Tales and Trails Margaret River Region Magazine - Autumn Winter 2023

WADANDI BOODJA

The Wadandi people are the traditional custodians of the south west of Western Australia. Wadandi Boodja means Saltwater People’s Country.

‘Whilst living, travelling, visiting and holidaying on Wadandi Boodja, we ask that you respect the area and walk softly on the country taking time to listen to Boodja (Country) as she Wongi (talks) of the season, and leave nothing but footprints.’

Pibulmun Wadandi Yunungjarli Elder

Wayne Webb

ABORIGINAL SEASONS

djeran / April - May

Djeran signifies the start of cooler weather. Djeran is noted for south westerly winds, an abundance of native flowers in bloom and trees in fruit. Native fruits like zamia, palm nuts and tubers are collected at this time, with the season being very popular for fishing in rivers, dams and the ocean.

Thank you to all our contributors

Makuru / June - July

Makuru is cold with the first of the heavy rains and storms occurring more frequently as Boodja (Country) cools down. Many local Wadandi people moved to inland areas at this time to find shelter and escape the storms coming off the Southern Ocean. With the cold, coastal winds prevailing, the Yonga Booka (kangaroo skin cloak) was turned inside out so that the fur was against the skin, while the outside was oiled to provide waterproof protection.

djilba / August - September

As the days start to warm up, explosions of wildflowers bloom in the south west over Djilba. Yonga Marra (Kangaroo Paw) begins to flower yellow blossoms. This is a transitional time of year with some cold and clear days, rainy and windy days and an occasional sunny day. The controlled burning from previous seasons brings lush growth of green grasses which attracts animals. The Kyooya (frog) can be heard from the wetlands.

Learnmoreatundalup.com

Cally Browning, Sophie Mathewson, Lizzy Pepper, Tom de Souza, Tim Campbell, Rachel Claire, Janine Pittaway, Sarah Robinson, Gemma Lamplough, Dianne Bortoletto, Fergal Gleeson, Emily Kurys-Romer, Tilly Kelleher, Madeline Lyons, Sarina Kamini, Lisa Ikin, Alison Pace, Taya Reid.

Cover Artwork: Ian Mutch.

Tales and Trails is proudly brought to you by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, Premium Publishers and Vanguard Press. For advertising enquiries contact Natalie Du Preez: natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au

The Wadandi people follow a six-season calendar. This autumn and winter you’ll experience Djeran, Makuru, and Djilba

ian mutch

Creativity and art forms part of the heartbeat of the Margaret River Region. And it’s a pulse that has become a movement over the last few years. Ian Mutch is part of that movement, using the destination’s iconic natural elements as a part of his work.

Chances are you’ve admired his work; life-size whales on the Busselton Jetty, black cockatoos adorning the Dunsborough Hall and on Margaret River Main Street, the whimsical beach character on the side of RetraVision in Busselton, or sipped from a CBCo Small Ale can, designed in collaboration with Emergence Creative.

His cover image in this edition of Tales & Trails features local native flora of peppi, banksia, and marri.

Ian took 5 to give us some of his local favourites about the Margaret River Region.

1. What’s your favourite beach? Bunker Bay – white sands, turquoise water. It’s unbeatable.

2. Where do you always take visitors? I’ll always take my visitors to different short walks along the Cape to Cape track.

3. Top 3 local food experiences?

There are so many to mention. Here’s three that come to mind off the top of my head: Goanna Gallery, Fishbone and Blue Manna.

4. Best fun in the region without spending a cent?

Definitely gotta be walking on Big Rock, swimming or surfing, or visiting Margaret River Open Studios in September.

5. Favourite time of year? Autumn. Winds calm off, beautiful weather and great swells.

6. Best place to watch the sunset? Rabbit Hill, Yallingup.

7. Favourite artistic adventure? Creating my signature giant beach drawings. Or painting in abandoned places.

8. You can’t leave the Margaret River Region without… Taking in the ocean.

IMAGE Russel Ord

For over 50,000 years the Margaret River Region has supported one of the world’s longest, unbroken human occupations, resulting in an immensely deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land.

It is the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People.

The Margaret River Region is a living and breathing embodiment of ancient geography and Wadandi song lines. Natural beauty, abundance of space, fine wine and fresh coastal air make a holiday here the remedy to modern life.

Telephone: (08) 9780 5911

Email: welcome@margaretriver.com

Web: margaretriver.com

WHAT’SNew

Zippy e-scooters, walking brunches and a plethora of new boutique bars – there’s plenty of exciting experiences and new offerings to keep you delighted on holidays. Here’s a wrap up of must-try new stuff to discover.

WORDS | LIZZY PEPPER

// TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

Hire an e-scooter to zip around Dunsborough, Busselton and along the coastal path in between. It’s an exhilarating way to check out the foreshore and the scooters are easy to hire through the Neuron app.

Need to leave the driving and decisions to someone else? Let the WSET accredited wine educators from Up Close and Local Tours take you on an all-inclusive tour, to really make the most of your visit to our world-famous wine region. Pickup available in Perth or Margaret River.

Kellie Tannock’s much-loved Walk Talk Taste Brunch Tour is back every Friday following a Covid hiatus. Expect more than just delectable sipping and grazing; ex-journo and gifted storyteller Kellie shares secrets and surprises from the region’s history, industry and culture.

You may have picked up fresh Jardin Estate cheese at the Margaret River Farmers Market, or read about their gold medal wins in the Delicious Produce Awards. Now you can spend a day on the farm learning to make feta, haloumi or ricotta at Jardin Estate’s new Cheese School. Workshops include all recipes and a take home bag.

// WINE PARADISE

A handful of wine and cocktail bars, a traditional tap house, a cellar door and several distilleries have popped up in recent months.

Gralyn Estate will be making available a series of limited edition back vintage ports to taste when booking their Premium Fortified Experience. The private tasting is held in their original underground cellar door, which was opened in 1978 - and was the first of its kind in the region. Visitors can also taste a selection of their award-winning barrel aged fortified wines and specially selected food matches.

Pearl’s Bar at the top end of Margaret River town is a charming little spot for a glass of wine, a classic cocktail, and a few small plates to share.

Step inside the nautical themed Rhum Burgundy, a collaboration between the cocktail king of Margaret River Billy Phillips and alt variety winemakers LS Merchants.

The Servo Taphouse in Cowaramup showcases breweries from Sweden, New Zealand, England and Australia across 15 frequently changing taps.

Retired West Coast Eagles Josh Kennedy and Chris Masten teamed up with master distiller Greg Garnish to launch Beyond Distilling and their trademark JK17 gin. 17 botanicals and grain grown in the Mid-West go into this tripledistilled boutique spirit. Open for tastings in Busselton.

West Winds Gin has been crafted in the region for over a decade, and their new Cowaramup Distillery and Tavern are now open for tastings and meals.

Proving that Witchcliffe is Winetown, Dark Horse Winery nominee South by South West have opened their new cellar door on Wickham Road.

Swings & Roundabouts Yallingup have doubled the size of their nature playground, with new additions to climb on and crawl through. Double the reason to visit for pizza and wine!

Maison Lassiaille

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Swings & Roundabouts

// COFFEE & CAKE

Nomad Café at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse offers superb Yahava coffee, brunchy snacks and delicious lunches in a limestone lightkeeper’s cottage. Grab a bite before climbing the lighthouse or setting off on a Cape to Cape walk.

Love High Tea? You’re in for a treat at Maison Lassiaille and Rivendell Winery Estate. Maison Lassiaille’s new High Tea showcases fine French patisserie with dainty egg sandwiches embellished with gold leaf, petite pannacotta and tiny truffled quiche. BYO bubbles, bookings essential. Or, enjoy high tea at Rivendell Winery Estate where a glass of sparkling is included along with local cheese, sandwiches and jewel-like desserts.

Elski Danish Ice Creamery is where the Dunsborough locals spent summer! Merchant & Maker’s Danish owners bring the best of European gelato bars to their latest venture, and luscious flavours include lemon elderflower, pineapple basil and strawberry watermelon sorbets.

Two Seas Collective melds coffee and ceramics in a cute Augusta café. Clay artist Kaya serves 5 Senses coffee and scrumptious homemade treats such as mandarin and lime blossom, peach galette and Persian love cake.

// DINING

Eagle Bay Brewing Co have a heavenly new playground for the kids. It’s proven to be a massive hit for families over the summer so be sure to visit with little ones. The brewery launched their new Wheatbelt Lager in March. It’s a true ‘paddock to pint’ brew, with the malt sourced from a local farmer in Wagin, who’s also a Dunsborough resident.

Pies & Ale serves up handmade pies “worth driving from Perth for” in the quiet surrounds of Boranup Forest. Tuck into the classics or go for a quirkier option such as Burger Boy featuring a whole cheeseburger patty encased in shortcrust.

Ooze & Tang is a new neighbourhood restaurant in Abbey loved by locals for impeccable French-influenced food and service. Isaac and Emily come from Yarri and Side Street Project and we’re excited to see how this new project evolves.

Rosie’s Café Deli serves brekkie, lunch and dinner on the main strip of Cowaramup. Think lovely French toast, chilli scrambled eggs and grilled polenta topped with asparagus.

ABOVE: Two Seas Collective in Augusta is a real delight. Breakfasts are healthy and the coffee and cakes lovingly made.

At long last, Yarri lunches and courtyard snacks are back every Friday and Saturday. It’s been nearly three years, but well worth the wait. Dining with a view of the wildflowers, sedges and creek is one of Dunsborough’s most underrated experiences.

Looking for an easy in-house dining option? Look no further than breakfast, lunch and food hampers by The Little Farm. Organic eggs, seasonal fruit and veg, hand crafted relishes, pickles and cheeses are all lovingly sourced from local growers, chefs, winemakers and artisans.

its diverse art representation one stop gallery destination

// ACCOMMODATION

Furniture and also exhibits an Glass, Sculpture, Ceramic,

You’ve heard it here first; there’s a new adults-only luxury eco-tent retreat tucked in Busselton’s quiet hinterland. Willow Wood Glamping Retreat has 10 gorgeous boho-styled tents, generously spaced for maximum privacy and tranquillity. Set to open April 2023.

Two new Private Properties luxury holiday homes share incredible Geographe Bay beachfront locations. In one of Old Dunsborough’s most enviable locations is new-build holiday home, Novella. Soak up the bay views from this modern, minimalistic home that sleeps eight in four bedrooms with three bathrooms. Summer of 81’s retro brick and timber accommodation is situated right on the coastline too. The home has three living spaces and a swimming pool.

Wilhelm, Peter Scott, Luciano, Daniel Fisher, Russell Ord, Karen Seaman, Henschke, David Giles, Liv

Some fantastic new playgrounds have emerged at venues around the region – including the Eagle Bay Brewing pirate ship above.

Jahroc’s unique collaborative approach with offers the viewer an opportunity to observe a crossing of genres and through their expansive galleries, to visualize how furniture and art pieces might work together in their own home or office.

Mitchell and Leanne Pearson feature in the Easter exhibition, followed by Kim Maple, Shabbi and Liz McKay in July. They’re also working on a new student mentorship program and exhibition – watch this space.

JahRoc Galleries has Lauren Wilhelm and Sam Broadhurst exhibiting in March and Easter respectively, before hosting their final show featuring Larry Mitchell, Helen Norton and Ingrid Windram. After 20 wonderful years on the main street of Margaret River, JahRoc will close their retail gallery space at the end of June.

Light Heart Collective is a retro-industrial studio space in Vasse designed to bring people together with creative workshops, craft parties and kids’ classes in basket making, macrame and weaving.

// ART, CRAFT & SHOPPING

John Miller marks 50 years of jewellery making this year with a limited edition 50th anniversary collection. Pop into his Yallingup studio to browse silver and gold cuffs, pendants and earrings or design a custom-made piece embossed with West Australian flora, fauna and cultural emblems. All John’s jewellery produced this year features a 50th anniversary hallmark.

Yallingup Galleries has a new coffee shop and sculpture trail in the shade of the peppermint trees surrounding the gallery. Artists Larry

Drapery Co on the main street of Margs is the new place for a spot of retail therapy. Shop for clothing, hats, colourful gifts and cute homewares. Then pop across to The Little Press for handmade greeting cards, notebooks and to order custom letterpress stationery.

Marritree Fine Art & Books is yet another worthy addition to Witchcliffe’s thriving township. Set within the historic Darnell’s Trader alongside Amato Vino’s Urban Cellar, it’s brimming with books and art, and plans for writing workshops, music and poetry events are in the works.

Galleries in Margaret River today all that do leave inspired.

Private Properties

THE

END OF A

THE END OF A JAHROC CHAPTER

JAHROC CHAPTER

JahRoc Galleries Main Street Retail will close 30 June 2023

JahRoc Galleries is widely known for its diverse art representation and its cutting edge furniture designs. Situated in the heart of Margaret River, it is a one stop gallery destination that is home to their own line of JahRoc Fine Furniture and also exhibits an inspiring collection of Fine Art, Paintings, Art Glass, Sculpture, Ceramic, Fine Jewellery & Argyle Diamonds.

www.jahroc.com.au for times.

JahRoc Furniture (est.1987) have forged a reputation as Western Australia’s leading furniture designer/makers with Gary Bennett and David Paris working together producing bespoke fine furniture pieces that have been acquired by collectors around the globe. With over 50 industry awards, the JahRoc design team are by far the most highly awarded furniture makers in Australia. Using ethically sourced local hardwoods, JahRoc’s Furniture is often described as “functional art”.

JahRoc have enjoyed a hugely successful retail arts presence for over 30 years and will be closing their iconic main street gallery on the 30th June 2023. Take the time to experience JahRoc’s uniquely curated artistic selection, and to place your fine furniture orders while their doors are still open.

Watch David Giles, Liv Vardy and Lauren Rudd creating at Jahroc Galleries during Open Studios. Check

In Autumn and Winter, there’s no sign of hibernation – the region is buzzing with music and arts events, foodie festivals and spectator sports. Sign up to the Margaret River Region’s monthly What’s On blaster to be kept up-to-date on event announcements or changes to the schedule. Visit margaretriver.com to subscribe.

WHAT’S

on

March:

Augusta River Festival // March 5th

This iconic festival is set on the picturesque Blackwood River and includes children’s activities, market stalls, food, drinks plus a day of live music, headlined by Aussie icon Tex Perkins and the Fat Rubber Band. augustariverfestival.com.au

Trans Cape Swim Run // March 12th

An exciting endurance event with 10 runs and 9 swims across 26km. Run and swim from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to the Dunsborough Bay Yacht Club along trails, beaches, rocks and paths experiencing the beauty of Geographe Bay. soletrails.com.au

April:

Margaret River Pro // April 20th – 30th

The Pro is the mid-season decider of the World Surfing Leagues’ Championship tour, so expect to see the world’s best surfers put everything on the line to advance to the second half of the world tour. Spectators can watch the action live at Surfers Point where the event hub has a festival vibe with big screens showing replays and expert commentary. margaretriver.com/event/the-margaret-river-pro/

Busselton Festival of Triathlon

// April 28th – 30th

A range of distances to suit all ages and abilities including the Busselton Foreshore

Triathlon, Kids Triathlon, or the Busselton 100 – which involves a 2km swim, 80km cycle and 18km run incorporating the iconic Jetty, Tuart Forest and pristine Geographe Bay. busseltonfestivaloftriathlon.com.au

May:

Margaret River Ultra Marathon // May 6th

The ultimate Ultra Marathon, providing an incredible 80km journey through the diverse landscapes and vineyards that make the region so popular for visitors. margaretriver.rapidascent.com.au

Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival

// May 12th - 14th

Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival celebrates storytelling and brings an array of novelists, journalists, creative thinkers, artists, performers and established and emerging writers from WA, interstate and overseas. mrrwfestival.com

July:

DeJa Moo // July 8th

If you even needed an excuse to wear a cow “onesie,” then this is it. Cowaramup’s Deja MOO

Click on QR code for more events:

Strings Attached Guitar Festival

Festival is Udderly Legendairy Country Fare! It’s great school holiday entertainment for the whole family.

