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 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.