Your Margaret River Region Magazine Summer 2017/18

magazine

FREE TAKE ME HOME

08 | SUMMER 2017/18

Dive right in

FEBRUARY 3 to 4, 12PM – 6PM

WINDSURFING WA – MARGARET RIVER WAVE CLASSIC

Water and land-based activities with entertainment for all the family.

FEBRUARY 5, 8.30AM – 8.30PM

AUGUSTA RIVER FESTIVAL

Watch some of WA’s best surfers compete at world class surfbreak, Gas Bay.

FEBRUARY 9 to 11, 7.30AM – 4.30PM

HIF PRO AM

Pioneer Park, Cowaramup Visit artsmargaretriver.com

Free live Family Concerts. Bring a picnic or purchase food from local community stalls.

SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY, 5PM – 7PM

COWARAMUP SUNDAY SUNDOWNERS

2017 / 2018

Windsurfing event.

BUSSELTON HALF MARATHON AND COMMUNITY FUN RUN

The premier ocean swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty, attracting over 2,000 competitors annually.

FEBRUARY 10, 6AM – 7.30PM FEBRUARY 11, 5AM – 3PM

BUSSELTON JETTY SWIM 2018

Visit windsurfingwa.org.au

Gas Bay, Gnarabup Visit surfingaustralia.com/states/wa

FEBRUARY 10, 7 – 10AM

MARCH 2 to 5, 9AM – 9PM

DUNSBOROUGH ARTS FESTIVAL

Dunsborough Foreshore Visit dunsboroughprogress.com.au/events

Family-friendly concerts and events.

RUGBY 7S

Join the Rugby 7’s event at Barnard Park Busselton for a fast, exciting, and dynamic rugby game.

FEBRUARY 25, 9AM – 8PM

Yallingup Beach Visit surfingaustralia.com/states/wa

Three day surfing event for all ages.

FEBRUARY 16 to 18

HIF LONGBOARD WA TITLES

Colourpatch Foreshore, Augusta Visit augustariverfestival.com

Fantastic community event, including a 5km walk/run, a 10km run and a half marathon.

GEOGRAPHE BAY RACE WEEK

Busselton Foreshore Visit busseltonjettyswim.org.au

FEBRUARY 18 to 23, NOON – 10PM

Busselton Foreshore Visit busseltonrunnersclub.org.au

The region’s premier yachting regatta.

100TH ANNIVERSARY BUSSELTON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

FRINGE FESTIVAL OF ARTS BUSSELTON

MARCH 10 and 11

FEBRUARY 17 to 24, various times

Old Butter Factory, Busselton Visit busseltonmuseum.org.au

Vibrant festival covering all genres.

SOUTH WEST CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Barnard Park Central and Barnard Park West Visit rugbywa.asn.au/sevens

MARCH 3, 10.30AM – 6.30PM

Geographe Bay Yacht Club Visit gbyc.com.au

SUPER FOILER GRAND PRIX

Cultural Precinct, Busselton Visit busseltonfringe.com.au

MARCH 2 to 4

Watch some of Australias best body boarders compete at world class surfbreak Gas bay.

MARCH 23 to 25, 7.30AM – 4.30PM

ABA TOUR AND WA BODY BOARD TITLES

Celebrate the 100th year of a local museum.

Extreme racing as the Super Foilers fly over the pristine waters of Geographe Bay.

The best of the South West craft breweries will come together for a celebration of the region’s produce, music and of course beer!

Festival goers will sample the region’s finest brews while listening to live, local music.

EMERGENCE CREATIVE FESTIVAL

TBC Visit swbeerfest.com.au

BLACK DOG RIDE – BUSSELTON 1 DAYER

MARCH 21 to 24, various times

Busselton Foreshore & Busselton Jetty Visit superfoiler.com

CITY OF BUSSELTON FESTIVAL OF ENDURANCE

MARCH 18, 7.30AM – 9.30AM

Celebration of all things creative in the region.

KING OF CONCRETE

Gas Bay, Gnarabup Visit surfingaustralia.com/states/wa

MARCH 10 and 11, Run: 8AM – 5PM, Ride: 7AM – 11AM

Black Dog Ride’s iconic annual 1 Dayer aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention. Join the start of this ride at the Busselton Foreshore.

MARCH 24, 11AM – 6PM

National Level Skateboard Competition at the Busselton Skatepark overlooking the magnificent Geographe Bay.

30 MARCH to 1 APRIL, 7.30AM – 5PM

YALAMBI JUMPING CLASSIC 2018

MARCH 31, 8 – 11AM

BAY SWIM GRACETOWN

Busselton Skate Park Visit facebook.com/ Kingofconcreteaustralia

THE SOUTH WEST HARMONY FESTIVAL

Visit emergencecreative.com

The Sandalford Vineyard Half Marathon and City of Busselton Vineyard Ride 101 are among the most scenic courses in Australia.

Busselton Foreshore Visit blackdogride.com.au

JACKSON BROWNE LEEUWIN CONCERT

Run: Sandalford Winery Ride: Dunsborough region Visit allbarnone.com/events/list

BUSSELTON PRIDE

MARCH 24

MARCH 25, 3PM – 7PM

Visit leeuwinestate.com.au

Catch Jackson Browne in concert at beautiful Leeuwin Estate’s open air stage.

MARCH 24

Join the Busselton Pride parade and enjoy the celebrations with music, food trucks, stalls & entertainment.

APEX GEOBAY BIKE RIDE

Enjoy an array of international cuisines prepared by members of our local community, entertainment from around the globe and activities for all!

Cultural Precinct, Busselton Visit facebook.com/busseltonpride

MARCH 25, 9AM-2PM

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School Visit facebook.com/ BusseltonDunsboroughMulticulturalGroup

Yalambi Farm Visit facebook.com/Yalambi-Farm-Stud

Visit facebook.com/pg/bayswimgracetown

Community event bringing together locals and visitors every Easter Saturday.

Get on your bike and join this communtiy ride on the dual path. Enjoy this leisurely ride with family & friends and take in the stunning views along Geographe Bay.

Enjoy three days of equestrian show jumping competition. WA’s premier equestrian event attracting horses and riders from all over the state.

Busselton Foreshore to Dunsborough Foreshore (using bike paths) Visit facebook.com/Apexbsn

Your pull-out guide to what’s on this summer

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INCLUDED IN THE

SumMER

EVENTS THIS SUMMER

IN THIS ISSUE: the best camping spots the best summer wines the best kid-friendly fun the best new restaurants

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Your Margaret River Region magazine

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SUMMER'S HERE AND WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER

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magazine

Editor’s Letter I

t's time to brush off your bikini (or budgie smugglers) and head to the beach.

And let's be honest, nobody does beaches quite as well as the south west of WA. Whether you're keen to enjoy a picnic in a shady spot, or try a new skill - like stand up paddleboarding - the Margaret River region's beaches are the perfect place to start.

As it's summer, we're also mad keen to cool down when the going gets too hot.

We've put together our favourite places where you can stay and take a dip, as well as some gorgeous holiday homes which will really knock your socks off with their stunning pools.

After another successful Gourmet Escape, you may be still in the mood for some brilliant cuisine. Fortunately, you're in the right place. The region has experienced something of an explosion of new venues opening up recently; make sure you make time to visit one or two.

As the 50th anniversary of winemaking in the region draws to a close, we still would like to invite you to explore and discover your new favourite summer drops. There's plenty to choose from, and Fergal's feature about the most delicious wines to quaff this summer is sure to whet your appetite as will ourlook at lip-smacking summer ales.

If you're on holiday with little ones, Lizzy has put together a great collection of ideas to keep them amused without breaking the bank, while if you're a natureloving visitor, why not head to one of the region's most unique attractions: Eagles Heritage, home to some beautiful birds.

There's so much to see and do this summer, there's only one thing for it: you'll have to come back for another visit. If you do, check out my summer camping spots - I can't wait to get under canvas again in 2018.

Happy reading - and have a wonderful festive period.

Published by PREMIUM PUBLISHERS 26 John Street Northbridge Perth WA 6003 (08) 9273 8933 EDITOR Gabi Mills gabi@premiumpublishers.com.au DESIGNER Cally Browning cally@barecreative.com.au SALES MANAGER Natalie du Preez (0426 752 352) natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au PHOTOGRAPHIC Elements Margaret River elementsmargaretriver.com.au Tim Campbell timcambellphoto.com CONTRIBUTORS Dianne Bortoletto, Vanessa Buff, Cassandra Charlick, Zoe Deleuil, Fergal Gleeson, Sophie Mathewson, Matthew Mills, Erin Molloy, Lizzy Pepper, Leanne Philpott, Janine Pittaway, Sarah Robinson, Lisa Shearon.

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES gabi@premiumpublishers.com.au PRINTED BY VANGUARD PRESS

All rights reserved. No material published in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written authority. Every endeavour is made to ensure information contained is correct at time of going to print. ©2017 YOUR MARGARET RIVER REGION MAGAZINE is published quarterly by Premium Publishers on behalf of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.

Gabi

Visit premiumpublishers.com.au

Share pics, videos and thoughts during your stay via our social media.

We’ll repost our favourites!

The Margaret River Region

@margaretriver

@MargaretRiver #margaretriver

Plan and book your holiday with Your Margaret River Region local experts.

Find us at the Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta Visitor Centres, email welcome @margaretriver.com or call (08) 9780 5911, seven days a week!

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PREMIUM PUBLISHERS

WHAT YOUR MARGARET RIVER REGION GOT UP TO IN

Spring

HAIL TO THE CHEFS On another epic foodie weekend in November, Gourmet Escape 2017 hit some real high notes. With more than 50 celebrity chefs jetting in from all around the world including Rick Stein and his son Jack, Guillaume Brahimi, Alex Atala and our very own Curtis Stone, guests were treated to Manjimup marron, Shark Bay cuttlefish, Arkady lamb and Margaret River wagyu beef brisket .

Image by Elements Margaret River

We'd love to see your instagram pics!

Send your summer Margaret River region pics to gabi@premiumpublishers.com.au byFebruary 1 2018 for your chance to see them featuredin the next issue.

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Go whalewatching p58 Busselton Jetty Swim p14

Visit Surf Gallery WA at Aravina Estate p88 Meet the team behind Fraser Gallop p52

Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre p64

map key

Maggie’s Place p19

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse p56

PICK UP YOUR MAP AT THE VISITOR CENTER!

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE, LISTEN TO THE WORD OF MOUTH AND WATCH THE SIGN ALONG THE WAY, SO YOU FIND... WOODFIRED BREAD In Yallingup off Balmoral Dr and in Margaret River on Boodjidup Rd, both open on Mon 3pm to 6pm, Tue to Sat 7am to2017/18 6pm. Hot| bread straight from the oven at 3pm.

6fromSUMMER margaretriver.com BREAD

Yallingup Bakery 08 9756 6306

•

At the Gugelhupf in Yallingup, next to Caves House, we offer sandwiches from our woodfired bread, freshly brewed coffee, sweet and savory treats and foodlovers’ essentials.

Margaret River Bakery 08 9758 79779

•

Gugelhupf Bakery 0477 427 770

GUGELHUPF

Contents SUMMER 2017/2018

Eat & Drink 18 New openings - head to a new venue for a feed 22 Summer markets - stock up the pantry with local goodies 26 Summer brews - enjoy a cold one, brewed locally 30 Meet the chef - Aaron Carr and his new venture, Yarri 32 Snap to it - making the most of marron season 36 Take a tour - let the experts guide you

Visit our shop for some tempting tastes

Wine & Wineries 39 The Way It Was - new book celebrates 50 years of winemaking 42 Artfully done - wine and art come together at auction 46 Summer wines - our pick of the best 49 Women in wine - celebrating Virginia Willcock 50 Winning ways - the 2017 Langton Wine Show winners 52 Galloping gourmets - the team behind Fraser Gallop 54 Ask a Local - Jesters Flat's Paul Brennan shares his tips

Nature & Environment 56 Cheat sheet - how to snap the perfect photo 58 Whale of a time - join a killer whale expedition 60 Summer camping - the perfect spots to pitch your tent 64 Feathered friends - meet the team behind Eagles Heritage 66 Cheap thrills - fun and games that don't cost the earth

Active & Adventure 70 Sand between your toes - discover the region's best beaches 72 Peaceful paddleboarding - learn how to SUP this summer 76 Cooling off - places to stay with pools 80 Take a dip - holiday homes with to die for swimming pools

Try our NEW hand crafted Farmhouse cheese range Western Australia’s South West region is unique, with fresh pristine breezes blowing in from the Indian Ocean, green lush pastures, many natural wonders and abundant sunshine. It is recognised internationally as a region for producing quality produce.

The Margaret River Dairy Company uses the best of the region and produces beautiful award winning cheeses and delicious yoghurts for you to try and buy.

Visit our shop today and enjoy FREE tastings.

82 Trail origins - how bike trails began in the region

84 Stars under the stars - catch an outdoor movie 86 Local hero - legendary surfer photographer Ric Chan 88 Gnarly, dude - WA's first surf museum opens 89 Emergence turns six - festival for creatives returns 92 Bliss out - our pick of spas and retreats

CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY, CHRISTMAS DAY, BOXING DAY AND NEW YEARS DAY

Harmans Mill Rd Bussell Highway

Arts & Wellbeing

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.30am - 5.00pm

FREE tastings To Cowaramup

96 Summer exhibitions - the best local art on show 100 Roll up, roll up - the circus is heading our way 102 Special stays - accommodation with a difference

8063 Bussell Highway, Metricup WA 6280, AUSTRALIA

margaretriverdairy.com.au

TO DO LIST

What shall we do today?

THERE ARE PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO - HERE ARE JUST A FEW. BY LISA SHEARON. SHELL OUT One of the most unusual places to visit in the region is the Bellview Shell Collection in Witchcliffe.You won't find anything like it anywhere in Australia, and the collection, a labour of love put together by owners Peter and Kathy, has examples of stunning shells from all over the world. And how long does it take to dust the entire collection? We're told seven years . . .

Bellview Shell Collection, 10291 Bussell Hwy, Witchcliffe. Open 9am to 5pm, Friday to Wednesday.

Call 08 9757 6342.

PACK A PICNIC Tis the season to eat outdoors and where better to pick up delicious gourmet provisions than Margaret River's The Larder? Try one of their picnic bags for two, which comes complete with eco-friendly cutlery, plates and napkins, then pick a spot in the shade and enjoy an afternoon alfresco.

The Larder, 2/99 Bussell Highway, Margaret River.

Call 08 9758 8990 or visit larder.biz.

MAKE THE MOST OF BUSSO There’s so much to love about Busselton on

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a hot summer’s day. Start with a train ride or a leisurely stroll along the iconic 1.8km jetty to the Underwater Observatory – voted the No.1 Aquarium in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor.

Chill out on the beach while the kids burn off some energy on Aquatastic’s inflatable playground in the water – it operates throughout December and January, and is a firm favourite with locals and visitors to the area. If you have

any energy left, follow the beachside bike path all the way to Dunsborough, and finish the day with ice creams and cold drinks at any one of the cafes and restaurants along the beach. Perfect!

Visit margaretriver.com/towns/busselton/

ENJOY A SUNDAY SESH The Aussiest of Aussie pastimes, a Sunday session, is a must while you’re in the south west.

The Margaret River region’s restaurants and breweries have perfected the art of this civilised tradition, with most guaranteeing live music and good vibes. Our favourites places to spend a Sunday afternoon are Brewhouse, Swings and Roundabouts, Happs Wines, The River Beer Garden, The Beerfarm, Settlers’ Tavern, Equinox Restaurant and Bar, Swings Taphouse and – of course – the iconic Caves House Hotel. Cheers!

air. With tours for every occasion and budget, a helicopter ride in Margaret River is a must.

Scenic Helicopters is an agent for Ansett Aviation, which operates in compliance with all national aviation statutory and regulatory safety requirements – so you know you’re in safe hands.

Call Scenic Helicopters on 0428058157 or visit scenichelicopters.com.au

FLY THE SKIES

BOOK A TOUR

See the region in style with a scenic helicopter flight. Land at your favourite winery, spend a day at the beach with someone special, or splash out and see the entire Leeuwin-Naturaliste Cape by

One wine tour operator has been around longer than all the rest - Adam Betar’s Margaret River Tours.Thanks to his long-standing connection to the area and a determination to provide authentic, insightful and intimate tours, Adam’s visitors are a lucky bunch.

They’re able to visit wineries that few other local tour operators have access to – a sign of the unbroken connection Adam has between himself, his tour guides and the wineries they visit.Visitors will take in big-hitting wineries like Vasse Felix, Stella Bella, Cape Mentelle, Voyager, Leeuwin Estate and Watershed Winery.

Lunch is included as well as a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and the Margaret River Dairy Company.

Visit margaretrivertours.com

VISIT US IN TOWN

OR AT THE VINEYARD YALLINGUP

YALLINGUP

CELLAR DOOR & CELLAR DOOR & RESTAURANT RESTAURANT BREATHTAKING BUSHLAND AND VINEYARD VIEWS

CELLAR DOOR OPEN DAILY / 10 AM - 5 PM LUNCH MENU / NOON - 3 PM DINNER MENU / 3 PM - 8 PM (PEAK SEASON ONLY*) *Check our website for seasonal opening times.

YALLINGUP

CELLAR LIVE MUSIC / DOOR & WALK-INS WELCOME / RESTAURANT BOOK ONLINE / EVERY SUNDAY

FAMILY FRIENDLY

GROUP BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

2807 CAVES RD, YALLINGUP WA +61 8 9756 6640 • ADMIN@SWINGS.COM.AU

BREATHTAKING MARGARET BUSHL RIVER AND AND FIND USVINEYARD VIEWS CANAL ROCKS ROAD

TAPHOUSE MARGARET RIVER

2807 CAVES RD, YALLINGUP WA +61 8 9756 6640 ADMIN@SWINGS.COM.AU

TAPHOUSE

Yallingup 4km Dunsborough 13km

W IL

D W O

O

WHITTLE ROAD

D

RO AD

CAVES ROAD

FOR ALL FURTHER INFO VISIT SWINGS.COM.AU CELLAR DOOR OPEN

Margaret River 35km

DAILY / 10 am - 5Gracetown pm 25km WYADUP ROAD

LUNCH MENU / NOON - 3 pm ANMENU EXPERIENCE THE DINNER / 3 pm - 8 pm IN ( peak seasON ONly *)

@SWINGROUND /SWINGSANDROUNDABOUTS HEART OF MARGARET RIVER

WHAT A VIEW Head to Busselton and enjoy a coffee before heading to the jetty for a family-friendly day out.

Above, all aboard for a Scenic Helicopter tour.

*Check our website for seasonal opening times.

LIVE MUSIC / EVERY SUNDAY OPENING DAILY // FamIly 7 AM - LATE WALK-INS WELCOME FRIeNDly MENUBOOKINGS / 7 AM - NOON BOOKBREAKFAST ONLINE / GROUP AVAILABLE LUNCH + DINNER MENU / 12 PM - LATE

FIND US LIVE MUSIC / EVERY SUNDAY CANAL ROCKS ROAD

Yallingup 4km Dunsborough 13km

WALK-INS WELCOME / FAMILY FRIENDLY IL 2807 CAVES RD, YALLINGUP WA D W O O D RO WHITTLE ROAD +61 ONLINE 8 9756 6640 / GROUP BOOKINGS BOOK AVAILABLE AD ADMIN@SWINGS.COM.AU W

CAVES ROAD

FOR ALL FURTHER INFO VISIT WYADUP ROAD SWINGS.COM.AU 85 BUSSELL HWY, MARGARET RIVER

Margaret River 35km

WA Gracetown 25km +61 8 9758 7155 • TAPHOUSE@SWINGS.COM.AU

FIND US

@SWINGROUND

85 BUSSELL HWY, MARGARET RIVER WA +61 8 9758 7155

HIGGINS STREET

To Busselton /SWINGSANDROUNDABOUTS BUSSELL HIGHWAY

CHURCHILL AVENUE

Your calendar

The best summer events in your Margaret River region

FIND THE LATEST EVENT LISTINGS AT MARGARETRIVER.COM/EVENTS By TORI WILSON

DECEMBER

Browse by the light of the moon

MARKET READY For more than 13 years, the Margaret River Farmers’ Market has provided access to fresh local produce for both residents and visitors. From humble beginnings, the market has grown to be a Saturdaymorning fixture with up to 50 stalls, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to meats, eggs, cheeses, baked goods, drinks, nougat, wine, olive oil, honey, jams and chocolate. The stalls are operated by the people who grow or make the produce.

This makes the Margaret River Market one of only a few genuine farmers’ markets in the state.

Each market features a breakfast bar, providing delicious food for market customers. This breakfast bar is always run by a local charitable, school or sporting organisation to raise funds for their cause.

The market also features local musicians and occasional band performances.

It takes place every Saturday morning from 8am to midday, at Margaret River Education Campus.