Cabin Fever Festival // July 14th – 23rd

Dust off your best beanie and get ready to keep toasty with 10 days of wintry goodness. Cabin Fever gets bigger and better every year. Showcasing the best of the Margaret River Region across 40 events featuring fire, food & fine-tunes. cabinfeverfest.com.au

Undalup NAIDOC Week Festival // July 2nd - 9th

Each year, the Undalup Association coordinate a range of activities to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the region’s First Nations People, the Pibulmun Wadandi People. All are welcome to participate and learn about the traditions and culture of the local Indigenous communities. undalup.com

August:

CinefestOZ // August 29th - Sept 3rd

CinfestOZ is Australia’s premier destination film festival. Mingle with the stars, watch the best of Australian and International film at cinemas, wineries, and boutique breweries. cinefestoz.com

September:

Margaret River Region Open Studios // September 9th – 24th

Over 160 artists and artisans open their studios and workshops for 16 days, allowing visitors to meet the creator of the art, and purchase original works. This event won Gold at the 2022 WA Tourism Awards in the Festival & Events category. mrropenstudios.com.au

October:

Strings Attached Guitar Festival // October 6th - 8th

A festival for guitar makers, players and enthusiasts strung out over three epic days. Expect big things for the 2023 festival! stringsattachedfestival.com.au

Fine Vines Festival // October 20th - 29th

Named Australia’s Best Wine-Themed Event, Fine Vines brings together more than 35 unique wine experiences over 10 days, to celebrate the people, passion and places that make the Margaret River Region the renowned winemaking region it is. finevinesfestival.com.au

jewellery designed and handmade in Margaret River

jewellery designed and handmade in Margaret River

Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm 611 Boodjidup Road 08 9757 6885

info@payetgallery.com.au www.payetgallery.com.au

Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm 611 Boodjidup Road 08 9757 6885 info@payetgallery.com.au www.payetgallery.com.au

Margaret River Region Open Studios

Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival

Cinefest Oz In Conversation Event

COOKING ON A CAMPFIRE:

Good Winter Grub

The cooler months in the Margaret River Region call for a campfire. Whether you want to toast marshmallows, or toast each other with a glass of red, here are some tips of how best to appreciate friends and food around a fire.

WORDS | Alison Pace

“I’m never happier than when I’m sitting around a campfire,’ says Kellie Tannock, the lady behind Walk Talk Taste’s gourmet glamping setup amidst vines and bushland just south of Margaret River.

“It’s a primal joy… Sitting under the stars, you want for nothing more.”

It’s true. A good campfire offers more than just a place to sizzle your snags. It’s about keeping cosy on a wintery night. Connecting face-to-face. Setting aside screens in favour of more old-school entertainment: crackling flames and camaraderie.

But before you light up, there are a few things to consider. Because WA’s hot, dry summers come with an extremely high fire risk, campfires are banned for several months of the year (roughly from December 1 until March 31).

During the cooler periods when campfires are permitted, it’s best to bring your own wood. A slow-burning hardwood like jarrah or karri produces good hot coals for cooking.

The Explore Parks website is a great resource for checking the campfire conditions and availability of fire wood at WA’s many campsites.

Practicalities aside, it’s time to get creative with your cooking. Here’s our pick of the region’s best firepit-friendly fare.

ABALONE

Subtle, sweet abalone is the jewel of WA’s pristine coastline. A sea snail rather than a mollusk, it can be eaten raw (think ceviche-style

with lashings of lime and chilli), or steamed in foil over coals.

“I love it sliced and pan-fried simply with butter and herbs,” says Kellie. “With that touch of fire and smoke from the campfire, it’s just delicious”.

Wheretosourceit

Ocean Pantry at Augusta Boat Harbour sells sustainably-farmed green lip abalone from their ocean ranch. Choose from live, frozen whole in the shell, or sliced and tenderised.

MARRON

Endemic to the streams of the Margaret River Region, marron are WA’s largest freshwater crayfish. Similar to a rock lobster, the flesh is

firm and sweet with a slightly nutty flavour.

I chatted to local food photographer and ex Masterchef Australia contestant Samira Damirova about how to prepare it.

“I cook it in copious amounts of butter with a generous handful of roughly chopped garlic. I start by melting butter in a large pan, then add garlic and sautée until the garlic releases its aroma. Then, I place the marron flesh side down and cook over a high heat for 1-2 minutes. Finally, I flip the marron over, add a splash of dry white wine, close the lid on the pan and cook the marron until it turns reddish in colour.”

Wheretosourceit

True Blue Marron, Nannup

Old Vasse Trout & Marron Farm, Pemberton

REST, RELAX, RECONNECT

Centrally located in the world-class wine region of Margaret River, Forest Rise Chalets & Lodge has earned its place as an award-winning escape for those seeking the very best in secluded accommodation.

Centrally located in the world-class wine region of Margaret River, Forest Rise Chalets & Lodge has earned its place as an award-winning escape for those seeking the very best in secluded accommodation.

REST, RELAX, RECONNECT

Romantic, secluded couples’ retreat in self-contained chalets with candlelit sky-view spas, kingsized beds and tranquil forest outlooks, on 240 acres of natural beauty

Secluded, quiet, and peaceful, the crucial ingredients for your next well-deserved getaway. Book Direct and enjoy our Spring Special.

Secluded, quiet, and peaceful, the crucial ingredients for your next well-deserved getaway. Book Direct and enjoy our Spring Special.

Rest - Relax - Reconnect this Spring at Forest Rise

Romantic, secluded couples’ retreat in self-contained chalets with candlelit sky-view spas, kingsized beds and tranquil forest outlooks, on 240 acres of natural beauty.

With your own log fire to snuggle up in front of, there is no better place to be than the private and peaceful surrounds of Forest Rise as the cooler weather sets in. Book direct to receive your complimentary seasonal Welcome Pack.

Rest - Relax - Reconnect this Spring at Forest Rise

Rest - Relax - Reconnect

Note that marron season in the Margaret River Region is a small window in February if you plan on snaring one locally (just make sure you have a license).

FISH

Paul Iskov is a man who’s eaten crocodile, barbecued cherabin, and baked goanna in a ground oven. He’s the chef behind Fervor’s popup degustation dinners. Bush food aside, Paul’s go-to on family camping trips is fish.

“I just go rock fishing to see what I can catch… maybe a few herring or a skippy [trevally]…. I love the simplicity of cooking a whole fish over the fire; it’s one of the tastiest and easiest things,” he says.

“It takes a little longer than cooking a fillet but it’s really sustainable because you’re eating every single part of the fish… And the beautiful thing for me is eating with your hands.”

Use a well-oiled fish grill for deliciously crispy skin. Score the skin and rub with olive oil and herbs. Stuff the cavity with lemon and herbs to build flavour.

Wheretosourceit

Cast your rod in at one of the region’s familyfriendly fishing spots (no licence required from the beach) or head to Chris’ Sea to You Seafood in Busselton.

VENISON AND BEEF

Gamey, lean, and proteinaceous, venison makes a great winter campfire stew. Cook it up in a cast iron Dutch oven with onions, carrots, pearl barley, stock, wine, bay leaves, and

Cabin Fever returns from 12-23 July for 10 days of fire, food, music, and wine. This year’s curation includes over 40 events, from fire-pit fondue to bonfires and craft beer tastings. Checkoutlatestupdatesat cabinfeverfest.com.au

whatever else you fancy.

Or, for a quicker but equally hearty feed, try a seared wagyu. Rub with olive oil, rock salt, pepper, and rosemary and sear in a wellseasoned cast iron skillet for the most even heat distribution. Remember to wash and season your cookware with oil after every use so that it doesn’t rust or stick.

Wheretosourceit

Margaret River Venison on Caves Road sells free-range venison in almost every cut imaginable. Margaret River Wagyu

in Cowaramup specialises in beautifully marbled Tajima-bloodline wagyu, lovingly reared in the region.

SIDES AND SWEETS

Damper (bush bread) is the quintessential campfire side (and a handy vessel for mopping up salty meat juices, too). It’s easy to make and requires no yeast or proving time. Just wrap your bread dough in foil and place over coals for about 30 minutes. Or, roll it into a snake, wind around a stick, and toast it over the fire.

Camembert or brie, warmed in a pan over the fire, makes a gorgeously gooey accompaniment. Drizzle it with local Karri honey and toasted macadamias.

Vegetables can be skewered or wrapped in foil and cooked over the coals. Try corn, capsicum, red onion, and mushrooms seasoned with preserved lemon, salt and plenty of olive oil or butter.

Swap the traditional marshmallows for local nougat. Southwest honey, Australian nuts and local dried fruit go into the impressive range at Bettenay’s in Cowaramup.

I just go rock fishing to see what I can catch… maybe a few herring or a skippy ...”

Paul Iskov, Fervor

1:15pm thursday. schooling them in the classics.

This holiday, you introduced them to all the greats – Scrabble, Pictionary, Cluedo, Connect Four, and their favourite of all, Uno. As soon as you sit down, the cards are out. ‘Can we go now?’ had been replaced by ‘Just one more round, pleeeease!’ They barely even reacted when you told them you ‘forgot’ to pack the charger for their devices – they were too busy debating whether you’re allowed to play a Draw 2 card on top of another Draw 2 card. For unplugging and reconnecting, there’s no place like Dôme.

domecoffees.com

Perth Metro, WA Regional: Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Esperance, Geraldton, Katanning, Margaret River, Newman, Northam, Port Hedland, Rottnest.

ART GALLERY CRAWLS of the Best

The Margaret River Region is the perfect muse. Its rugged coastline and towering Karri forests have captivated and inspired countless artists from all over the globe. Set off down any dusty track or coastal cul de sac to discover firsthand the talented creatives that dot the region. With a north, middle and south art crawl listed below, gallery hop your way across the region.

Busselton, Yallingup & Dunsborough

Morning

The north of the region is all about upscale, contemporary galleries dedicated to the immense amount of talent in this little corner of Australia. Start in Dunsborough then wander your way through Yallingup’s beating heart of art. Begin your northern art crawl at Christian Fletcher Gallery. Christian’s work focuses on harnessing the power of light, composition and

colour to capture the art of landscapes. With stunning scenes from the south west to Iceland, Africa, and Antarctica, travel the globe as you wander through the bright, sleek gallery.

Midday

Travel southward to Yallingup’s Golden Triangle of galleries, starting at Studio Bistro. Its bright exhibition space offers a curated selection of fine art, sculpture, ceramics, and jewellery. Featuring leading local and interstate artists, come for the artwork but stay for lunch at the fabulous bistro. Opt to dine outside in the sculpture garden to fully immerse yourself in art.

Then for dessert, head around the corner to see the decadent jewellery of John Miller Design. Recognised as one of Australia’s most original and creative jewellers, John has been crafting wearable, nature-inspired art in the south west for almost 50 years. He also has a shopfront conveniently located on the main street of Margaret River.

Afternoon

Finish your crawl at Yallingup Gallery, where you will find high-calibre art in a warm, welcoming setting. Paintings, photographs, sculpture, ceramics, glassware and furniture fill the many, maze-like rooms. With internationally acclaimed and emerging artists, this is one of the best ways to experience the region’s awe-inspiring art. With a permanent collection as well as seasonal exhibitions, there is always something new to uncover.

Round the day out with some brews and bites at Shetler. While you are there, be sure to look up to find the massive breaching humpback whale mural by Ian Daniell.

Margaret River & Cowaramup

Morning

The middle of the Margaret River Region is where you will find the highest concentration

WORDS | Maddy Lyons

of wineries. Take the time to discover the art of wine as you embark on this art crawl. Begin at Vasse Felix where the world of fine art and wine converge. So much so that the art gallery is located in the original winery. This modern, lofty space plays host to a seasonal program of curated shows featuring the spectacular Janet Holmes à Court Collection. Complete the experience with a guided wine tasting, a casual bite in the wine lounge, or a decadent six-course lunch.

Midday

Next head to the art gallery that lies beneath the world-renowned winery and restaurant, Leeuwin Estate. Leeuwin’s deep connection to the art world began with the launch of their famous ‘Art Series’ wine label. The pieces that have graced the labels now adorn the walls of the serene space, some 150 artworks total. Once you view the gallery, indulge in the ‘Art Series’ wine tasting or enjoy a seasonal sixcourse lunch.

Afternoon

South along Caves Road lies another cellar door and gallery called Mr Barval. Here the focus is on art from the community of Kalumburu in the Northern Eastern Kimberley. The best part? The gallery is not-for-profit. All the proceeds go straight to supporting the artists and funding health and wellness projects in the community. Finish by tasting the Mistral, a Viognier Marsanne blend, or the much-adored Nebbiolo.

Finish the art crawl at Margaret River’s JahRoc. Home to Jahroc Furniture, the space is filled with fine art, glass, sculpture, jewellery, and ceramics, all by Australian artists. It’s been an icon on Margaret River’s main street for decades and will close in June 2023, so make sure you visit before winter. Finish the day by heading to Morries for happy hour. Sip on spritz while enjoying the work of Aidan Lee Smith, whose bold colour, raw brush strokes and layering work adorn the walls.

Margaret River to Augusta

Morning

The south of the region is all about quaint, tranquil gallery spaces that celebrate the deep connection between art and nature. Begin the crawl on Boodjidup Road by stopping in at Payet Gallery. Tucked between native forest and granite outcrops, discover the sublime oceaninspired jewellery of local brothers, François and Nicholas Payet. Interspersed between earrings and necklaces are other local artworks from Martine Perret, Jeanette Dyson, and Dariya Gratte. Outside there are the eco-conscience sculptures of Jonathon Thwaites.

Midday

The region’s newest addition to the gallery scene is Marri Tree Fine Art & Books, located in the old Darnell’s store in Witchcliffe. A historic building, it is a piece of art itself with bits of rustic, creative flare everywhere you look. The space comes alive with loving selected artwork that hangs on the walls, all united by a running theme of nature and conservation.

Afternoon

Continue southward to Oriel Karridale Gallery, the home studio and gallery of Heather G Lowe-Sims. Heather is a fabric designer by trade and this thread runs through all of her art. She crafts breathtaking, nature-inspired works all using lavish textiles, luscious colour, and natural materials. If you are lucky, Heather may even show you her gorgeous garden, a verdant extension of her art.

Below Heather G Lowe-Sims’ lavish textiles can be found in the Oriel Gallery in Karridale.

FOOD WATER

Yarri Truffles. Image Russell Ord

WORDS

Blue Manna Bistro

Passionate chef and owner Coby Cockburn has mastered the art of infusing fresh local seafood with rich Asian flavours, winning awards along the way. Think sake steamed Shark Bay clams, tempura Moreton Bay Bug Tails with wasabi remoulade and ponzu glaze, XO noodles with Exmouth prawns, and there’s freshly shucked oysters served three different ways. With a seafood supplier business partner, the line-caught fish is straight off the boat and into the kitchen. The extensive drinks list includes cocktails like raspberry chilli margarita and orange old fashioned, as well as a wide selection of regional wines and some imported, including champagne. Situated in the heart of Dunsborough, the buzzing local favourite has a pretty alfresco deck.

Best for: Foodies, couples, special celebrations

When to go: Lunch or dinner, warmer nights to dine alfresco

Yarri

From its name to its interior to what’s on the plate, Yarri’s ethos of place, seasonality, nature, people and produce is evident at every

touchpoint. Meaning “Blackbutt” in local Noongar language, Yarri was named after a tree that was on the site that has since been fashioned into bench tops in the restaurant. While the textured and elegant interior is impressive, it’s the perfectly executed and surprising dishes (all served on locally made crockery) that’ll keep you coming back. Head chef and owner Aaron Carr changes the menu frequently, depending on what’s in season. Carr was one of a few local chefs that placed the Margaret River Region on the culinary map during his 21-year tenure at Vasse Felix, which set the benchmark for winery dining.

Best for: Foodies, couples, groups

When to go: Lunch or dinner, warmer nights to dine outdoors

Meelup Farmhouse

Say hello to the alpacas, ducks and chickens on your way into the dreamy coastal restaurant which can be found down a gravel road, minutes from Meelup Beach. Surrounded by trees and lush lawn, you can picnic outside with a hamper, or take a table inside or on the expansive deck. Head chef Dean Williams prepares mouth-watering dishes like sweetcorn

fritters, poached eggs with blue swimmer crab, and orange and poppyseed pancakes to delight brunch lovers, and dishes like goldband snapper fillet, saffron labne and chorizo caper dressing have lunch goers searching their diaries to make another booking.

Tip: Book ahead! It’s hugely popular Best for: Families, couples, foodies, Instagrammers

When to go: Brunch or lunch

Spice Odysee

From the south of India to the south of Western Australia, owner and chef Sathish Kumar has a long and esteemed culinary career having worked all over India, at the Marriot in Singapore, and locally at Cullen Wines before going out on his own, first in a food truck and then adding a bricks-and-mortar restaurant. You can taste the passion and care in each dish; this is authentic southern Indian food at its best. Dine in at Spice Odysee Hidden Kitchen in Busselton for an extended menu that includes a variety of dosas or pick up takeaway from the food truck operating across the region on selected days – check Facebook for locations and daily specials.

Tip: Food truck dishes come with rice and naan, making them a complete meal

Best for: Cultural foodies, cheap eats

When to go: Dinner

Shelter Brewing Co

The menu at Shelter Brewing Co on the Busselton Foreshore is a mix of fresh and modern dishes such as kingfish poke bowl, corn poppers (impossible to have just one), glutenfree salt and pepper squid and prawn brioche as well as pub classics. Little ones will love it too with a playground in the beer garden and the massive park and Busselton pirate ship playground out the front.

Tip: Go for breakfast and try the housemade cinnamon scrolls baked fresh each morning

Best for: Families, views

When to go: Breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks

Eagle Bay Brewing Co

Walking in, it’s like a tardis, far bigger inside than it seems from the outside, but once you step through, the sweeping views across the farm and to the Indian Ocean command attention.

