You can find handmade timber furniture alongside kitchenware, greeting cards, jewellery, and beautiful ornaments and keepsakes.

Didis features labels like Loobie’s Story, Wish, Gordon Smith, Tani Bodywear, and Levis, and caters for guys as well, with Pure Blakk’s dazzling shirts and the casual Levis range.

Again, colour is important, and the patterned Turkish glass bowls and plates are always popular.

Customers enjoy a relaxed in-store shopping experience, and the online store caters to visitors before and after they have visited Denmark.

Karrisma stocks gifts for any occasion and something for everyone’s budget and is a friendly place to browse for that special item.

rriving in Denmark, Karen Short made a splash on the high street with All About Me, a fashion accessory store filled with “beautiful must-haves”. Launched in 2010, All About Me stocks handbags, shoes, jewellery and accessories, but customer demand quickly made shoes the centrepiece of the business. Fly London, Miz Mooz, and Softinos, are some of the sought-after brands you will find here. ‘Funky comfort’ is the key concept, and fresh, enticing colours are also a feature of the eclectic range. When the winter season arrives, it’s all about boots, but demand starts well before then.

Shelley declares, “it’s not about age, it’s about attitude”, and her collections have a fresh, exciting style. With a focus on the ‘wow’ factor, there is no excuse for a grey winter this year.

“Shoes are a very personal thing, so it’s great when a customer is happy”, Karen says.

MOO’ved - 9848 1667 mooved@westnet.com.au www.mooved.webs.com

All About Me - 98483955 info@allaboutme.net.au www.allaboutme.net.au

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iz Svendsen was a regular customer at Karrisma Gallery & Gifts long before she took over the business in 2013.

All About Me has also built a loyal following through the online store and facebook.

Denmark produce is also featured, with a range of honeys, preserves, and hampers.

Kellie Family Stay True to V ision The Kellie family, consisting of James, Careena and five young children came to Denmark in 1998 when James, who had studied to be a winemaker in NSW, came west to work at Howard Park Wines. During this time, he made wine on contract for Harewood, and in 2003, when an opportunity arose to buy the Harewood Estate property on Scotsdale Road , the Kellies took the plunge to develop their own Winery.

t Harewood, the estate vineyard grows Pinot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, but Harewood wines reflect the other sub-regions of the Great Southern, with Porongurup and Mt Barker Rieslings and Shiraz and Cabernets also grown in Mt Barker and Frankland. James sources the best fruit in order to showcase the diversity of the Great Southern Region. It is obviously working as this year he won the JS Gladstones Trophy for Best and Most Distinctive Regional Character at the WA Qantas Wine Show. Harewood Estate has been praised for its consistant production of high quality wines reflected in the ten straight years the winery has held a five red star rating in James Halliday’s wine companion. The cellar door at Harewood Estate is the original old mill house where you can grab a table on the verandah and look out across the vineyard and trout stocked lake, or in Winter, you can sit by the fire and enjoy a glass or two of your favourite wine. Careena has worked at Bartholomew’s Meadery for more than a decade, and when original owner Bart Lebbing wanted to retire, the Kellies bought the Meadery six years ago to add to their hectic lifestyle. Taking on Bartholomew’s was “a good fit”, combining James’ winemaking skills with Careena’s knowledge of the honey business. Over 30 years, the Meadery has become an institution and is famous for the homemade natural honey ice cream, award winning meads (honey wine), and the pure unprocessed honey. Visitors will want to see the glass beehive and try and spot the queen, while the Bartholomew’s beekeepers manage 300 hives, dotted around the Great Southern. With long standing staff, some of who have worked there for up to 20 years, visitors get a more personal service with

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the familiar faces and huge knowledge of the product. Last year, with children leaving the house, and the empty nest looming, they bought a vineyard on Mcleod Road and named it Apricus Hill, (bathed in sunlight in Latin). With the intent for it to be a small brand; cellar door based, with distinctive, low volume, single estate wines. The Apricus Hill vineyard produces Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot and Merlot. With its beautiful, rustic Mediterranean style building, and views over the vineyar, it is a must see destination and can even be used for functions. The Kellies responsibilities have grown, but Careena says, “Wine is what we do, and we do it well, that is the focus, and we’ve stayed true to that vision, it is the reason we started, and it is still what we are doing.”