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Caves House’s atmospheric Twilight Markets are once again running until the end of April. Every Wednesday night from 5.30pm to 8.30pm be entertained by live local musicians, enjoy the lovely grounds and visit regular stallholders such as Hola Bella Jewellery, Sky Gypsies and Tranquil Imports.

Caves House Hotel, Yallingup, every Wednesday, 5.30 to 8.30pm. For information visit caveshousehotelyallingup.com.au

SETTLE IN Settlers Tavern in Margaret River is legendary for its music and events.

From gigs to open-mic nights, there’s always something going on, especially over summer.

Check out settlerstavern.com for a full list of up-coming music and events.

Chill out

WE CAN’T WAIT to check out the Happenstance Sunday Sessions at Happs Wines. From 2-5pm every Sunday until the end of January (except Christmas and New Year’s Eve), Happs Wines is hosting local musicians and food vans, along with a new local microbrewery.

To find out more, visit happs.com.au

Stellar TIME AND TIDE Popular young Margaret River artists Alice Linford Forte and Lesley Witham are exhibiting their works at the Time and Tide exhibition at Margaret River Gallery from December 28 to January 25. In her work, Alice continues to explore time and place as she travels the globe being constantly inspired by places, oceans and skies. Lesley originally studied in Scotland, and now lives and works in the south west region.

Together, they are inspired by time and place and the journey in life.

For more info, visit margaretrivergallery.com.au

NIGHTS

PICTURE YOURSELF LYING back under the stars, enjoying a movie in beautiful winery gardens while sipping on award-winning wine and enjoying some local gourmet fare.

Movies at Cape Mentelle run right through the summer months offering something for everyone.

Whether you love a belly laugh with a good comedy or getting caught up in a twisted thriller, the

LOCAL TALENT: Left Alice Linford Forte's work , Fly, and above left, Lesley Whitham, Life Support.

program offers both new releases and old favourites.

So come early, enjoy a glass of Cape Mentelle wine with friends during the movie and take the ultimate comfort option and hire a bean-bed so you truly can lie back under the stars. There’s no better way to spend a summer’s night in the Margaret River region.

The Movies at Cape Mentelle season opens on December 15 and runs until April 2. Visit capementelle. com.au/Events/Movies-at-CapeMentelle margaretriver.com

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CALENDAR

JANUARY

THE SANDMAN COMETH BE GUIDED BY the light of the full moon as you run the 50km or 25km relay, from Dunsborough to Busselton, along the firm flat sands of Geographe Bay. Sandman 50 reflects the regularity of astronomy, a race aligned with a full moon, a low, low tide, and a perfectly timed sunrise.

Whether you share the moment in company, sifting through the remains of last night’s high tide, or go it alone, this 50km beach run promises a mostly firm and flat surface.You will be able to run freely in the coolness either side of dawn, but you will also get wet feet, and shoes are definitely optional. There are no roads or pavements – just start to finish sand, water and rocks, the way nature intended it.

Sandman 50, various locations, January 2 from 2am to 9am. For more information, visit mrtrailrunners.org.au

ROLL UP, ROLL UP

Celebrating art The renowned annual art exhibition at Yallingup Hall

ARE YOU READY for a circus festival unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before? Set on a beautiful private property in Karridale, the Western Australian Circus Festival will play host to more than 100 circus, cabaret, comedy and theatre stars, along with the liveliest gypsy funk and hillbilly bands.

The Circus Festival sees more than 3,000 colourful festival-goers camping onsite, all the better to enjoy the early morning yoga sessions and late-night adults-only cabarets.

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With five big tops, two bespoke bars and numerous one-off artworks, lighting displays and intriguing wonders to be found down every garden path, this is a festival experience that emulates USA’s Burning Man, Germany’s Dockville, and UK’s Glastonbury Circus Quarter. Tickets are available from just $75 for one day, or $149 for a full three-day experience with free camping. Western Australian Circus Festival, January 26, 27 and 28. To book, visit westernaustraliancircusfestival.com/

runs from January 6 to 14, and features high-quality artworks by local, award-winning artists.

The works are all available to buy, and include seascapes, landscapes and urbanscapes, portraits and figuratives, still-life, flora and fauna, and abstract.

Juggle and jump Ever wanted to run away with the circus? This incredible circus summer school encourages young circus, gymnastic and dance trainees to partake in a two-week program that caters for everyone from tiny toddlers all the way to teen and adult performers. Developing their skills in acrobatics, hand-balancing, aerial arts and object manipulations, this is an opportunity to connect and train with the best circus professionals from all over the world. The opportunity to discuss career paths and professional development with their peers is an invaluable resource, and one of the reasons that Australian circus festivals are so popular. Those with a serious ambition to run away with the circus can participate in a third week performance intensive and present their new works in the Big Top at the West Australian Circus Festival.

The summer school takes place from January 21 to 25.

Book at lunarcircus.com/

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FEBRUARY

race ready

THE ICONIC SUNSMART Busselton Jetty Swim 2018 event will take place over two days in February with free entertainment, activities and familyfriendly fun. The 3.6km swim takes place on the morning of February 11 around the Busselton Jetty. Both solos and relay teams of two and four are welcome.

Junior swimmers can also participate in the SunSmart Busselton Jetty Kids’ Swim, which is a 222-metre swim for 8 to 12 year olds around the outside of the Swimming Jetty. This will be held at 11:30 on Sunday 11 February 2018, after the main swim.

For more information, visit busseltonjettyswim.org.au

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REST, RELAX, RECONNECT Romantic, secluded, self contained chalets with candlelit sky-view spas, kingsize double beds and tranquil forest outlooks, on 240 acres of natural beauty.

WEIGH ANCHOR DON’T MISS THE chance to visit the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship when it anchors in Busselton.

The ship was designed by a team of British naval architects led by Stephen Payne, and was constructed in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2003. At the time of her construction, Queen Mary 2 was the longest passenger ship ever built, and with her gross tonnage of 148,528, also the largest. It was recently refurbished both inside and out, and from the docks is a sight to behold.

Queen Mary 2, February 13, Busselton.

All the fun of the Fringe From February 17 to 24, Busselton bursts into fun-filled life thanks to its annual Fringe event. It's a vibrant festival with a feast of artistic mediums with street theatre, stand up comedy, visual art, dance, circus, musical theatre, burlesque and more. Enjoy performances at various south west attractions such as the Busselton Jetty and Ngilgi Cave.

The Fringe finale takes place at the ArtGeo Cultural Complex with a street closure, pop up bar, live music, delicious food and all round chilled out vibe. The event boasts a balance of free family fun and inexpensive ticketed shows covering a range of content. ​For more information, visit busseltonfringe.com.au

231 Yelverton Road, Yelverton Margaret River Wine Region Phone (08) 9755 7110 or email reception@forestrise.com.au

R E ST, R E L AX, R ECO NNEC T Romantic, secluded, self contained chalets with candlelit sky-view spas, Kingsize

double beds and tranquil forest outlooks, on 240 acres of natural beauty.

231 Yelverton Road, Yelverton Margaret River Wine Region Phone (08) 9755 7110 or email reception@forestrise.com.au

WWW.FORESTRISE.COM.AU

CALENDAR

MARCH

Beautiful bayside art FOR THREE DAYS each March long weekend, the Dunsborough Foreshore at the end of Dunn Bay Road is transformed as artists provide a visual display of outdoor sculptural works for all to enjoy.

The event began in 2010 with just 12 artworks on display, but now there are more than 30 works displayed each year.

Sculpture by the Bay is coordinated by local volunteers of the Dunsborough & Districts Progress Association.

Sculpture by the Bay, March 3 to 5. For more information, visit sculpturebythebay.com.au

Creative hub The Emergence Creative Festival returns to transform the iconic Margaret River region into a creative playground for three days of inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, out-of-the-box collabs and incredible satellite events.

Each year, the festival attracts professionals and emerging creatives from music, film, photography, advertising, digital, gaming and the visual arts to our incredible region to collaborate, create, be inspired, share emerging trends and recent developments in their disciplines, network with creatives from all industries and showcase local talent.

Emergence celebrates its sixth year in 2018, with a stellar line-up of keynote speakers from around the world who get immersed in the entire festival, not just the conference. There are also a host of events that the whole community is invited to be a part of, like the much-loved Creative Crawl, which will return for Opening Night to liven up main street with plenty of live music, art, food and fun for a free community celebration to kick-off the start of the festival.

Keep an eye out for exciting program updates at emergencecreative.com - the event runs from March 21 to 24.

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COOKING ON GAS PASSIONATE FOODIES SIOBAN and Carlo relish the chance to share their love of Italian and Thai cuisine in their Yallingup cooking school.

Join them for some serious fun as you learn the secrets to preparing fabulous dishes from two of the world’s great culinary traditions.

Sioban trained as a chef under Neil Perry in Sydney before working at Martin Boetz’s Longrain restaurant, which has long been synonymous with Sydney’s best Thai food. She met Carlo in the Italian town of Cortona, where he ran his own traditional

Tuscan restaurant.

Choosing from three delicious options – ‘Taste of Tuscany’, ‘Wood Fired Cooking’ or ‘Thai Temptations’ – is the hard part. Once that’s over, relax and enjoy the Wildwood team’s expert hands-on instruction followed by a feast.

Perfect your technique at home with a full set of take-home recipes.

All schools are held at Wildwood Valley, 1481 Wildwood Road,Yallingup WA 6282 between 10.15am- 4.00pm. For more information, visit wildwoodvalley.com.au

ESCAPE THE HEAT THIS SUMMER NOT A FAN of the scorching heat on a summer’s day? The Margaret River region have you covered (literally).

Step into one of our four fabulous caves and discover that underneath the ground is just as amazing as above.

Formed approximately one million years ago, each of the caves is unique but equally spectacular. Cave tours range from completely easy ‘at your own pace’ self-guided tours, guided tours along boardwalks with great commentary, and ‘off piste’ adventure hard-hat tours, to extremely adventurous ‘abseil your way in’ expeditions.

Here’s a snapshot of what each cave has to offer: Lake Cave: Lake Cave is, to put it simply, a mirrored wonderland. Home to the ‘suspended table’, a stunning crystal decoration weighing several tonnes that hangs from the ceiling, almost touching the waters of the lake. It is thought that this may be the only decoration of its kind in the world.

Jewel Cave: Prepare to be dwarfed by Jewel Cave’s enormous chambers. Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia. It is also home to one of the longest

straw stalectites found in any tourist cave in Australia. Fully guided one-hour tours showcase the breathtaking magnitude of the cave where you will see towering crystal creations and intricate decorations that look like cobwebs suspended from the ceiling. As its name suggests, this one really is a jewel.

Mammoth Cave:A great cave for kids that like to explore without a guide, Mammoth Cave is the most easily accessible of all the show caves in the region (the first chamber is accessible by wheelchair). It is a self-guided cave, where you are able to explore on your own while listening to an informative audio tour through an MP3 player and handset. Wander at your own pace along the boardwalks and platforms, and finish with a winding walk through the beautiful marri forest, with whistling birds and stunning flora displays.

Ngilgi Cave: Pronounced ‘nilgi’, and situated in Yallingup, this special cave will allow you to learn about the Aboriginal legends, as you look up at limestone shawl formations. You can explore at your own pace on the popular semi-guided show cave tour, or choose your own Ngilgi adventure.

Visit margaretriver.com for full details.

Eat & Drink

THERE’S EVEN MORE WAYS TO LEARN ABOUT, INDULGE IN AND CELEBRATE THE MARGARET RIVER REGION’S WINE AND PRODUCE THANKS TO SEVERAL RECENT OPENINGS AND EXPANSIONS. BY JANINE PITTAWAY.

New beginnings

THE RIVIERA BAR, ARAVINA ESTATE The Riviera Bar is the perfect spot for a postswim glass of wine and snack at Aravina Estate, just minutes from the sunshine and waves of the south west coastline. Perfect for laid-back and casual dining, enjoy small bar snacks alongside refreshing cocktails, sangria, beer, cider and of course, award-winning wines from the vineyard.

One of the most spectacular wineries in the region, the undulating lawns and manicured gardens can be enjoyed from the cool shade of the newly renovated space opening out onto views of the estate. Open from late December, relax in style a little closer to home than a jaunt across high seas to the rocky shores of the Mediterranean.

Visit aravinaestate.com

CHEERS TO YOU Head to one fo the region's new venues for a good feed, like Aravina Estate's Riviera Bar (left) or Glenarty Walking Farm Tours (above) . Right, Hide & Feast will set up a Bedouin-style tent for your special occasion.

GLENARTY WALKING FARM TOURS Glenarty Road Wines in Karridale has taken wine tasting to another level with its new Glenarty Walking Farm Tours. Owners Sasha and Ben Foley have installed portable bars among their vines to allow visitors to perch on and taste wine within the vineyard block where the grapes are grown.

But that’s not the only feature of the one and a half hour tours.You can enjoy a behind-thescenes farm and vineyard experience, take in orchards, friendly pigs, macadamia trees, creek lines, and hop fields with 17 different cultivars growing. Stop and sample whites and rose among the sauvignon blanc vines, reds at the shiraz bar, and finish at the cellar door for muscat and cheese.

Depending on the time of the year you might

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get the chance to hand feed young farm animals.

Sasha said the tours were attracting a variety of visitors who are interested wine, would like to know what happens behind the scenes on the farm, and young families.

“It’s a bit like a soft adventure tour and we find there are a lot of tourists down this way who are interested in getting outdoors in the southern ‘wilder’ end of the cape,” Sasha said.

She said guests were often surprised to learn how much goes into the production of wine.

Learning how much the land has an influence on the final wine and its unique characteristics – it’s like having a taste of terroir,” she said.

Tours are run by appointment at 10.30am

daily. Bookings are essential via margaretriver. com, or call the winery.

Visit glenartyroad.com.au for more information. Keep an eye out for a new restaurant offering coming soon.

THE HIDDEN KITCHEN Ask any local or regular visitor their favourite food experiences in the region and guaranteed most will include a visit to The Spice Odysee Indian food van.

Owner Sathish Kumar has been serving fresh and delicious South Indian curries, dosas, dhal and breads to us for seven years from the van and has now opened his first restaurant, the Hidden Kitchen, in Busselton.

Although there are already Indian restaurants in Busselton, The Hidden Kitchen provides the first specialising in South Indian cuisine. “I wanted to do something different,” Sathish said.

“I cook food from Chennai, near Madras, where I’m originally from. The curries tend to be a bit lighter and we use more seafood. Not many people actually realise that Southern Indian curries are gluten free. About 80 per cent of our

a commercial scale. We use locally-sourced Margaret River meat from the Busselton butcher and I get vegetables from the Busselton markets.”

The only thing Sathish sources from further afield are spices he gets from India.

Sathish discovered the Margaret River region when he was offered a chef position at Bunker Bay Resort while working at the Marriott in Singapore. He relocated to Dunsborough with his wife and, after two years at Bunker Bay, moved to Cullen where he was a chef for twoand-a-half years. He then felt it was time to do something on his own. We’re glad he did.

The Hidden Kitchen is BYO and can be found at unit 5/17 Bussell Highway Busselton, open Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am-2pm and 5pm to 8.30pm. Find them on Facebook for the latest details.

The Spice Odysee van is still parking up at a beach near you.

HIDE & FEAST

menu is gluten free.

“Our fish curries and dosas have been really popular since we opened. We’re continuing to provide simple homely cooking, not on

Picture yourself in Margaret River for a special anniversary.You arrive at a stunning beach and find a Bedouin tent complete with scatter cushions, Moroccan rugs and a glamorous picnic of overflowing grazing boards featuring the best the region offers – and you didn’t have to do a thing!

Hide & Feast specialises in gourmet picnic hampers, breakfast hampers and grazing boards featuring local produce.

Local friends Claire McLeod and Holly Gilbert launched Hide & Feast in January 2017 based on a passion for food and wine and showcasing what our region does best.

Hide & Feast can cater for all occasions, couples, small groups and large events. They

recently introduced Down South Breakfast Hampers which include breakfast staples with a local gourmet twist, delivered to your accommodation. And it’s not just vegemite on toast. Hampers include local woodfired bread, eggs, bacon, yoghurt, muesli, milk, butter, a preserve and seasonal fruit.

Visit hideandfeast.com.au. Find inspiration on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

MAGGIE’S PLACE Maggie Edmonds might be new to the region, but she’s certainly not new to tourism, farming and local produce. The woman behind the new Maggie’s Place in Augusta (next to the butcher shop on Blackwood Avenue) is warm, passionate and funny – characteristics which will no doubt influence her new retail offering and keep people coming back for more.

The past WA Rural Woman of the Year winner enjoys representing the region’s many food producers and offers fresh local products, information, and tastings. She packages foodie gifts and treats – think homemade sweet and savoury biscuits, muesli bars, and even Roo Poo, tailored for kids who love a good gross-out.

Don’t tell them they’re actually yummy energy balls made from dates, coconut, and apricots which look very much like the real thing.

Maggie’s Place also provides local honeys, fresh flowers, 2 Fat Cows ice-cream made with local milk and cream, local beverages; homemade jams and chutneys and local cheese.

Viist maggiesplaceaugusta.com.au or email info@maggiesplaceaugusta.com.au.

Call 08 9758 1039 for more information.

New World Winery of the Year TASTING BAR • WINE LOUNGE • RESTAURANT • THE VAULT • ART GALLERY • TOURS Open Daily 10AM - 5PM Caves Road (Cnr Tom Cullity Drive), Cowaramup WA 6284 Phone 9756 5000 Restaurant Reservations 9756 5050

Eat & Drink

AMELIA PARK LODGE & TAVERN Amelia Park has had a busy year with the opening of the Amelia Park Lodge and the Amelia Park Restaurant. They’ve now got the trifecta with the opening of Amelia Park Tavern in Busselton in early December.

The Tavern is adjacent to the Lodge on Bussell Hwy Abbey, near the corner of Caves Road. Manager Sami Walsh said The Tavern provides a more casual dining experience and welcomes families.

“The Tavern has a relaxed feel, with acoustic live music scheduled, and a huge lawn area for kids to play on. There’s lots of alfresco-style dining for sunny days,” she said.

A new outdoor kitchen features a wood-fired oven for summer weekends and the interiors and exteriors will reflect the high standard of style and quality Amelia Park Lodge and Amelia Park Restaurant are now known for.

The Tavern will open from 11.30am til late, seven days a week. Check their Facebook page for updates.

OLD FASHIONED CHARM Enjoy a proper feed at Margaret River's newest pub, The River.

THE RIVER Get excited, people. Margaret River has a new pub! The River opened in September, providing a choice of indoor bars and function rooms and two beer gardens. Chef Hamish McLeay is well known to locals and is serving up fresh and adventurous food alongside traditional pub favourites.

Managing director Phil Thompson said they’ve already had great community support and visitors are also discovering the impressive back bar spirit selection, strong regional wine list and beer selection which includes established, local craft beers and future classics.

Visit theriverhotel.com.au for more information or visit The River on Wallcliffe Road.

LARRY CHERUBINO CELLAR DOOR Larry Cherubino has been producing awardwinning West Australian varietals since 2005 but up until now has not had a cellar door at any of its eight vineyards. That’s now changed with an impressive new cellar door on Caves Road, Wilyabrup. Taste a seasonal range of wines and enjoy special releases from the tasting room, cellar door exclusives, and taste flights of rare back vintages.

Visit larrycherubino.com

CLAIRAULT PRIVATE TASTING EXPERIENCE Established premium wine producer Clairault Streicker have a new Private Tasting Experience that provides a wonderful introduction to Margaret River region wine for first-time visitors.

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EAT WONDERFUL FOOD - GRILLED SOUTH WEST OCTOPUS, RABBIT TERRINE, HOUSE-MADE FETA...

Soon to open

Yarri restaurant opening in Dunsborough with the talented folk behind Snake + Herring Wines and award-winning Chef Aaron Carr is planning a January launch - read all about his new venutre in our Meet the Chef interview on page 30.

Enjoy seven carefully selected vintage wines across both the Clairault and Streicker labels, carefully matched with mouthwatering morsels of food complementing the wine varieties.

Included in the experience is a stroll to the original cab sav block to see where it all began in 1976. Learn about the wine, eat wonderful food - grilled south west octopus, rabbit terrine, house-made fetta, pressed lamb with couscous and smoked salmon croquettes.

Bookings are required 24 hours in advance and the Tasting Experience is $75 per person for

two to 10 people. Stay for lunch (if you still have room) and enjoy a complimentary glass of your favourite wine from the tasting.

Visit clairaultstreickerwines.com.au

LOT 80 EAGLE BAY Tucked away among the Leeuwin National Park at Eagle Bay, Lot 80 now operates both as a restaurant and as a tavern, providing a friendly casual spot for a leisurely lunch with shared platters, a weekend dinner with friends, or a cold beer or wine on the way back from the beach. If you’re hungry try the 500gram tomahawk steak.