The kitchen, led by head chef Rupert Brown, prepares wholesome, simple food using their garden-grown vegetables and local produce. Brown adopts old-fashioned cooking principals with no short cuts. The beers are made with only four ingredients: rainwater, hops, malted barley, yeast and sunshine that powers the brewery.

Best for: Families, groups, beer lovers, views

When to go: Lunch

Black Brewing Co

If you’re travelling with a group and there’s indecision around whether you explore a winery, brewery or distillery – wrap it into one visit at Black Brewing Co. The expansive property has excellent craft beer, boutique gin from their Dune Distilling brand, and some of the region’s best wine varietals. Great on a cooler day tucked up by the fire, or taking in the winter sun on the deck overlooking the lake and marri trees.

Tip: Keep an eye on their events, as they regularly have live music

Best for: Families, dog owners, large groups

When to go: Lunch

Vasse Felix

The acclaimed winery restaurant has been at the top of the culinary game for decades, and for the past six years, has been led by head chef Brendan Pratt, alumni of The Fat Duck and The Ledbury. Pratt was named 2021 ‘Regional Chef of the Year’ in the WA Good Food Guide

and the restaurant was awarded ‘Best Regional Restaurant’ in the same awards. The vineyard is farmed using organic practices and the wines need no introduction, simply sublime.

Tip: Indulge in the five-course tasting menu

Best for: Foodies, special occasions, wine lovers, views

When to go: Lunch

Swings and Roundabouts

The woodfired pizzas at Swings and Roundabouts in Yallingup have a cult following - thin, crisp and cooked the traditional Italian way. The menu features salads and for little ones there’s pasta, fish and chips and a picnic platter. There are few wineries that offer casual dining, which makes Swings stand apart and a great choice for families. There’s a large lawn where you can stretch out on a rug and great nature playground for the kids. It’s hugely popular and always busy. There’s an urban cellar door and

restaurant in the heart of Margaret River too serving the same great pizzas.

Best for: Families, pizza lovers

When to go: Lunch

Aravina Estate

It’s more than the menu that keeps approximately 160,000 visitors coming back to Aravina year on year. As well as the a-la-carte restaurant, the Estate boasts a Riviera Bar with casual picnic table dining, a pizza bar with three Italian pizza chefs delivering servings that they’ve learnt from their Nonna, a Surf Gallery and Sports Car Gallery full of history, as well as the winery Cellar Door and ‘8 Waves Brewing’ boutique brewery with taphouse. The food itself though has a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic produce, with the West Australian’s Rob Broadfield giving it a thumbs up by comparing the location to a ‘Vogue Living’ photoshoot.

Best for: Full day eating excursion to take in the museum and gallery as well

When to go: Lunch

Clairault Streicker

Clairault is a magical little gem often missed when looking for restaurants. But it’s a beautiful option all year round, with spring and summer perfect for perusing the Protea Farm and vineyards, and autumn and winter offering cosy fireside dining. Book a long lunch and sit down to three courses during a ravenous moment. Clairault Streicker food and wine is authentic and classically-styled, setting a benchmark for the Margaret River Region.

Best for: Discovering hidden gems

When to go: Lunch

Above: Crusty pizzas at Swings & Roundabouts.

Below: Award winning wine at Vasse Felix.

Right: Lawn lunch at Eagle Bay Brewing Co.

Margaret River Brewhouse

The Brewhouse is a local favourite for three good reasons: it’s close to town, it has a great vibe, and the beer and food never disappoint. The crisp and gooey-filled cheeseburger roti is a hundred times better than its fast-food chain namesake and the Vietnamese inspired squid salad draws diners back time and again, some reportedly driving hours just to have it. Playground for the kids tucked a little back from the main dining and the venue is dog friendly.

Best for: Families, casual dining

When to go: Lunch or dinner

La Scarpetta

This is one of WA’s great Italian restaurants in the heart of Margaret River town. A trattoria where all the fresh pasta is made in-house daily, just as they make their grissini breadsticks and

cannoli shells. Leave room for dessert, the tiramisu is worthy and the made-to-order cannoli is perfect filled with lusciously smooth ricotta cream. Traditional rustic style food that comes with warm Italian hospitality and when the temperature drops, embrace the hearty winter dishes.

Best for: Couples, cultural foodies

When to go: Dinner, especially in winter

The Common

The Common deck with sunset views is the perfect place to perch with a pint. Head inside for tasty pub food and TexMex inspired dishes. Californian owner Tony Breen serves up a worthy chicken parmi and big juicy burgers that are lip-smackingly good. Located in Gnarabup, about 10 mins from Margaret River town, happy hour is a favourite with the locals with cheap pints and bites.

Best for: Families, groups, casual dining, cheap eats

When to go: Happy Hour 5pm-6pm daily

Glenarty Road

Glenarty Road has to offer one of the best value, high quality lunches in WA. The regenerative farming practices on 240 acres includes a few thousand roaming sheep, 250 fruit trees, a hop garden and vines that produce high quality wine. There are three-course or five-course set menu lunches that are generous, nourishing and incredibly delicious – things like house made labne and succulent roast grass-fed lamb.

Tip: Book in advance

Best for: Long lunches, food and wine enthusiasts

When to go: Lunch

The premium quality food and diverse and thriving restaurant scenes, make good cause for celebration in the Margaret River Region.

Arm yourself against fatigue.

Regularly get 7.5 hours sleep a night. On long drives take a break every two hours and swap drivers if you can.

Make every journey safe.

wa.gov.au/rsc

Edge of the World: THE

GREAT CAPE LEEUWIN

WORDS | Pete Geall

Have you ever been drawn to the edge?

A rain squall announces its presence by rapping the windscreen on my car with the urgency of a touch typist. I stop at the aptly named Storm Bay Road on the outskirts of Augusta, a town that sits perched on the southwestern extremity of the Australian continent. Between the rushed blur of my wiper blades I can make out a couple of whales launching themselves out of the salty brine of Flinders Bay before crashing back in an explosion of blubber and whitewash.

I’m on my way to Cape Leeuwin, one of the three great maritime capes of the world. The others: Cape Horn in Chile and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa both bookend the the South American and African continents respectively. Whilst Cape Leeuwin is not the most southerly point of the Australasian continent, its exposure to the abundant swell of both the Indian and Southern Oceans is unparalleled.

Located at the climatic frontier of Australia, Cape Leeuwin possesses an almost magnetic draw that has the ability to make visitors feel like they are at the end of the known world. There is something about liminal spaces that speaks to many of us. Spaces that somehow manage to simultaneously separate and join.

Getting there

is half the fun

Cape Leeuwin is no different. The grand, yet imperceptible meeting point of two great oceans, a place where the land ends and the wilds begin.

Despite the vast distance between them, the three great capes are all connected by a conveyor belt of relentless westerly wind that circumnavigates the ‘Roaring Forties’ latitudes beneath them. Acting as gateways to the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere they share a unique importance in navigational and seafaring past and present. With no significant land mass separating the great capes from

Kick back, relax and explore the scenic Margaret River region on one of our luxury road coaches.

Trans WA

Western Australia’s South West is rich in history, culture and stunning natural landscapes.

Our five-star road coaches are fully accessible and air conditioned, with on board entertainment, including on demand entertainment streaming services to your own device, USB ports and toilet facilities.

We travel between Margaret River and Perth 12 times a week and offer a variety of concessional discounts.

Unwind and enjoy the scenery while we do the driving.

Plan your journey by visiting transwa.wa.gov.au or call 1300 662 205.

A view from the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse takes in both the Southern and Indian Oceans.

Antartica, the unabated wind and swell beneath represent an inhospitable wilderness that is both terrifying and captivating in equal measures.

Continuing on, only 4 kms of rain-lashed bitumen separates me from the Leeuwin lighthouse that stands sentinel at the tip of the cape. The lighthouse remains the tallest in mainland Australia, leaving no doubt to the significant navigational risk that the area posed and continues to pose to passing vessels.

On my way I pass a mass of gnarled melaleuca scrub at the side of the road, forced over at a 45 degree angle it appears to turn its back on the ocean by the ever present might of the wind. The constant influence of this coastal

breeze is felt across the Margaret River Region, influencing the flora and fauna of the area, moderating the temperature and delivering the rainfall in which life here has always relied.

For countless generations the local Wadandi people have known the cape region as ‘Doogalup’, yet it takes its modern name ‘Leeuwin’ (Lioness) from the Dutch galleon that first sighted it from sea 400 years ago in 1622. The Dutch took advantage of the strong westerly airflow at lower latitudes in the Indian Ocean to halve journey times between Holland and the Dutch East Indies. By 1611 the ‘Brouwer’ route became mandatory for Dutch ships on route to Batavia and surrounds.

Lacking an accurate way of gauging longitude, the vessels of the time relied on the expertise of the captain and crew to gauge when to turn north. As a result, the use of the Brouwer route led to the unintentional discovery and limited charting of the south west corner of Western Australia by ships

The 400-year anniversary of the mapping of Cape Leeuwin was celebrated last year.

The grand, yet imperceptible meeting point of two great oceans, a place where the land ends and the wilds begin.

such as the Leeuwin as well as contributing to the numerous shipwrecks from this era along the coastline. Whilst there is no remaining documentation or log from the Leeuwin’s historic 1622 voyage, the coastline that was recorded during this maiden journey appeared on a Dutch map in 1627 by Hessel Gerritsz. In a nod to this significant maritime discovery, the English navigator Matthew Flinders formally named the cape ‘Leeuwin’ in 1801.

Taking advantage of a break in the weather, I make my way from the Lighthouse Interpretive centre by foot and towards the oceanic roar. During my walk I reflect on the historical context of the cape. The 400 years that separates the sailors aboard the Leeuwin from my life, all but a blink in the unbroken continuity of time that the vastness of the sea has butted up against vastness of land here.

Before long the sparse coastal vegetation makes way to bare rock. I get buffeted by a blast of salt laden air. Steadying myself I look

out to sea and try to superimpose a mental image of the Leeuwin rounding the cape. I wonder what those sailors made of the place I am now stood? How did the unexpected sighting of land, likely a consequence of a significant and potentially perilous navigational error make them feel? Did the great unknown land in front of them inspire a similar blend of fear, awe and respect that rises up within me as I gaze across the turbulent seascape stretched towards the horizon.

Despite existing in a state of constant environmental flux, Cape Leeuwin presents visitors with an opportunity to pause. To feel the ancient Gneiss bedrock underfoot as you lean into the untamed westerly breeze. A wind that has travelled around the globe to meet you and will not stop until it meets Cape Horn in 10,000 clicks. Despite the restlessness of elemental forces around, it presents a rare solace worth seeking out: A place where all the problems of the human world are behind you.

HOW DO YOU EARN YOUR KOLSCH?

We are all about celebrating all things Eagle Bay and beyond. Working and playing in WA’s epic outdoor backyard. Chasing that feeling of knocking off after a long day in the south west and bonding over good food, good wine and good beer with friends.

#earnyourkolsch

eaglebaybrewing.com.au

Website: eaglebaybrewing.com.au

@eaglebaybrewingco eaglebaybrewingco

guide to

HIKING & BIKING AT MEELUP

Discover Dunsborough MTB Park and Meelup’s glorious walk trails

WORDS | Lizzy Pepper

There’s no finer way to experience Cape Naturaliste than exploring the wild and wonderful Meelup Regional Park. Rich in biodiversity and home to many native animals, the park is laced with hiking and mountain bike trails, glamorous glimpses of Geographe Bay and true Aussie bush, gumnuts, grass trees and all.

Sure, it’s famous for Meelup Beach and “ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle” according to Lonely Planet, but stretch your legs or hop on your bike to delve and discover its other charms.

“It’s the place to watch the moon rise”, explains Josh Whiteland, Aboriginal cultural tour operator from Koomal Dreaming; “the name Meelup comes from the word for eyes, meel. It’s an old camping area, and families would rest beneath the peppies during Bunuru season and drink from the spring that runs down the hill.” Wadandi families moved with the seasons for food, following the many

coastal trails during Kambarang, Birak and Bunuru, roughly October to March.

Mountain Biking Meelup

The Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park sits in the southern tip of the Meelup Regional Park and caters for all levels from beginners and families on wide gravel fire trails to advanced mountain bikers on technical black trails. Winding through native bushland in and around Dunsborough’s original golf course, you’ll see plenty of kangaroos and spectacular Geographe Bay views along the way.

Get local knowledge at the Bike Shed Start with a visit to Bike Shed Dunsborough to hire a full-spec drop-seat dual suspension bike. Note: bikes are available in limited numbers, so book roughly two weeks ahead to avoid missing out. Owners Graham Clark and Lee

Scurlock are happy to advise on where to go or link you up with a qualified MTB coach to help get the most out of your visit.

Three ways to explore

Happy to go it alone? Start at the Country Club entrance, follow the maps and signs. It’s important to read and understand the grading of the circuits; green is for beginners; blue is intermediate and black circuits are for advanced riders.

Get the Trailforks app and you’ll have every MTB track in the world in your pocket, including the grading. There’s a free seven-day trial. Book a qualified MTB coach to guide you and your family through the trails. Andy Van Kamm is one of the Bike Shed’s professional coaches; “If you’re a family looking to do something more memorable than sitting at a coffee shop, come on an adventure and do an MTB tour.”

He also built the park’s many picnic tables, perfect for taking a break in the shade of a gumtree. Andy loves Meelup’s extensive network of tracks and trails and reckons “you can do any number of kilometres in any number of hours.” He recommends cycling mid-morning in winter when there’s some warmth in the sun, and summer mornings before the day heats up. “And always take plenty of water!”

Hiking Meelup Hills and the Coastal Path

Hiking through Meelup trails isn’t just a lovely way to exercise – it’s an immersion in nature’s generosity.

Meelup’s walking trails are graded 1-3 by Australian standards, with one short universal access path and many paths suitable for families and steeper rockier paths for people with some bushwalking experience.

The easiest place to start is on the gravel coastal track that leads from Old Dunsborough to Eagle Bay. It skirts tiny “pinch me, I’m dreaming” beaches, so be prepared to strip off and jump in, as the water is too good to miss. Park along the way at Castle Rock, Meelup Beach, Gannet Rock or Point Picquet to break the 7km stretch into a shorter stroll.

Head into the hills for sweeping bay views, to hear the call of Baudin’s cockatoos and to reflect on Castle Bay’s terrible time as a whaling station in the 1840s. There’s the Whaler’s Lookout Walk above Castle Bay, where humpbacks and southern right whales can be seen close to shore in spring. The Lookout Circuit from Meelup offers the chance to see the Moodja tree (Nuytsia floribunda) in vibrant orange blossom in December. The Meelup Brook Loop and Car Rally Trail are a treat following autumn and winter rails when the brook is bubbling away.

You’llfindmapsforeightdifferenttrailsat meeluppark.com

See more of Meelup with a local guide

• Koomal Dreaming

• S outh West Eco Discoveries

• Bike Shed Dunsborough

Further Reading

Grab the ‘Short Walks’ booklet by Jane Scott at Margaret River Region Visitor’s Centres to learn more about the Meelup Regional Park walk trails.

Look out for wildlife and wildflowers

Bring your binoculars as you might spy migrating whales and zipping birds on your walk, depending on the season. There’s quendas and kangaroos at dawn and dusk, and whales, fairy wrens, emu wrens, orchids and other wildflowers in spring. Watch for reptiles in summer!

Caring for country

“How fortunate we are to access a place as amazing as Meelup! There are so many native animals, bandicoots and echidna, lizards and birds,” and caring for country is how we can keep it beautiful, according to Josh Whiteland. “Be mindful of how unspoiled and unique the park is. Stay on the paths and be careful not to break the vegetation. Appreciate it, look after it and it will stay beautiful.”

Josh’s favourite place to unwind with his family is Eagle Bay, where celebrating the spirit of the place brings him closer and more connected to country.

The reserve is a treasure trove for MTB enthusiasts.

Below: Josh Whiteland at Bunker Bay and along the Meelup Regional Park coastline.

Woodworking artists are drawn to the Margaret River Region for its beautiful and abundant timber, and a lifestyle that inspires creativity. Ben Edwards is one of those craftsmen, carving a career out of wood.

In early 2018, Ben Edwards was almost ready to give up on his dream and walk away from his five-acre Karridale bush block. He had spent the past three years setting up a bespoke woodworking business from his home in the Boranup forest, but things hadn’t worked out the way he imagined. Now the bank was knocking on his backdoor, and if they didn’t get to his property, then the white ants and weeds surely would.

But Ben didn’t give up. He couldn’t. The power of his dream was too strong to quit. Instead, he spun his compass back north and set off out into the bush for a couple of years, returning to work skippering boats. He saved his bucks and sought direction and purpose, and found the mainstay and love of a solid woman along the way.

In April 2020, after a rollercoaster ride travelling around Australia together, Ben and Dani returned to Karridale to begin their business, Caves Timbers in earnest. Their journey hasn’t been easy. Like many artists of the Margaret River Region, they have sacrificed a modern, conventional life to live on the edge of society in order to remain true to their art and their dreams.