Harewood Estate 1570 Scotsdale Road, Denmark 9840 9078 Friday- Monday 10-4 School Holidays Daily www.harewoodestate.com.au Apricus Hill 540 McLeod Road, Denmark Friday – Monday 11-5 School Holidays Daily Bartholomew’s Meadery 2620 South Coast Hwy Denmark 9840 9349 Open Seven Days 9.30-4.30, or 9-5 in school holidays www.honeywine.com.au

Grab a table on the verandah and look across the vineyard.

Old Fashioned Business with a Modern Twist A familiar element of the typical Australian holiday in the country is a visit to the local bakery. A holiday in Denmark is no different, except a visit to the Denmark Bakery is no typical experience when you taste their award-winning pies, cakes and breads.

lete O’Brien and Sean Carley, both career bakers who entered apprenticeships straight from school, first crossed paths and became friends in 1992. In 2007, Sean was doing contract work for the previous owners of the Denmark Bakery when the business was put on the market. Sean’s first thought was to get Clete, and his wife Sharon, down to Denmark to join him in a partnership where they could combine their complementary skills and attributes. This would not be a casual enterprise – they decided if it was worth doing, their goal must be ‘to be the best’. The team at Denmark Bakery has since won over 300 awards at state and national championship levels. The blue ribbons, certificates, cups and shields that adorn the walls are a testament to their passion and commitment. While Clete and Sean run the bakehouse, Sharon manages the office and the retail outlet. It’s the shop on Strickland Street where eager customers line up, and here pies are the main game. The range includes traditional pies like Steak, or Steak and Mushroom, and enticing gourmet pies like Lamb and Rosemary, Green Thai Chicken Curry, or Vinda-Roo.

sandwiches and rolls from the salad bar, hot chips, and 5 Senses coffee. Good independent bakers are hard to find in an industry increasingly dominated by supermarket chains and national franchise outlets. Clete says this is an old-fashioned styled business with a modern twist – traditional baking techniques combined with modern processes. There is no room for complacency, and both Clete and Sean, even at this stage of their careers, are still learning. Sean says entering competitions is like a hobby, but also part of their philosophy to constantly test and push themselves. It’s also good for product development, as competitions drive innovation and improvement of both product and process. The Denmark Bakers are passionate about keeping the traditional arts of baking alive, and believe that simplicity done well is the trademark of good baking. Clete says, “Quality beats price every single time” – but ‘pound for pound’ the items at the bakery are also value for money. If you want just one reason to visit the south coast, remember, you can’t try a Denmark Bakery pie unless you come to Denmark. The Bakery is open Monday to Sunday, 7am till 5pm.

Quality control and consistency are very important to these bakers, and they only use the best quality ingredients. Sausage rolls and pasties, including the popular Spinach, Ricotta and Feta (Spelt) Pasty, round out the range. All Denmark Bakery breads are baked fresh daily and feature both traditional and specialty loaves, including sourdough and spelt loaves. In addition, you will find fresh made

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Denmark Bakery 27 Strickland St, Denmark 9848 2143 www.denmarkbakery.com.au

Simplicity well done is the trademark of baking.

Little Slice of Heaven

Photo Chris Moore

Planning to get married at Tree Elle Retreat in 2011, Kim Gardner and Peter Wimsett found the property was for sale. They already loved the place, and when approval was official, they told friends and family, “the wedding is cancelled, we bought the venue instead.”

im Gardner says she could not resist the chance to chase their dreams and own “a little slice of heaven”.

with a lot of the guests, and they are known for personalising the local map to suit interests or show them what they call the local ‘secrets’.

Having holidayed in Denmark for years, the nearby convergence of rivers, inlets, ocean, beaches, and forests, made it a dream destination.

Tree Elle is very family friendly but operates equally well as a romantic getaway for couples.