There’s loads of space for kids to play on the lawns and dogs are welcome.

Find Lot 80 at 54 Sheens Road, on Facebook and at lot80.com.au.

KARRIDALE TAVERN Karridale Tavern might have been around for a few years but they’ve refreshed their menu, added a craft beer list, spruced up the alfresco area and friendly staff are also tempting patrons with a great cocktail menu. Head there if you love a great choice of burgers, bar snacks and pub favourites.

ESCAPE UNDER THE STARS OF CAPE MENTELLE

MOVIES AT CAPE MENTELLE 70 sunsets, 70 chances to enjoy a movie this Summer 15th December, 2017 – 2nd April, 2018 331 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River Visit capementelle.com.au for tickets and details.

Movies at Cape Mentelle

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SHOP LOCAL

When it comes to markets we’re spoiled for choice in the Margaret River region. From Busselton to Augusta you’ll always find a market to visit during your stay – day and night.

By JANINE PITTAWAY. Images by ELEMENTS MARGARET RIVER.

L

ocal markets provide visitors with a great snapshot of a destination. Find local in-season produce; preserves, pickles and jams using the best fruit and veg from the region, delicious prepared food, handmade artwork, homewares, fashion and crafts, plants, treats, and even local wine!

Probably our best-known market is the Margaret River Farmers Market, arguably one of the best in Australia. Now an institution, market organiser Katrina Lombardo said the markets have grown in diversity and have strengthened in showcasing only local produce and ingredients.

“From locally-harvested salt to organic beef, raspberries and even kiwi fruit, yoghurt and pistachios – the variety of what is produced in the region and sold in the market is incredible.

“Organics are evolving as well and there is now a greater range available for sale. We are a true Farmers Market, meaning we don’t allow any re-selling – all our produce is grown in the region. We now have up to 60 stalls each weekend and can have over 3,000 people visit on a summer’s morning.

Katrina is also behind the summer Night Market in Margaret River – held on Friday nights from December 15, providing an opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy a variety of delicious meals for just $10 to $15 or $20 to $25 for shared plates. Try dishes from around the world made by locals!.The lineup for this year includes a South American BBQ, Dutch crepes and pancakes, Italian wood-fired

pizza,Yakitori and delicious Indian cuisine.

On Wednesday nights, the Caves House Twilight Markets tempts visitors with homemade jewellery, beach and surf gear, crystals, hemp, designer and fitness clothing, artisan chocolate, candles, essential oils, plants, macramé, art, homewares, gifts, and delicious relishes, Korean food and French baked goods.

Enjoy a mobile massage and stay for a pint in the beer garden and beautiful heritage hotel.

This summer, The Beer Farm will also host special night markets with Saharan Daze from

Cowaramup on February 9 and March 16. With a Brazilian folk band, bedoin tents, kids games, dancers, and stalls selling everything from kimchi to jewellery, candles, clothing and Jindong Free Range Pork, there will be a great vibe and something for everyone.

The Shed Markets in Abbey, between Busselton and Dunsborough, hums with activity from Thursday to Sunday each week, providing local produce, fresh meat, organics, coffee and upcycled, retro and creative goodies. The indooroutdoor market has a great vibe and also features

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Eat & Drink

The variety of what is produced in the region and sold in the market is incredible. local food vans including popular favourite, Burger Bones. The Shed has a strong focus on sustainability and community and is a small business incubator.

Be sure to catch the 50th Anniversary Community Wine Fair (date as yet to be confirmed but we're told early February). The Fair will celebrate the wine industry’s success over the past 50 years and will include stalls from a large selection of wine producers, a range of food trucks and pop-up food producers as well as live music and entertainment.

The Foreshore Markets in Busselton and the Dunsborough Central Markets are held regularly throughout the year and provide an array of local food and produce, gifts, homewares, and collectables. Markets owner Robert Otway said they aim to have a variety

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of offerings across the stalls with a focus on handmade. “Our stalls include soaps, honey, hand sewing and craft, woodwork, jewellery, chocolate, plants, art, preserves and fresh produce. We also support local charities and are dog and family friendly,� he said.

Among the longest-running markets is the Rotary Markets in Busselton and the Lions Markets in Dunsborough. The Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay has run the Busselton market for 25 years.

Find fruit and veg and other local produce, arts and crafts, food and refreshments, bags, hats, clothing, plants and flowers, jewellery, and a huge range of bric-a-brac.

For 30 years the Lions Club of Dunsborough has run monthly markets but also organises two fairs a year during summer and Easter. The Summer Fair moves to the Western Playing Fields on January 27, to cope with the huge array of stalls on offer. Enjoy shopping at both markets knowing that proceeds from stall fees are invested in community projects.

Markets line-up:

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE

50th Anniversary Community Wine Fair – early February, venue to be confirmed, contact Margaret River Wine Association Augusta Community Markets, December 3, December 17, January 7, January 28, February 4, 8am to 12pm, Blackwood Avenue Augusta, augustamarkets@bigpond.com Beer Farm Night Markets - February 9 & March 16, 4pm to 9pm, see Facebook

SOAP | GOURMET FOOD | SKIN CARE | WORKSHOPS

Busselton Community Garden Local Produce Market, 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, Busselton Community Garden, cnr Strelly Street and Roe Terrace, Busselton. See Facebook.

Dunsborough Central Markets – every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 7am to 1pm, Lions Park Dunsborough, See Facebook Foreshore Markets Busselton, every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, 7am-1pm at Signal Park Busselton, sanrobotw@ bigpond.com Lions Market Dunsborough – every 4th Saturday of the Month from October to March, 7am to 1pm. See Facebook.

Margaret River Farmers Markets – every Saturday from 7.30am to 11.30am (summer hours), Margaret River Education Campus, Lot 272 Bussell Hwy Margaret River. See Facebook.

Margaret River Lions Club Garage Sale, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 8.30am – 12.30pm. Lions Shed, 12 Burton Road, Margaret River. margaretriverlions@yahoo.com Margaret River Night Markets – Friday nights from December 15 during summer, Memorial Park, Margaret River. See Facebook.

Margaret River Town Square Markets, every Sunday (Nov-April), 8am – 12:30pm, Bussell Highway, Margaret River. See Facebook.

Rotary Markets – every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 7am to 12pm, Signal Park Busselton. See Facebook.

The Shed Markets every Thursday and Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3pm. Eat Street food trucks open for lunch all 4 days and dinner on Friday with live music in summer. 12 Caves Road, Abbey See Facebook.

Twilight Market at Caves House, Wednesday nights in summer from 5.30pm to 8pm, Caves House Yallingup, marketing@ychh. com or Caves House Facebook page Vasse Market – every 1st, 3rd and fifth Saturday of the month at Vasse Community Hall. See Facebook.

SOAP FACTORY & WORKSHOPS 135 Puzey Road, Wilyabrup WA | Ph. (08) 9755 6111

Open daily (bookings essential for workshops) margaretriver.com | SUMMER 2017/18 www.vassevirgin.com.au

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Frosty reception SUNNY ARVOS AND COLD BEERS ARE A PERFECT PAIRING, BUT DON’T GET STUCK IN A BEER RUT — TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH ONE OF THE LATEST BREWS ON THE BLOCK, WRITES LEANNE PHILPOTT.

W

hen you spend your morning surfing pristine water followed by a lazy day at the beach, there’s no better way to end a hot summer’s day than by kicking back with a cold beer in hand.

Thankfully, the Margaret River region has a whole bunch of breweries, each offering their own unique styles of beer. From pilsner and pale ale to lager and wheat beer, they are all perfectly crafted to suit the season and quench even the hardiest thirsts.

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EAGLE BAY BREWING CO With sweeping views across the landscape, Eagle Bay Brewing Co is an ideal setting for a post-beach beer and a spot of lunch. Owned and operated by the d’Espeissis siblings, brothers Nick and Adrian along with sister Astrid make absolutely certain that Eagle Bay’s craft beers are of a consistently high quality and ever-evolving.

Co-founder and head brewer Nick explains: “For summer 2017/18 we have a brand new lager joining our core range, which was voted in by our expert beer-drinking panel.

“We couldn’t decide which lager to bring into our main line-up and we thought what better way to make a decision than by calling on the help of all our loyal beer drinkers. Following a four-week voting period the results finally came in.”

THE BREW Eagle Bay Lager THE TASTE Light and bright with some spicy and tropical fruit notes coming through THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE IT Golden, crisp, clean

BEST FOOD PAIRING Crabs, prawns, dhufish or the fish burger off the summer menu at Eagle Bay Brewing Co. “We also have a new beer to add to our ‘Brewer’s Series’. The ‘Brewer’s Series’ is made up of four handcrafted beers released once a year and inspired by the seasons of down south Western Australia.

“To celebrate blue skies and summer days in the Margaret River region meet our Hoppy Blonde. It will be joining us from November 25 until the end of February 2018.

THE BREW Brewer’s Series Hoppy Blonde THE TASTE Fresh and clean with loads of tropical fruit characters coming through THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE IT Bright, fresh, fruity BEST FOOD PAIRING Fish tacos, guacamole and corn chips or the beer plate off the summer menu.

Eagle Bay Brewing Co 236 Eagle Bay Road, Naturaliste Visit: Eaglebaybrewing.com.au

Iconic full day and half day gourmet wine tours

We visit a selection of the following wineries daily: Stella Bella, Cape Mentelle, Leeuwin Estate, Voyager, Watershed, McHenry Hohnen, Vasse Felix and Pierro.

THE BREWHOUSE MARGARET RIVER Opened in January 2016, the Brewhouse Margaret River is owned and run by three families from the area who wanted to give locals and holidaymakers easy access to a microbrewery.

Just a short walk or bike ride from the centre

of town, the Brewhouse offers a wide range of beer styles, plus a bunch of seasonal showcases.

“This year we’ve released 8 Ball Double IPA, Peater Coupan, Barrel Aged Imperial and The Quadfather, which is a dark, strong Belgian style beer. The all-time favourite summer brew is our Kuttback Kolsh,” says The Brewhouse general manager Iliya Hastings.

www.margaretrivertours.com 0419 917 166

Eat & Drink COWARAMUP BREWING COMPANY

“It’s a delicate, light, German-style ale with a little bit of wheat, tettnanger and hallertau hops.

“The other fairly new addition to our range of beers is the Saison. This is a French/Belgian style farmhouse ale that’s full of spice and a real pallet lifter. It pairs well with our fish, beef cheek or pork tacos.”

The Brewhouse Margaret River 35 Busselton Highway, Margaret River Visit: Brewhousemargaretriver.com.au

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This family-owned microbrewery is located in a charming rural setting, just four kilometres east of Cowaramup.

Offering a modest line-up of core brews, Cowaramup Brewing Co continues to perfect its beers, adding an occasional ‘special’ to the mix.

By far the most popular is the Cowaramup Pilsner, a German-style beer with a crisp, refreshing taste. Jeremy Good, co-founder and brewer, tells me that a common choice for summer is the brewery’s newest release, the Cowaramup Lightsign Summer Ale (3.6% ABV).

“It has a tropical fruit aroma, medium body with low to moderate bitterness and a slight spicy finish. It’s full flavoured, refreshing and easy drinking, making it a great choice for a summer afternoon or evening down south.

“Food-wise, it goes really well with seafood - scallops, prawns and crayfish but also with light, spicy food.”

Cowaramup Brewing Company 229 North Treeton Road, Cowaramup Visit: Cowaramupbrewing.com.au

CHEEKY MONKEY BREWERY Just in time for Christmas, crack open a tasty collab can between Cheeky Monkey, Mane Liquor and Chicho Gelato - the Frosty Fruit Sour.

Those cheeky brewers have created a summer beer reminiscent of the infamous Frosty Fruit icy-poles but with proper grownup chops this time around.

Made with over 50kg of freshly squeezed fruit (passionfruit, mandarins, lime) and 10kg of sorbet from the awesome Perth-based gelato makers Chicho Gelato, the Frosty Fruit Sour is a Berliner Weisse at 4.4% ABV. It's refreshingly dry with a light fruity body and a tart finish - what's not to like?

Cheeky Monkey Brewery, 4259 Caves Road, Margaret River. Call 08 9755 955 or visit cheekymonkeybrewery.com.au

IT'S YOUR ROUND Choose from locally brewed beer from Cowaramup Brewing Company, The Brewhouse and Eagle Bay Brewing - you won't be disappointed.

Nestled in the heart of the world renowned Margaret River Region is an exclusive getaway, worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. Ideally located, Margaret River Resort at The River Hotel is only a leisurely stroll from Margaret River’s vibrant town centre and is the perfect base from which to explore this very special corner of Australia’s stunning South West.

MARGARET RIVER RESORT AT THE RIVER HOTEL 40 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River Phone: 08 9757 0000 Email: stay@theriverhotel.com.au Website: www.mrresort.com.au

Eat & Drink

Aaron Carr

meet the chef

Images FRANCES ANDRIJICH

IT WAS THE SURF THAT FIRST ATTRACTED CHEF AARON CARR TO THE MARGARET RIVER REGION IN 1990 AND IT’S THE PRODUCE AND LIFESTYLE THAT’S KEPT HIM THERE. AARON SHARES A CHARDY WITH DIANNE BORTOLETTO TO CHAT ABOUT WHAT’S IN STORE NEXT. aron Carr is an acclaimed chef whose passion for his craft has not waned over an impressive career that spans three decades. Regarded as one of Australia’s best, there’s little doubt that Aaron’s talent has played a part in cementing the Margaret River region as a gourmet destination.

He’s friendly in a country-boy kind of way and one of the region’s ‘Surfing Chefs’, a regular contributor to Surf Aid (raising money for impoverished surf villages in Bali) alongside other chefs he considers mates – Dany Angove, Tony Howell and Russell Blaikie.

Aaron is also a regular in the star culinary

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line-up of esteemed food festivals, including arguably Australia’s most prestigious, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape, and the Truffle Kerfuffle in Manjimup which celebrates the Southern Forests' truffle industry, just to name two.

Further, Aaron has worked alongside the world’s best chefs including Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana, Modena), Peter Gilmore (Quay, Sydney) and Matt Orlando (Amass, Copenhagen) and hosted esteemed dinners in Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne.

Yet despite his credentials, which include being

named The West Australian Chef of the Year 2015, Hot 50 in The Australian, Top 100 Restaurants in the Financial Review and Top 100 Australian Restaurant in Gourmet Traveller magazine, there’s not a hint of arrogance. He’s just a down-to-earth surfer who loves what he does.

According to The Australian food critic John Lethlean, considered to be one of the fiercest critics in the country,Vasse Felix, where Aaron was head chef for 21 years, set the benchmark for winery restaurants in Australia. It’s quite the tribute particularly considering its source.

It was the most positive review of any Western Australian restaurant written by Lethlean that I have ever read. Ever.

Aaron left Vasse Felix in May 2017 to realise a dream of having his own restaurant. He has joined forces with Snake + Herring Wines cofounders Redmond Sweeny, Sal and Tony Davis to create Yarri, a new restaurant in Dunsborough, due to open in early 2018.

The name pays homage to two blackbutt trees that were growing in the middle of the restaurant’s building site; in the local Indigenous language, the name for blackbutt tree is Yarri.

“The name Yarri has meaning to the place and suits the philosophy of the restaurant of keeping everything as local as possible – local produce, local supplies and local suppliers,” Aaron said.

“We’re working with a young cabinetmaker in Dunsborough to use the wood felled from those trees for our dining tables, benches, on the bar and in as much cabinetry as possible.

“We’ve got a local craftsman in Yallingup hand-making our plates and bowls with an oatmeal coloured glaze, creating beautiful natural looking stoneware.”

Aaron says that Yarri will be a smart casual restaurant and small bar with a menu catering to the different reasons for being there – be it a drink and bar snacks, some share plates, a charcuterie board or a five-course degustation menu.

“People like the tasting menus but we mightn’t have that every night. I expect it’ll take a while for Yarri to settle into its own groove and we’ll adapt things to give our customers what they want,” the 47-year-old said.

“There’ll be a big charcoal oven, a bit like Fire Door in Sydney, and we’ll keep the food fairly simple, really focusing on West Australian produce. In fact, I only want to serve West Australian produce – I don’t think people come to Margaret River to eat Tasmanian salmon.

“I’d like visitors to look at our menu and say ‘I’ve never had marron’ or ‘I’ve never had

Arkady lamb'.

“Food tourism is huge and I’ve learnt a lot from how they do things in Copenhagen; they use what’s indigenous to the area.

“Once you learn about that, you discover producers and things just turn up when they’re ready, and we’ll use them. When they’re finished, be it a fruit, grass, flower or whatever, then we’ll use something else.

“Right now, I’m fermenting quandongs, I was given a heap of them when they were in season.

“I made some bottle brush ice-cream the other day – I made a tea with the stamen and then made an ice cream with it. It’s also got some rose water in it to balance the flavour but

father-of-two said.

“Sometimes trial and error can turn out the most beautiful dish – of course sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s also part of the learning process. It keeps the team interested, the chefs motivated and it’s what keeps me really interested too.

“We’ll keep moving forward, learning and trying something new to keep things fresh.

“Doing the same dish over and over can become old really quickly, for both customers and for the kitchen team,” Aaron said.

He doesn’t just love inventing and creating seasonally based dishes that showcase Margaret River on a plate, Aaron loves to

Aaron’s Top Five Margaret River experiences • Yallingup – see the cliffs in the morning

• Lake Cave – the caves in the region are amazing

• Boranup Beach and the tall timber Boranup Forest

• Eagle Bay, Point Piquet and

Meelup Beach – stunning places for a swim

•

it turned out a treat, it has a really interesting citrusy flavour.

“I’m making some Geraldton Wax oil, which works well with prawns, so that sort of thing.

“Yarri won’t be entirely native, we’re not out to become another Wildflower (the award-winning restaurant in Perth), but we’ll incorporate foraged native ingredients working with local Aboriginal Josh Whiteland and we’ll work within the six seasons.

“Yarri’s menu will be nimble and change to reflect the produce available. We’ll be focusing on small producers and those that have the same philosophy as us,” Aaron said.

It’s clear that Aaron loves his profession, which is as much about being an inventor and an artist as it is being a chef.

“What I love about being a chef is that I’m always trying new things, always learning,” the

Snake & Herring wine – of course.

make people happy too.

“It’s so rewarding when someone comes up to the pass and says they’ve just had the meal of their life. Not many people get rewarded like that in their jobs,” Aaron said.

“If you make someone’s day by cooking them a beautiful meal and pouring them a glass or two of great wine, you go home feeling pretty good. And that’s the best thing about being a chef.”

With that much passion, knowledge, experience and the accolades to match, I’m sure there’s plenty of food lovers who, like me, cannot wait for Yarri to open.

Opening January 2018 Yarri, Cyrillean Way, Dunsborough Ph 0438 922 661.

Email hooked@snakeandherring.com.au or visit yarri.com.au margaretriver.com

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Eat & Drink

SNAP TO IT

Trying marron has to rank pretty high on most foodies' bucket lists - and in the Margaret River region, they’re the plat du jour in summer.

By CASSANDRA CHARLICK. Portrait of Ben Day by ELEMENTS MARGARET RIVER

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or many in my neck of the woods, the start of summer also heralds the start of one of the most exciting times of the year for your tastebuds; it’s time to tuck into some marron.

While found in local freshwater sources all year round, the brief four-week open season in Australia’s south west begins at bang on noon on January 8, wrapping up at noon on February 5. These precious four weeks in the height of summer will see thousands of people embark on a quest to procure their own freshly caught crayfish from the local freshwater rivers and dams of the region.

Found naturally in permanent rivers, it’s

important to note that the fishing season is highly regulated due to its popularity and keen anglers must make sure they are prepared with a licence from the fisheries department before they start to fish.

Sean Blocksidge (pictured above) from Margaret River Discover Tours is very familiar with the critters and shares his top tips on seeing them in the wild.

“The Margaret River is alive with marron,” says Sean. “We always spot a few while we are out canoeing the river. The best place to see some monster-sized beasts is under the bridge at Rotary Park in the middle of town," he says.

It’s no surprise that the café right next to the bridge has bagged its naming rights from the

Where to try Marron on the menu in Margaret River Restaurants that regularly have marron as part of their lunch menu include: • Wills Domain • Vasse Felix • Aravina Estate • Leeuwin Estate • Cullen • Arimia • Knee Deep • Knotting Hill Always call to check before visiting to check on the current availability of marron on the menu.

STOP PRESS: Old Kent River

local residents. For those who need to replenish their energy after some serious searching, you can top up caffeine levels at The Hairy Marron next door to the park.

Sean reiterates the warnings that can be found on signage throughout the waterways.

“Just make sure you know the fishing rules because there are some even bigger monstersized fines for fishing in the wrong location and wrong season,” he says.