Ben’s journey to woodworking was instigated by a camping and fishing trip with a mate in the Boranup Karri forest that he now lives and works in. At that time, he was living in Exmouth and was ready for a change. He discovered the Margaret River Region as the change he needed.

“I just wanted some trees,” he says.

“I camped in Boranup forest one night with a good mate, and we went on a bit of a fishing trip at Hamelin Bay, and that’s what kicked it off for me. The boat ramp and the forest and Boranup beach. After I moved down, I suppose the timber stuff just came with it.”

When he moved down, Ben never planned to start a woodworking business. It just came to him in the way that life sometimes throws little things at you, and tells you where you’re supposed to be going.

“I’ve always loved woodworking. My grandad was right into woodworking, I loved it since I was a little kid but never really connected with it too much. Then this place popped up. I had wanted to buy down here. Somewhere quieter than Margaret River. And yeah, the bloke I bought the house from had a heap of timber, and I started making little bits and pieces for the house, and little chopping boards and frames and stuff for family and friends, and it just grew from there.”

This new pursuit felt right to Ben, but he was young – 25-years-old – and his dream was novel and vague. He had gone from a high-paying job in Exmouth to earning almost nothing, and his property needed an enormous amount of work before he could even get started. Soon, financial pressures began to mount.

“There was a lot to do just to get started. The property needed a good clean up, the shed was falling apart, I needed to get a garden going so I could live off that and survive without too much money. That way of life just made more sense.

WORDS | Tom De Souza

I like to know who cut it down, if it was meant to be cut down, why it was cut down. I mill a lot of my own timber too, and love seeing a tree turn into art.”

“I think woodworking, or any sort of art really, it’s pretty hard to make a living from it. Every artist has their journey. It’s not easy. I nearly gave up. There were some pretty tough times.”

After taking some time to reset, Ben met Dani. They had planned to travel around Australia together, but fate – namely a rolled car and the covid pandemic – brought them back to Karridale.

Dani helped Ben to organise his life and their property, and they set about building their business together. They started small, building picture frames and chopping boards and selling those - along with Dani’s photography prints, at market stalls. Soon things began to grow.

With more money Ben bought more equipment and got the property set up. Soon he was harvesting and milling all of his own timber, and building furniture and kitchens.

In early 2022 they acquired their own gallery and displayed their work for the first time at the

Margaret River Region Open Studios event.

Ben often draws inspiration from the forest surrounding him. He mills much of his own timber, often fallen trees gifted to him from local farmers that would otherwise be destined for the burn pile. He works with a lot of native timbers - marri, karri, jarrah, wandoo, banksia, and she-oak – and is motivated by the desire to give something a new life and preserve the story of that particular piece of timber.

“I like the whole process. Even if I buy timber, I like to know where it’s come from. I like to know who cut it down, if it was meant to be cut down, why it was cut down. I mill a lot of my own timber too, and love seeing a tree turn into art.”

“You rip into a bit of timber and it’s like you’re giving something a new life. You get a piece of timber that’s been sitting in the dirt for 20 years, and to someone it looks like a rotten piece of junk and you can turn it into something that ends up in someone’s home. That’s art I guess. It’s amazing, and I suppose it’s giving something that new life that keeps me going.”

Want to explore more woodworkers in the region? Visit these popular artists:

• Nathan Day Design in Vasse

• Furniture by Gary Bennett and David Paris at JahRoc Gallery

• S culpures by Anthony Debbo at Si Vintners Winery

• Busselton Woodturners

• John Streater Fine Furniture

• Boranup Gallery

• Treeton Fine Wood Studio

Degustations Delicious

WORDS | Sarina Kamini

I’ve sat at some pretty inspiring degustation tables over 20 years working as a food critic and writer.

There was the Michelin-starred restaurant in rural Spain with a maître’d who switched easily between description of complex molecular dishes in four languages at our table alone.

The seafood extravaganza in Norway with a confronting crescendo of raw Minke whale. Not to mention the whisky-matched degustation in Edinburgh where we ate…

umm… after six courses of whisky, who can recall?

But Margaret River is the only place where my degustation experience has been enjoyed surrounded by stands of mature gums, bookended by a canoe of the river in the morning and a pre-sunset ocean swim in the late afternoon.

A uniqueness of setting that is equal complement for awarded wines poured to match innovative plates.

From restrained and elegant to generous and belly-bursting, the Margaret River Region boasts world-class degustations in which to indulge.

Miki’s Open Kitchen

Japanese-born, Margaret River-based chef Mikihito “Miki” Nagai isn’t one to follow convention. Take his restaurant, Miki’s Open Kitchen: there are no grand vistas, no gum tree or ocean outlooks. Tucked off the Margaret River main street in a non-descript brick building with blacked-out windows, the restaurant interior is an elegant spacing of tables encircling an open kitchen where the spotlight shines brightly on the ponytailed chef and his innovative approach to Japanese cuisine.

“These dishes won’t be found in Japan,” grins Miki. Instead, Miki works with a technique of shallow copper pots to pull together his signature seven-course degustation – Miki’s Complete. Think Abrolhos Island scallops with ume, pork and celeriac, or Albany tempura asparagus with katsuo mayo. For seven courses, Miki synthesises the best of the south west’s local produce with Japanese flavours in a way that speaks to his experience of the landscape – all of that Japanese tradition freed from stricture and re-moulded to present a unique taste that breathes new ideas into both culinary cultures.

Needless to say, 20 years spent living and working in Margaret River has left Miki with

a deep knowledge of wine. This he uses to advantage, collating an interesting array of styles uncommon to the region that work in with his palate. A curated sake collection is a thrill for the more traditionally minded. Seven courses of Miki’s food matched to seven sakes? We’ll drink to that.

Voyager Estate

The unrelenting focus in perfectly matching the Voyager wines and food is a significant piece of the exquisite dining puzzle at Voyager Estate. Estate Sommelier Claire Tonon was awarded 2021 Regional Sommelier of the Year by the WA Good Food Guide, and her expertise shines through in the carefully crafted degustation menu.

A seven-course Discovery degustation leads with vintage and varietal, and an exquisitely nuanced plate follows – dishes that are a majesty of (occasionally) monochromatic colour and palate contrast.

The magnificent dishes are paired with their organic single-vineyard Chardonnay, which displays delicate floral and flinty notes alongside intense citrus.

Harmonious matches and pretty plates mean the seven-course feast is a study in

• Over 60 udderlicious ice cream flavours created from local full-cream milk.

• Vegan options available.

• Picnic & BBQ area.

• Adventure Playground.

• 18 hole mini-golf – get a group going.

• Barista coffee and toasted paninis.

• Wonderful waffles and sensational sundaes.

We’re open every day 10am to 5pm. 161 Commonage Road, Dunsborough.

Below & left Rustico’s degustation servings pair wonderfully with the wine.

Bottom Aravina Estate’s stunning location is a treat in itself.

elegant restraint, not gut-busting volume. The perfect lunch, in other words, for the Voyager Estate dining room with its hushed elegance and discreet wait staff. A pre-dessert exploration of the winery’s renowned gardens should also be on the cards for those seeking the full Voyager experience.

Rustico at Hayshed Hill

Generosity is the byword at Rustico. The winery restaurant of Hay Shed Hill wines, this is a relaxed and generous space categorised by open verandas, expansive green lawn, and a convivial approach to eating and drinking that screams long lunches where the adults can focus on the table knowing there is space for the kids to roam. A five-course degustation is a tapas-inspired stroll through Mediterranean culinary territory married by an approach that hallmarks bright, booming flavour – an ideal pairing for the winery’s bright wines.

The degustation can be ordered to your liking, by starting with freshly shucked oysters and requesting other extras like smoked chorizo in cider glaze & loaded patatas bravas. The ten dishes are served with Hay Shed Hill wines or you can opt for a “limited release museum wine pairing” which gives you the opportunity to sample back vintage cellared museum release wines that will never be available again. As the courses progress, so does the richness of wine and produce – from Western Rock lobster, through pork belly, and mushrooms with sweet sherry custard.

Aravina Estate

It wouldn’t be misplaced to call Aravina one of the showgirls of the Margaret River Region when it comes to winery restaurants. Expect a little bit of everything, here – live music on the lawn, big groups spilling out of the wrap around

veranda, a sports car gallery and gift shop. The mix is a glitzy one, but then who ever said ‘no’ to a bit of extra sparkle?

Degustations at Aravina are an intimate experience. Cellar door staff lead diners through detailed taste notes, accompanied by a two or three course degustation lunch. Prepare for the likes of seared Shark Bay scallops, roast chicken sauce, celeriac, charred brassicas and finger lime paired with a fresh and fruity block 4 Chenin Blanc. Their Reserve Chardonnay is only too happy to be taken by the hand and lead toward

line caught fish, mussel butter sauce, charred rapini, ice plant and bottarga. The menu crosses from Asia to Europe and back, while the wines echo the list of the region’s classics with a few varietals thrown in for interest: a little Vermentino and Tempranillo present to mix up the well- known Shiraz, Cab Merlot and Chardonnay melody. Tucked up in the Yallingup bush, Aravina is 160 acres of wine and food celebration. Thisarticlewasoriginallypublishedon margaretriver.comandhasbeenadapted forprint.

SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING TRAIL

Buying local, eco-friendly, and second-hand is the best way to shop sustainably. The good news is that it has never been so easy to follow these golden rules in our beautiful south west. The region boasts a thriving thrift scene, countless eco-conscious retailers, and a plethora of local labels.

Sustainable Style

When it comes to eco-conscious retail, look no further than Re-Tyre in the centre of Margaret River. Its entire ethos is to sell only products made from waste or items that help to reduce waste. From shoes crafted from tyres to bathing suits made from ocean litter, the plentiful stylish products are all sustainably produced. Plus, there are reusable containers of all shapes and sizes and all manner of refillable household and body products.

There is no denying that hemp is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics. We are lucky to have not one, but two incredible boutiques dedicated to this amazing plant. The Margaret River Hemp Co was first to hit the scene 23 years ago with its hemp-based skincare and clothing. More recently, The Hemp Temple has joined the revolution offering flowy, earth styles in the most eco way possible.

Local Legends

To browse a huge selection of the region’s locally produced products, head to Busselton’s Origins Market or Margaret River’s Artisan. Origins is a community hub showcasing all types of makers,

producers and creatives. Browse natural soaps, hand-woven rugs, and home décor then stick around to taste some local wine or sample some freshly made dumplings.

When it comes to Artisan, located smack dab in the middle of Margaret River, the name says it all. A space for local artisans to showcase their handcrafted treasures, it has long cemented itself as the place to go for all your gift-giving needs.

The south west is all about self-care and Olio Bello is serving up some serious treats for your pampered pleasure. Well-known for olive oil, dips, and tapenades, Olio Bello also specialises in a range of beauty products. Handcrafted at the farm, they incorporate their organic and award-winning olive oil.

Yallingup Gallery is all about fine Australian art, but did you know there are also tonnes of local products on offer? With handmade jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, glass vases, as well as Jarrah and Marri furniture, it is a onestop shop for south west workmanship.

If you are seeking high-quality jewellery, John Miller Design is a local talent you won’t

want to miss. His wearable pieces of art draw inspiration from nature, using only ethicallysourced materials. Plus, his gallery is solarpowered and runs completely off rainwater. For more colourful, casual jewellery, check out G&T Designs at Sugarman, Luna & Sol at Oscar & Ivy Hair Co, and La Boheme at Marigold.

At Little Press, in Margaret River, you can even get stationery locally now too, not to mention the paper is sustainably-sourced!

Thrifty Threads

From Busselton down to Augusta, the region is jampacked with all manner of retro, vintage, and antique shops. For second-hand books, Busselton Books has got the goods. Having sold

WORDS | Maddy Lyons

and exchanged second-hand literature for over 25 years, they keep even the most ravenous reader satisfied, all in the most sustainable way possible.

At Reborn Code in Cowaramup, your love for head-turning fashion doesn’t have to cancel out your love for the planet. With a large curated vintage selection, you don’t have to dig through racks of cast-offs and hand-me-downs to find something special. With some new items from fabulous labels and local producers mixed in, try to walk out without buying something, I dare you!

Vintage, antique, and retro are woven into the very identity of the southern part of the region. While Witchcliffe is the undisputed home of vintage, Augusta is all about antiques. Wander down a quiet side street to find The Tiny Store Witchcliffe, organiser of the Witchcliffe Vintage Fair. The space may be small, but it is packed to the rafters with vintage, retro, and funky junk. On the main drag, LucyKat Vintage has records galore with some retro wares mixed in. While The Flying Wardrobe has got bric-a-brac, home decor, books, clothes and more!

Continue down south to Awhilago in Augusta for retro collectibles, gadgets and gizmos aplenty. It is a cabinet of curiosity, with worldly wonders on every shelf and countertop. The Ragged Robin also homes a collection of vintage quirks with a café towards the back of the shop. Wherever you decide to shop in the Margaret River Region, rest assured there is always a sustainable option at your fingertips.

Sustainable Living

Once upon a time, Witchcliffe was a blink-and-you’d-missit sized town, but it has come along in leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. Growth may be attributed partly to the new Ecovillage – which is a sustainable, innovative and resilient approach to community living. The area will eventually be home to around 700 people who are striving for self-sufficiency in renewable energy, rainwater and fresh food produce, are motivated to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more meaningful life without compromising comfort, privacy, amenity or affordability.

Above Origins Market in Busselton is where local creatives offer their wares under one roof; Opposite top Augusta is a treasure trove for vintage lovers; Opposite bottom At Olio Bello, purchase locally made oils and dips.

& Flowers: Funghi

THE MAGICAL UNDERSTORY OF THE BORANUP FOREST

Stroll beneath salmon pink karris and your eye is drawn upwards to the rustling wind in the canopy. It’s easy to miss the mushrooms and wildflowers growing in the damp earth below. But look a little closer beneath the fallen logs and leaf litter and you’ll discover a colourful and curious world of fungi, orchids and native wildflowers.

Curry punks, ghosts and ghouls

While some people see fungi as boring brown, orange and yellow, there’s a diverse range of weird and wonderful species in our region. Jane Scott, author of TheMagicalWorldofFungi , the Cape toCapeTrackGuidebookandWalkingAround in Circles says the shapes and colours can be quite fantastic. “Spectacular purples, deep reds to pale orange, yellow, pink and blue,” she says. “Some have fabulous names too – the curry punk with its vivid scent, the ghoul fungus that feeds on rotting animal remains and the bioluminescent

ghost fungus that glows in the dark.”

There are dozens of types of fungi in Boranup Forest, and you’ll find them on the ground amongst the leaf litter or growing plate-like on the trunks of trees – some even grow parasitically on roots, out of sight. Grab a copy of Jane’s WalkingAroundinCircles book at the Margaret River Visitor Centre and you’ll find pages of fungi illustrations accompanying the Cape Freycinet walk, an 8km stroll in Boranup Forest.

“We didn’t realise until after the Boranup fire that there’s a whole lot of fungi dependent on

fire,” says Jane. “Little orange and purple fungi came up in the days after the fire, and weeks later we saw quite a few stonemaker fungi.”

Stonemaker looks like a normal fungus on the ground but it has a huge, heavy appendage underneath the soil.

Great recyclers

“Mushrooms are amazing!” says Dr Erika Jacobson of Edgewalkers, a guided walk specialist. “Fungi are cleaning up oil spills, they can tolerate more radiation than humans, and

WORDS | Lizzy Pepper IMAGES | Holly Winkle

there’s so much still unknown.” There is plenty more going on in nature that we can’t see. “It’s looking like fungi will help us solve some crucial environmental issues in terms of toxic waste. They consume it. It’s a particular type of fungi that can break through it, and research is ongoing.”

The remarkable thing about mushrooms is that we see the fruiting bodies above ground, but below ground there could be kilometres of hyphae – threadlike equivalent of roots that harness the water and nutrients in the soil and deliver them up into the trees. Meanwhile the trees photosynthesise and provide the mushroom with energy. It’s a symbiotic relationship; they absolutely need each other.

Delicate blossoms

You think Boranup Forest can’t possibly get more breathtaking, then winter brings a tangle of purple hardenbergia, tree hovea and clematis, a white star-shaped climber. Beneath it, tiny orchids, so beautifully camouflaged that only a trained eye can spot them.

“The first bunny orchids come out at Easter, and the cockies tongue marks the start of wildflower season,” says Dr Erika Jacobson. “There’s an amazing array of wildflowers across a long season, with full colour and abundance September to November.”

After the fire

Jane Scott is tipping a great wildflower season in 2023. “Look for the climbers – native wisteria, coral vines, white clematis – all working hard to flower and come back. Some of the wattles, pea flowers, eggs and bacon and orchids are

set for a beautiful season, too.” Karri, jarrah and marri trees have little buds under their bark designed to shoot after fire, and you can see that epicormic growth as you explore Boranup, and in Mammoth Cave’s Marri Walk. “Sedges and zamia palms came up just days after the fire, balga trees started shooting at the tip,” says Jane.

