MARGARET RIVER

Image Rachel Claires

THE SOUTHERN BACK The road less travelled off ers the best sur pri ses . ROADS

THE SOUTHERN BACKROADS offer what many locals might label as hidden gems. With a geography that traverses fertile farmland, karri forests, and family-run wineries, the backroads offer an intensely diverse and uncrowded view of Margaret River.

Immediately, you will get a sense of the region’s history. Through Rosabrook you will find Darnell’s General Store. Built in 1932, the one-stop-shop is a wellpreserved time capsule, complete with an old-fashioned petrol pump (where friendly staff will fuel your car!). Down the road, Jester’s Flat Equestrian is similarly nostalgic. The interior vintage décor of the weatherboard cottages, open fire, and wrap around veranda feels like you have stepped onto a film-set.

Prepare to take in the wildflowers come August, and soak in morning tea on the lawn at The Berry Farm, then book a wine tasting at Stella Bella or Firetail Wines and family-run Brown Hill Estate.

People around these parts are known for their creativity and The Southern Backroads is where you will discover their knack for innovation. Discover contemporary jewellery at Payet Gallery, and then stop by Mr Barval Wines which holds regular exhibitions with an indigenous focus. Further south, Si Vintners has an on-site sculptor whose life-sized whale sculpture sits in the garden opposite the cellar door. And at Arlewood Estate – the Italian influence of the family operation is strong, with their bespoke chocolate and wine-pairing experience an intimate indulgence.

Ultimately, the Southern Backroads tells a story. A story of the region’s original timber and dairy settlements, the beginnings of family farming and winemaking, then the arrival of artists, and innovators. This blend of galleries, eateries and wineries in an abundant natural setting is rather captivating. 1. Stella Bella Wines With a charming little cellar door located just minutes from Margaret River, Stella Bella is your ideal starting point on the trail. Capturing the essence of southern Margaret River, Stella Bella rates amongst the best wineries in Australia with several unique ranges of wines crafted from their five vineyards dotted throughout the southern part of the region.

2. Darnell’s Store Step back in time at this historic general store established in 1932. For a peek into history, visit this traditional country general store with its quaint rustic shop front. A one-stop shop that features a grocery store, fuel station, Post Office as well as wholesome home-made meals and preserves. 3. Brown Hill Estate Brown Hill’s cellar door sits at the heart of their boutique winery and is operated by friendly members of this family-owned estate. The vineyard tasting room is pure small town Margaret River Region; a jarrah slab resting on a couple of oak barrels in the vineyard’s working winery. Traditional boutique winemaking is seen in the hand-picking and hand-sorting of the single estate grown fruit to ensure control over quality and character.

4. Jesters Flat Jesters Flat provides horse riding activities for all levels of ability from the absolute beginner to the seasoned eventer. The charming clubhouse and surrounds are perfect for those relaxing while their fellow travellers head off

Image Jinna Yang

Natural farming methods at Si Vintners make for award winning wine.

for a horse riding adventure. Owned and operated by locals with in-depth knowledge of the history and natural environment of the area.

5. Firetail Wines A tree changer owned small vineyard and cellar door in Rosa Glen producing medal winning wines from 40 year old vines. The cellar door is set amongst the trees and offers close views of the vines and local bird life. Firetail’s distinctive premium wines include Sparkling Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Rosé, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Dessert Wine. These medal winning wines are only available at the cellar door or via their website.

6. The Berry Farm The Berry Farm operates one of the oldest restaurants in the region and specialises in fruit and berry wines, liqueur style wines, fortified wines, sparkling wines, and ciders. It is an operating horticultural farm that has an extensive avocado orchard, blueberries, raspberries, quince, stone fruit and figs. The family owned and operated winery and restaurant was a pioneer in the production of vinegars, chutneys, sauces, dressings, and jams in the Margaret River Region which are all available from their cellar door.

7. Si Vintners Si Vintners is about natural farming. Husband and wife team Sarah and Iwo both work on the vineyard and make the wines. This is chemical free farming, using biodynamic principles and minimal intervention wine making. With experience drawn from many overseas vintages and their wine project in Spain, the couple are passionate about the vineyard and the wines they make and visitors have the opportunity to see both vineyard and winery processes. 8. Arlewood Estate A cosy 10- seater cellar door with offerings of seasonal local chocolates paired with Italian inspired decadent wines. Enjoy views of the working sheep farm whilst sipping on wines by the firepit during winter or on the deck in summertime.