There is good reason for the hype each year, with the delicate and juicy flesh from the third largest freshwater crayfish in the world taking a starring role on local menus. Chefs from around the world look forward to the time when this native Western Australian ingredient is available to let loose their creative prowess in the kitchen.

Seth James, head chef at Wills Domain lists it up there as one of his top five ingredients to work with.

“Marron is a great ingredient to work with,” he says. “We have some in the dam here at Wills Domain which I sometimes go out and catch to use for inspiration in the kitchen. When we have it on the menu though we source it from Blue Ridge Marron which produce some of the largest live marron in Australia.”

And what are his thoughts on what to do with these beautiful crustaceans once pulled from the water?

“You don’t need to do much to marron, the simpler the better in fact. I like to just cook it on the grill, or for something different, it also goes well with broth.”

A new addition to the Margaret River winery trail, Old Kent River’s cellar door could previously only be found down near Denmark. Those that made the journey south may remember its famed giant sculpture of a marron as a welcome sight on entering. A marron mecca, the lunch menu was solely focused around the local delicacy and visitors could get up close and personal with the marron tank inside. The marron tradition continues at this new cellar door and a celebration of the season can be enjoyed on January 14 for the first marron BBQ. Bring a rug, enjoy the picturesque surroundings and spend the afternoon feasting on this freshwater delicacy.

Old Kent River, 687 Ellen Brook Rd, Cowaramup. Call (08) 9755 5999 or visit oldkentriverwines.com.au

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Eat & Drink Ben’s top tips when cooking marron • The first step when cooking fresh marron is to put the marron to sleep by popping them into iced water or a freezer for 15 minutes. This will result in a much more tender marron and is a humane way to kill them.

• When cooking with animal products, it’s all about respecting the creature in the kitchen. This is especially important when it comes to marron. Always try to use as much of the fish as possible.

Flesh, shells, claws – it is possible to find a use for every single part of the freshwater crayfish.

• Cook them medium. You don’t want well-cooked marron. When just cooked, it gives better flavour, texture and moisture in the dish.

Tempted? Why not try the dish (opposite) at home? It’s heaven on a plate especially coupled with a beautiful crisp bottle of Margaret River SBS.

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Ben Day from Aravina Estate makes the most of the freshwater lakes on the property year round and is never at a loss for inspiration when he has the chance to prepare marron, either in the kitchen or out on the BBQ. The lakes on the estate are abundant with these ferocious-looking local delicacies and visitors to Aravina can get a hands-on lesson in preparation and cooking with them during one of the Blend-Forage-Feast day-long

experiences that can be booked at the estate.

“It’s always fantastic to share how amazing these animals are and really help others learn the best way to make the most out of them,” says Ben. In the kitchen at Aravina, Ben makes use of the entire animal, from the pearly-white flesh through to the shells; roasting them in oil for mayonnaise or dehydrating to make shellfish salt.

BEN DAY’S YALLINGUP MARRON, SHELLFISH EMULSION, FINGER LIME, CRISP POTATO, NASTURTIUM Feeds two

r e m Sum AT THE WATER’S EDGE

DELICIOUS BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENUS

2 Large marron (300g) each 1 finger lime 2 kipfler potatoes 3ooml grape seed oil 6 small nasturtium leaves, flowers and buds Emulsion 250ml shellfish oil Bring 5lt of water to the boil, add 2 Tbls of salt.

Blanch the marron for 45 seconds, keeping the lid on the pot to retain heat.

Then remove and place into iced water to stop the cooking. In the same boiling water place in 2 whole eggs for 1 minute, then refresh in iced water.

Remove the claws and harvest the meat, set aside.

Twist off the head, peel and de-vein the tail section. Place all left-over shells into a small baking tray, top with the grape seed oil and roast on 170° for 1 hour or until it's very aromatic. Strain the oil through a cloth and set aside.

To make the shellfish emulsion, separate the yolks from the whites, place the pasteurised egg yolks, vinegar, juice of 1 lemon and

2 pasteurised egg yolks (64°) 1 Tbls dijon mustard 1 lemon, juiced 2 Tbls sherry vinegar Sea salt to taste 1 tsp tomato ketchup 1 tsp brandy

ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT DINING

mustard into a blender. On a slow speed emulsify in the cooled shellfish oil until it resembles a mayonnaise. Balance the seasoning with salt and extra lemon juice if needed. Mix in the ketchup and brandy.

Using a mandolin on a fine setting slice the kipfler potatoes into water. Drain off and pat dry. Fry these in 160° vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy, drain on paper towel and season with fine sea salt, set aside.

Using a wood burning BBQ, flash the prepared marron tail over a high heat until charred, approx. 2 min, season with EVOO, salt and fresh lemon juice.

On a flat plate, place a dollop of the shellfish emulsion, top with harvested finger lime pearls. Place the charred marron tail aside and top with the crisp potatoes, finish the dish with the nasturtiums and the harvested claw meat.

���

margaretriver.com BUNKERSBEACHHOUSE.COM.AU | SUMMER 2017/18 35

08 9756 8284

Eat & Drink

Press gang No longer the poor cousin to beer, cider consumption is on the rise and quickly following in the footsteps of craft ales, writes Leanne Philpott.

Images by Elements Margaret River.

T

here’s nothing better than a crisp, refreshing apple on a sweltering hot day, especially when it’s served up in a glass at your favourite local brewery or cidery.

Recognising the rise of cider drinking down south, founder of Margaret River Brewery Tours Julian Lelah has created a tour especially for cider lovers. The Margaret River Cider Tour takes in a number of breweries that offer their own handcrafted cider, mostly made with locally grown apples, making the cider that extra bit special.

“There’s been a massive cider boom in the Margaret River region and this is something

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that wouldn’t have been anticipated five years ago when Bootleg Brewery was the first in the region to release a cider,” says Jules.

“Yet their cider certainly went down well with drinkers; Bootleg Brewery’s wine sales halved on the day cider was introduced and it remains their second biggest source of on-site sales.

“Bootleg was closely followed by Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery which offers both a sweet pear cider and a dry apple cider. Cider currently accounts for around one third of its bar sales.”

When it comes to the question of why cider

has suddenly taken off, Jules explains, “Lots of people come to Margaret River and want to indulge in a day out with drinks but not everyone enjoys wine or likes beer; cider makes a great alternative.

“Also, for people who are gluten free or coeliac, cider has become a great option in place of beer.

“Cider’s particularly popular in the summer months. It’s really a chilled alcoholic fruit juice that’s both tasty and refreshing when drunk in the summer heat. If you were to sit back in the sun and consume a lot of wine, no doubt you

IT'S IN THE CAN Join a Margaret River Brewery Tour and sample not only local ales but also WA's first cider day tour.

wouldn’t feel too great. Whereas cider has a lot less alcohol than wine, making it a great option during the warmer months.

“People who visit the Margaret River region want to sample small-batch handcrafted products.

They don’t come all this way to drink something they can find back home. So this shift towards drinking locally produced cider has become a great way to sample the fruits of the South West.”

WA’S FIRST CIDER DAY TOUR Being a perceptive, people-loving kind of guy, Jules noticed the shift in interest towards cider.

This led him to introduce cider tours alongside

his regular brewery tours.

“The cider tours were a natural extension of our brewery tours but in fact, Margaret River Cider Tours are the first and only cider tours in Western Australia.

“We introduced the cider tours around a year ago because more and more people were wanting alternatives to beer or wine. We now run the cider tours alongside the brewery tours, as this gives people the option of sipping cider or tasting beer whilst coming on the tour together.

“Cider has a broad appeal, partly because the fruit and flavour can vary. People who join our tour can choose from a dry cider to a sweet cider and

pick a cider produced from apples or one created from pears or other fruits.There really is something for everyone, which is why we see people from all walks of life come on our cider tours.”

Jules believes a great cider is a product of its environment. He says if you combine high-quality fruit with as little intervention as possible, you’ll end up with an awesome cider and that’s exactly what brewers in the Margaret River region have done.

“Margaret River is ideally positioned; having Donnybrook and Manjimup on its doorstep means it’s surrounded by not one, but two apple growing regions. This also means that the apples margaretriver.com

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Eat & Drink A IS FOR APPLE Venues like Cheeky Monkey are the perfect place to sample cider - and enjoy a feed too.

The cider boom has actually created a new industry for local apple growers . . .

aren’t looking to run out anytime soon!”

He says that people’s newfound love for cider, combined with the fact that the Margaret River region has the highest concentration of cider production in Western Australia, has opened up a new market and created an alternative wave of tourism.

“The cider boom has actually created a new industry for local apple growers, which makes it a win-win situation for local farmers and producers.”

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WHAT’S IN STORE FOR SUMMER 2017/18 “Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery has just released an all-new apple cider for summer 2017.

Working directly with local Manjimup farmers, you can bet your bottom dollar the apples are fabulously fresh and local,” says Jules.

“Bootleg Brewery, Black Brewing Co, Bush Shack Brewery, The Beer Farm and Colonial Brewing Co all have an ever-changing cider

recipe. Being small-batch producers allows them to play around with the apple varieties and flavours whenever they feel like it. So even if you’ve previously tried a cider at any of these breweries - there’s a good chance you’ll be in for a surprise when you next visit.”

Margaret River Cider Tours depart daily from Margaret River, Dunsborough,Yallingup and West Busselton.To find out more or to book a tour visit margaretrivercidertours.com or call 0458 450 120.

Wine & wineries

PIONEERING DAYS Celebrating 50 years since the first vines in the Margaret River region were planted, a new book - The Way It Was - tells the story of those early wine-making pioneers. By FERGAL GLEESON.

T

he Margaret River region celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first commercial vine plantings in 2017. To commemorate this milestone two of Western Australia’s best known wine writers, Peter Forrestal and Ray Jordan, have released The Way it Was, a book charting the pioneering days of the Margaret River wine industry and telling the stories of Vasse Felix, Moss Wood, Cullen, Cape Mentelle, Leeuwin Estate and Woodlands.

FG What was your inspiration to write the book?

Peter Ray and I have been talking about

writing this book for 10 years. There was a desire to get it recorded accurately. Given it is now 50 years, there are cases of fading memories and much that was undocumented so if it remained untold it risked being lost.

FG Who will read this book?

Peter This is not a wine book. This is about the people and the place. It’s a bit like those

Wine & wineries

Caves Road was a dirt road so there were logistical challenges to making wine.

EARLY DAYS Left, co-author Ray Jordan Left and below, Bill Pannell and Tom Cullity, founding fathers of the Margaret River wine region.

Opposite, an aerial view of Duce’s winery at Boyanup.

detective books that cover forensic pathology. People are fascinated by the detail but the story drives it. It’s about the problems that the pioneering wineries faced. So it will appeal to a wider audience.

FG What was was the biggest problem facing the wine pioneers?

Ray David Watson, the Vigneron at Woodlands said that no one knew how hard it was going to be. The infrastructure didn’t exist in what was then an impoverished backwater. The region was known only to hippies and surfers and people who liked to smoke strange stuff! Caves Road was a dirt road so there were logistical challenges to make wine. Also no one knew if anyone would want the wine.

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would be no Margaret River.

FG The book is keen to correct the impression that Margaret River was started by wealthy doctors setting up hobby wineries?

Peter Absolutely - for example Bill Pannell had just done his internship when he bought the Moss Wood plot. Steve Pannell (son of Bill and Sandra Pannell) said that they were poor but not really poor. His mother was making their underclothes from their grandfather’s vests. They were living on wild rabbits that they could shoot on the property.

Peter There was no one they could rely on.

Most were low on expertise. Sandra Pannell, from Moss Wood, said when it came to labelling the first vintage, they didn’t know what sort of glue to put on the bottles.

FG Did the fledgling wineries come close to failing?

Ray I’ve spoken to some who said that they didn’t make a profit for 20 years so you have to respect them that they kept on despite losing money. They had to augment their income through other means, but they got through it.

FG What was the most surprising thing that you learnt in your research?

Peter One of the things we found in researching the book was just how many people contributed to the creation of the wine industry from politicians in state government like Charles Court, John Gladstones’ research papers, as well as expertise provided by Swan Valley winemaker Jack Mann.

Tom Cullity, from Vasse Felix, was fond of repeating a Chinese proverb that success has a thousand fathers but failure is an orphan. The original title of the book was going to be “A Thousand Fathers” to reflect the contribution of so many in getting the industry started but that was thought to be sexist given the critical contribution of females to the early industry. If it wasn’t for the women in the vineyards there

FG Who is the greatest hero from the book?

Ray There were many heroes. But ultimately I’d pick Tom Cullity. He was single-minded enough to go and do it. I interviewed him for about four hours, when he was 83, just a few months before he died. He could be cantankerous and difficult. He was intimidatingly intelligent and if you made an ill-considered remark he would challenge it. He put it all on the line financially.

You have to admire the guys that sacrifice, which is why the pioneers are so important.

FG What should you drink when reading the book?

Peter I’d start with a great chardonnay and then I’d have a couple of good cabernets. These are the things that define Margaret River.

Ray Margaret River is also recognised for white blends and there has been some long overdue recognition of shiraz from the region. I’d drink a cabernet malbec blend where it all began, maybe the new Vasse Felix Tom Cullity.

The Way it Was is published by Margaret River Press.

RRP $39.

CELLAR DOOR OPEN 11AM - 4PM 4 9 3 M E T R I C U P R OA D, W I L YA B R U P, WA 6 2 8 0 | P H : + 6 1 8 9 7 5 5 7 5 5 3 F R A S E R G A L L O P E S T A T E . C O M . AU margaretriver.com | SUMMER 2017/18 41

Wine & wineries

Raise a glass CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE MARGARET RIVER REGION’S WINEMAKING WAS TAKEN TO NEW ARTISTIC HEIGHTS WITH A COMPETITION TO DESIGN A WINE LABEL WORTHY OF SUCH A LANDMARK.

BY GABI MILLS.

S

ome of the Margaret River region’s most celebrated artists gathered in the barrel room at Cape Mentelle in October along with wine and art lovers keen to celebrate this event, one of many celebrating the 50th year of winemaking in the region, in a packed calendar so far.

Fifteen artists had created artwork for the Anniversary Wine Label Art Prize, and this was the night where they found out who had scooped the top honours.

After just half a century, Margaret River is

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Cellar Door | Café The Clairault | Streicker Estates have been producing some of the finest wines in the Margaret River region for over 40 years and we invite you to visit our cellar door to taste the fruits of our labour. Open daily from 10am until 5pm.

WINNING WAYS From far left, Mary-Lynne Stratton's Dam and Reflection, Alice Linford Forte's Dance with Bacchus and left below, Ian Murch's The Making.

ranked among the world’s most renowned and prestigious wine regions. To celebrate 50 years since the first grape vines were planted, a host of celebrations took place during Margaret River Gourmet Escape in November.

Elite wine media from the US, attended the prestigious auction night. Acclaimed wine writers in attendance included Victoria Moore from the UK, Ch'n Poh Tiong from Singapore, Max Allen, Jane Faulkner and local wine authors, Peter Forrestal and Ray Jordan.

They joined Jancis Robinson MW OBE, James Halliday AM and Huon Hooke who were already in region as guests of the Margaret River Gourmet Escape. On November 16 guests attended the most comprehensive tasting of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to date, at the ‘Fifty Years in the Making’ tasting.

Set in the iconic surrounds of Vasse Felix, the region’s founding wine estate, this masterclass was carefully planned to tell the unique story of the region, spanning five decades of wine production. The event showcased wines from established pioneers along with new and upcoming producers.

Back in the barrel room at Cape Mentelle,

the atmosphere went up a notch as the Hon Barry House, Margaret River Wine Association’s chair, announced the winner. Mary-Lynne Stratton’s Dam and Reflection, up against stiff competition, won the top honours, with Ian Murch (The Making) and Alice Linford Forte (Dance with Bacchus) as runners-up.

Mary-Lynne was awarded an attractive prize bundle valued at over $4,000 and benefited from the prestige and publicity associated with creating the 50th Anniversary wine label artwork for a wine that represents a collaboration of the

Clairault | Streicker Estate 3277 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup 6282 +61 8 9755 6225 clairaultstreicker.com.au

Wine & wineries

LOCAL TALENT Left, Lauren Wilhelm's Grow and below left, Cate Edwards' work, Red Line.

Below, the chefs who created the auction night's menu at Eight Willows Retreat.

The Art Series,

It's amazing to think of all that has been achieved in just 50 years

best of Margaret River cabernet sauvignon in a great vintage. The wine is a a blend of 2017 cabernet sauvignon that was produced from the best barrels of fruit from 35 participating Margaret River wineries.

Mary-Lynne’s artwork went on to be auctioned at the Grand Cabernet Auction and Dinner during Gourmet Escape in November, raising over $4,000. Net proceeds were donated to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region.

Mary-Lynne was among impressive company with her fellow local artists who submitted original artworks for this significant landmark occasion. The Peoples’ Choice prize was won by Alice Linford Forte.

“I am honoured that my artwork will be showcased, fusing fine art and fine wine, on the prestigious 50 Year Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Label," said Mary-Lynne.

“My approach is more intuitive working in layers applied in a thin and fluid manner to

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Leeuwin Estate

begin with to build up a surface which then starts to suggest possibilities of what the work can become.”

For Margaret River Wine Association board member Cath Oates, the 50th anniversary event offered a unique opportunity to bring together some of the world’s most influential wine media under one roof.

“It’s great to see so many media keen to be part of these events and our region’s 50th celebration. I’m excited to showcase some of Margaret River’s most notable wines to our industry’s most influential people. It’s amazing to think of all that has been achieved in just 50 years, and exciting to think about where we’re headed” she said.

LEEUWIN FIRST DEVELOPED an association with the arts fraternity when launching the famous “Art Series” wine labels.

Over 150 paintings from Australia’s leading contemporary artists have now been commissioned to feature on these labels. The collection now comprises over 150 paintings and artworks from artists including John Olsen, Arthur Boyd, Sir Sidney Nolan, Lloyd Rees, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Robert Juniper, Clifton Pugh and Imants Tillers.

The only work not part of the estate’s own collection is Sir Arthur Streeton’s Golden Summer, which was kindly offered by its then owner for use on a special Museum Release of the 1987 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon before moving to its new home at the National Gallery.

Many of the paintings and sculptures were specifically commissioned. Others were discovered in exhibitions around Australia and the artists approached for copyright permission to be reproduced as part of the label series.

The first painting commissioned was of Caves Road by Robert Juniper for the 1980

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Art Series Chardonnay. John Olsen was approached to paint the first artwork to be used on the Art Series Riesling. He responded with the creation of four works entitled “Frogs in Riesling”.

These paintings were so irresistible that the decision was made to purchase all four and continue these labels on all future Riesling vintages. Sir Sidney Nolan, when approached at the beginning of the series, advised he was not a graphic artist and did not paint for wine labels.

He was also a red wine buff and was sent

two unlabelled bottles of the 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon - one of Leeuwin’s best vintages. He responded that for this wine he would happily provide a painting. This resulted in his Dolphin Rock appearing on the label. With the high calibre of the artists consenting to appear on the labels, it is no longer a challenge convincing leading artists to be part of this collection.

Eventually, as the collection builds, it is hoped to tour it in its own right. Some works have been lent from time to time but most are on display in the Leeuwin Estate Art Gallery.

Visit leeuwinestate.com.au

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Margaret River, South West Coast and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

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Augusta, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and South West Coast.

• •

Vasse, Busselton Jetty, and Port Geographe Return Flights to Rottnest Island and Perth

To book contact the Margaret River Tourist Centre on (08) 9780 5911 or online at www.margaretriver.com or 2017/18 45 margaretriver.com | SUMMER www.westwardaviation.com.au Conditions apply

Wine & wineries

Celebrate summer

RAISE A GLASS TO HOT DAYS AND SULTRY NIGHTS - IT’S TIME TO COOL OFF WITH WINES PERFECT FOR SUMMER. BY FERGAL GLEESON.

Sauvignon and Semillon

SUMMER, THE SEASON we crave, has finally arrived. The stuff of Tourism Australia campaigns, bringing the lifestyle that we like to brag to overseas visitors about. Our stunning climate, the panoramic skies, the bronzed bodies at the beach, the alfresco dining, the casual athleticism, the simplicity of it all. Mozzies, the impossibility of finding parking at the beach, the inferno heat of your car. That’s classified and redacted!

Some wines play better than others in summer. For example a heavyweight, tannic red or a port don’t appeal when the thermometer reads 35 degrees. Find below some wines that will put a smile on your lips this season. From crisp, refreshing whites to delicious, medium-bodied reds and to a couple of wines that are indisputably world class.