The Tree Elle property features a stunning 5 acres of European-style gardens set against the backdrop of the Walpole Wilderness and Irwin Inlet. The grounds are arranged into interconnecting garden ‘rooms’ with different plantings and distinct moods, and populated with a remarkable collection of trees, as well as a productive orchard and vegetable beds. Kim says the gardens have an Alice in Wonderland feel, with a semi-formal mix of English and French style. Tree Elle Retreat focuses on luxury short stay accommodation in a magical garden setting, making this a unique venue for a holiday in the Great Southern. You have a choice of three Lofthouses or the Barnhouse – all are two-story, with bedrooms upstairs, and views of the wilderness and Irwin Inlet. The Barnhouse sits at the centre of the gardens, and the Lofthouses adjoin the field where the farm animals range. Each house is spacious and fully self-contained, and this 26 bed venue also features a spa and massage studio. In the Secret Garden, you will find a delightful hideaway with a coffee machine - this ‘Coffee Coop’ is another little extra treat for the guests. These well-appointed holiday houses also provide all the little things that you wish you’d packed, making it a real home away from home. Winter is a quieter time, and a favourite time for Kim and Peter, where you can enjoy mild days and retreat inside to a fireplace at night with views that allow you to see the weather or the stars. The gardens in Winter are a different experience too, as the grounds are carpeted in fallen leaves. Kim and Peter have a habit of becoming friends

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While the houses are close, they are quiet, and you’ll hardly know anyone else is there. Guests are encouraged to forage in the Potager garden and the ‘fruit-salad’ orchard, collect eggs and meet the farm animals (alpaca, Dorper sheep, turkeys, geese and chickens). Tree Elle is a lovely venue for weddings and other functions, and Open Garden events can be enjoyed during the year. Kim says, “Our job, if you can call it a job, is to share this beautiful part of the world with visitors”.

Tree Elle Retreat 4993 South Coast Hwy, Bow Bridge 9840 8471 www.treeelle.com

Alice in Wonderland feel, with a semi-formal mix of English and French style.

Dark Horse in an Idyllic Setting Viv and Phil Snowden’s retirement was never going to be about winding down after they bought a vineyard on 32 hectares in Denmark in 2007. Phil says the property had ‘good bones’ but needed much work, “When we pruned the first vine, we realised we were in the wine business”. The future Singlefile Wines was going to be a long-term project that would need the whole family on board and a solid team in support.

hey soon brought in experts to prune the vines, engaged a consultant, and contracted a winemaker. However, as Phil says, “90% of the business is selling the wine, not producing the wine.”

indoors in front of the open fireplace, this is a place to linger a while.

Daughter, Pam, and son-in-law Patrick Corbett manage the business and national sales, building the label’s profile and developing markets in Perth, and now across Australia.

You may also wish to wander over the hillside, among the vines, in search of the famous ‘Singlefile’ geese.

Chardonnay grapes are grown on the Singlefile property while other varieties are sourced from individual vineyards throughout the Great Southern to complete the range of wines. As well as Denmark Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, they produce a Porongurup Riesling, Pemberton Fume Blanc, and Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. It is easy to be wowed by the awards and accolades Singlefile Wines has collected in its brief life. They were recognised as Dark Horse Winery of the Year in James Halliday’s 2014 Wine Companion, achieved equal highest score for their ‘Vivienne’ Chardonnay in a national survey by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and overall chardonnay champion for their ‘Family Reserve Chardonnay’ in the 2015 Canberra Winewise Championship. Numerous trophies and gold medals attest to the fact they are creating something special. This would be reason enough to visit the cellar door, located ten km from the centre of town, but it would only be half the story. The winery is located in an idyllic setting in the Scotsdale Valley. The delightful cellar door complex sits in the hillside with views over the grapevines to the nearby Karri and Marri trees. You can expect a warm welcome from Viv Snowden and cellar door manager Tash McCarthy and the team. You soon feel part of the family. Whether sitting outside on a sunny day or relaxing

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In the winter, you can make the most of this quieter time to savour the wines and chat with your hosts.

Enjoy the wines, perhaps with a platter to share, a steaming bowl of homemade soup in winter or coffee, and ponder the significance of the motto, Semper Superne Nitens (‘pursuit of excellence’). Reflecting on the lessons of the early years, Phil says, “if a wine is successful, you probably haven’t made enough, and if it is not successful, you’ve made way too much.” Today visitors can share the rewards of this family’s commitment to quality without compromise. The Singlefile Wines are available seven days a week at the cellar door, and through their website and cellar club. Singlefile Wines – 90 Walter Road, Denmark 9840 9749 www.singlefilewines.com

Wander over the hillside among the vines, in search of the famous Singlefile geese.