Forest Bathing

Erika brings guests to Boranup on creativity retreats, and says people love being immersed in wilderness, yet still so close to ‘civilisation’. “Five minutes in a forest can physically alter the chemicals in our bodies. Our parasympathetic system allows us to relax, cortisol levels go down.”

Delve deeper

Wet autumn and winter are the best times to find fungi in Boranup Forest. Grab Jane Scott’s books to guide your Boranup wanderings. Find That Flower is brilliant too. Arranged by colour, it makes identifying blooms a breeze.

Jane implores us to please stick to paths to avoid compacting the soil or causing damage, and to never eat fungi without getting a positive identification from an expert. And remember fungi are protected in the same manner as native plants – it is illegal to collect them from National Parks.

Find out more about Dr Erika Jacobson’s creativity retreats at edgewalkers.com.au.

Walking in nature enhances our ability to think creatively, says Erika, and her retreats tap into the wonders of Boranup along with plantbased cooking, walking and yoga.

Join us to experience CinefestOZ, Australia’s premier destination film festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Western Australia’s iconic Margaret River region. With a huge range of exciting events happening in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, there’s something for everyone.

Highlights include; CinefestOZ Short Film Awards, feature premieres, In Conversation events and so much more.

Visit cinefestoz.com to secure your tickets to CinefestOZ now!

CinefestOZ is held in various locations. 29 Aug to 3 Sep 2023. Visit cinefestoz.com

Bookings: cinefestoz.com

Follow us on socials!

@cinefestoz & tag #cinefestoz

Tag us @CinefestOZ

@cinefestoz & tag #cinefestoz

Behind Bottle:

CABERNET SAUVIGNON’S SECRETS OF SUCCESS

WORDS | Fergal Gleeson

Often referred to as the king of the red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most widely planted wine grape and it has certainly found a home in the Margaret River Region.

Cabernet Sauvignon It is the most planted varietal on earth, found in vineyards from California to China, from Southern Italy to South Africa and in almost every wine producing country in between. It might just be the world’s most favourite grape.

Cabernet’s origins are in Bordeaux, where it was the ‘love child’ of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Hard to believe that Cabernet derived from the white grape Sauvignon Blanc, isn’t it?

Cabernet Sauvignon now provides the backbone of most of the greatest wines from Bordeaux, the stratospherically priced ‘First Growths’ of Chateau Lafite, Margaux, and Mouton Rothschild.

Australia is home to some of the oldest living Cabernet vines dating back to the 1850s in the Barossa and Langhorne Creek. But it’s impossible not to argue that the epicentre of great Australian Cabernet has moved west from those hot regions to the better suited mild maritime Mediterranean climate and gravelly soils of the Margaret River Region.

Vasse Felix

If you were to step out of a time machine in Margaret River in 1967, you’d have found a remote farming community and some chilledout surfers and hippies. You might also have bumped into a single minded and slightly eccentric doctor, Tom Cullity, who planted the first commercial vines in Margaret River in 1967

and called this risky venture ‘Vasse Felix’.

He could scarcely have imagined what Vasse Felix would become. It is now one of Australia’s greatest estates with a lux cellar door, highly awarded restaurant, art gallery and wine vault containing every vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon that Vasse Felix has made.

Their long time and charismatic Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock tells me about where Vasse Felix is going with Cabernet Sauvignon.

“I believe we are at the forefront of pushing Cabernet to where it used to be, where it was elegant and fine but with a powerful tannin line. The world has gone to a bigger style in places like Napa and Bordeaux, influenced by the Parker system. In Margaret River we tried that in the ‘90s and realised that the wine wasn’t pretty anymore. The ‘70s and ‘80s were finer. So we pulled ourselves back.”

Critics like what Vasse Felix is doing. The 2018 Tom Cullity, their flagship Cabernet, was recently awarded 99 points by Australia’s wine bible, the 2023 Halliday Companion.

Fermoy Estate

Just a few minutes downstream from Vasse Felix, on the banks of the Wilyabrup Brook, lies Fermoy Estate, with its distinctive gabled winery, nestled in amongst mature native trees.

Winemaker Jeremy Hodgson emphasises the importance of a maritime climate to produce great Cabernet.

“Our original Cabernet vines, planted in 1985, are well ventilated by cooling ocean breezes during the growing season, meaning the vine

and fruit never gets too hot, nor too humid. All these factors – vine age, clone, soil, aspect, proximity to ocean – combine to ensure we have access to a special parcel of fruit each year that speaks of its place and the season.”

Jeremy picks up on Virginia’s point about the changing style of Margaret River Cabernet “I think with most wines, punters are looking for more elegance. That is, delicate fruit characters, subtle oak influence, moderate alcohol. The balance as a winemaker is always with your picking decisions – to ensure you get that balance (between fruit tannin ripeness, freshness of fruit and potential alcohol) absolutely bang on!

When asked for food and wine matches for Cabernet? “Anything cooked over coals!” he smiles. “Whether it be a slow-cooked shoulder of lamb, char grilled rib-eye of beef or field mushrooms in butter & garlic. Also think hard cheeses – cheddar, Manchego.”

Vasse Felix

Marri Wood Park

Marri Wood Park is a family run, boutique winery but there are some big ideas in their Cabernet Sauvignon.

Natalie Wright and her father Julian make their Cabernet from their Yallingup vineyards which are farmed biodynamically. Biodynamics is a type of organic farming which in practical terms means no chemicals, no pesticides, and no fertilisers.

Julian explained that he has dug deeper into Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner’s principles, also making his own observations of how nature works to inform how he farms.

“Biodynamics seeks to allow the grape to ripen naturally to be balanced,” Julian tells me. “That is not possible with chemical farming. The relentless pursuit of yield doesn’t happen in nature. The bush adjusts its yield according to seasonal conditions and we work with that. In good years we make more wine, in poor seasons less.”

While the yields are lower, Julian believes the Cabernet flavours are better and reflect the natural terroir while also making the farm sustainable.

Deep Woods Estate

Deep Woods were awarded ‘Best Value Winery’ in Australia by the 2023 Halliday Companion recognising the exceptional price to quality ratio of what they do. Many of their wines under $20 have received critical acclaim and their top shelf Reserve wines are also keenly priced compared to many of the region’s finest.

Highly awarded winemaker Julian Langworthy has described the Margaret River Region as ‘winemaking nirvana’ previously. “Margaret River is blessed in a range of ways some of the most obvious being the extreme maritime nature of the region. It’s the ‘goldilocks’ of the grape growing world- never too hot and never too cold. Diverse soil types and aspects, and unique Cabernet clonal material that seems to suit our region so well.”

Julian explains the key to the Margaret River Region’s Cabernet success; “The main part for me is the resolved nature of the tannins, Cabernet is a tannic variety which makes it so interesting. We in almost every year can achieve ripe juicy fine grained tannin structures that the wines hang from.”

“Based at Deep Woods in the Yallingup Hills area of Margaret River, we make cassis laden dreams with tannin structures so fine and ethereal it’s as if they were suspended in air.”

Xanadu

Glenn Goodall is fresh from winning the prestigious ‘Winemaker of the Year’ award at the 2023 Halliday Companion awards. Xanadu, like Deep Woods, have enjoyed phenomenal success at Wine Shows around Australia

collecting over 100 trophies and over 300 gold medals including Australia’s Best Cabernet in different competitions for the last 7 years.

Glenn name checks the “beautiful free draining gravelly loam soils and clonal selection including our heritage ‘Houghton’ clone” as the reasons why the Margaret River Region excels. The influence of the Indian ocean is mentioned again “This cooling maritime influence preserves the vibrant fruit characteristics of Cabernet throughout the long growing season, contributing to the wonderful purity you see in Margaret River Cabernets which has become part of our DNA” he tells me.

Glenn describes Margaret River Cabernet as “Energetic wines offering intense blackcurrants, cassis, and blue fruits with signature bay leaf and dried herb characters. Most importantly I like to make wines that offer regional and varietal integrity, having a real Margaret River fingerprint.”

“The classic hallmarks of Margaret River Cabernet are the purity of fruit and lovely ripe tannins that gets me most excited. They are drinkable while relatively young and fresh yet can be confidently cellared to bring out the wonderful complexity Margaret River Cabernets also offer.”

Changing Trends

There is a trend amongst drinkers to lighter styles of red wines such as Pinot Noir and Grenache and an ever-growing list of recently introduced Italian and Iberian varietals. So, a little cheekily, I asked Glenn and Julian if we need to make Cabernet ‘sexy’ again. Glenn sets me straight, “Cabernet has always been sexy!” He light heartedly corrects me.

Julian Langworthy agrees “Cabernet has always been sexy in my eyes……. That said the quality of the Cabernet based wines here in Margaret River are doing it for us. You heard it here first: Cabernet is back baby!”

Given it’s the world’s most planted grape you could say it never went away!

I like to make wines that offer regional and varietal integrity, having a real Margaret River fingerprint.”

~ Glenn Goodall, Xanadu

BREWERY| DISTILLERY | RESTAURANT | PLAYGROUND

COME AND SPEND THE DAY WITH US.

Black Brewing Co and Dune Distilling are guaranteed to give you a quintessential taste of the South West region. We offer uncompromising craft beers brewed inhouse, our Gold Medal Dune Distilling Gins and some of Margaret Rivers best wine varietals all served alongside a delicious lunch menu made from locally sourced ingredients.

BOOK IN FOR ONE OF OUR NEW DUNE DISTILLING GIN TASTING AND COCKTAIL MAKING EXPERIENCES.

For Weddings, Corporate and Function enquiries please contactevents@blackbrewingco.com.au

Open daily from 11am to 5pm

3517 Caves Road, Wilyabrup WA 6280

08 9755 6500

www.blackbrewingco.com.au

F blackbrewingco I blackbrewingco

SCAN

SCAN TO BOOK A GIN EXPERIENCE

AREGION RICH WITH STORIES

The Margaret River Region is brimming with historic landmarks, each with their very own story to tell.

Caves House Hotel is one landmark that has made a name for itself in the region. Owners Neil and Elizabeth Jilley say the original hotel was built by the Government in 1901, to house tourists who came to see Ngilgi Cave. Visitors would travel by train from Perth to Pinjarra, and then take a horse and cart to ‘Caves Accommodation House’, as it was called back then. During peak times it would sleep eighty inside and sixty on verandas.

Elizabeth says that the current hotel was eventually built by the Government in 1938 and took only ten months to build. The same builders, who were father and son, built both hotels.

WORDS | Sarah Robinson

The rebuild happened ten years later after the original wing of the hotel was partially destroyed by fire. The fire also destroyed the front façade, which overlooked the now heritage listed gardens. The gardens of Caves House Hotel are known for being incredibly beautiful, but they weren’t always that way. Back in the day a local gentleman helped to clean up and manicure the ‘scrubby’ grounds, which today set the scene for elegant weddings, high teas and relaxing afternoon strolls. The hotel’s beauty is probably why it continues to be a popular honeymoon spot. Bob and Hazel Hawke even stayed at the hotel after their wedding in 1956.

Head forty minutes up the coast, just past Busselton, and you’ll find another incredible property steeped in history. Wonnerup House is a heritage listed farm precinct in Wadandi Country. It was originally built in 1837 by George Layman Senior, who immigrated from England to Tasmania.

Layman bailed out of Tasmania after being attacked and robbed by escaped convicts. He found his way to Augusta, which failed as a settlement, so he exchanged his land grant in Augusta for a parcel in the Vasse Region.

The Wonnerup homestead’s namesake is a Nyungar term: wanna means woman’s digging stick and up means water. George Layman Senior lived on the farm with his wife, Mary Ann Bayliss, and their five children. But tensions between the European settlers and the Wadandi people were high, and resulted in the death of many Aboriginals, as well as Layman himself.

In 1841, Layman and a Wadandi Elder named Gaywal got into an argument over a debt. Witnesses say Layman pulled Gaywal’s beard and shook him - an act that displayed significant cultural disrespect. Gaywal

retaliated by killing Layman with a spear, and a large manhunt was launched.

Gaywal was eventually caught and killed, and two of his sons were sent to the Rottnest Island Aboriginal Prison. Nobody knows exactly how many Aboriginals were killed in the manhunt, although in 1897, historian Warren Bert Kimberly called the massacre, ‘one of the most bloodthirsty deeds ever committed by Englishmen.’

The National Trust has worked with Traditional Custodians and the Layman family to install a ‘…simple but provocative presentation to encourage visitors to question their knowledge of the past and to consider how we understand truth.’ Visitors are welcome to visit the house and discover more about its history.

About 40 minutes south west of Wonnerup House is another historical landmark worth exploring. Darnells General Store is a grocery and farm supply shop, which doubles as a post office and small country kitchen. The store itself has been operating just like this since 1932, when original owner, Bill Darnell Senior, opened shop.

The Rosa Brook store exudes a rustic kind of charm, perhaps because it hasn’t changed

Caves House has been carefully restored and the interiors are a marvel

a whole lot over the decades. Inside is a trove of old-world treasures; a wireless radio, model planes, and a beautiful piano made in London in the late 1800s. There’s even an office desk and chair that was purchased by Bill Darnell Senior in 1949, which is still used by staff every day.

Bill was only 20 when he first opened the store, and was known for extending generous

credit to locals who were going through tough times. Over the years, the little store has been something of a hub for people in the community, especially during the Depression when people were more isolated.

Bill sadly passed away in 2002 at 93 years of age. His late son Bill Darnell Junior began working in the store at 15 years of age, and Bill Junior’s wife Kitty continues to work at the store after 60 years. Kitty’s granddaughter can also be found behind the counter, and the pair are known for cooking incredible preserves and chocolates, which are much loved by those who stop in to fill up on fuel, and good conversation.

For more stories about the history of the Margaret River Region, visit the Margaret River and Districts Historical Society on Bussell Highway. Or discover the digital Historical Walk Trail, which features 67 plaques at historic sites around Margaret River main street, and beyond. Simply scan the QR code on each plaque for a mini history lesson.

This page Darnells General store is like a little time capsule, where folks will still put fuel in your car.

Over the years, the little store has been something of a hub for people in the community, especially during the Depression when people were more isolated.

The Story Behind Cape Grace Wines ageing gracefully

WORDS | Taya Reid

Iquery him on this logic, venturing that perhaps others would construe a vineyard as the opposite of security. Robert is congenially matter of fact, “My accountant told me I was mad, but I just knew it would work,” he says.

We sit in the kitchen at the back of the current cellar door, a space that was once their temporary home. The first vines were planted in 1996, and a with a combination of Karen’s marketing expertise from a background in luxury hotels, and Robert’s penchant for the outdoors and his intrinsic confidence and gentle determination, Cape Grace was born. The pedigree of the site was no small contributor, prime grape growing real estate that had previously caught the eye of Vasse Felix founder Dr. Tom Cullity for its superb conditions. The property sits on tranquil Wilyabrup

When traveling photographer Robert Karri-Davies decided to pivot his career to an industry with more security for wife Karen and their children, he turned to wine.

Below Karen, Robert and the team prepare a private tasting in the cellar.

bushland, where the Cape Grace icon, the Great Egret lands occasionally for a dam visit amongst other local winged wildlife. The Egret is elegant and classical in nature, and the perfect motif for a brand that prides itself on consistency of quality. Robert and Karen consider their status as a hidden gem winery to be just right for their size and ambitions, and the cellar door experience retains a personable grace, as customers are welcomed mainly by Karen herself.

Twenty-two years after their first vintage, the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, took out Best Wine at the Sheraton Wine Awards, the core formula of basket-pressed classics remains, coupled with an evolution of sustainable practices and some creative experimentation. Winemaker Conrad Tritt is straddling the boundary between upholding the Bordeaux stalwarts and dabbling in the realm of the contemporary minded customer. A block of Chenin Blanc that was planted right at the beginning has always been made in a dry style. A cane cut Chenin Blanc dessert wine followed around 15 years ago, followed by the Crémant de Grace Sparkling, and most recently a Pet Nat. The grape has adapted and flourished over a wave of style changes and drinking fashions.

More than anything, Cape Grace wines are built to age well. The museum selection of backvintages is held and released carefully, with the future and the past always in mind. Likewise, Robert reports that from the very first bottle sold in their kitchen, he and Karen have kept a log, now a very useful database, of all their customers. Like the 2010 Chardonnay you placed aside for later, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing and tasting the fruits of your labour in the light of retrospect. It’s this patience and forethought that has cemented Cape Grace’s endurance, and the reason it can still hold its own in a sea of over 150 regional cellar doors, which were not

yet numbering 50 in the late nineties.

The 26-year-old vines are in prime condition. They may have slightly lower yields now, but the fruit bears a beautiful concentration.

Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the flagships of the vineyard, as in many Margaret River outfits. Small batches of Malbec and Cabernet Franc are also produced and have proven very popular. Additionally, the Cab Mac Shiraz and Pet Nat released under labels of Robert’s own paintings sell themselves with what Conrad refers to as the modern consumer’s desire for something beyond the ubiquitous, a penchant for scarcity.