Sparkling

HOWLING WOLVES SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016

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$

HOWARD PARK JETÉ BRUT BLANC NV

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$

45

$

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An effervescent sparkling that zings with freshness. Jeté has a real acid crunch in the mouth that leads to a long finish. Clear to see why this wine took two trophies in the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, including Best Australian Sparkling against some big-name Victorian and Tasmanian producers. The Great Southern region, from which it’s sourced, can now add world class sparkling wine to its resume. The searing citrus, the balance, the persistence are compelling. $34 Visit burchfamilywines.com.au

The winery’s name is inspired by legendary American bluesman “Howling Wolf ”. Howling Wolves Wines is a 5-Star James Halliday rated winery with a cellar door and restaurant at Rivendell Estate,Yallingup. They offer a range of wines including the Claw, Small Batch and Red Wolf Ranges.You may want to get your own claws around this SSB blend this summer. $18 Visit howlingwolveswines.com

FISHBONE SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON 2017

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Sauvignon and semillon blends are surely the quintessential summer white. Margaret River dominates the Australian wine scene with this white blend. This was a gold medal winner at the 2017 Western Australia Wine Show. Fishbone is pale white/green colour in the glass and is crisp and refreshing. It stands out from the crowd because of the clean, pure lemon and lime flavour. Made by Jimmy Watson award-winning winemaker Stuart Pierce. $19 Visit fishbonewines.com.au

STREICKER BLANC DE BLANCS 2013

DEEP WOODS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017

Streicker’s first ever sparkling wine is a success.

Appropriately enough for Margaret River, it’s a chardonnay. A sparkling demands a much drier style and more acidity than a traditional Margs chardonnay table wine. Careful winemaking has done the job here in pairing it back so there’s a pleasing dry bite to it. Should grace many a Christmas table and wedding reception around Western Australia in the year ahead. $45 Visit clairaultstreickerwines.com.au

Unmistakably sauvignon blanc on the nose but the flavour is more restrained than how they make them in Marlborough. Lees stirring and some barrel fermentation have added texture and complexity. Winemaker Julian Langworthy says that he wanted to keep the bright varietal flavour but turn down the obvious, sickly fruit. Mission accomplished. Gold medals at the Western Australia and Queensland Wine Shows. $20 Visit deepwoods.wine

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MIKI'S OPEN KITCHEN

CAPE GRACE WINES SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON 2017

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In 1996 husband-and-wife team, Robert and Karen Karri-Davies planted their vineyards in Wilyabrup. Since then they have accumulated many trophies and medals as well as a 5-Star Halliday rating. Karen tells me this SBS was picked in March and released in May with the aim of producing a fresh summer wine. A portion of the semillon has seen some oak for complexity rather than for oak flavour with the aim of creating a delicious drinkable wine. $22 Visit capegracewines.com.au

Miki Miki uses uses local local seasonal seasonal ingredients ingredients based based on on Japanese Japanese tempura tempura techniques techniques served served Miki's Miki's way way

SWINGS & ROUNDABOUTS BACKYARD STORIES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017

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The Backyard Stories Range represents the premium wine range from Swings & Roundabouts. The outcome aimed for is a sancerre-like style rather than an aromatic new world sauvignon. Fermented naturally, the wine has been given some oak treatment and time on lees. The objective is to make a wine that tastes great now, but is also age-worthy. $34 Visit swings.com.au

FRASER GALLOP PARTERRE SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016

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73% semillon, 27% sauvignon blanc. This wine is wild fermented in new and old French oak. Has a citrus nose with a touch of sherbet. This is vivid and refreshing with bright clean flavours.You can tell that it has received the sort of Rolls-Royce oak treatment usually reserved for top shelf chardonnay.

Clive Otto has spent time in France learning the techniques of white Bordeaux. All of which add an extra dimension to a sophisticated wine. $35 Visit frasergallopestate.com.au

Chardonnay

FLAMETREE CHARDONNAY 2016

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All class, Flametree Chardonnay has a George Clooney-like charisma. Pink grapefruit, white peach, a touch of oak and quite a bit of length. Sourced from two vineyards in the cooler southern side of Margaret River and wild fermented in barrel. Winemaker Cliff Royle is a wizard with chardonnay.

Great value for money. $29 Visit flametreewines.com

PASSEL ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2015

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What a pretty label this wines has! It’s mother nature herself! The grapefruit is immediately apparent on the nose and it follows through on tasting-zesty citrus, nuttiness and a subtle toastiness from the oak. Clean as a whistle with a really refreshing aftertaste. Margaret River chardonnay is one of the greatest pleasures of Australian wine. This is a fine example from a new name but high quality producer. $32 Visit passelestate.com

LEEUWIN ESTATE PRELUDE VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2016

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Leeuwin Estate is one of the region's founding wineries and maker of Australia’s most famous chardonnay, the Art Series. Prelude is their second wine.White gold in colour, it tastes of white peach and toasty oak. It’s soft and floral with a gentle acid on the finish. They make it all seem very easy.You don’t think about this for too long, you simply enjoy, which is an art in itself. $34 Visit leeuwinestate.com.au

Tuesday to to Saturday Saturday from from 6pm 6pm Tuesday Shop22 131 131 Bussell Bussell HWY HWY Shop

08 9758 9758 7673 7673 08 www.facebook.com/mikisopenkitchen www.facebook.com/mikisopenkitchen

Wine & wineries CULLEN WINES 2016 KEVIN JOHN CHARDONNAY

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An exquisite wine from Vanya Cullen. There’s a deep personal investment in her flagship white named in honour of her father, one of Margaret River’s founding wine makers, Dr Kevin John Cullen. The past is honoured but the values are progressive - Cullen Wines is a biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate. The quality of the fruit but also the quality of the winemaking, are obvious in one of Australia’s finest chardonnays. Absolute Margaret River in its approachability and complexity. A treat for now or later. $115 Visit cullenwines.com.au

ARIMIA GRENACHE SHIRAZ MOURVEDRE 2013

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Summer Reds

CAPE MENTELLE WALCLIFFE MERLOT PETIT VERDOT 2016

GOON TYCOONS TEROLDEGO 2017

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A rarity for lovers of Italian varietals. The grapes are sourced from one of just two plantings of teroldego in the state. It’s in the classic red Italian wine style with bright acid and swirling tannins, but also plenty of fruit that make it easy to appreciate. The Goons specialise in small-batch winemaking and they’ve got a hit here. I could drink this by the bucket, though the use of glassware is preferable. $28 Visit goontycoons.com.au

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ARAVINA LIMITED RELEASE TEMPRANILLO 2016

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These are exciting times at Aravina Estate.

There’s a 5-star Halliday rating. There have been impressive points for the Wildwood Reserve cabernet and chardonnay and there’s an exciting range of Limited Release Single Vineyard wines. The tempranillo is a beauty with bright, fresh, cherry fruit and a delicious undertow of tobacco and soft tannin. Beautifully balanced, it is effortlessly good. Made in small quantities make haste to the cellar door! $30 Visit aravinaestate.com

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Arimia Wines is a family-owned winery, cellar door and restaurant, specialising in wines considered alternative in Margaret River.You’ll find single varietal wines like petit verdot, mourvedre and verdelho for example. There is a growing band of winemakers who consider that Margaret River grenache has a bright future. This is a nice summer red as the grenache provides the juicy raspberry freshness which is rounded out by shiraz and mourvedre providing dark fruit and tannin. Shiraz has staked its claim in Margaret River. Is grenache next? $32 Visit arimia.com.au

This one stopped me in my tracks. Walcliffe allows French/Californian Winemaker Frederique Perrin the flexibility to choose the best varietals in a given vintage. 2016 sees the novel pairing of merlot and petit verdot, Bordeaux fellow travellers that seldom duet. The nose suggested fruit but also structure. Merlot provides soft plummy appeal, the petit verdot violets on the finish. All add up to an excellent medium-bodied wine. What I love about the current crop of Cape Mentelle releases is that they are not just polished, high end wines they show a derring-do and originality.

Cellar Door: $49 Visit capementelle.com.au

MOSS WOOD PINOT NOIR 2016

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You don’t have to taste top pinot noir you can smell it. The 2015 is intoxicating. It has a nice depth of strawberry fruit flavour, acid and tannin with a savoury finish. Nothing sinewy or leafy about this pinot, it is very much in the Moss Wood style, which is generous and balanced.

Moss Wood have the oldest pinot noir vines in Margaret River and are the most ambitious in their use, making a long-lived wine underwritten by the depth of fruit. It’s also yummy to use a technical word deployed in the wine trade. $60 Visit mosswood.com.au

Wine, women and awards Vasse Felix and their charismatic winemaker Virginia Willcock have picked up two significant awards in the last three months. By FERGAL GLEESON.

A

wards are by no means an unfamiliar achievement for Margaret River region’s oldest winery,Vasse Felix, but a recent couple of gongs are particularly distinctive.

Firstly,Virginia Willcock has been awarded Winemaker of the Year 2017 by the Fabulous Ladies Wine Societ at The Australian Women in Wine Awards and, secondly, influential US magazine Wine Enthusiast has awarded Vasse Felix as Best New World Winery 2017.

I ask Virginia how it feels to win the Women in Wine Award in London.

“That a minority of 10% of the winemakers in the country are female gives the award a succinct point of difference. There were a fantastic number of great producers present so it was a really good opportunity to showcase Australian female winemakers," she says.

I also ask her why she thinks the number of female winemakers is so low.

“I hate speaking on behalf of women because everyone has their own voice. Winemaking is seriously hard work! It’s very time consuming particularly at vintage.You can’t take your eye off the ball when the fruit is ripening. Women have two choices in life. They can have babies or a career. Men don’t have the choice so there is a much higher attrition of women. It is a hard industry.You have to make a choice. I chose to make wine.”

Virginia is the subject of a recent short film in The Winemaker Trilogy for Your Margaret River region (margaretriver.com/stories-virginiawillcock). In it you see the passion, the joy and the obsession that a winemaker brings to their craft.

Is passion necessary to make wine? “Yes. It’s critical to great winemakers. Anyone can learn the science and how to make good commercial wine.

To make a great wine, you have to be connected to the fruit, the variety and the place you are growing it. Being a women I need to be connected.”

Why was Vasse Felix chosen for the Wine Enthusiast Award? “Because we are totally blessed in a grape-growing environment like Margaret River. Because of the belief and understanding of our owners the Holmes á Court family. Because of the team we’ve got. We love this place and we believe that it is a great wine region of the world.”

“Margaret River is a unique place to grow great chardonnay given it has a Mediterranean climate with a maritime influence. Most great chardonnay regions are continental. But you can’t underestimate the cool breeze that comes off the ocean which creates a cool climate effect.

We get the beautiful sunshine but the cooling effect develops fruit with immense power.You can have a very complex, restrained, full-bodied wine with a racy line of elegance.”

“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.”

What are the mountains Margaret River still has to climb? “For the world to understand that Margaret River is not generic Australian wine.

If you’re talking great wine regions they have a clear identity for people who love them. It’s emotionally implanted.”

What are her ambitions? “My ambitions are for Margaret River to be recognised as one of the great wine producing regions of the world and for Vasse Felix to be one of the best of them.

In 50 years that’s hard to achieve.

"You have to have those goals. Don’t compromise for the sake of a quick buck. Wine is a slow game because even 100 years is not a long time.”

Her Legacy? “I’m a tiny person in the longterm legacy of what Vasse Felix and Margaret River will be into the future. It is about what I leave to the next person to take to the next level.“ Then Virginia starts laughing. Not taking herself too seriously. “Life is about enjoying the good things. About being spontaneous and living in the moment every day. I’ve found something that I am truly passionate about, which is not something that everyone can say.”

Visit vassefelix.com.au margaretriver.com

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Wine & wineries

Best of the BEST

It’s the region’s most important roll call of top performers in the wine industry and this year the Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show was a vintage edition, says Dianne Bortoletto.

T

he most important event for the region’s wine industry, the Langton’s 2017 Margaret River Wine Show, has awarded a staggering 427 wine medals, comprising of 80 gold, 100 silver and 247 bronze, representing 56 percent of entries.

The Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Show, the highest accolade of the show, went to a new boutique producer Nocturne for their 2016 chardonnay, also winning a prize of a return flight to Europe thanks to new sponsor Singapore Airlines. The same wine also took out the White Wine of Show trophy and Best Single Vineyard White.

Nocturne winemaker Alana Langworthy said the trophies came as a complete surprise.

“We’re absolutely delighted, it’s massive to win especially alongside our contemporaries who are making such great wine,” Alana said.

Nocturne is a serious new venture producing

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single-vineyard wines from exceptional sites in Margaret River. In Nocturne’s second release, they produced just 250 cases of chardonnay from a sub-leased vineyard near Treeton.

“The vineyard is a beautiful cool-climate south-facing site that produces exceptional fruit. We don’t add anything to it, no acid or anything, we just let the fruit do its thing,” Alana explained.

“Our chardonnay is different to the region’s traditional style, it’s a fresh and clean style with natural mineral qualities, a flintiness that comes from the fruit on that site.”

While the Nocturne label is relatively new, it has two experienced winemakers behind it in Alana and her husband Julian.

“We’ve just toured Australia going to regional wine shows, and the Margaret River Wine Show by far is the best in the country, and I’m not just saying that,” Alana declared.

“It’s so well organised and the judges who hail from different regions around Australia and overseas have a removed perspective. It’s not just locals awarding medals to local wines. The judging process is robust and the results are credible.”

Alana said she’d like to thank those involved for their hard work, particularly the judging panel and the volunteers.

Leading a team of 21 judges, chair of judges Corrina Wright, from Oliver’s Taranga in South Australia, said that this year’s judging team were again very impressed at the depth of quality at the show, particularly with the varieties that spearhead the region, namely chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.

“The 80 gold medals attest to a region that is batting well above its size on the national scene. Not to be forgotten, a strong showing of silver and bronze medals, all wines that are exemplary examples of their variety and style,” Corrina said.

“Sauvignon blanc and semillon continue to impress, and the rise and rise of delicious dry rosé from the region only seems to gather more momentum.”

Best rosé was awarded to Preveli pinot rosé ‘Wild Thing’ 2017 and best cabernet sauvignon was awarded to Mandoon Estate Research Station Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 which also won the red wine of the show.

Best Wine of Provenance trophy is awarded to the top performing set of three wines of the same label across three different vintages. The first wine must be a current vintage, the second wine must be five to seven years older and the third wine at least years older.

Winner of Wine of Provence went to Heydon Estate for their WG Grace Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, 2008 and 2005 vintages.

Heydon Estate bottle age their wine for an extended period prior to release when the wine is in its prime. Each wine is named with a cricket reference, WG Grace being an English amateur cricketer important in the development of the sport. And yes, there is one called The Sledge, Heydon Estate’s Shiraz.

“We are honoured to accept this very special accolade and believe that it confirms Heydon Estate’s status as one of the most consistent, top-performing producers of quality Margaret River cabernet sauvignon. We’d also like to acknowledge the extraordinary talents of our winemaker, Mark Messenger, without whom this trophy would not have been possible,” Mary Heydon said.

Interestingly, Mark Messenger has been the wine maker at Juniper Estate for the past

19 years and the Juniper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, 2008, 2014 vintages won last year’s Wine of Provenance trophy.

Just in case you need further proof of the excellence of region’s wine, here’s an impressive statistic: according to margaretriver.com, the Margaret River region produces more than 20 percent of Australia’s premium wine.

This year celebrates 50 years of wine in the Margaret River region, which is among the world’s most famous, home to 287 vineyards and 142 wineries*.

For more info visitmargaretriver.wine *(WA Wine Association source: APC Collection Outcomes 2016 Vintage).

Langton’s 2017 Margaret River Wine Show Judges were: Corrina Wright – Oliver’s Taranga Chair of Judges (South Australia) Fongyee Walker MW – International Judge (China) Glenn Barry – Knappstein (South Australia) Pete Bissell – Balnaves of Coonawarra (South Australia) Dave Brooks – Wine Marketing Labs (South Australia) Brendan Carr – Xanadu Wines (Western Australia) Melanie Chester - Sutton Grange Estate (Victoria) Steve Flamsteed - Giant Steps (Victoria) Alex Hudak – Pure Wine Co (South Australia) Sarah Pidgeon – Wynns (South Australia) Randall Pollard – Heart & Soil (Victoria) Adam Wadewitz – Shaw + Smith (South Australia) Virginia Willcock – Vasse Felix (Western Australia).

In addition to the 80 Gold, 100 Silver and 247 Bronze medals, the major trophies and awards presented at the 16th Wine Show Gala Dinner were: Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Show – Nocturne Chardonnay 2016 Seguin Moreau Trophy for Red Wine of Show –Mandoon Estate Research Station Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Labelmakers Group Trophy for White Wine of Show –Nocturne Chardonnay 2016 Vinline Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor –Evans & Tate Langton’s Trophy for Wine of Provenance –Heydon Estate WG Grace Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 2008, 2014 Singapore Airlines International Judge’s Trophy – Redgate Wines Shiraz 2016 SCT Logistics Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon –Mandoon Estate Research Station Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Capel Storage & Transport Trophy for Best Chardonnay –Stella Bella Chardonnay 2016 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red –Knotting Hill Jack Gordon Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Portavin Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White –Nocturne Chardonnay 2016 Cospak / Saverglass Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon Blend –Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet Merlot 2014 VA Filtration / Memstar Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc –Flinders Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 SWAT Trophy for Best Blend of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon –Rosily Vineyard Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Nadalie Trophy for Best White other than Chardonnay –Juniper Estate Aquitaine Blanc 2016 CHEP Trophy for Best Shiraz –Domaine Naturaliste 2016 Rachis Chr. Hansen Trophy for Best Rosé –Preveli Pinot Rosé ’Wild Thing’ 2017

Be quick!

There’s about dozen cases left of Nocturne’s awardwinning Chardonnay, $45 per bottle, only available from nocturnewines.com.au.

Laffort Trophy for Best Other Blend or Varietal-Hamelin Bay 2015 Rampant Red Clairault | Streicker Viticultural Excellence Award –John Fogarty – Deep Woods Estate Curtin Sensory Award Winner –Sarah Marrocco

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Wine & wineries

Creating

perfection CLIVE OTTO AND NIGEL GALLOP HAVE CAREFULLY AND DELIBERATELY PUT EVERYTHING IN PLACE AT FRASER GALLOP TO CREATE THE IDEAL MARGARET RIVER REGION WINERY, SAYS FERGAL GLEESON. IMAGES BY SEAN BLOCKSIDGE/THE MARGARET RIVER TOUR CO.

S

urfing and winemaking are not obvious bedfellows. But you could say that winemaker Clive Otto’s love of surfing led him to his career.

Clive was born in Tanzania and grew up in New Zealand. His first steps towards winemaking were when the young horticultural student moved to Gisborne in New Zealand because of the great surf. Clive picked up a job in a winery working under a Swiss winemaker, “who was very precise and particular” and with whom he got to try some great European wines.

After studying oenology, Clive went on a surf safari to Margaret River. He loved the place and secured a winemaking job at Vasse Felix where he worked for a number of years, before coming to Fraser Gallop in 2006.

Nigel Gallop’s vision was to find a site that could produce great cabernet. It was important to him to select a site that would sustain a traditional, dry-grown vineyard (ie requires no irrigation). After extensive site testing he settled on the current site in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River in 1999. He had the right vineyard and in 2006 he had a highly awarded winemaker. Clive and Nigel then set about designing the perfect winery.

Sean Blocksidge, owner of The Margaret River Discovery Co., picks up the story.

“Ten years ago they were an unknown brand but you could see the investment that they were putting into the people and the winery. It was

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hard to get people to understand back then but you could see they were going to be the next big thing. And that’s exciting for people to be in at the start of something.”

They didn’t have to wait long. The Fraser Gallop 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon won the Decanter World Wine Awards International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend and a stellar award-winning sequence had begun.

The challenges from Vasse Felix were immediately different, as Clive explains.

“Vasse Felix build complexity in their wines from blending wines from different sites around Margaret River. At Fraser Gallop I was working with a single vineyard.”

THE PARTERRE RANGE Clive builds complexity in the legendary Fraser Gallop Parterre Cabernet by blending grapes using three different winemaking techniques.

Some are destemmed, cold soaked and left in whole berries in a style normally used in the making of Pinot Noir. Some are open fermented and hand plunged. The final portion is left on skins for 40 days. Then the three portions are blended with small quantities of classic Bordeaux varietals such as petit verdot and merlot.

One of Nigel’s founding principles was for Fraser Gallop to over-deliver on quality for the price. If you’ve had the pleasure of drinking Fraser Gallop Parterre Cabernet 2013, you’ll see this point made emphatically. It is complex,

detailed and of outstanding quality. It sits on a par with cabernets two or three times the price from Margaret River and elsewhere.

It’s not all about cabernet. Fraser Gallop Parterre Chardonnay 2016 has won lots of accolades and points from the critics. Sean said he considers it one of the best chardonnays in the region. Parterre Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (reviewed elsewhere in this issue) is also an exceptional wine.

THE CELLAR DOOR The newly opened cellar door is now open seven days a week from 11am to 4pm. It sits in the cottage that the Gallops lived in before the mansion was built. The cellar door features some unique wines not available elsewhere such as the ice-pressed chardonnay.