Hub for Art, Food and Coffee Built in 1926, today the historic Butter Factory is a destination for Art, Food and Coffee as the venue for Mrs Jones Café.

li Osborne and her family moved to the South Coast following her husband’s transfer to the Denmark Agricultural college. Soon after arriving, and following years in the catering industry, Ali recognised the opportunity to open her own cafe for the first time – Mrs Jones Cafe. Ali had always known that she wanted to create a cosy, relaxed, vintage-styled space with authentic, home-style cooking. The cafe opened in 2011 after Ali fully refurbishing the space with her family over the winter. Taking its cues from the R&B classic of the same name, Mrs Jones is a bit retro and aims to create a smooth, easy going, soulful vibe. With this in mind the philosophy is simple – fresh, honest, delicious food, made with the best local ingredients. Because of the seasonal nature of produce, the lunch menu is changed regularly, but continues to bring back crowd favourites like the scotch fillet baguette, filled with slow roasted tomatoes, beetroot relish, feta and mixed leaves. The breakfast menu has only been tweaked slightly since the cafe opened, ensuring that favourites like the Eggs Benedict and Quinoa porridge are always available.

Everything is lovingly made inhouse, and there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, lactose and gluten-free options available. Mrs Jones serves organic Yahava coffee and, as a licensed cafe, also features a range of locally produced wines. The Osborne’s have always been a hospitality family, and after years of working together catering, Ali had envisioned working with her children when she opened the cafe. Today, daughter Edie works both on the cafe floor and behind the scenes, son Ned is the apprentice Chef, and the rest of the family often spend their holidays in the cafe. Ali feels a family run business helps to foster a feeling of community and continuity within the business, or as daughter Edie says “we know the customers and the customers know us”, the patrons and staff both enjoy this personal connection. With a number of tables available inside (and a log fire in winter), or out on the deck, this is the perfect place to relax with coffee and something to eat during your visit. Mrs Jones Cafe is open 7am – 4pm seven days a week for breakfast and lunch.

Mrs Jones Cafe - Mt. Shadforth Road - 9848 1882 info@mrsjonescafe.com - www.mrsjonescafe.com

Established in 2011 by Robyn Lees and Nikki Green, the Butter Factory Studios & Gallery began as a cooperative of five artists, but today has grown to nine members and is home to a diverse and exciting range of visual art.

rtists tend to lead a solitary existence, so the cooperative brings them into an open studio space and gives them the chance to interact with the viewing public.

The Butter Factory Studios & Gallery has become a Denmark cultural hub - both a meeting place and a workplace it is a sanctuary for visitor and artist alike. Hosting regular art workshops and monthly life drawing sessions, as well as exhibitions, book launches, poetry readings, music and dance events. The gallery features the work of artists, Robyn Lees, Nikki Green, Helmie van Melle, Barb Thayne, Alison Kershaw, Gabriele Gehlhaar, Janine McCrum, Melissa Boughey, and Anwen Handmer. Open every day (except Tuesdays during the school terms) from 10am – 4pm. In addition to a range of unique contemporary fine art, the gallery also sells reproduction prints, cards and printed textiles. Mention the Denmark Winter campaign for a 10% discount on any workshops and selected items at the Butter Factory Studios throughout the winter months. Offer lasts until October 30 2015.

Butter Factory Studios & Gallery - Mt Shadforth Road, at rear - nikki@nikkigreen.com.au - www.butterfactorystudios.com Page 15 | Denmark Winter

Brewery Styled Winery In any gathering of wine lovers, there is one among them who would rather be drinking beer, and vice versa in any group of beer drinkers. At Willoughby Park Winery– Boston Brewery, all tastes are catered for under the one roof.