As with every story, I tell my mother about my visit to Cape Grace. She has glorious early 2000s memories of days when she and

her friends could stand up to seven hours of cellar doors but would always begin in the morning with Cape Grace. I joke with Robert that perhaps the timing is a salute to his wine, the fact they still possessed their taste and discernment at that early stage of the day. In fact, every generation seems to hold a unique fondness for this winery, a testament to their ability to age, grow, remain consistent but also adapt and surprise.

Karen and Conrad are the mechanics and faces of the winery, with Robert now retired to his abstract landscape paintings and maintaining the aesthetics of the cellar door. He’s not prideful about the fact he built this business on what amounts to a feeling. He says he ran the numbers and was a talented rose gardener before trying his hand at planting a vineyard, but it’s clear that the real reason for their success was simply knowing they had the right formula in Karen’s skills and his own, and the perfect place to apply them.

We walk in the vineyard for a photo. Robert knows the exact spot where the undulations of the land will create the most effective picture and invites me to climb on the vehicle for a better shot. He dug this dirt himself, learning the art of winemaking from professionals who, by his own description, pulled the fat out of the fire and saved him on many occasions. It makes me ponder how significant it is that a person ages with their wisdoms intact, like bringing the right blend of impulsiveness and fortitude from photography to winemaking, or any other experience. A lifetime, like a wine, is peppered with the characteristics of our minute decisions, our loves, failures and triumphs.

UNDALUP

BUSSELTON

HIGHLIGHTS

Busselton’s city precinct and foreshore offers the perfect fusion of coastal and city life. Spend the morning perusing quality shops, cafes and pubs along Queen Street, then, find perfect views of the famous jetty and of breaching whales along the foreshore where playgrounds, skateparks, and eateries abound.

Busselton Jetty: Built in 1865, the Busselton Jetty has always been the centre of activity in this vibrant beach town. Along its 1.8 kilometre timber piling and in the waters beneath, locals and holiday-makers alike walk, fish, swim and snorkel.

Crafty Pints: Busselton is the unoffcial home of craft beer in the south west, with urban, seaside and bush-block breweries - all of which welcome the whole family - offering up a taste of the region’s best.

Free Events: The event capital of Western Australia, Busselton has a calendar packed full of arts, cultural and sporting events. Don’t miss CinefestOZ Film Festival, Busselton Festival of Triathlon, and Cabin Fever Festival this autumn and winter!

ArtGeo Cultural Complex: This is where Busselton’s art and heritage meet; experience historical tours, witness working artists’ studios and wander galleries and exhibitions.

Geographe Bay: The seclusion and safety of Geographe Bay defines holidays in Busselton. From exploring rock pools and sand-castlemaking, to long walks with the dog. Fishing, crabbing and boating are shared through the generations. And if you don’t catch anything, there’s always fish and chips on the foreshore!

Eating Out: Busselton’s cuisine is a constantly evolving smorgasbord of distinctly local flavours. From the delicious tasting bars, street food vendors and take-home meals at Origins Market, to soul warming cafes and brew-pubs, there is a sumptuous mix of options to choose from.

BUSSELTON BAY & BOUNTY DRIVE TRAIL

The Busselton Bay & Bounty Trail is intended to guide you towards the parts of Busselton you’re looking for and the parts you didn’t even know about. Follow them to the letter or use them as your North Star to get back on track if you’ve wandered off the beaten path (and we hope you do).

Geographe Bay

Geographe Bay is like the Margaret River Region’s infinite lagoon, stretching from the edges of Busselton all the way past Dunsborough to the tip of Cape Naturaliste. It is the location of choice for generations of family holidays – for bathing, swimming, kayaking, fishing and more. The beauty of the bay (aside from its crystal clear, turquoise waters) is its protection, oriented away from an oft-prevailing southerly wind, the bay barely has any swell or surf, making it ideal and safe for most ages and abilities. It is the backdrop to daily life between Busselton and Dunsborough.

Busselton Jetty

The Busselton Jetty is an absolute icon of the region, as the centre of (and spectacular backdrop to) all the activity and bustle of the City’s foreshore. Generations of family holidays and traditions have played out here, from walking along – or jumping off – it, to diving, snorkelling or fishing. Find your own way to experience the jetty, (at a history-making length of 1.8km) – whether it be visiting the Underwater Observatory (one of only six in the world), taking in the colourful coral and sea life underneath, or riding the famous red electric train to the end. This is an unmissable West Australian attraction.

WORDS | Emily Kurys-Romer

Wonnerup House

At over 160 years old, Wonnerup House, run by The National Trust of Western Australia, is an important cultural and historical site just outside of Busselton, adjoining the picturesque Tuart Forest and Vasse Estuary wetlands. New informative displays explore a history of two worlds colliding, as the peaceful setting of Wonnerup belies a more difficult and turbulent past. Working with Traditional Custodians and members of the Layman family, the National Trust has installed a simple but provocative presentation to encourage visitors to question their knowledge of the past and to consider how we understand truth.

Tuart Ludlow Forest

Just inland from Wonnerup Beach, Busselton is bordered by the pure, majestic Tuart Ludlow Forest, a lesser-known nature’s paradise in the region. It is calm and quiet here. The beauty of the ancient tuart trees takes the stage; some 300 to 400 years old, with an average height of 33 metres and girth of 10 metres. There’s a myriad of ways to appreciate the forest, including the Tuart Drive tourist route, walk trails, tranquil picnic spots and a nocturnal possum spotlighting trail (as well as the Forest Adventures high ropes course).

The Sophisticated Beast Busselton can claim its unofficial title as the new beer capital in the south west. The craft beer pop-ups are, well, popping up! And The Sophisticated Beast is a great lo-fi addition, located in the Vasse light industrial area. The small brewery is run by an ex-winemaker with a decade of experience in the region, calling on that industry know-how by incorporating mature wine barrels and grapeskins into the brews.

Whicher Ridge Wines

Whicher Ridge Wines is welcoming and authentic, where every experience is hosted by owner and winemaker Cathy Howard. The sustainable and personal winery is just 20 minutes inland of Busselton and houses a unique and original Wine Sensory Garden as the centrepiece of all visits. There is a choice of experiences, including wine tasting, garden tours, hamper picnics, evening soirees and more. The venue is dog friendly, where resident wine dog, Polly, is the star. Yes, this one is a little off the beaten track but well worth the journey.

After Hours Wine

After Hours Wine is a small family (and viticulturist) owned and run vineyard. The wines are small-batch, handcrafted and estate grown, with only 2500 cases of wine made each year from eight hectares. The vineyard lies on the Carbunup River Flat and is open seven days.

Discover Deadly

Whether you have a fascination or fear of scaly critters this renowned reptile centre provides ‘edutainment’ at its finest. Enjoy a fun experience with a difference: meet a friendly python, watch dragons being fed, learn about arachnids, listen to the frog chorus, or simply be mesmerised by the floating turtles. There is a themed nature play including a life-size 3D snakes and ladders game plus coffee available at weekends.

Flametree Wines

Flametree Wines is one of the only quasiseaside wineries in the region, ideally located near the shores of Geographe Bay between Busselton and Dunsborough. The soaring cellar door - with its beach-style architecture – has indoor seating, a spacious deck and manicured grounds. There are plenty of options for wine tasting or sharing a produce platter with friends – either outside in the warmer months or fireside in winter. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly, and the cellar door is a family and dog-welcoming venue (perfect for picking up a bottle en route home from a swim!).

Shelter Brewing Co

Shelter Brewing Co is a stalwart of the iconic Busselton Foreshore, with its soaring, beer-hall-style dining room, frothing good beers and casual menu. The brewery claims to embody the soul of Busselton in all its efforts, owned and run by two long-time local families. Craft beer is made on-site (quite literally on the shores of Geographe Bay), there’s local wine and spirits on the drinks list, plus regional food made beautifully, with the kitchen featuring an imported woodfired pizza oven from Italy.

Origins Market

Welcome to a community of over 60 local producers and makers under one stylish roof in a modern market and food hall environment. If you’re staying in Busselton or nearby, pop down for a morning coffee and pastry; to pick up fresh provisions of cheese, fish or meats; to have lunch, wine taste; take the kids to the indoor playground; the reasons are plentiful. The markets celebrate produce, artisans and gourmet eateries right in the heart of Busselton.

Shelter Brewing Co is a stalwart of the iconic Busselton Foreshore, with its soaring, beer-hall-style dining room, frothing good beers and casual menu

Clockwise from left Whicher Ridge Wines’ sensory garden is a hidden gem off the beaten path; Shelter Brewing Co and The Sophisticated Beast are putting the craft beer stamp onto Busselton; Take a trip through the Tuart Forest at Forest Adventures South West.

QUEDJINUP

Dunsborough town centre is a coastal community located within walking distance from Geographe Bay but with a distinctly different vibe offered at the shopping district than at the casual beachfront. The town is bursting with bakeries, bars and fashion boutiques while the beach is perfect for a bike ride and a splash in the turquoise waters.

Yallingup: Yallingup is surrounded by the ruggedly beautiful Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Here the calm waters of Geographe Bay give way to a dramatic coastline, famous for its surf breaks. So good are the waves here, pro surfer Taj Burrow calls it home.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: A casual 59 steps to the top of this working lighthouse rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Meelup Regional Park. Bookings recommended.

Ngilgi Cave: An ancient and sacred place, Ngilgi Cave is the site of an Aboriginal creation story that’s shared with visitors by Traditional Owner Josh Whiteland (Koomal Dreaming). The resonating silence and intricacy inside the cave leaves its mark on all who bear witness.

Picturesque Drinking & Dining: Elevated casual is Dunsborough’s definition of meal time – restaurants, wineries and breweries offer a taste of the region’s best, with nature’s beauty the backdrop.

Intimate Moments: Intimacy takes on new meaning here – whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, family or friends, there’s a sense of seclusion and natural indulgence in Dunsborough that draws you closer to what’s important.

Boutique Shopping: From handmade wares and art to clothing and jewellery, shopping here isn’t an exercise in excess but a way of getting into the rhythm of Dunsborough’s alluring lifestyle.

Best Breakfasts

IN DUNSBOROUGH AND YALLINGUP

WORDS | Janine Pittaway

Asimple breakfast dish served in an unpretentious bush setting is revered by locals and is top of the bucket list for returning visitors to the region. It’s not traditional, at least not to Australia, and has remained on the popular café’s menu for more than 15 years.

When owner and chef Duncan Timmons took over Dunsborough’s Goanna Bush Café in 2008, he knew the Indo Breakfast’s reputation, and understood his own would be at stake if he removed it from the menu.

“We’re so happy to see people still enjoy it,” Duncan said. “It’s an Aussie take on a nasi goreng. I think it’s the balance of spice, sweetness and umami from the pesto avocado. We’ve spiced up the rice, adding house made nahm jim and quality coconut milk and fry it to order.”

Goanna Café is kid and dog-friendly and a relaxing place for a leisurely breakfast inside the café or under the gum trees. Other favourites are the bush breakfast, Spanish breakfast, and smoked BBQ breakfast. The Indonesian stays on the menu for brunch and lunch, joined by smoked salmon rosti and crab omelette gratin. The omelette is cooked with crab and white fish ‘Arnold Bennett’ style served with grilled courgettes and topped with potato rosti and a mango miso chilli butter. Duncan is serious about breakfast.

From bush to beach, some of WA’s most renowned chefs are creating world-class breakfasts for hungry surfers, holidaymakers and locals.

Kate Lamont is one of our state’s best-known and respected chefs and is regularly behind the tools in Lamonts Smiths Beach’s kitchen.

Lamonts’ consistent quality cements the restaurant as a staple on the breakfast scene. Or maybe it’s the siren’s call of a peach bellini, espresso martini or bloody mary that you can

You’re guaranteed to find a breakfast that is flavourful, varied and downright delicious along the coast from Dunsborough to Yallingup.

order on the side.

The restaurant and deli have been elevated with new bi-fold windows welcoming in the fresh salty air.

Popular Lamont’s breakfasts include buttermilk pancakes with sweet lime butter, maple syrup, mascarpone and berries; and potato rosti with roasted mushies, poached eggs and pancetta bits.

The blue soft taco with fried eggs, avo, tomato, mozzarella and brown butter aioli is also a winner. For a lighter start, poached nectarines and raspberries with roasted almond dukkha is divine.

Up the road at Yallingup Beach, Lagoon chef/ owner Ben Jacob celebrates the refined-casual restaurant’s proximity to the ocean. Breakfast standouts include a chilli blue swimmer crab omelette with akoya oyster sambal (a family recipe and nod to Ben’s Burmese heritage),

Below: Eagle Bay Olives have a relaxed casual atmosphere, and is great for families.

and buttermilk fish wing benedict with aniseed myrtle hollandaise and potato. For sweeter tooths there’s cinnamon swirl pancakes with milk glaze and cinnamon crumb. Groms have a dedicated breakfast menu with smaller servings. At Yallingup Lagoon kiosk there’s nary a sausage roll in sight! Instead enjoy a choice of toasties, pastries and house-made granola. Seeking maximum beach time? Order online.

New, and most welcome, to Dunsborough’s breakfast scene is Eagle Bay Olives. Order coffee, fresh pastries or your own personal selection off the blackboard menu, then pull up

Above and right: Lagoon is an elegant space with restaurant quality breakfast dining.

a chair in the shaded garden with views to the olive groves or Ollie Park playground. Kids and dogs welcome.

Owners Matt and Julie Izett have added a commercial kitchen to their farm shop since taking over two and a half years ago. There’s a relaxed rustic charm created by the recycled timbers, corrugated iron and mismatched tables and chairs. Chef Andrew Foulsham creates daily specials and bakes. It’s hard to go past the EBO burger with brioche bun, bacon, egg, avo, swiss cheese, hash brown and tomato chutney but if you can, there’s also a knockout vegan bircher, tasting plate, toasties and house-made pies featuring olives. Be sure to visit the EBO Farm Shop.

Meelup Farmhouse celebrates the art of brunching in boho chic style. The menu is a cut above breakfast standards, featuring fresh flavours from farm, garden and sea. Warm date and ginger rice pudding with coconut yoghurt and chilli scrambled egg with char sui pork belly are on the cards for our next visit.

Little ones have a brunch set menu - finishing with a bag of chicken feed for the free range and fabulous Silkie chickens!

The venue has heaters and blankets if the weather is cool.

With delicious food and exceptional service, this one is a popular choice so remember to book ahead.

Other notable mentions:

DUNSBOROUGH:

• Pullman Bunker Bay - gourmet buffet breakfast with complimentary glass of sparkling. Dedicated kids buffet in school hols.

• Merchant & Maker – house made bread and pastries. Takeaway gourmet breakfast hamper.

• Artezen – Orange crepes, maple mushrooms, decadent French toast, and the best scrambled eggs in town according to the Pilates girls who frequent the establishment.

• Wild & Woods – wholesome breakfast and juices.

• Local Dunsborough – go for the filled Better Bagels made locally in Dunsborough.

• La Lah – try the mango & avo smash or the tofu scramble.

• Evviva – go the Bino Benny with creamy turmeric hollandaise.

• The Cure – choose for drive-through convenience.

• One Day Café – focaccia, tarts, breakfast bowls and muffins in the light industrial area.

• Conscious Craves – locals rave about the waffles!

• Dunsborough Bakery – open at 6am for the early risers.

YALLINGUP:

• Cape Lodge – a la carte lakeside dining.

• Anniebrook Farm – homemade scones and pies - always ok for breakfast!

• Commonage Coffee / Yallingup Chocolate Café – freshly roasted coffee, muffins, pastries, and toasties.

• Yallingup General Store – casual and tasty –come straight from the beach.

• Yallingup Guglehuph – fresh baked croissants and shortcrust quiches to take away.

Check websites and social media for seasonal openinghoursandlatestmenus.

ENJOY A TASTE OF MARGARET RIVER’S FINEST

We invite you to join us for a tasting among some of the oldest vines in Margaret River, at our famous Redbrook vineyard.

Mention this ad for your complimentary tasting.

There’s a relaxed rustic charm created by the recycled timbers, corrugated iron and mismatched tables and chairs

WOODITJBILYUP

MARGARET RIVER

It comes as a surprise to some visitors that Margaret River’s bustling town centre sits roughly 8km from the coast. But the main street never disappoints. There is an indelible buzz to the town centre with a mix of artisan stores and galleries, public street art, diverse drinking options and a good selection of retail shops.

Wineries & Gourmet Dining: Margaret River’s fertile environment gives way to some of the world’s finest wines and produce that good chefs dream of.

Mountain Biking Trails: Margaret River, with it’s rich biodiversity and abundance of space, has garnered attention worldwide as an outdoor recreation mecca particularly for MTB enthusiasts.

Mammoth Cave: The ancient cave system that exists within Margaret River’s costal limestone ridge gives insight to Wadandi and natural history, and the true fertility and wonder of this land.