Clive explains “The ice-pressed chardonnay expresses the true potential of the fruit. Other desert wines in the region use the cane cut method which provides raisined fruit. By pressing the frozen grapes you get concentrated flavour. Though it is time-consuming and costly, it gives a great result.” It is also the only one in the region.

Then there’s misceo, a blend of cabernet franc, malbec, merlot and petit verdot.

At cellar door you’ll also find other limitedreleasessuch as Palladian 2014, Fraser Gallops flagship cabernet, and magnum-sized bottles of the Parterre range.

and Napa in future.”

Fraser Gallop have no plans to expand their plantings though Clive wants to continue to spread the word about their wine and the region.

“Margaret River makes life easy. The dry summers and the ocean breezes mean there is no disease pressure. The wine almost makes itself.”

A UNIQUE WAY TO VISIT FRASER GALLOP The Margaret River Discovery Co. offers a unique way to explore Fraser Gallop Estate. Sean Blocksidge describes his approach as “the tour for people who don’t do tours”.

“We look at the concept of terroir through geology and climate.You start in the morning by canoeing on the river. It’s a tranquil setting and you head over to a waterhole where we explore the early European and Aboriginal history.Then the highlight of the day.We head over to Fraser Gallop to get a behind-the-scenes look at the winery.You enter this magnificent tree -lined avenue and see

THE FUTURE As a winemaker who has worked at Vasse Felix and now Fraser Gallop, Clive is well placed to see future trends in Margaret River.

While chardonnay and cabernet are king.

Clive also feels barrel fermented semillon sauvignon blanc is underestimated in Margaret River. Clive spent a vintage at Domaine De Chevalier in 2009 learning white Bordeaux techniques.

“This blend is considered world class in Bordeaux and the best examples can be more expensive than white burgundy. So I think the top SSB blends will become more recognised.”

“Around the fringes, winemakers are experimenting with different styles and grapes but I think chardonnay and cabernet are likely to remain the hero grapes. I think the price of Margaret River wine will be more like Bordeaux

the house in front of you in all its grandeur.

“Then you sit among the barrels.You have some food that’s matched with Fraser Gallop wines. At vintage time we sit among the vines.

We meet one of the winemakers. Maybe Clive will walk over and have a chat about cabernet.”

“Fraser Gallop is hot right now.”

For the record, Clive still surfs, though he stand up paddle surfs these days.

“It keeps my toes out of the water, so it's not as enticing for sharks," he says.

Fraser Gallop is a bit like a brilliant restaurant you discover that you don’t want to tell anyone about in case it becomes too popular.

Unfortunately it may already be too late . . .

More on Fraser Gallop at frasergallopestate.com.au More on Margaret River Discovery Co. at margaretriverdiscovery.com.au

Nature & Environment

A steed for

every need Jesters Flat is a little slice of horsey heaven and its owner - Paul Brennan - knows the land his steeds call home like the back of his hand.

By DIANNE BORTOLETTO.

M

argaret River born and bred, Paul Brennan has represented Australia playing polocrosse and also captained the state polocrosse team. Raised on a dairy farm, over the years Paul merged his two passions, horses and Margaret River, to create Jesters Flat, a unique equestrian tourism experience.

Paul, 59, has been operating Jesters Flat for 14 years with his wife Fiona in Rosabrook, 18 kilometres from Margaret River town centre.

He’s lived on the property his whole life.

Buying the dairy farm from his parents in 1986, Paul saw an opportunity to turn the beautiful property into a tourism venture.

“I was in Dublin playing polocrosse and came across these places, they were like manor

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houses and castles offering all sort of horseriding holidays – and I thought, well, if it can work in Dublin which has a terrible climate, it could work in Margaret River,” the fatherof-three said.

Jesters Flat is named after Paul’s first Australian Stock Horse, Jester, a champion polocrosse competitor and racer. There are 60 horses and foals at Jesters Flat, most of them Australian Stock Horses, a breed Paul loves for their intelligence, strength, good feet and good backs. Visitors can choose from a one-hour horse riding tour to a four-night camping trek or a game of polocrosse. All levels are catered for, from first-time riders to experienced equestrian competitors.

“Indeed, we have a steed for every need!”

Paul chuckled.

“We get a lot of West Australians and Australians from the east coast and also school groups from Singapore, Chinese visitors on tours, Malaysians and more – from all over really.

“Sometimes we take them to Busselton and ride on the beach and take the horses for a swim – the dolphins come right up and check out the horses. That gives visitors a thrill. And so does taking them to an empty beach, they just love it.

“It rewarding because we get to meet some really lovely people and give them a fantastic experience.

“It’s so good that visitors to Margaret River can have any sort of experience they want, from camping in a national park which doesn’t cost a lot to five-star luxury lording it up. The region has completely transformed during my lifetime, and for the better, one hundred percent.

“As kids, we didn’t have a TV or electricity. Margaret River was a bit basic and the town nothing special to look at, nowhere

near how nice it is now. Obviously it always had beautiful beaches and caves, but they were hard to get to. Now, it’s sensational.

“It all began when those three doctors decided to try growing grapes here. When people started to cotton on to the good wine coming from the region, everything else improved.

“The Shire and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association have done a tremendous job to promote the region. I reckon when the Busselton Airport opens, it’ll change things again.”

Paul said that Margaret River has it all and it’s the community that’s kept him in the region for almost 60 years.

“We have great neighbours which is important in the country, there’s a good community spirit here and it’s safe. People are easy going and accepting of one another. And we have such a beautiful climate, well, for nine months of the year we do.”

When asked to describe the region in three words, Paul said, “Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!”

We couldn’t agree with him more.

Celebrating

50 years

of Margaret River Wines &

50 years of Evans & Tate

Paul’s top visitor experiences: 1 Visiting the caves 2 Surfers Point and watching the big surf (not swimming in it, no way!)

3 Busselton Jetty and the underwater observatory 4 A winery lunch somewhere nice 5 A drive through the country, it’s so beautiful and doesn’t cost anything except fuel.

Paul’s top things he likes to do on a day off: 1 Go out with my lovely wife and grab a bite to eat. We went to The Brewhouse recently and it was tops, great food, nice atmosphere, we sat outside, it’s kid-friendly, it was terrific.

2 Settler’s Tavern – it’s been there for years but it’s always good.

3 Bunnings and Home Hardware [chuckles] I always love going there and checking out some boys' toys!

Jesters Flat, 08 9757 4562 info@jestersflat.com Visit jestersflat.com

AVAILABLE AT LEADING STOCKISTS OR SHOP ONLINE AT EVANSANDTATE.COM.AU

Nature & Environment

TIPS ON TAKING THE BEST PHOTOS OF MARGARET RIVER’S MAIN ATTRACTIONS BY LIZZY PEPPER.

Cheat sheet Sean Blocksidge

Sean Blocksidge

W

hether you’re exploring our caves or hiking the Cape to Cape, it’s a joy to capture some great memories in photographs. Four locals share their tips on capturing Margaret River’s most picturesque scenes.

Erika runs guided Cape to Cape walks and a night photography retreat. She has a flair for capturing the natural beauty of the region, and shares her tips.

Composition - find the most interesting composition by looking from different angles, from the side, underneath, above, behind - I have taken some great shots by getting down on the ground like the one of this western bearded dragon (image opposite).

Point of view - give the onlooker a connection with the subject by letting them see what the subject sees - like the one here of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (image opposite by Elements Margaret River).

Editing tools - my favourite tools are the saturation filter which allows you to pick up the colour a notch, and the structure filter which accentuates textures like the clouds in the sky or the grainy texture in the ground.

Get out regularly and at different times of the day so you can capture something unique - you can’t capture anything if you’re not out there!

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NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT 11- 13 May 2018 Edgewalkers are teaming with Paean Ng (above) from Astrordinary Imaging to present an astrophotography retreat. For details, visit edgewalkers.com.au

photography.

• Preset your camera settings to reflect the light conditions on the day.

• Nature photography is about capturing that memorable moment, so be prepared and have your camera ready.

Hank Durlik

Dr Erika Jacobson, EDGEWALKERS

Instagram: @edgewalkers_

Hank Durlik, MARGARET RIVER EXPOSED TOURS Photography plays a large part in Hank’s nature tours, and he happily shares tips and incredible locations.

• Choose a camera and lens to match your passion, whether that’s close-ups of flowers and insects, people, landscapes, birds or action

• Your best friend in digital photography is the Histogram. Understanding this light graph will enhance your photography no end.

Instagram: @margaret_river_expozed_tours

Tim Campbell, PHOTOGRAPHER Tim is a professional photographer who comanages the Margaret River region social media.

“These days I’m all about light and storytelling

- it’s not about the gear. Concentrate on the narrative and shooting in great light.”

Take people on a journey in your images. Just like a movie, each photo should have a beginning, middle and an end – foreground, mid ground and background.

Use leading lines to direct the viewer’s eye through the image; I’ve used the road lines to catch your eye, send you on a journey into the bay and off to Sugarloaf Rock.

Shoot at a high aperture to render the whole scene in focus, this will give the image a greater depth of field.

GOOD TIMES • LONG LUNCHES • FUNCTIONS

Tim Campbell

Cave Photography: To create the image above I used off-camera flash placed behind the subject to show definition in the cave. I also used on-camera flash pointed at the roof to act as a gentle fill light.You can’t take a tripod into the cave, so I’d shoot into the fixed cave lights and meter for the hot spots and use an underexposed on-camera flash pointed at the ceiling for a gentle fill light.

Instagram: @timcampbellphoto

Sean Blocksidge, MARGARET RIVER DISCOVERY COMPANY Sean Blocksidge's advice is simple: “I started with the technical info but then re-did it with what I think is truly the best advice… Read the instructions."

His images of his daily life as a tour guide in the Margaret River region have been shared thousands of times around the world. He operates “the tour for people who don’t do tours” and has won many awards.

Instagram: @discovermargaretriver or visit margaretriverdiscovery.com.au

WEDDINGS • ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

Edgewalkers

CAVES HOUSE HOTEL is ideally situated in the heart of the famous Margaret River Wine Region, and within a ten minute walking distance of the equally famous Yallingup surfing Beach.

Summer is epitomised by ... sun, surf, long lunches with lovers and friends, garden weddings, glorious food and delectable wines, High Teas on the Terrace as well as movies under the stars in the Heritage Gardens and of course our famous Sunday sessions with your favourite bands.

In other words CAVES HOUSE HOTEL!

18 Yallingup Beach Rd, Yallingup | Ph: 9750 1888 A/H: 9750 1830 caveshousehotelyallingup.com.au margaretriver.com

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Nature & Environment

s s t t n n a a i i G G ofof the deep the deep up up close close Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to see killer whales in the wild?

Cassandra Charlick certainly for one would, ... that’s for sure.

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and and personal personal W hale lovers no longer need to wait until the cooler months to book a tour to see these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat off the coast of Western Australia.

Local charter company Naturaliste Charters is about kicks offto thekick nextofseason the next of their seasonEco of Wilderness their Eco Wilderness Expedition Expedition on January 13, venturing venturing outout to the to the open waters of Bremer Bremmer Bay, BayJanuary a newly discovered 13. A newly discovered hotspot of marinehotspot activity.of marine activity, the summer During months the summer in theremote months, and thepristine remotewaters and of the Bremer pristine waters Canyon of the Bremer flourishCanyon with sea flourish life and an abundance with sealife andofboast creatures an abundance from the depths of creatures of the ocean.the depths of the ocean. from The canyon Bremer isCanyon a natural is awonder, natural hosting wonder,the hostingknown largest the largest aggregation aggregation of killer of killer whales whales in in the the Southern Southern Hemisphere, Hemisphere so discovered visitors on so thefar.

Over a shortCharters' Naturaliste season ofvessel intense are marine treated activity to an each year, visitors incredible array ofon wildlife the vessel at sea. are treated to an incredible Why though, array ofout wildlife of all the at sea. vastSowaters why, out around of all the vast Australia, is it waters in this particular of the country, location is it that in this they particular choose to location gather? that they choose to gather?

Paul Cross, owner founderofofNaturaliste NaturalisteCharters, Charters explains. “Submarine “While we still canyons have asupport huge amount a much of ongoing higher diversity research of life to than analyse, the we surrounding suspect it’s

deep ocean thanks to a leak due from to thea effects massiveofhydrocarbon ocean currents pocket under interacting with thethe seabed,” topography he says.or“This shapethen of the fuses withhethe canyon,” says. surrounding water to create an ice-like “As cold reef known water moves as methane along the hydrate. base In of turn, a canyon food chain towards is sparked the coast, involving it begins crustaceans to rise, releasing billions bringing with it nutrients of nutrient-rich from theeggs deep into ocean.” the isolated “Theand nutrients pristineare waters.” used by phytoplankton, microscopic It’s not only plants those thatwho are have ike the a fondness grass of for orcas, the ocean,otherwise and the upwelling known asnutrients killer whales, act as that will be captivated by the majesty of the fertiliser. experience.Would-be “The phytoplankton David provide Attenboroughs food for tiny keen to that animals witnessmore are in turn diverse eatensightings by largerwon’t animals be an in disappointed oceanic food either, chain with topped regular by visitors the apex including like predators sperm sharks, whales, killer long-finned whales, sperm pilot whales,and whales dolphins, many sharks, others shoals that weofsee tuna, onGray’s our beaked whale and sea lions. Keep your eyes expeditions.” peeled It’s not above only thethose crashing whowaves have aout fondness at sea as for well, because orcas, otherwise theknown numerous as killer foodwhales, sourcesthat in the will white be captivated tipped waters by the prove majesty tempting of the experience. for a huge number of David Would-be seabirdsinthe Attenboroughs salt-flecked keenskies. to witness more A unique diverse experience, sightings won’t the be tours disappointed operate not only towith either, provide regular visitors visitors the including chance to sperm view these amazinglong-finned whales, animals up close, pilot whales, but playdolphins, a hugely important sharks, shoals partofintuna, passive Gray’s scientific beakedstudy whaleof the natural and sealions. phenomenon.

Keep your eyes peeled above the

crashing waves out at sea as well, because the numerous food sources in the white tipped waters prove tempting for a huge number of seabirds in the salt-flecked skies.

There is another special dimension to this unforgettable experience for visitors - the opportunity to contribute to research efforts to learn more about this recently discovered deepwater ecosystem. Scientists are hosted on board and collect data on a variety of species during the season, and citizen scientists on board can help too.

“Over 80 individual killer whales have been cataloged by researchers from photographs taken on board our vessel,” says Paul.

“Individual killer whales are as varied as people, once you know what to look for. We photograph these features to help scientists learn more about them and to provide information that leads to their conservation and protection into the future.”

It's truly a treat for ocean lovers and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to not only help with important marine research but to also see these striking animals at home in their untouched marine.

Fast facts TOURS RUN EVERY day from January 13 to March 31 from 8.30am until 4.30pm. It’s important to note that the start and end date of the season can vary due to the whale migration and to ensure that plenty of travel time is given to get to the location of departure. Bremer Bay is a coastal community located 515kms south east of Perth and 180kms east of Albany in Western Australia. The trip out to sea takes approximately 1.5 hours so it is advisable for those that might have a delicate disposition on the water to be prepared with motion sickness tablets and to rug up for warmth from the winds out at sea. And of course, don’t forget your camera.

Visit margaretriver.com for more details.

a unique wine experience. japanese inspired summer cuisine with award winning wines, located in the heart of margaret river. w w w. f i s h b o n e w i n e s . c o m . a u 422 Harmans Mill Road, Wilyabrup WA | Open Daily Phone: 08 9755 6726 | Email: cellardoor@fishbonewines.com.au

Nature & Environment

The great outdoors GETTING OUT INTO NATURE IS THE PERFECT WAY TO MENTALLY RESET - AND ENJOY A FAMILY-FRIENDLY BREAK IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS. GABI MILLS & LIZZY PEPPER PACK THEIR JOLLY SWAG BAGS.

T

he Margaret River region is undoubtedly one of the best places for the camping beginner to cut their teeth on a guy rope or wo. Especially when you add to the stunning morning vistas delicious opportunities to sample wonderful food and wine around every corner and the chance to glamp in style.

Glamping - or glamorous camping - has been around for a bit but it’s really starting to make a splash in the South West with some innovative operators setting up shop in the region. However if you prefer a more traditional approach to sleeping under the stars, there’s plenty of opportunity to do just that too. Here’s our pick of the best ways to camp or glamp this summer.

OLIO BELLO LAKESIDE GLAMPING There are definite perks to this job, and when I arrived outside my luxurious glamping ‘tent’ at Olio Bello, I may have thanked my lucky stars once more for my good fortune. So close to Gracetown you can hear the waves crashing on a still night, this beautiful spot is the perfect place to head to if you’re keen to leave all thoughts of modern day stress behind.

As a smartphone addict, I immediately had to

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accept that for the duration of my stay I would not be scrolling on my screen; there’s very patchy service here. But that’s no bad thing - you really don’t want to miss a moment while you’re staying at your own private piece of paradise.

The six luxury, safari-style tented bungalows, designed by Eco Structures Australia (the same team behind Ramada Eco Beach in Broome)

really take glamping to the next level.Yes, you’re technically under canvas but once inside, the level of attention to detail and design is extraordinary.

Each bungalow has a private ensuite bathroom with rainforest-style shower, kitchenette, deck with chairs, table and deckchairs to enjoy that stunning lakeside view, and deliciously indulgent little touches, like high-quality linen on the double bed, an ingenious fireplace should the nights turn chilly and locally crafted artistic touches like a twisted wooden hat stand.

Each bungalow is named after an olive grove, or an aspect unique to the oil - mine was Kurunba - and their thoughtful yet simple layout is a testament to the owners’ desire to follow through with their mission to provide a sustainable, stylish retreat for their guests.

When I arrived, there was a loaf of the best bread in the world (Yallingup Wood Fired Oven) and a little bottle of the house EVOO waiting for me, perfect to munch with a glass of something local on the deck. I spotted a hammock near the lake’s edge and, again so thoughtfully, a little bag of breadcrumbs for guests to feed the resident ducks and wildfowl

that call the lake their home.

On this occasion I was on my own, but it’s hard to imagine a more romantic place to take your special someone. As night falls, the lightshow above the lake as the sun sets is spectacular; who needs wifi when you’ve got this kind of free entertainment?

I had ordered a cute box of breakfast goodies which I couldn’t wait to tuck into the next morning - think thick, creamy yogurt studded with local blueberries, muesli and banana bread, freshly made in the Olio Bello cafe’s kitchen. If you’re staying for a few days make sure you eat lunch in the cafe - it’s really something else.

So make a date to stay among the gum trees this summer; you’ll never forget waking up in such pristine peace and quiet.

Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping, 36 Armstrong Road, Cowaramup. Call 08 9755 9771 or visit oliobello.com. Open 7 days, 10am to 4.30pm, lunch sreved from 11.30am to 3.30pm.

BIG VALLEY FARM You’ll think you’ve stumbled on a secret little paradise when you take the road out of Margaret River for a few kilometres then head towards Rosa Glen. Run by the Silverthorne family, Big Valley Farm nestles in the verdant valley – just follow the little road down to the campsite and fall in love with the sheep munching the grass on either side.

After checking in, the staff at this eminently friendly campsite make pitching your tent or caravan super easy – not that we had to worry about that when we visited. No, we’d employed the services of Wild Goose Camping, the brainchild of locals Chloe Sparkes and Clint Collins, who are the go-to service if the idea of struggling with guy ropes and tent pegs brings you out in a cold sweet.

Wild Goose, you see, will do all the hard work for you, setting up the ultimate in glamping luxury before you arrive at your

campsite or pre-arranged private pitch. When my daughter Daisy and I rocked up at beautiful Big Valley, then, all we had to do was unzip our bell tent and begin our wonderful stay.

Outside our tent, Chloe and Clint had set up a little table and chairs to enjoy a sundowner/ brekkie cuppa, and a hard-wearing rug at the entrance ensured we wouldn’t bring the day’s mud into our little sanctuary. Once inside, we felt as though we’d walked into some kind of camping TARDIS – it felt so much bigger on the inside.

The double bed we would be sharing was draped with extra blankets in case the night air turned nippy, and all around on the ground there were rugs and a carpet. A carpet! In a tent! There was a recliner too, in case we wanted to read or just chat, and fairy lights draped the exterior. It was just magical.

We’d opted for some extras - including a fireside treat, two mugs, marshmallows to toast by the fire, Temper Temper hot chocolate and, for me, an extra nip of Cointreau to add to our nightcap. We’d also arranged to hire enough kitchen equipment, it seemed, to cater for the entire site, including a French press coffee jug and useful things like oil, salt and pepper and, thoughtfully, a bottle of Vasse Virgin handwash. I loved the way the goodies in the carefully selected foodie hamper supplied by Margaret River’s award-winning pantry-filler The Larder were, where possible, all from local businesses, like Margaret River wood-fired bread, strawberry and champagne jam and fresh-pressed juice. That was all for tomorrow morning; first of all there was exploring to be done.