ob and Marilyn Fowler first made a connection with Denmark in 2006 when they bought the Ocean Beach Holiday Park. In 2009 another opportunity arose when the former West Cape Howe Winery came up for sale. The Fowler family took over and Willoughby Park Winery was born. It quickly expanded to include a microbrewery and restaurant; together known as Boston Brewery. Today, daughter Jessica Fowler oversees operations alongside the winemaker, Luke Eckersley, brewer, Tyson Addy, and head chef, Damien Gates. Willoughby Park Wines and Boston Brewery offer one complete experience for guests of all ages. It is here you can taste the wines, sample the beers, and relish a delicious meal while the kids enjoy the terrific children’s indoor play area and outdoor playground. As Jessica says, “if the kids are happy, the family is happy”. At the cellar door visitors can sample a range of excellent Willoughby Park wines. The estate label wines feature fruit from the Willoughby Park vineyard and selected grapes from other Great Southern vineyards. The IronRock and Kalgan River labels represent single vineyard wines from the highly regarded Kalgan River vineyard the Fowlers bought to ensure consistent supply of high quality fruit. Lovers of craft beers will find a brew to savour from Boston Brewery’s boutique range. An award winning lager, wheat beer, or IPA are usually on offer, amongst a changing roster of new styles. Alternatively, you may be tempted by the oldfashioned pleasures of ginger beer. The future

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holds great excitement with packaged beer distribution reaching Perth and beyond. Across from the bar, the ‘on view’ restaurant kitchen is preparing delicious meals seven days a week, including the popular wood-fired pizzas. In Summer, simple but tasty meal choices dominate the menu to suit the large crowds. During the quieter winter months, you can enjoy a relaxed experience with the creative and intricate menu next to an open log fire. Open seven days, on weeknights during winter from May to October, the venue observes a 7pm close. However, every Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy Boston Brewery from 10am till 10pm, and 9pm on Sunday. Live music features fortnightly on a Saturday - in summer outside on the stage, but inside during the winter from 4-7pm. Enjoy the wine, beer, food and atmosphere at Willougby Park Winery – Boston Brewery on your next visit to Denmark.

Willoughy Park Winery – Boston Brewery 678 South Coast Hwy, Denmark 9848 1555 www.willoughbypark.com.au

If the kids are happy, the family is happy.

Relaxed Dining Annette and Dave Lane live and breathe hospitality. After years managing pubs in England, they built a loyal following here during the four years they ran the Denmark Tavern. Seeking a new venture that better suited their vision, they launched Castelli Lodge Bar and Bistro in 2014 on the grounds of Castelli Estate, just five minutes from the centre of town.

his family run business has Dave in the kitchen and Annette managing the front of house operations and accommodation. Their daughter has also now joined the kitchen team.

Castelli’s offer bistro-style food where the focus is on home-style cooking and value for money.

“It’s why we came up here - we’ve always wanted to do accommodation, and it’s small-scale, and we’ve always wanted to be small, something we can run ourselves as a family business”, Annette says.

You can find mouth-watering dishes like slowroasted lamb shank, cassoulet, or grilled barramundi with king prawns.

The refurbished Lodge houses the accommodation and the bar and bistro. The bar also doubles as a cellar door for the award winning range of Castelli Wines. The five Lodge guest rooms - four queens and one king bedroom - offer comfort, luxury and privacy, and includes breakfast in the bistro.

This is a more relaxed style of dining, occupying a middle ground between a pub experience and fine dining.

There are options to suit vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diners, and the kitchen is happy to tailor a dish to suit a guest’s needs.

The Bar and Bistro are open seven days a week, for lunch and dinner, and breakfast by appointment.

The view from the alfresco area is terrific. It has great ambience with sofas to relax in all year round, and there is plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run around.

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Please note Castelli Lodge Bar and Bistro will be closed for three weeks in July.

Accompany your meal with a selection from the 23 different Castelli Estate wines on offer. Because Castelli’s operates with a tavern licence, it is a versatile venue for a drink, wine tasting or a meal.

Comfort, luxury and privacy including breakfast.

The Tudor-style buildings on Mt Shadforth at Castelli Estate may have just been a curiosity in the past, but now visitors have a reason to take a second look.

The menu features Mt Barker free-range chicken, lamb from Manjimup, Exmouth king prawns, and NT Barramundi - an Australian focus, with local produce wherever possible.

Sitting atop Mt Shadforth, and with excellent views north across the vineyard, this is a great place to stay.

The restaurant seats 40 in the covered alfresco area and 36 inside.

Visit or stay at Castelli’s during the winter months and you can enjoy excellent wine and delicious food with friends or family in front of the big open fireplace.

