EAT & DRINK
SNAG A
sweet SPOT
Where are the best places to throw another prawn on the barbie? Janine Pittaway has some suggestions.
18
SUMMER 2016/17
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margaretriver.com
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s there anything that conjures up an Aussie summer more vividly than a beach BBQ? In the Margaret River region we’re blessed with a multitude of stunning places to cook up a storm with million-dollar views. Beachside, parkside, riverside, in campsites and national parks, there are so many free gas and electric BBQs to choose from it’s always possible to find a free hotplate to sizzle your snags or fry up a hearty breakfast. An idyllic summer’s day in the region for me includes a coastal walk or dip in the ocean finished with a cook-up with a view. The tantalising smell of steaks sizzling on the BBQ are a standard during a summer stroll along our foreshores while the summer sun sets over the ocean. These free BBQs are often a revelation to international visitors surprised to find out there are no costs involved to cook up a surfer’s big breakfast, family feast or backpacker’s budget dinner. The most popular BBQs are cleaned daily and are generally well respected by those who use them. City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley says there’s been a deliberate investment by council to provide locals and visitors with the opportunity to cook a great Aussie barbie in prime locations.
“The City has invested significantly in public facilities and picnic furniture and BBQs have been upgraded in many locations. We offer some of the most iconic picnic spots in the state where the atmosphere is relaxed and the views spectacular.” He said people were appreciative of the service. “Our BBQ facilities are very well utilised and people generally tidy up the areas and leave the BBQs in good condition for the next users.” You’ve probably seen the familiar stainless steel Aussie cultural icons in a couple of locations on your travels but you might be surprised to know that Dunsborough alone has 26 hotplates available on the beach free for the public to use. In fact the City of Busselton has 56 hotplates spanning the Geographe Bay coastline and around to Yallingup. My favourite BBQ spots? It’s hard to beat Meelup and Castle Rock beaches, Yallingup Beach, Old Dunsborough, Flinders Bay and Surfer's Point. With fire restrictions in the region during summertime, camp fires and wood and coal fired BBQs are banned, so using a public BBQs is a perfect solution to having your steak and eating it too. Here’s to some great outdoor barbies with mates this summer.