Big Valley Farm is the perfect campsite for the novice camper - the camp kitchen is clean and well-equipped with a gas cooker as well as a bank of barbecues. The ablution block is a mix of communal and private loos and showers and there’s even a TV in the dining area if you’re craving a catch-up on the day’s events. Daisy and I unpacked our backpacks and, as it was getting close to dinnertime, decided to make some hot dogs.

With everything to hand to make a little feast we soon found ourselves around the communal camp fire (there are a few dotted around the generously sized site), getting to know our fellow campers.

All of them were experienced connoisseurs of the camping life, some in motorhomes, some in tents, and all agreed that Big Valley Farm was one of the best sites for kids they’d tried to date.

I can attest to that too; within half an hour of finishing her snags, Daisy was playing hide and seek with 10 or so other kids at the camp, margaretriver.com

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Nature & Environment

looking for somewhere perfect for Wild Goose to set up your luxury canvas home, you’ll be hard pressed to top somewhere as beautiful Big Valley Farm.

Big Valley Campsite, 46 Boronia Road, Rosa Glen.

Dogs welcome.Visit bigvalleymargaretriver.com.au or call (08) 9757 5020. Find Wild Goose Camping at wildgoosecamping.com.au.

BIG4 BEACHLANDS HOLIDAY PARK Where shall we swim – in the pool or at the beach, just 50 metres away? That’s my kind of holiday dilemma. Daisy and I loved our quiet campsite, shaded by peppermint trees, just moments from the crystal clear water of Geographe Bay. Beachlands is a family-run establishment, where the owner brings coffee to your door – or tent flat – each morning. Not just a camping ground, they also have self-contained bungalows, villas and cabins. I peeked inside a spa villa as it was having a new kitchen installed, and was impressed. I can see myself sipping wine on that balcony!

We quite liked the heated bathroom floor, and the bath would be perfect for washing grubby kids at the end of the day. The camp kitchen comes with table tennis, TV and plenty of room to spread out.

Sometimes you just want to relax poolside, and there was plenty to keep Daisy happy. She bounced on the jumping pillow, zoomed around on the pedal karts and made friends at the new water play zone more. We hired bikes and rode to Busselton, it’s an easy 3km cruise along the bike path.

We’ll bring our dog next time – they’re welcome in the camp sites most of the year, and in select accommodation.

BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park, 10 Earnshaw Road, West Busselton.Visit www.beachlands.com.au or call (08) 9752 2107. revelling in the deep darkness those unpolluted big skies of the south west afforded their games.

Meanwhile us adults sat around with a glass of red in our hands, sharing stories of what we’d got up to that day, and what we planned for the next.

By 10pm it was time to turn in, but not before Daisy gave her new friends a tour of her lodgings for the night, the bell tent enticingly glowing from within thanks to the sidelights supplied. It was clearly a talking point in the campsite, this newfangled way of camping, and Daisy was as pleased as punch to conduct a tour.

Then it was my turn. The grown-ups wanted a peek too. “Wow, carpets!” they said, and I nodded smugly.

The morning brought with it breakfast, the

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best meal of the day - especially when it’s cooked outdoors - and the promise of a full itinerary of adventures, not least of which was a proper look around the working Big Valley farm itself.

Thanks to the no-fuss approach of glamping we knew that, even when our little holiday was over, all we had to do was wash up the crockery we’d used, pack our bags and step into the car.

No wrestling with impossible tent storage bags for us. we’d used, pack our bags and step into the car. No wrestling with impossible tent storage bags for us.

Clients are travelling from as far afield as Singapore to experience the glamping way of life in the Margaret River region and it’s the perfect solution to events and weddings when you’ve got lots of people to accommodate. And if you’re

RIVERVIEW TOURIST PARK Riverview Tourist Park offers some prime frontage on the river itself right in the township.

There’s a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options including super-clean and tidy cabins as well as caravan and campervan bays and campsites. Make sure you bring your binoculars; the park is blessed with an abundance of local birdlife who like nothing better than a treat or two from residents. There’s a canoe for guests to use, an eco-friendly bike to hire and free wifi - and all guests receive 20% off full-day Cheers Wine Tours.

Riverview Tourist Park, 8-10 Willmott Avenue, Margaret River.Visit riverviewtouristpark.com for more information.

OLD FASHIONED FUN Opposite, Olio Bello's gorgeous glamping and Big 4 Beach Holiday Park and Busselton Holiday Park's fun and games. Above, Mandalay Holiday Resort.

MANDALAY HOLIDAY RESORT It’s hard to think of how Mandalay Holiday Resort could be more appealing to the littlies - a rainbow-coloured water slide, a flat-calm bay to swim like Dory, crabbing and sailing throughout the summer months and lazy days beachcombing in the winter.

Add to that the fact that the resort is connected to town via cycleways along the beach and the huge variety of accommodation-styles, and the road to Mandalay should be the one you follow this vacation. From luxurious two-storey spa villas to 120 motor home, caravan or camping powered sites, this is a resort that prides itself on the personal touch. Staff will show you to your site and are happy to help with parking or backing onto the site.You’ll get all the advantages of a resort-style holiday - think swimming pools, kids’ playgrounds and easy access to Busselton’s restaurants and cafes - with the relaxed camping vibe that the Margaret River region does so well..

Mandalay Resort, 652 Georgraphe Bay Road, Broadwater. Call 1800 248 231 or visit mandalayresort.com.au for more information. Pets are allowed on caravan and camping sites only between May to November.

RAC BUSSELTON HOLIDAY PARK (formerly Big 4 Peppermint Park) Find your own patch of camping perfection within this award-winning eight-hectare site. It’s just a short 300m stroll to the white sands and crystal clear waters of Geographe Bay and, when it gets too hot, you’ll find plenty of shade under the peppermint trees.What makes this place extra special is its eco-friendly credentials: solar panels generate over 158kw of power per day and, thanks to close to 2,000 native trees and plants specially planted on the property, the salinity levels in the ground have been reduced and erosion is kept to a minimum.

And all that’s before you take in the abundance of local wildlife attracted to the boughs and shady areas. In fact, the park is so committed to preserving the unique environment that their work with the endangered Western Ringtail Possum has won them national recognition.

Innovative ways to attract these rare creatures adorn the peppermint trees - including old doormats, grass and shredded bark, sit in the trees’ forks, acting as new homes. Humans find the park comfortable too, with facilities for disabled guests, two large swimming pools, a wildlife lake and a variety of sites for camping, caravanning and big rigs.There’s a nine-hole mini golf course and pedal cars for the kids to take for a spin around the park.

RAC Busselton Holiday Park, 97 Caves Road, Abbey, Busselton.Visit parksandresorts.rac.com.au/ busselton-accommodation or call 1800 871 570.

Jahroc Galleries is situated in the hear t of Margaret River and is the largest contemporar y galler y in the South West showcasing a diverse range of Fine Furniture, Fine Ar t, Jeweller y, Glass, Ceramic and Sculpture. It is home to award winning furniture designers/ makers JahRoc Furniture who use local specialty timbers to hand craft their bespoke designer furniture. Visit Jahroc Galleries and f ind out why all that do, leave inspired.

Open daily 10am-5pm 83 Bussell Highway, Margaret River Ph. (08) 9758 7200 E. info@jahroc.com.au

www.jahroc.com.au

Nature & Environment

h igh flyers Eagles Heritage allows visitors to view some of Australia’s most beautiful and fearsome - birds of prey up close and personal. Zoe Delueil investigates.

Images by ELEMENTS MARGARET RIVER.

B

irds of prey are what we have here in Australia instead of lions and tigers and bears. Also known as raptors, they sit at the top of the food chain and act as caretakers for the environment, cleaning up carrion and keeping rabbits, feral cats and foxes under control.

Decisively the strong but silent type, you rarely see them up close, but you can be sure they see you: owls have better eyesight in darkness than humans do by day, and a wedgetailed eagle could (in theory) read a newspaper headline from a kilometre away.

But there is one place you can see these charismatic creatures up close, and that is Eagles Heritage in Margaret River, an unassuming wildlife sanctuary that is also home to owls, falcons and hawks.

Set in 29 acres of peaceful state forest, the pathways between the simple corrugated iron bird enclosures are shaded by red gum and jarrah trees, with native orchids, banksia and Swan River myrtle creating a familiar environment for the injured birds that live here, many brought in by volunteers across the state.

Peer into the darkness of the cages and you’ll see the still shapes of sleeping boobook owls perched on tree branches.

Look closer, and you’ll notice a Powerful owl eyeing you with disturbing intensity – so called because they can catch and kill animals three

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times their own weight. This one is 18 years old and was brought here from Victoria after being hit by a car.

In the next cage along, two grass owls, the rarest species in Australia, have shy, heart-shaped faces that look almost human. Owls have flat faces and huge eyes which give them their famously wise appearance, but actually serve to aid their nocturnal hunting.

Further along, the adorably named tawny frog mouth nightjars huddle together in such a sweet, cosy slumber that you feel your own eyelids start to droop. Although not birds of prey, they are also rescued and bred at the centre.

All the birds are identified by hand-painted portraits that were the work of a passing backpacker, with information about each species underneath.

The sanctuary is the work of Philip and Kathy Pain, who founded it in 1988 and have lived and worked here ever since. Phil started out as a zookeeper in his teens, and became fascinated by birds of prey while working at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, where he used to find them in the aviaries.

A Churchill Fellowship gave him the opportunity to visit bird sanctuaries in the UK, Singapore and California, before returning to Perth and establishing his own rescue centre.

“We had 70 birds in our backyard, and eventually we decided to turn it into a lifestyle and a business with a move down to Margaret River, where we leased this state forest land from the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River,” says Phil.

“Opening it to the public meant we could pay for all the mice and chicks the birds eat, while also educating people about the importance of birds of prey and funding our rehabilitation work.”

The sanctuary runs a captive breeding programme, releasing around 40 healthy offspring back into the wild each year.

“Injured birds of prey can’t return to the bush, but what they can do is breed in captivity.

So we are able to replace a little of what gets killed by feral cats and cars,” says Phil.

It’s worth timing your visit to catch one of Phil’s skilful demonstrations, which are held twice daily. See the wedge-tailed eagles flying, hold Ivy, the beautiful barn owl, on your arm and watch black kites dive bomb and snatch meat in mid-flight at impressive speeds.

It’s a display that stuns viewers into a respectful silence, and this, along with the onekilometre pathway through the shady bushland, makes the sanctuary a great outing for restless kids in need of a run and some entertainment.

Phil and Kathy live on site with their friendly labrador Maya, and rarely leave. Unlike

most tourist attractions, which quieten down once the doors are shut, here the action is only just beginning when the last visitor departs.

“Everyone comments on how peaceful it is here,” says Kathy, “but as soon as we close all the owls start to wake up, so it can get pretty noisy at night.”

Fast facts Where: 341 Boodjidu p Road, Margaret River Opening Hours (Western Australian School Term time): 10am - 4:15pm six days a week; closed Fridays.

Opening Hours (Western Australian School Holiday time): 10am - 4:15 every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day Display times: 11am and 1.30 pm ADMISSION PRICES - as of 23 September 2017 ADULT - $18 CHILD - $12 FAMILY - $55 (2 Adults / 2 Children; extra children $10 each) SENIOR - $16 (Seniors Card holders, Aged Pension Card holders, Carers Card holders.)

Nature & Environment

Cheap and cheerful

FUN DOESN’T HAVE TO COST THE EARTH, IN ANY SENSE OF THE PHRASE. LIZZY PEPPER FINDS A WEALTH OF ECOFRIENDLY ADVENTURES IN THE MARGARET RIVER REGION THAT WON'T HIT YOU HARD IN THE HIP POCKET.

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W

elcome to the south west – where there’s fresh air, starry night skies, pristine beaches and awesome forests.

What a joy it is to share the wonder of nature with our kids – and what better place to explore than one the 34 global biodiversity hotspots – and the only one in Australia?

Here are 11 amazing family adventures that don’t cost the earth; they help kids appreciate our environment, and won’t break the bank.

MEET THE WOYLIES A Woylie is a critically endangered nocturnal marsupial that looks like a quokka but hops like a kangaroo. They’re protected by a fox-proof fence at Yelverton Brook Eco Retreat, where we arrived at dusk and walked through the bush to a clearing. Guides Ryan and Michael put on a billy of tea, called the woylies by shaking their food tin, and within minutes we had seven greedy quendas and three shy woylies grazing by our feet.

Not just for kids and international visitors, anyone who loves native animals should do this tour.

Also on offer: eco tours around Cape Naturaliste.

South West Eco Discoveries, Meet the Woylies Tour, runs every evening, year-round. Family (2 adults, 2 children) $120.

Visit southwestecodiscoveries.com.au

SUNSET KANGAROO SAFARI This kangaroo tour takes place on Neil and Coralie McLeod’s family farm just a few minutes from Margaret River. We drove across paddocks in Neil’s lovingly restored 1962 red Bedford Truck, into the bushland where Western Grey kangaroos jumped nimbly between trees. Some roos came up close for a photo, others lazed about in the shade – the kids were ecstatic.

Neil makes billy tea on the campfire, and slices up Coralie’s excellent homemade orange cake. Sitting by the creek, breathing in the scent

of eucalypts and marvelling at vivid wildflowers at sunset – this is the life!

McLeod Tours, Sunset Kangaroo Safari Tours, runs daily 5.30pm in summer. Adults $55.

Children $35. Visit mcleodtours.com.au

HEDGE MAZE AND GARDENS A real hedge maze right here in Margaret River – and it’s quite a challenge finding your way in and out. We could easily have spent a whole day here playing mini golf, having a BBQ lunch (BYO supplies, the BBQs are free), admiring the gardens and relaxing on the lawn. There’s a playground and café too.

Did you know that native Australian plants are pollinated by birds, and northern European plants are pollinated by bees? Hence the fragrant rose garden was abuzz with bees, and there were parrots, cockatoos and other birds among the native garden.

TIP bring a pram or pushchair if it’s hot and your kids are young.The maze was built with families in mind and is wide enough to accommodate one.

Amaze’n Margaret River, 9978 Bussell Highway. Open 9am-5pm. Family maze and garden (2 adults, 2 children): $63. Visit amazenmargaretriver.com.au

BUSSELTON JETTY TRAIN All aboard the shiny red train for a journey on the longest wooden jetty in the world! The famous jetty is the pride of Busselton, and its survived cyclones and fires in its 151 years.

The shiny red solar-powered train takes you 1.8km out to sea, where you’ll find the Underwater Observatory. Observatory tickets cost a little more, but it’s worth it to see the coral, fish, starfish and other critters that call the jetty home.

Busselton Jetty. Jetty open 24 hours, Train 9am5pm. Adult return train ticket: $13.50. Child (age 3-14): $6.75. Visit busseltonjetty.com.au

FRUIT PICKING Fruit grows on trees, not at the supermarket!

What a joy it is to see your kids excitedly

picking fruit and eating it. There’ll hopefully be apples growing at Wonky Windmill in January/ February, but check the website first. We visited in spring when the whole orchard was perfumed by orange blossom – what a glorious scent!

Buy a combo ticket and you can also feed the animals – rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas, goats, horses and kangaroos.

Wonky Windmill, 218 Yelverton North Road.

Adults fruit picking: $12. Children: $10. Fruit and feeding the animals: extra.

Visit wonkywindmillfarm.com.au

Margaret River holiday homes from $309,000-$389,000 Wine making, beer brewing, fresh roasted coffee, pool and Clubhouse.

Sound like an amazing weekend getaway? At Margaret River Lifestyle Village, these are just a few things you can enjoy everyday. If you’ve dreamt of owning a home in one of WA’s most scenic regions, realise your dream today!

Call Fiona Edwards 0428 102 562 or Adan Nicholson 0418 940 450.

For over 55’s

The Clubhouse

Learn more, visit: margaretriverlifestylevillage.com.au margaretriver.com

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Nature & Environment

NO TIME FOR BOREDOM From going in search of woylies to stargazing, there’s plenty to keep the little ones amused in the region.

Shed suggests the Dunsborough Country Club trails for younger kids – he’s even seen pre-schoolers on balance bikes on these trails.

Families with teenagers will love the challenge of the Meelup Trails, 7km with ocean glimpses.

Enter opposite Endicott Loop.

Bike Shed, 1/10 Clark Street Dunsborough.

Adult half day premium bike hire: $60. Children: $20. Visit bikesheddunsborough.com.au

SURF, SWIM AND SNORKEL MOUNTAIN BIKING AT DUNSBOROUGH COUNTRY CLUB AND MEELUP TRAILS Bring your bikes or hire from Bike Shed – they have standard and premium mountain bikes perfect for hitting the trails. Lee from the Bike

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Nothing beats a refreshing dip at the beach. I’d recommend the beaches on Geographe Bay for families with younger children – Meelup, Castle Rock, Dunsborough, Quindalup and Busselton beaches are relatively calm and sometimes quite shallow.Yallingup Beach lagoon is also great for kids – it’s enclosed by reef, but the water is colder on the ocean side.

Fancy hiring a standup paddle-board, kayak, body board or snorkel? Head to peaceful Meelup, where there’s beach hire, plenty of shade and free BBQs. Alternatively, cruise the Margaret River on a kayak or standup paddle-board – they’re available for hire from Rivermouth Road, Prevelly.

There’s surf schools in Yallingup and Margaret River for kids and adults – check out. margaretriver.com for a list.

SUNSET BBQ AT SURFERS POINT Top off a beautiful day with a sunset BBQ at Surfers Point. Take an esky with all your meats, salads and cold drinks, or grab picnic supplies from The Larder or Blue Ginger. The free BBQs come with the best ocean view ever.

There’s no playground, but a big grassed area, so bring your cricket set or frisbee.

STARGAZING THE MILKY WAY Minimal light pollution makes for fabulous stargazing. Find a comfy patch of grass – ideally near the beach so you can enjoy the sound of the ocean, and marvel at the stars. Make it educational with a stargazing app such as SkyView.

Find a comfy patch of grass – ideally near the beach so you can enjoy the sound of the ocean, and marvel at the stars.

POSSUM SPOTTING There’s a big population of endangered ringtail possums living in the peppermint trees of Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.You’ll find them in the peppies after dusk, just take a torch and wait quietly. Local groups Geocatch and Nature Conservation run free possum night walks – check out the signposted possum night spotlighting trail in the Ludlow Tuart forest.

Visit geocatch.asn.au. natureconservation.org.au

CRUISE THE BLACKWOOD IN A DINGHY The Blackwood River runs 300km, emerging in Flinders Bay, Augusta. Check out this peaceful river on a boat, kayak, Indian canoe or stand up paddleboard.

Augusta Boat Hire, 1 Ellis Street Augusta.

Getting there is half the fun Kick back, relax and explore the scenic Margaret River region on one of our luxury road coaches.

Leave your car at home and enjoy WA’s stunning South West with Transwa instead. You get to unwind and enjoy the scenery while we do the driving.

Our five-star road coaches are fully accessible and air conditioned, with on board entertainment, USB ports and toilet facilities.

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

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

Bringing WA closer

Nature & Environment

Sand

between your toes Summertime means beach time, right?Janine Pittaway reveals her favourite Margaret River region hotspots.

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he Margaret River region is blessed with approximately 200km of coastline stretching from Busselton to Augusta, so even in the height of summer it’s possible to still discover a patch of white sandy paradise to enjoy without anyone else about.

The beaches you’ll find in the guidebooks such as Meelup, Gnarabup, Smiths Beach and Yallingup are certainly worth a visit, but with just a little more effort you can find some lesser known but equally beautiful spots to pitch your igloo for a day of swimming, beachcombing and relaxing without the crowds.

Some beaches down south are so secret they

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can only be reached by chopper or boat but the places I’ve selected can be easily reached by car. These beaches are all great places for swimming, but ask a fisherman, diver or surfer their favourite secret spots and they’re likely to provide an entirely different list!

From Busselton to Cape Naturaliste the water will likely be calm, but from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin expect waves, wind and swell – check the forecast before heading out to find the best spot for the conditions on the day.

POINT PIQUET (between Eagle Bay and Meelup)

This beach reveals itself in summer when the tides change and the white sand reappears. The water is a pure turquoise blue, contrasting with the burnt red rocks on the shore, and in between there’s plenty of places to lie and contemplate life.

SIESTA PARK (Between Dunsborough and Busselton) We discovered this spot when looking for a place to cool off on a cycle from Dunsborough to Busselton. Siesta Park is about the half-way point for a dip. By car, turn off on the road next to the Siesta Park service station and pull up in one of the car bays amongst the peppermint trees.

CASTLE ROCK (on the Dunsborough side of Meelup) This could possibly be a contentious pick as a secret beach, given its increasing exposure thanks to it being Margaret River Gourmet Escape’s Gourmet Beach BBQ location. However compared to Meelup, Castle Rock is still a quiet spot on a sunny day with the added bonus of beachside BBQs and an enviro loo.