Castelli Lodge Bar & Bistro 390 Mt Shadforth Rd Denmark 9848 3174 www.castellilodge.com.au

Nirvana Found on Do orstep More than 20 years ago Melissa Boughey and David Britten regularly holidayed on the South Coast, drawn to the natural beauty of the area, and looking for a place to call home, raise their family, and ideally earn a living from the land.

fter a couple of years travelling up and down the Albany Highway, snatching long weekends when there were none, they left inner city Perth and bought a farm 35 km west of Denmark, a property of 105 acres adjacent to the Kent River. Having travelled the globe seeking ‘nirvana’, David says they found the perfect place right on their doorstep. Partly cleared, but with plenty of remnant natural vegetation, and bordered by a nature reserve, the farm also included a 1920s group settlement farmhouse.

Moombakiwhere the river meets the sky.

In one of their first measures in 1996, they effectively planted a forest, of mixed species eucalyptus, including rare Tingle. During the early years, they also got actively involved in the community (particularly about logging practices in native forests) while raising their three boys on the farm, before becoming seriously interested in wine production. Moombaki Wines, which began to evolve in 1997, takes its name from a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘where the river meets the sky’. The vineyard was planted on a previously cleared north-facing hillside, with gravelly soils, in typical Jarrah country, and David says they planted what the soil indicated (and what David liked to drink). The fruit is primarily reds (plus some Chardonnay): Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Shiraz.

Moombaki Wines 341 Parker Road, Kentdale 9840 8006 www.moombaki.com For Melissa’s artwork: www.melissaboughey.com

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David and Melissa’s guiding principle is “producing clean fruit”; the vineyard is essentially organically managed, although David prefers the terms ecological and sustainable. The healthy wetland downslope from the vineyard and the farm is a testament to the care they take. The clean waters of the wetland are rich in longnecked turtles, marron, native fish, swamp hens

and ducks and nesting spoonbills. Being small allows them to focus on the details they grow about 5 acres of vines, which are handpicked, and hand-pruned. Working with James Kellie at Harewood Estate, they pursue minimal intervention winemaking, believing that if the fruit is clean, the flavours and individual character of the site can be better expressed. Endorsement by James Halliday with five red stars in the Australian Wine Companion is a tribute to their efforts. Good consistency across their range, year in year out, has cemented their reputation. The cellar door is open seven days a week but is just one part of their overall sustainable farm lifestyle. Moombaki produces a regular newsletter about life on the farm, in the vineyard, garden, and kitchen, which reflects their authentic, quirky style and is distributed to their loyal followers. During seasonal downtime, David makes timber furniture from fallen trees he has milled (mostly commissions), and Melissa, who has a degree in fine arts, produces large abstract paintings and a range of mixed media works which are available at the cellar door, the Butter Factory Studios, and at Margaret River Gallery. Their cellar door also features other local artisans including the woodwork of well-known Tony Docherty. Annual visitors include students from the Resilient Regions course at Murdoch University, studying examples of sustainable agriculture, water catchment management and eco-entrepreneurial activities. David and Melissa have made a connection and a commitment to the land, and as a visitor, you can get a taste of this Moombaki experience, and share the distinctive sense of place, when you visit the cellar door and try their wines.

Boutique Lodge with Outstanding V iews Like many before them, and many since, Michelle and Kane Randle escaped the city and embraced life on the South Coast in Denmark. Chimes Spa Retreat had its beginnings 20 years ago when Michelle and Kane imagined a new form of accommodation for Denmark - more than a B & B, but not as formal as a hotel.

The Day Spa is a little different, as the focus has been on couples.

uying land high atop Mt Shadforth and only five km from town, they built Chimes as a seven room architect - designed boutique Lodge, but within two years they expanded to ten rooms. Chimes’ deluxe spa suites include Queen or King garden suites, King ocean view suites with balcony, and two multi-level tower suites - all rooms have a spa bath. This style of accommodation suits visitors who don’t want to cook, or self-cater. Your booking includes a complimentary gourmet breakfast served in the guest lounge area. Guests can then venture further afield for lunch, and dinner, or platters can be ordered in. Chimes is well situated for access to local restaurants and wineries. Chimes is targeted at the getaway market couples, singles, or friends - and is perfect for a romantic retreat. The grounds include landscaped gardens with ponds and a swimming pool, and the Lodge has a reading room, as well as the lounge to relax in. Chimes also features outstanding views south to Wilson Inlet and beyond to the Southern Ocean. Michelle says it was an inspiration to combine Beauty Therapy with the Lodge, and by 2002 they had added the Day Spa. Michelle, who has been a beauty therapist for 35 years, relished the opportunity to develop a distinctive holiday accommodation experience combined with a Day Spa, in the spirit of nurturing and pampering and genuine care for people. The Day Spa is a little different too, as the focus