Margaret River: The lifeblood of the town’s fertile environment, the Margaret River flows through here and culminates at Rivermouth.

Surfers Point: Generations of professional and amateur surfers alike have flocked here to surf the region’s famous point break - and it’s a good spot to eat fish and chips at sunset, too.

Cowaramup’s Arts Scene: Inspired by the landscape, local artists have put their stamp on Cowaramup. Explore artisan stores, galleries and studios in this unexpectedly creative little town.

TOWN MAP

Visitor

Restaurant

Café

Bar Dining/shopping precinct

Gift Shop Green Space

Cowaramup & Gracetown: HARVEST & VINES TRAIL

It’s the region’s powerhouse of vineyards, farming, working families and artisan production. Of course, days end at the coast, and in this case, it’s Gracetown’s Cowaramup Bay, where the sun sets into the water.

Beerfarm

Beerfarm is a rustic brewery with country charm in spades, on the site of a converted dairy farm. From the beer hall itself (complete with rusty tin roof), open wood fire, to the craft beer, barbecue food by Burnt Ends Smoking Co and scenic 120 acre views, rollicking good times abound. The whole place has a sprinkling of cowboy – as evidenced by the neighbouring Black Angus cattle herd that helps supply the menu.

Churchview Estate

So-called because it lies opposite the historical, picturesque (and tiny!) St John the Baptist Anglican Church on Bussell Highway, which is an icon landmark on your drive into Margaret River, Churchview Estate is now certified fully organic, driven by principles of cultivating and cherishing the land. Beyond the cellar door tasting, visitors can book a ploughman’s lunch or a fully stocked picnic in the vines for two.

Margaret River Nuts & Cereals

Harmans Mill Road, just outside Cowaramup, is renowned for its variety of local produce outside of wine. It’s a picker’s and forager’s delight – and Margaret River Nuts and Cereals adds to the diversity. Fill your pantry with honey, nuts, a wide range of muesli, chutneys, pickles and spices. The onsite café makes coffee, tea, homemade cakes, and snacks, and there is seating for all weather and a play area for the kids.

WORDS | Emily Kurys-Romer

Almost like a golden triangle of winemaking, the humble area between Gracetown and Cowaramup, known as Wilyabrup, is where locals and visitors go to live like kings.

Wow Illusions

Here is a treat to break up the day for the kids (or the kids at heart). Wow Illusions is a collection of weird effects and puzzling eccentricity. Its brightly coloured exterior is unmissable along your drive, and inside the trickery includes a gravity defying room, illusionary artworks, distorted rooms, mazes and more.

Black Brewing Co

Black Brewing Co is a beverage haven along Caves Road, noteworthy for its huge dam and magnificent, architecturally-awarded building. The beer garden is extensive, as is the wraparound veranda (with adjoining playground), which takes in the water and bushland views. The craft beers are brewed in house, there’s a delicious menu of pared-back shared dishes, with gins inspired by the local terrain and native flora.

Cowaramup Brewing Co

A true rural beer experience, inside a bright rammed earth and timber building overlooking farm country. Take a look at the working brewery on site, or pre-book a tour to get the full Cowaramup Brewing Co experience. The bar and restaurant opens onto a wide wooden deck, the best vantage point to take in the lawned beer garden, playground and dam, with wide vistas of the neighbouring rural farmland and vineyards.

The Grove Distillery

The first of its kind established in the Margaret

River Region, known for its prolific experimental range of spirits, and a fun and eclectic tasting experience. The Grove pushes boundaries when exploring new flavours and methods of production. Visit the cellar door to taste for yourself, or book a Talk and Taste tour.

Three Lily’s Gin & Sweet Treats

Sweet wines have a cult following…consider this their church! While most wineries might do one or two sweet or dessert vinos, this is the specialty at Three Lily’s Gin, along with its namesake spirit, which is available in classic form or with a ginger, mango, lemon, lime, chilli, Pina Colada or fruit infused twist!

Above: Rows of vineyards at Howard Park Right: Get your cowboy on at Beerfarm.

Providore Margaret River

Cullen Wines

Bettenay’s Wines & Margaret River Nougat

Bettenay’s has a list of exciting experiences, a café of drinks and treats, plus games and activities for the family to enjoy at the vineyard and lakeside cellar door. Wine connoisseurs, sweet tooths or even morning coffee drinkers are welcome to pop in. Check online for their decadent experiences, including nougattoasting, liqueur-spiked hot chocolate, nougat and wine matching, grazing boards, private tours or brunch.

The

Margaret River Chocolate Company

experience at Cape Grace Wines – the basket pressed red wines are a highlight. Karri-Davies family has a history in the area spanning back to 1875, including the founding of Margaret River and the building of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

This was the first chocolate company in the Margaret River Region – the one that brought a whole new genre to the world of gourmet food and wine. Since 1999 it has been going strong as a Western Australian icon, hand-making chocolate products and giving away free chocolate tastings to millions of customers.

Cullen Wines

Cullen Wines is one of the most awarded wineries in Margaret River, and one of the founding estates in the region. Quality,

integrity and sustainability are the mantras lived and breathed here under the meticulous stewardship of winemaker Vanya Cullen. Adjoining the vineyard outside, there is a selfguided spiral garden that teaches about the biodynamic processes and principles.

Providore is home to a gourmet pantry range of the same name, plus Coward and Black wines and the Margaret River Coffee Company. The beautiful rammed earth building is neighboured by a vineyard on one side and a herb and vegetable garden on the other, from which it creates its range of farm fresh gourmet products.

Domaine Naturaliste

The space here is quite literally the domain (pun intended) of acclaimed winemaker Bruce Dukes and is designed for ultimate relaxation. It’s the perfect setting for Domaine Naturaliste’s wine flight: six wines presented at a seated tasting with personalised guidance from cellar door staff. Charcuterie and cheese boards are available.

Vasse Virgin

A mecca for indulgent natural skincare products, gourmet pantry produce and of course, rich olive oil. A treat for the senses, where you can flit around like a hummingbird trying a fragrant soap here, a hand scrub there or deli products like tapenades or the cult macadamia pesto (among many other delights).

Fermoy Estate

With its buildings painted a Mediterranean hue of salmon, and surrounded by olive trees, Fermoy Estate is a landmark on Metricup Road. Is this the South of France, Italy? It seems like it! The grounds are best enjoyed with a glass or bottle of wine at the picnic tables, or with a grazing board.

The Colony Concept – Southern Forests Honey

A sustainable honeybee farm and the home of Southern Forests Honey, which produces 10 different local varieties of honey, nine types of mead medicinal honey and the Heart of the Hive beauty skin care products. Not-for-profit organisation Foodlosophy runs the 120-seat restaurant here, using sustainable produce from friends and farmers within 100 km of the kitchen gate.

Howard Park Wines

One of the most striking, architecturallyawarded cellar doors in Margaret River, noted for its Feng Shui design principles. The vast lawn and grounds provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy the range of tasting experiences - including some knockout private seated, museum wine tastings.

Cape Grace Wines

One of the great ‘little’ wineries of Margaret River that is family owned and operated. Enjoy a friendly, intimate and authentic cellar door experience – the basket pressed red wines are a highlight. The Karri-Davies family has a history in the area spanning back to 1875, including the founding of Margaret River and the building of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

Clairault Streicker Wines

Clairault Streicker features one of the lushest and greenest cellar doors in the area, with manicured grounds and vineyard views

surrounded by tall gum trees that offer shade on a warm summer day. Inside, seated wine tastings take place alongside a vineyard kitchen that turns out modern casual dining.

Woody Nook Wines & Nookery Café

Cullen Wines is one of the most awarded wineries in Margaret River, and one of the founding estates in the region. Quality, integrity and sustainability are the mantras lived and breathed here under the meticulous stewardship of winemaker Vanya Cullen. Adjoining the vineyard outside, there is a selfguided spiral garden that teaches about the biodynamic processes and principles.

A mudbrick cottage nestled against a backdrop of marri and jarrah forest and brimming with country charm. The vineyard and winery property, prides itself on being family-owned, small and unpretentious, but achieving consistent acclaim for its premium wines. The Nookery Café has a rustic relaxing atmosphere with both cosy indoor seating and an all weather alfresco dining area. It serves breakfast and delicious, wholesome lunches including a popular loaded taste plate.

Domaine Naturaliste

The space here is quite literally the domain (pun intended) of acclaimed winemaker Bruce Dukes and is designed for ultimate relaxation. It’s the perfect setting for Domaine Naturaliste’s wine flight: six wines presented at a seated tasting with personalised guidance from cellar door staff. Charcuterie and cheese boards are available.

Woodlands Wines

Woodlands Wines was born in 1973 (one of the first five vineyards of Margaret River) from a love for French Bordeaux Cabernet blends, and the Watson’s family dream to create a legacy red wine of their own. The cellar door is home to a space with views of the vineyard, the working winery and the barrel hall.

Fermoy Estate

With its buildings painted a Mediterranean hue of salmon, and surrounded by olive trees, Fermoy Estate is a landmark on Metricup Road. Is this the south of France, Italy? It seems like it! The grounds are best enjoyed with a glass or bottle of wine at the picnic tables, or with a grazing board.

Fraser Gallop Estate

Howard Park Wines

One of the most striking, architecturallyawarded cellar doors in Margaret River, noted for its Feng Shui design principles. The vast lawn and grounds provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy the range of tasting experiences - including some knockout private seated, museum wine tastings.

This estate produces wines of exceptional quality and value and has picked up arguably the highest international gongs for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Visit their cellar door or immerse yourself in ‘A Taste of the Vineyard’ experience, gently touring the manicured gardens of the iconic Gallop House in a solar-powered EV buggy, sipping the Parterre wine range at picturesque locations along the way.

Clairault Streicker Wines

Clairault Streicker features one of the lushest and greenest cellar doors in the area, with manicured grounds and vineyard views surrounded by tall gum trees that offer shade. Inside, seated wine tastings take place alongside a vineyard kitchen that turns out modern casual dining.

Woody Nook Wines & Nookery Café

A mudbrick cottage nestled against a backdrop of marri and jarrah forest and brimming with country charm. The vineyard and winery property, prides itself on being family-owned, small and unpretentious, but

Where to Stay?

Where to Stay?

Cape Lodge

Cape Lodge

The epitome of luxury accommodation in Margaret River, with the appearance of a private country estate, but the trappings of a world-class boutique hotel. The rooms are centred around a picturesque lake and forest, surrounded by manicured grounds, pool, a waterside restaurant and vineyard.

The epitome of luxury accommodation in Margaret River, with the appearance of a private country estate, but the trappings of a world-class boutique hotel. The rooms are centred around a picturesque lake and forest, surrounded by manicured grounds, pool, a waterside restaurant and vineyard.

Eight Willows Retreat

Eight Willows Retreat

The entry into Eight Willows Retreat is striking; a winding driveway that crosses a lake, surrounded by native bushland, with a scenic gazebo perched over the water. Here, 25 self-contained chalets are set on 75 acres of pristine nature, with each positioned for maximum privacy.

The entry into Eight Willows Retreat is striking; a winding driveway that crosses a lake, surrounded by native bushland, with a scenic gazebo perched over the water. Here, 25 self-contained chalets are set on 75 acres of pristine nature, with each positioned for maximum privacy.

Thisarticlewasoriginallypublishedon margaretriver.comandadaptedforprint.

Thisarticlewasoriginallypublishedon margaretriver.comandadaptedforprint.

achieving consistent acclaim for its premium wines. The Nookery Café has a rustic relaxing atmosphere with both cosy indoor seating and an all weather alfresco dining area. It serves breakfast and delicious, wholesome lunches including a popular loaded taste plate.

Woodlands Wines

Woodlands Wines was born in 1973 from a love for French Bordeaux Cabernet blends, and the Watson’s family dream to create a legacy red wine of their own. The cellar door is home to a space with views of the vineyard, the working winery and the barrel hall.

Fraser Gallop Estate

Is this the South of France, Italy? It seems like it!

This estate produces wines of exceptional quality and value and has picked up arguably the highest international gongs for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Visit their cellar door or immerse yourself in ‘A Taste of the Vineyard’ experience, gently touring the manicured gardens of the iconic Gallop House in a solar-powered EV buggy, sipping the Parterre wine range at picturesque locations along the way.

Is this the south of France, Italy? It seems like it!

A BRIEF HISTORY of JAHROC GALLERIES

The gallery and furniture maker has made a name for itself, championing the works of incredible local artists, and those from further afield. JahRoc started life in Scarborough, in 1987, when founder Gary Bennett began trading out of his backyard. A year later he joined forces with his best mate and brother in law, David Paris. These days, the pair are renowned for their hand crafted furniture designs, which are much-loved by collectors and folk with good taste.

“Fate led me to my business partner of 35 years and best friend, David Paris, in a wrecking yard in Nambour, Queensland, back in about 1982,” Gary says. “He joined me in JahRoc in 1988, and has always been unflinchingly supportive of my creative and business pursuits, even when some seemed pretty crazy at the time.”

Gary’s business partner and wife, Lara Bennett, and his sister, Jo Paris, round off the JahRoc dream team. “JahRoc has had a core of four hard working creative people,” he says. “It’s a rare case, where the sum of the parts is worth

more than the individuals, and for that we are lucky and grateful.”

Over the years, the gallery has played host to amazing artists. Gary recounts some of his all-time favourites. “One of the highlights of our time for me in the Margaret River gallery has been the collaborative exhibitions we have done with the artists that exhibit with us,” he says. “We successfully collaborated with the late Leslie John Wright, who was an incredible Western Australian furniture designer in the eighties and nineties.”

Working with Leslie opened Gary’s eyes to the joy of creating with other artists. “We worked with some extremely talented artists, such as Shaun Atkinson and Larry Mitchell, architect Ian Bailey, surfboard designer Jim Banks and John Kinsella, who is one of Australia’s leading landscape poets.”

Working with different artists injected new life into JahRoc’s furniture design, and inspired Gary and David to push the boundaries of their artistic direction. These collaborations are documented in a book titled, JahRoc

WORDS | Sarah Robinson

After twenty years on Margaret River main street, the legendary JahRoc Galleries is closing shop.

Collaborations.

JahRoc 1.0 originated in York where the foursome established a thriving gallery, café and furniture design workshop in an old flour mill. But the pull of the surf was strong, so Gary and Lara bought land in Gnarabup as close to the ocean as they could get.

“We travelled between York and Marg’s for a few years but by the early 2000’s it got to the stage where I just couldn’t drive back to York and call that home any longer,” Gary says. “David was very understanding of my desire to move back to the coast and said, ‘just go mate, and we will work out the details as we go.’ It was an absolute blessing.”

The new gallery hit the ground running, doubling its original sales volume within a matter of months. “We got very lucky and a building popped up in the main street, which had been a gallery for nearly twenty years,” Gary says. “We have been blessed to have so many supportive customers, many of whom have become very good friends, and continue to play a massive part in our success.”

JahRoc Galleries will officially close its door on June 30th, however Gary and Dave will continue to craft furniture in their Kilcarnup studio to ensure their many orders are taken care of. Once the work is done Dave is set to retire, while Gary will scale back and spend more time exploring Australia and Japan.

Be sure to stop in and say goodbye to the legends at JahRoc Galleries when you’re next in Margaret River.

TALINUP

Augusta town centre often flies under the radar but those in the know love its quirk and charm. Take a stroll down the street and you’ll find eclectic vintage shops and cafes, and a pub with arguably the best view in WA. The Augusta folk are a chatty bunch too and it’s the local pearls of wisdom offered along the way that can make a visitor instantly smitten with the place.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: Maritime legend abounds at the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.

Hamelin Bay: Share a tranquil moment with a stingray in pristine Hamelin Bay.

Blackwood River: Fish, swim or soak in the serenity to your heart’s content along the Blackwood River, the region’s most significant water source and the longest river in the south west.

Walking Trails: A network of walking trails connects river, bush and sea in and around Augusta, forming pathways into the town’s unique history, flora and fauna.

Eat Abalone: Forget the trims of fine dining; sink your teeth into a piece of locally farmed abalone at The Colourpatch restaurant or at Glenarty Road winery.

Whale Watching: Flinders Bay becomes a nursery for the next generation of Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks from MayAugust, and whales can be seen in all their glory from boat, beach and lookout.

Boranup Forest: Witness the sheer beauty of the karri trees as winter rain brings fertility to the forest.

Eyes on the Blackwood River: A Tale of Augusta’s

WORDS | Tilly Kelleher

Skiff Community

WORDS | Tilly Kelleher

I’m here to meet a dedicated group of locals that meet down here every week to row the river.

Ian Edgar is the first man on the ground, pushing a beautiful timber rowboat down to the water’s edge with the name ‘Zoom’ carefully painted across her bow. Ian offers us a quick scoop around the bay in the skiff, so I clamber in. Everybody is in charge of one oar. Synchronicity is key.