9. Mr Barval

Drawing on his extensive experience in both Margaret River and Barolo (Italy) winemaker and owner Rob Gherardi employs an ultra-traditional wine-making model, aiming to produce wines utilising old world vineyard and winemaking techniques. Visitors can relax and enjoy a flight of fine wines in a stunning cellar door and art gallery, or outside in the sun, overlooking the Calgardup Brook and forest. Bring your own picnic or choose from a selection of local artisan cheeses and produce. Mr Barval is dog-friendly.

10. Payet Gallery The Payet brothers, Francois & Nicholas, have been handcrafting jewellery for over 30 years, drawing inspiration from the minute detail of organic hidden treasures found within their natural surroundings and the energy of the Margaret River Region. Beautifully crafted, sophisticated yet simple designs accentuate the use of sparkling gemstones and luscious pearls all created at their purpose-built working studio. A viewing window within the gallery allows you to watch the brothers at work. A beautiful selection of ceramics and outdoor sculptures are also on display.

11. Eagles Heritage This unique Wildlife Centre amongst beautiful natural bushland features Australia’s largest collection of Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls and specialises in education, rehabilitation and endangered species breeding. Visit Eagles Heritage and marvel at the unique relationship between birds of prey and their handlers in twice-daily flight displays. Your admission and purchases help them to continue their work in wildlife conservation.

12 A Maze’n A Maze’n offers guests one of Margaret River’s most unique experiences - the largest hedge maze in Australia - two kilometres of paths with three-metre high walls. The maze, planted 26 years ago by the current owners is set on 5 ha of landscaped gardens. Also offering a challenging 18-hole mini golf course, BBQ’s, picnic grounds and play areas. They have a cafe to rest and relax between activities.

13. Vasse Virgin Luxurious Olive Oil natural skin care, hand made at the factory, see the products being made then test, try & indulge. A visit to the Vasse Virgin tasting room would not be complete without sampling the infamous Macadamia Pesto along with the scrumptious array of gourmet condiments ranging from hand-made tapenades, mustards, jams, pasta sauces and dukkah.

Vasse Virgin skincare is made with sensitive skin in mind. Using only natural ingredients, including Australian extra virgin olive oil, plant extracts and essential oils to produce their beautiful Australian made skincare ranges.

14. Yahava KoffeeWorks It can almost be guaranteed that you will discover a coffee that not only captures your taste buds but also your heart -Yahava KoffeeWorks is a playground for grown-ups and the theme is coffee. Yahava imports coffees and teas from all over the world and at a KoffeeWorks you will discover just how different coffees can be. Learn all the different ways to brew coffee and, of course, also see coffee being roasted fresh each day.

Southern Backroads Trail Guides are available at all of the region’s Visitor’s Centres. •

Image Rachel Claires

AUGUSTA

In Augusta, something fundamental about life is understood that’s lost or forgotten elsewhere. Here, respect isn’t a buzzword or a banner. It’s people greeting each other in the street. It’s preserving heritage and environment even when resources are scarce. It’s savouring every last juicy bite of whiting or abalone or salty lick of chippy fingers. Life is simpler here, but it’s also intricate. The Blackwood River streams in from 400-kilometres north-west, culminating in the glassy Hardy Inlet, home to countless species of water bird and fish that comprise our rich ecosystem. Walking trails well-trodden extend from here through town, bush and out to sea. Two oceans collide at Cape Leeuwin, where at the right time of year, thousands of whales migrate. This place is raw and wild and unknown, but simultaneously at ease. And while other places grab for visitors with Instagram envy and expensive luxuries, we quietly attract them through our very nature. The old come to revel in simple delights they’ve always known; the young to discover them anew. There’re things to be learned here, things we’ve run from. Things so simple, they’re easily ignored. Things about how to live.

AUGUSTA HIGHLIGHTS

Augusta town centre often flies under the radar but those in the know love its wild charm. Take a stroll down the street and you’ll find eclectic vintage shops and cafes, secret record stores, 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.

Skate Park

AUGUSTA CIVIC PARK

ALLNUT TCETO MARGARET RIVER Augusta’s Georgiana Molloy Motel Blackwood River Houseboats Augusta Historical Museum Augusta NewspowerAugusta River Tours BOAT RAMP

Augusta CRC

CentennialHall HILLVIEW RD

Deckchair Café

Seine Bay Apartments Augusta Hotel Motel Blue Ocean Fish & Chips

BLACKWOOD AVE HARDY INLET

10 min 1.1 km

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 an intimate 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 seafood restaurant.

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

Turner Caravan Park

THE COLOUR PATCH FORESHORE

TO CAPE LEEUWIN LIGHTHOUSE Pioneer MemorialThe Colourpatch Restaurant War Memorial Lions Park

Town Map

Visitors Centre Restaurant

Café

Bar

Gift Shop Gallery Accommodation

Supermarket Pedestrian/cycle path Dining/shopping precinct Green Space