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has especially been on couples. It’s very much about doing things together, as a couple, or friends, mother/daughter, or in small groups. There are lots of Day Spa packages to choose from, which may include scrubs, wraps, showers, facials and several forms of massage. Two years ago the Hamam (Turkish Bath), was opened and is a unique experience in WA (and only the second one in Australia). This increasingly popular variant of the communal sauna has elements of the ancient Roman baths. The Hamam is a large steam room with hot spa, warm bath, cold plunge pool, and a heated stone massage table. The Hamam experience is very social and fun, can accommodate up to 16 people, and is available with or without spa treatments. Michelle says it is a lovely thing to do in winter, and on cooler days. Michelle loves being an ambassador for Denmark, interacting with the guests, advising them on the best activities and places to visit, to make a full, rich day. Then in the evening, guests can retreat indoors and enjoy a candlelit glass of port in the lounge or relax in the luxurious comfort of their rooms.

Chimes Spa Retreat 467 Mt Shadforth Road Denmark 9848 2255 www.chimes.com.au

A Sanctuary for Bo ok Lovers From the moment you enter this stylish bookshop, reminiscent of a bygone era, you know its creator Melissa Thompson is passionate about books.

t Tea House Books you’ll find an eclectic collection of books to choose from covering the latest releases, classic favourites and beautiful children’s titles. When it comes to finding a book where you’ve only half the title or no author, or you’re after an out-of-print or rare work, place your trust in Melissa, as she leaves no stone unturned in tracking down elusive titles or authors. Melissa and husband Nathan moved to Denmark in 2006 for a tree change, and Tea House Books was created just a few months later with the couple tag-teaming the demands of the business and a family of four boys for the first few years. Tea House Books is now celebrating 9 years operating in Denmark, the event marked by recently moving to roomier premises on Hollings Road, across from the picturesque Denmark River. This has afforded the opportunity to extend the product range, to bring in unique gifts for the most passionate bibliophile as well as open a café to compliment the business. Melissa’s Tea House Books staff team has also expanded in number. Having been selected for their passion and knowledge of books, the book team maintains Melissa’s principles of the right book for the right person while the café’s barista team are dedicated about providing a great coffee experience. Proudly using BioBean’s fair-trade and organic coffee beans, the team serve up the perfect brew as well as offering tasty treats.

World Class Performance Now in its 11th year, The Denmark Festival of Voice has grown into one of the state’s premier winter events.

n recent years the festival has branched out from its choral roots to encompass soloists and ensembles in a range of styles, as well as performers of the spoken word.

World class performances combine with stimulating workshops and the free festival fringe, with the party continuing into the night at the Festival Club in the Old Butter Factory. This year’s Festival brings together music from around the world, including Riley Lee, Tenzin Choegyal, James Khidir, and Michael Askill’s interpretation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Tara Tiba’s shades of jazz with a Persian twist, opera singer Heather Lee’s ethereal explorations of India and the mystical writings of Hildegard von Bingen, Miriam Liebermann’s intriguing blending of classical and earthy African instruments, Bukhuchuulun Ganburged’s Mongolian throat-singing and horse-head fiddle and spirited Celtic band Sparrow are among other attractions. Noongar voices are also to the fore with writer Kim Scott, the Embers of Loretta ensemble, John Bennett and the debut of ten piece ensemble Moombaki. Choirs will be singing all over town with a host of choral workshops on offer including the epic Big Sing. Male and female national barbershop champions – TLA Quartet and Hi-Jinx will also be battling it out at the Festival Club. Every year hundreds of people come together to watch, listen, learn, laugh, share their stories and sing their hearts out – why not be one of them?

Denmark Arts - 9848 3623 www.denmarkfestivalofvoice.com.au Page 20 | Denmark Winter

Tea House Books - 6 Hollings Road 9848 1801 - teahousebooks@bigpond.com.au www.facebook.com/pages/Tea-House-Books