“Carbon neutral!” Ian beams, steering from the front, gently reminding me to bring those elbows in. I’m struck by the clarity of the water. Small shells reflect from the bottom, a cormorant swims past and dolphins leap through the channel. Ian is patient and good humoured, and we’re back on the shore before I’ve had time to break a sweat.

The regulars have arrived and while they load into ‘Zoom’ to row out past the bend, I sit on the banks with Augusta local Bill Perry to find out more about the project.

“We’re an eclectic group” Bill says, pointing out the various careers amongst the crew to have all arrived here. Bill’s had a lifetime of sailing out on the water but now spends more time ashore boat building, facilitating and sharing the group’s work. And there’s plenty to organise.

A regular group of up to twelve people can

now be found working three mornings a week, in a shed that fellow local Cliff Owen generously provides at no cost. The skiffs are a Scottish Coastal Row Boat design which is purchased as a kit, and Bill stresses it’s nothing like your usual furniture flatpack. The decision was made to use recycled Oregon and local timbers for the seats, coxswain and passengers onboard ‘Zoom’ and ‘Colourpatch’. The level of craftsmanship is high, and there is definitely no shortage of skilled woodworkers amongst the team. Together they have had to apply some creative solutions, but sounds as if a constant supply of sticky bun keeps the enthusiasm running.

In addition to the builders, another group of volunteers are involved in organising fundraising and events. Presenting at the Augusta Whale Festival, Cape to Cape marathon registrations, wood raffles, quiz nights, and rowing Santa down the river, the list goes on. The Augusta Rowers also host the Regatta, where other state clubs bring their skiffs to race the Blackwood.

The next project on the table is the Acorn. She’s a smaller vessel at 17 feet long, and much lighter which allows a team of one or two rowers, along with the cox to steer the skiff. And beyond the Acorn, the Augusta Rowers intend to build a ‘pram’ at eight feet. This will also be

It’s a still morning on the banks of the Blackwood River as I make my way to the Augusta Yacht Club. The paperbarks hang low and the bright yellow swish bush is in flower. It’s one of those magical days in Talinup, the Wadandi name for this corner of Australia.

raffled off to raise funds. “Otherwise where are we going to store them all,” laughs Bill.

Bill points to the tremendous support from the community of Augusta, and the rising population of skiffs in other regional towns. “Both Denmark and Nannup have modelled their association on ours, using our build photos during construction, the trailer designs, spare oars.” And in recognition of the time and effort that goes in to building a skiff, the launch is often a time of celebration. The Augusta Rowers have travelled regionally to lend a hand and support when other clubs launch.

Bill speaks about attending the recent Blackwood Catchment meeting about health and management, both here in the Hardy Inlet and further upstream. Resting my feet in the cool water by the river’s edge, it dawns on me how these rowers really play an important role as eyes on the river.

Quiet voices signal the return of ‘Zoom’ coming around the corner. There is a settled, steady breath and oars are held to rest on the gunwale. Ribbons of light reflect across the hull, and steady hands disembark to guide ‘Zoom’ into shore.

There’s something soothing in an automated world, about rekindling an old method or design and making it relevant. Being out on the water

in these boats, or just observing them, does have a timeless quality. But equally as striking to me is the community built around these boats, both in and out of the water. And that need has never lost its relevance. Toenquireaboutevents,volunteeryour skillsorsignuptorowyoucancontact: augustarowers@gmail.com

Above: The two skiffs, Colourpatch and Zoom, on the water. Watching them gives a sense of creativity and community - rare in a modern, automated world.

Crafting premium wine on our family vineyard since 1975

Gralyn Estate have been quiet pioneers of aged port styles for over forty years, alongside highly regarded expressions of regional cornerstones, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Artizan Rare Muscat Wine of the Year London Wine Competition

Gralyn Estate’s sought-after vintages are exclusively available from our cellar door and through our online store.

4145 Caves Road, Wilyabrup | gralyn.com.au

Explore

Augusta’s Main Street & Beyond

The phrase “wild blue yonder” may have been created with Augusta in mind. Perched on the southwestern most tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet — Augusta is the scene of some of the wildest ocean conditions in the world and where migrating whales and orca can be seen when the time is right.

Augusta, like its whales, is big of heart – a trip down Augusta’s main street, with ocean and river views, is a delight.

SUP & Yoga

As you approach Augusta on the Bussell Highway with 3 km to go, you will find Boogaloo, a glamping retreat managed by Nicki and Paul Jones. With their son, Owen, they manage eight gorgeous Bell tents decked out with comfortable beds and premium furnishings.

Nicki is a yoga practitioner and standup paddleboard instructor who can guide you through a yoga session in the Yurt or recommend a paddling location. SUPs are available to hire. The site has everything you need: a rustic container bathroom block and a fully equipped camp kitchen.

Coffee & Cake

Speaking of containers – coffee at the nearby Contained Coffee at Westbay Retreat is worth a sip. Delicious coffee and snacks in a lush setting - a vast camping ground that sits on the river and embraces a free-range camping style amongst the tea trees.

If you like cake with your coffee, you can’t go past Two Seas Collective, just off the main street. Kaya opened her café and art collective four months ago, where she not only bakes

delicious cakes and designs award-winning art – she is also a ceramicist and promoter of local female artists. Her shop is warm and welcoming, with an array of local art on display for purchase.

Local Art & Legends

Upstairs from Two Seas is a thriving studio and art space. Local artist Jo Hayes runs painting workshops featuring landscapes from the region. Jo also works with the Augusta community to create art projects, such as the colourful sail mural on display opposite the shop. If you chance upon the Wall of Faces on your way to the hotel, you will see pictured local legend Paul Sofilis, the lighthouse keeper. Paul has tended Leeuwin lighthouse for 25 years, and you can meet him when you book a tour of the recently restored lighthouse.

WORDS | Lisa Ikin

Other local legends include 90s TV chef – Ian Parmenter, Edie Williams – a much-loved longterm resident of Augusta, and fringe circus performer Fatt Matt Yates.

To learn more about the intriguing history of Augusta and its surrounds, drop into the Museum, which is also on the main street, and check out the displays. The lovely folks at the museum are always happy to chat about history.

Places to Stay

Accommodation is plentiful in Augusta. Turner Caravan Park, at the opposite end of the main street, has river and ocean views. The park is within walking distance of the town and is a great place to fish or swim. The fully equipped park has a selection of onsite vans, newly constructed chalets, and powered and unpowered campsites.

Experience Augusta offers a variety of quality self-catering options, from budget to luxury accommodation - with choices for families, couples, and those who holiday with pets.

Looking for beach shack vibes? The delightful Shipwright’s Mistress is a fully restored selfcatering vintage home for up to four guests. The beautiful property was named one of WA’s 15 best Airbnbs by Urban List in 2022. With filtered views through majestic old peppermint trees on the banks of the Blackwood - the

house is situated in old Augusta and is within walking distance of the town.

Augusta Eats

Dining options on the Augusta main street range from baked goods at the Augusta Bakery and Café, fish and chips from the OG Café or Augusta Fish & Chips, hearty pub meals at the Augusta Hotel, and breakfasts and Japanese-inspired lunches from Thousand Sun’s Café. Of course, you can travel further afield to experience the many wineries and local flavours.

The Colourpatch Café and Bar on the Blackwood River is an established Augusta restaurant with incredible views of the inlet where the ocean mixes with the freshwater of the Blackwood River. The restaurant was recently refurbished and boasts a bar constructed from a 10-meter 1960s Albany yacht.

Watch families stroll by, kite surfers soar, and stingrays glide past while dining indoors or out. The Colourpatch is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; local seafood is featured predominantly on the menu - fresh oysters, abalone, and fish local to the Augusta waters.

There is so much to love about Augusta. Immerse yourself and take a stroll down the main street. The locals will embrace you, and the experience will warm your heart.

Views from your glamping tent at Boogaloo.

DUNSBOROUGH BEACH COTTAGES

ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT ON THE SHORES OF GEOGRAPHE BAY

Dunsborough Beach Cottages is situated on the pristine waters of Geographe Bay just 2.5 hours south of Perth. We offer beautifully appointed self-contained 2 & 3 bedroom resort style cottages, including our adults only beachfront cottages. From here you can walk to the Dunsborough town centre or within a short distance you can experience a range of award winning wineries, galleries and restaurants, making

Ph 08 9756 8885 info@dunsboroughbeachcottages.com.au

Dunsborough Beach Cottages the ideal choice for families, couples or anyone looking to enjoy a beachfront escape in the Margaret River region.

Be sure to visit our website for the latest offers and rates.

BIG VALLEY CAMPSITE

NESTLED AMONGST THE HILLS OF OUR FAMILY OWNED WORKING SHEEP FARM, JUST TEN MINUTES SOUTH EAST OF MARGARET RIVER.

The farm encompasses a beautiful secret valley secluded from the outside world by natural forest. Bring your Caravan, Motorhome or Tent to relax and enjoy the open space, amazing nights skies, friendly farm animals and the family friendly atmosphere. Pet friendly.

Ph 08 9757 5020 bigvalleymargaretriver.com.au

OFFERING UNIQUE BEACHSIDE ACCOMMODATION IN A RELAXED NATIONAL PARK SETTING.

Set on a beautiful bay and taking in the picturesque South West coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, the Holiday Park is 15kms north of Augusta and 30kms south of Margaret River. Choose from well appointed camp sites, caravan sites, cottages and cabins.

bookings@hamelinbayholidaypark.com.au

Ph 08 9758 5540 www.hamelinbayholidaypark.com.au

HAMELIN BAY HOLIDAY PARK

Locally made natural skincare with a focus on chemical free, plant-based ingredients.

Handmade • Small batch • Essential oils

Moisturisers • Soaps • Mud masks

Candles • Bath salts • Homewares

31 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough (opposite Post Office) 9759 1419 • corrynnes.com.au

STREATER GALLERY IS A MUST SEE

WINE TOURS OF DISTINCTION

Nestled in eight and a half acres of mature peppermint woodlands and stunningly landscaped gardens, The Aqua Resort offers luxury beachfront accommodation with direct beach access on the shores of the Geographe Bay in the beautiful South West of Western Australia.

MARGARET RIVER’S ORIGINAL AND BEST WINERY TOURS

Half Day and Full Day Gourmet Wine & Dine Tours

We visit a selection of the following wineries; Leeuwin Estate, Xanadu, Voyager Estate, McHenry Hohnen and Brown Hill. Full Day tours include lunch at Xanadu. All tours include tasting fees at cellar doors and samples of Margaret River cheeses & chocolate.

Ph: 0419 917 166 info@margaretrivertours.com www.margaretrivertours.com

Capturing the quintessential spirit of the Australian beach house holiday, the resort provides world-class facilities such as the 25-metre infinity lap pool, a well-equipped gymnasium, steam room, outdoor spa and a full-size tennis court.

John Streater Fine Furniture Open: Mon - Sun 10am to 4pm. Ph 08 9755 1211 105 Blythe Road, Yallingup Siding streatergallery@bigpond.com www.streaterfinefurniture.com

John Streater has been a pioneer in the West Australian art industry for over thirty years. His bespoke furniture is showcased alongside other internationally recognised artists at his gallery in Yallingup Siding.

WEEKDAY BEACH STAY

Book a four night stay at Aqua between Monday and Friday to save up to 50% Conditions apply. See website for details.

CELLAR

605 Bussell Hwy, Busselton (08) 9750 4200

theaquaresort.com.au

The largest independent Real Estate Company in the Southwest, spanning across four beautiful locations.

MEET THE TEAM

WISTERIA COTTAGE

REST, RELAX, EXPLORE.

Sunflowers Animal Farm is home to hundreds of animals that you can pat, feed and cuddle. Come and meet our cows, pigs, donkeys, horses, ponies, goats, llama, deer, guinea pigs, alpaca, emu, ostrich, chickens, ducks, turkey, guinea fowl, geese and many colourful and/ or talking birds.

We offer farmstay accommodation in 4 fully self contained units, sleeping between 5 and 9 people, near Margaret River in the South West of Western Australia.

Sunflowers Farmstay is ideal for big groups of friends or families (max 28 people).

You will also see many pet and wild birds and bunnies wandering around the farm and playing in the wetlands.

Wander through the Animal Farm, with over 350 very friendly (mainly) farm animals, at any time during your stay. Sip local wines while admiring our stunning views: wild kangaroos grazing on rolling hills covered in beautiful wildflowers.

Entry is $14.50 per person (babies under 2 are free). Feed the animals for only $3.50 per bucket. Open to the public from 9am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day. Help bottle feed the orphan babies at 10am and 4pm every day. No bookings required.

Whether you are here for rest and relaxation or to explore our amazing atttractions we hope you enjoy the peace and tranquility that is Wisteria Cottage. A one bedroom self contained cottage.

5561 Caves Road, near Margaret River

Ph: (08) 9757 3343 • farmerjones@sunflowersfarm.com

129 Ludlow-Hithergreen Rd, Ludlow (Cnr Bussell Highway, 10 minutes north of Busselton)

www.sunflowersfarm.com

Ph: 0400 585 060 E: farmerjones@sunflowersfarm.com

www.sunflowersfarm.com

Origins Market, Shop 5, 86 West Street, West Busselton

www.subzerogelato.com.au

Opening hours: Thursday & Sunday 10am - 6pm

Friday & Saturday 10am - 9pm

31 Dekkers, Rd Deepdene WA 6290 M 0407 084 086 wisteriacottageaugusta@gmail.com

WHALERS COVE VILLAS

Whalers Cove Villa a fabulous beachfront location with 16 self-catering villas, only a short stroll to Dunsborough’s stylish shops and cafes. Make this your base for exploring the Margaret River Region.

whalerscove.com.au

(08) 9755 3699

3 Lecaille Ct, Dunsborough

Wisteria Cottage

What’s Online?

Head over to margaretriver.com for more great articles including:

Night Time Dining

While the Margaret River Region is well-known for a love of brunches and long lunches, night time dining is just as exciting with a growing feast of places to dine after dark.

Local Favourites

Hot tips from the region’s locals on best beaches, top food experiences, wine and craft beer recommendations, and insider knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.

Upcoming Events

All of the region’s events can be found online. From family friendly events in the school holidays, to indulgent food and wine festivals,

adventure races and live music, you are guaranteed to find something exciting going on at any time of the year.

Rainy Day Fun for Families

Awesome indoor activities to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day in the Margaret River Region. Meet farm animals at Country Life Farm in Dunsborough, pat a reptile at Discover Deadly in Carbunup, head underground to one of the region’s majestic caves - or watch chocolate being made at the Margaret River Chocolate Company.

A Guide to Dog-Friendly Touring

Want to know how to tour the region with your pooch in tow? This comprehensive guide covers where you can eat, stay and play where your dog will be warmly welcomed.

GETTING AROUND

Hertz Busselton

Hertz has a great range of cars, people movers, buses and 4WD vehicles to suit all requirements whilst holidaying in the Margaret River Region. hertz.com.au

Northside Rentals

Located in Busselton and offering an extensive range of vehicles at a good rate. northsiderentals.com.au

Westward Aviation Charter Services

Depart from Jandakot Airport as the sun rises and enjoy stunning views of the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Rockingham, Mandurah, the Peel Inlet and Bunbury then on to either Busselton or Margaret River. Westward Aviation will transfer you from the airport to the city and take you back at no extra cost. Your return journey will be just as spectacular with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and the night lights of the City of Perth. westwardaviation.com.au

South West Luxury Transport

Locally owned and operated by ex-Qantas pilot, Andrew and local artist Rebekah, the team at South West Luxury Transport bring a culmination of skills to ensure the most premium of experiences. Now offering private transfers from the Busselton Airport. southwestluxurytransport.com.au

BY COACH

TRANSWA

Transwa travels from Perth to Margaret River every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with optional drop-offs along the way and returns to Perth the same day. Keep hold of your ticket and return to Perth at a later date. transwa.wa.gov.au

South West Coach Lines

Catch the express coach service connecting Perth, Perth Domestic and Perth International Airport terminals with Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River. southwestcoachlines.com.au

BY CAR

Margaret River Rent a Car

To see the best of the region, hire a car or people mover from Margaret River – all you need is a driver’s licence, even if it’s an interstate or international one. margaretriverrentacar.com.au

Busselton & South West Rent a Car

Offering delivery and pick-up throughout the south west, Busselton & South West Rent a Car is a local, family-owned car rental company. busseltonswrentacar.com.au

Avis Southwest Car Hire

Explore the beautiful Margaret River Region at your own pace with a rental from Avis Southwest Car Hire in Busselton. One-way rentals are available back to Perth. avis.com.au

IN STYLE

McLeod Tours

Take in Margaret River’s scenery and attractions with local expert and award-winning guide Neil McLeod. The three-day Escape tour provides pick-up from your Perth hotel or Perth train station, comfortable bus transport, three days touring with a dedicated tour guide, delicious food and wine, and an exciting itinerary. mcleodtours.com.au

VIRTUALLY

Margaretriver.com

The number one travel authority in the region, margaretiver.com is full of inspiration and practical information on how to navigate your way around the region. Pop up webchat and telephone enquiries will also answer any of your more curly questions.