CONTO SPRINGS BEACH (18km south west of Margaret River – via Conto Road off Caves Road – follow the signs to Conto Springs) This is a stunning beach with a backdrop of dramatic green cliffs of the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, and with its own campsite. There can be large waves so be cautious when you swim.

PERFECT DAY Discover your own slice of beachy paradise in one of the many Margaret River region beaches.

Visit margaretriver.com for a complete list.

BOODJIDUP BEACH (Margaret River - take Redgate Road and turn right onto a gravel track before the main Redgate Beach car park) This is a pretty remote spot and even in the height of summer you’re likely to have the majority of the beach to yourself with about 2km or so of white sandy beach and crystal clear water. The best part for swimming is the southern-most end.

FOUL BAY (access via Cosy Corner Road, near Augusta) Despite its name, Foul Bay is breathtakingly beautiful and quiet in the height of summer.

This 3km long bay comprises several small beaches with some shelter from big waves thanks to a series of reefs.

OPEN EVERYDAY FOR EVERYONE 11am - 5pm ph:08 97553554 |

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Board

meeting EXPERIENCE THE REGION WITH A PEACEFUL PADDLE THAT’LL LEAVE YOU FEELING NOT ONLY RELAXED AND REJUVENATED BUT IT’LL GIVE YOU A NEW APPRECIATION FOR THE MARGARET RIVER REGION. DIANNE BORTOLETTO STRAPS HER BOARD TO THE ROOF OF HER CAR TO FIND OUT MORE.

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ake a deep breath and close your eyes; imagine yourself in a blissful place, a calming bay with a sandy beach or glassy river surrounded by trees and native bush.

You’re completely present in the moment, gliding along a body of quiet water with the momentum of paddle strokes while admiring the beauty of your surrounds.

Stand up paddleboarding, known as SUP, can be as gentle or as energetic as you make it.

Unlike surfing that requires fitness, upper body

strength, quick reflexes to snap up from lying down and ocean confidence, SUP is an activity that can be enjoyed at any age, even by those with dodgy knees or stiff shoulders. According to SUPWA, it’s one of the most accessible water sports available. And it’s not just good for the body, it’s great for the mind too.

Health coach and personal trainer Sarah Breheny includes SUP in her Revive Retreats at Smith’s Beach, the next one being February 11 to 15.

“When you’re out there on a board, away from everyone and everything, the stress just falls away. It’s quite meditative but at the same time, you’re working your core to maintain balance, without even realising it,” Sarah said.

Sarah said there are so many beautiful places to SUP in the south west including around the Busselton Jetty that’s teeming with marine life.

“One of my favourite places to go for a SUP is in Geographe Bay,” the SUP enthusiast said.

“For the retreats, we tend to go to the end of

IMAGES Margaret River Stand Up Surfing

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I FOLLOWED TROY'S 4WD TO CANE BREAK POOLS, JUST THE PLACE TO GAIN SOME NEW SUP SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

Dunn Bay in Dunsborough, which is especially good for those new to SUP because it’s quite shallow, there’s sandbanks and it’s protected. It’s also a great place to take kids, although that mightn’t be as peaceful!”

One spot Sarah recommends is Quindalup Boat Ramp, paddling towards Busselton and Siesta Park. Another spot, on a calm day, is the Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp paddling towards Castle Rock and Meelup beach.

The funkiest surf shop overlooking the ocean Local & Indie surf brands | Surf hardware Surfboard/SUP hire & sales Surf eco adventure tours

catch us near the beach @ 1 Resort Place, Gnarabup T: (08) 9757 1111 • www.freshtracksmargs.com

“The water close to the coast is crystal clear and if you SUP towards Meelup, you’ll see heaps of fish, coral and marine life. A return paddle should take about an hour in a good conditions.”

Knowing the conditions is pivotal to choosing where and when to SUP. For novices like me, asking an expert is a fail-safe way to get the most of your time on a board.

Fresh Tracks Margaret River head honcho Troy Brice specialises in SUP and surf safaris, taking people to secret spots where the waves are pumping or where it’s as flat as a pancake.

Tell him what you’re after and he’ll tailor an experience to suit for the best conditions available. He also makes beautiful bamboo SUPs for sale and to hire from his Gnarabup surf shop.

A SUP beginner with my new board strapped to the roof of my car, Troy sensed my trepidation and suggested a very tranquil body of

water protected from the wind. I followed Troy’s 4WD to Cane Break Pools, a calm section of the river that’s surrounded by bush. Without a soul in sight, it was just the place to gain some new SUP skills and confidence on my board.

We limbered up with a short yoga sequence and practiced standing up techniques before launching our boards from the bank. Under Troy’s instruction, I learnt to stop, reverse, wide turn, tight turn, kneel down then stand up and to paddle on just one side while maintaining a straight line.

With my newfound SUP confidence, I gently paddled off on my own mini SUP safari, marvelling at the natural beauty of place, breathing in the eucalypt-scented air. It was perfectly serene and I decided there and then that SUP was my new favourite activity.

One place I’d like to take my board is to Hardy Inlet in Augusta and along the Blackwood River.

Stand Up Paddle Margaret River takes groups to the Blackwood River and to Chapman Pool along that same river. They offer SUP and sip tours that include two winery stops. Talk about experiencing the best the region has to offer.

There are plenty of places to hire a board and amazing places to SUP along the coast from Busselton to Augusta and on river systems inland.

Search for SUP on margaretriver.com to hire a board, book a lesson or a tour and I reckon SUP might end up being your new favourite sport too.

Visit margaretriver.com/nature-adventure/water-sportlessons-a-hire/

EMERGING ARTISTS + FINE ART + ART OBJECTS + JEWELLERY

TAKE THE PLUNGE Why not make the most of the balmy summer days and learn how to stand up paddleboard like Di?

Shop 4, 1 Charles West Avenue P 9757 2729 E info@margaretrivergallery.com.au W margaretrivergallery.com.au

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Make a splash We’ve rounded up the best places to go for a dip this summer. By LISA SHEARON. Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Bunker Bay Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is the perfect spot for a peaceful, relaxing break in the Margaret River region. Nestled alongside beautiful Bunker Bay, the resort boasts luxuriously appointed and beautifully spacious studio, and one- and two-bedroom bungalow-style villas ideal for a romantic getaway or family holiday. Each villa features lake or garden views, an outdoor courtyard or deck, boardwalk access to the beach, a kitchen or kitchenette. All this, plus a stunning swimming pool at its heart.

Visit pullmanbunkerbayresort.com.au

Abbey Beach Resort, Busselton Abbey Beach Resort sits on the beautiful

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Geographe Bay beachfront in Busselton. Set amid four hectares of landscaped gardens and lakes, the resort comprises 213 luxury units with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus studio suites. All apartments and studios are serviced daily and feature a private double spa, a bathroom with each bedroom, reverse-cycle airconditioning, Foxtel, private balcony, and views over the lake/ocean/swimming pool, gardens, tennis courts and children’s playground.

Resort facilities include complimentary wifi, restaurant, cafe, two bars, a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool and spa, outdoor pools surrounded by lovely gardens shaded with gazebos and umbrellas, squash court, full-size and half-court tennis, gymnasium and sauna.

Visit abbeybeach.com.au

Regency Beach Club, Dunsborough Nestled in a turquoise bay, just a short walk from the Dunsborough town centre, is Regency Beach Club. Originally a caravan park, the original design philosophy was founded on developing a sense of space and a feeling of community.

Set in large gardens with sealed avenues, spacious carports and boat parking, a series of 36 modern villas are positioned in this single complex. The setting provides guests with an opportunity to take advantage of glorious views and pristine landscaping, while soaking up the seaside environment.

Visit regencybeachclub.com

Cape View Beach Resort, Busselton Located on the shores of Geographe Bay in Busselton, Cape View Beach Resort is the perfect spot to base yourself while exploring the south west.

Set right on the beach, Cape View Beach Resort offers self-catered accommodation which features either two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining/living area with TV, DVD player and Foxtel, laundry, courtyard or balcony with outdoor setting and parking.

Facilities include a large outdoor pool, undercover heated plunge pool, spa, sauna, two barbecue areas, two playgrounds, gym and indoor children’s playroom.

Visit capeviewbeachresort.com.au

Dunsborough Beach Cottages, Dunsborough Situated on the shores of Geographe Bay, Dunsborough Beach Cottages are in the very heart of the Margaret River region. Stay in a a range of beautifully appointed, self-contained

WATER WORLD Left, the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. This page, above, the welcoming pool at Abbey Beach Resort. Top inset and bottom, there are several pools at Mandalay Resort to enjoy.

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SET RIGHT ON THE BEACH, CAPE VIEW BEACH RESORT OFFERS SELF-CATERED ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES INCLUDE A LARGE OUTDOOR POOL, UNDERCOVER HEATED PLUNGE POOL. AND SPA.

two- and three-bedroom resort-style cottages, including the adults-only beach front cottages.

Visit dunsborough-beach.com.au

Geographe Cove Resort, Dunsborough Geographe Cove Resort comprises 20 luxurious and welcoming self-contained units located right on the beachfront and boasting access to a tennis court and swimming pool. Geographe Cove Resort is the perfect Dunsborough accommodationfor a romantic couples’ getaway, action-packed family holiday or to celebrate a very special occasion.

The tasteful, contemporarily decorated oneand two-storey villas have three or four bedrooms and either two or three bathrooms.

Relax in the lagoon-style pool surrounded by tropical plants,or take the time to relax on a deckchair by the pool and read a magazine after a day filled with visiting local wineries.

Visit geographecove.com.au

Mandalay Resort, Busselton The term “family friendly” instils fear into the heart of the best parents, for the simple reason that family friendly generally means grownup unfriendly. Play centres, themed restaurants

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and – yes – holiday resorts with a child-focused slant are generally regarded with suspicion by discerning adults looking for peace, relaxation and pleasant surroundings.

Proving that for every rule there is an exception, Mandalay Resort in Busselton can happily lay claim to appealing to both children, grown-ups - and everyone in between.

Boasting three large adventure playgrounds, a huge playing field for impromptu communal games of cricket and footie, and a giant jumping pillow that sees children and grown-ups jostling for bouncing space, Mandalay is the ultimate family getaway. The resort, just a stone’s throw from tranquil Geographe Bay, also has three pools, including an outdoor one that is solar heated and an indoor pool with its own beach and shallow waters, ideal for little swimmers.

This pool is also heated, so the whole family can splash around even when the weather’s not summer perfect. With the outdoor pool comes a massive, multi-coloured waterslide that’s open for most of the day. If you’re looking for a way to wear your children out while you relax in the sunshine, this has got to be it.

Mandalay offers a range of high-quality, contemporary accommodation, as well as

caravan and camping sites. With two-storey apartment-style luxury space villas, beach cottages, superior spa chalets and studio cabins to choose from, there’s something for absolutely everyone. The accommodation has been recently renovated, and is lovely, with everything you need for a self-contained stay, including a modern kitchen and bathroom, TVs, air-conditioning, heating, and gorgeous little verandahs to sit and watch the kids play as the sun sets.

There’s so much to love about Mandalay Resort. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with the kids forming long-lasting friendships as they scoot around the safe little streets, and the parents bond over the many barbecues dotted around the resort. There’s a tranquillity that almost seems to be from a forgotten age of simpler times, which is only improved by the arrival of a food truck selling French pastries on weekend mornings. Heralding her arrival with the ringing of a bell, the guests gather on the lawn to enjoy croissants and waffles, as another truck arrives to deliver the muchneeded coffee.

This is family-friendly holidaying at its very, very best. Immaculate accommodation in a

POOLSIDE PARADISE Left, the pool at Dunsborough Beach Cottages is a lovely place to hang out, as is the indoor heated pool at Abbey Beach resort on cooler days. Below the water slide at Mandalay Resort.

picture-perfect setting, with coffee and croissants delivered to your door. Priceless.

Visit mandalayresort.com.au

Darby Park, Margaret River In the very heart of Margaret River, lies Darby Park. The well-appointed apartment accommodation complex is perfectly positioned for those who'd like to take a short stroll to the cafes, galleries and restaurants of Margaret River. It's also a 10-minute drive to many of the region’s world-class beaches, attractions and wineries. Choose from a studio, one-bedroom apartment, two-bedroom loft apartment, twobedroom deluxe apartment or three-bedroom apartment, all of which have access to the resort’s tranquil swimming pool.

Visit darbypark.com.au

Ramada Resort Dunbsorough Ramada Resort Dunsborough is perfectly located on the beachfront overlooking stunning Geographe Bay. The spacious, well-appointed Dunsborough accommodation caters for every kind of getaway, from a romantic escape to a family holiday. Choose from studios or fully self-contained apartments, all with a balcony

or patio. The extensive resort facilities include a fully equipped gym, floodlit tennis court, three meeting rooms and a wedding chapel.

Experience sensational dining at Toby’s Restaurant & Bar or indulge in relaxation at Flourish Day Spa. The entire family will love the resort’s direct beach access, swimming pool and spa pool.

Visit wyndhamap.com/wps/wcm/connect/Wyndham/ home/Resorts/Australia/WA/Dunsborough

Broadwater Resort, Busselton Broadwater Resort provides the perfect base for exploring the region’s famous wineries,

galleries and beaches. Conveniently located at the gateway to the Margaret River region, Broadwater Resort offers a range of hotelstyle or fully self-contained accommodation options for family holidays, romantic getaways, business meetings or conferences.

All apartments feature a well-equipped kitchen, dishwasher, bath, digital TV, DVD player and Foxtel, while the resort offers a heated indoor pool, heated indoor spa, outdoor pool, outdoor barbeque entertainment areas, plus a wide range of day tours and activities.

Visit broadwaterresort.com.au

Active & adventure

If you want to be cool - and stay cool - this summer, then book a stay in one of these stunning private homes. By LISA SHEARON.

GOLD CLASS R

eady for a bit of poolside luxury this summer? Aren’t we all? Fortunately, poolside luxury is what Private Properties does best. We’ve rounded up eight of their very best holiday homes – all with pools – to ensure you enjoy the Margaret River Region to its full potential, whether you escape as a couple, a family or with friends. Now, where’s that cocktail shaker?

MARRIBRAE Resting on the hillside overlooking picturesque Gunyulgup Valley, this impressive home features a beautiful pool complete with sun loungers, a Hamptons’ vibe and plenty of room to move.

Children will love the tree swing, trampoline, cubby house, and nearby creek, while grown-ups enjoy a drink on the jetty by the dam.

The luxurious home is neatly divided in two, with entertaining areas at one end, and six bedrooms, laundry and garage at the other.

Visit privateproperties.com.au/properties/marribrae/

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JAHANGIR Eagle Bay’s Jahangir sleeps up to 10 people, and boasts a stunning infinity pool that seems to extend across the bay. There can be few better places in the region – let alone the world – to relax and unwind with friends and family.

Set on the hillside above the ocean, Jahangir features five double bedrooms, all with ensuite facilities.

Visit privateproperties.com.au/properties/jahangir/

SUBLIME Nestled high on the hill in Yallingup, Sublime is just the setting to enjoy hot summer nights. With room to sleep 11 guests, this five-bedroom home offers two queen size rooms with ensuites that overlook the pool or natural bushland. On the other side of this luxurious home you’ll find two single rooms that share a bathroom, perfect for the kids.

Visit privateproperties.com.au/properties/sublime/

the perfect destination

POOL PERFECTION. Clockwise from top left, Kokomo, Wilderness Rise, Ravenswood, Marribrae and Jagangir.

RAVENSWOOD Located between Dunsborough and Eagle Bay, this modern, immaculately presented five-bedroom holiday house is set on a luxurious four acres. While some people enjoy the gorgeous pool, others can relax on the loungers in the adjoining outdoor area.

Visit privateproperties.com.au/properties/ ravenswood/

CATHAY An expansive pool area guarantees yearround relaxation at Cathay. Boasting a 20-metre lap pool and a gas-heated outdoor spa, the raised sun decks, built-in bar, barbecue, covered cabana and lounge area (complete with locker rooms and showers) give this area a true resort feel.

Visit privateproperties.com.au/properties/ cathay/

• Destination Weddings • Corporate & Private Events • Boutique 4.5 star Accommodation 266 Metricup Road, Metricup WA 6280 Telephone: 08 9755 7575 reservations@eightwillowsretreat.com.au www.eightwillowsretreat.com.au margaretriver.com

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TRAIL BLAZERS IF YOU’RE A MOUNTAIN BIKER, THEN THE MARGARET RIVER REGION IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO INDULGE YOUR PASSION SAYS LISA SHEARON.

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he mountain-bike trails of Margaret River offer a truly unique way to tour this spectacular region. Catering for young and old – and every level of experience – the trails of the Margaret River region were created in earnest about 15 years ago, and are now at the very heart of the community.

When John Dingey founded mountainbike tour company Dirty Detours, he began developing trails around the region; crudely, at first, and then more systematically and formally with his company Magic Dirt, helped by the Margaret River Offroad Cycling Association (MRORCA) and Common Ground trail planning and design consultancy.

“It started when I took the dog for a walk,” John recalls, laughing. “My dog used to follow a track down to Goober’s Pool, which became one of the first trails.”

The Goober’s Pool Trail and South Carters

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Trail – now known as Creek Trails – are situated in picturesque natural bushland, dotted with intermittent granite outcrops and plunging creek lines, and are popular with intermediate to advanced riders. Recent trail re-alignments have allowed the trails to remain rideable all year round, and recent upgrades have seen an increase in technical trail features such as doubles, log rides and bridges.

Around seven years ago, permission was granted to create trails through the area’s pine plantations, which have become one of the region’s most iconic trails. The Pines are popular with all grades of riders, from beginners to the advanced. The Pines are a highlight of the annual Cape 2 Cape race, and it’s easy to see why.

The region’s most recent trails – Compartment 10 – were over four years in the making. Compartment 10 presents riders with a short but intense mountain biking experience.

The trails are for everyone, from novices to experienced riders.

CHAIN GANG Some of the region's bike trails are averaging almost one hundred riders per day - a testament to their popularity.

Each trail of varying difficulty runs without pause into the next, creating a network where you don’t know how or when to stop. Let alone feel like stopping. The many approaches, angles and lines for every trail will keep riders on the go for hours.

“We don’t have much in the way of hills here,” John admits, “so we need to keep the pace going on the trails.

“We may not have much fall, but the good thing about that is you can keep going – you don’t need to keep shuttling back to the top.”

For John, the appeal of the region’s trails is simple: the setting is like no other in the world.

“We’ve tried to make the most of the beautiful views and the incredibly diverse environment,” he explains.

“You can be going on one track through Jarrah, the next through Karri, then following a creek line down to WA’s oldest pine trees.

It’s only a small pocket of land, but it caters for everyone.”

The appeal also lies in the fact that the trails are for everyone, from novices to experienced riders. “We’ve deliberately built two tracks in one, so you can roll down with your five-yearold daughter or, if you’re a more experienced rider, go round and jump the whole thing. It does hold a lot of appeal in that area.”

Some of the region’s trails are averaging almost 100 riders a day, and are also being used for many events including the Cape 2 Cape, the State XC and the WA Enduro.

“Every afternoon you’ll see tradies and groups of girls alongside the hardcore racers,” John explains. “The trails have really transformed the community and become the heart and soul of it.”

MRORCA are working with DPAW to add another 10 km of trail in 2018, with the pines looking at being rebuilt after that. In the meantime, Common Ground Trails have been engaged by WestCycle to prepare a Masterplan to identify and prioritise trail development in the region, as well as create a detailed area plan for MRORCA to develop Margaret River’s first sanctioned and permanent mountain bike facility.

Visit margaretriver.com for more information.

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Art & wellbeing

It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a balmy evening than relaxing under a starry sky and watching a great flick.

Dianne Bortoletto checks out the local outdoor movies operating this summer.

Seeing stars

CAPE MENTELLE Cape Mentelle is a stunning winery by day, outdoor cinema by night.

They pioneered the outdoor cinema in the region and screen movies daily (except Mondays) from December 15 until January 29, and then on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from February 2 until April 2. There’s also live music on Friday nights.

Bring your own picnic (no BYO alcohol), picnic rug or lowlevel chair or hire one of their comfy beanbags. The Margaret River Burger Co. will be on site cooking beef, chicken, and vegie burgers to order as well as smaller sizes for the kids. There’s also a snackbar with popcorn and chocolate. Purchase a glass or bottle of Cape Mentelle’s fine wine and enjoy.

There are different ticket packages available from general

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MOVIE NIGHT Caves House hosts wonderfully relaxed movie nights while the Courtyard Cinema at Art Geo (top pic and opposite top) will screen a diverse selection of flicks. Opposite, Cape Mentelle is home to summer's greatest movie hits.

BARNYARD1978

pasta factory, casually classy restaurant with cellar door & Barnyard Bees honey store…

April. The bistro and pizza shack offer a choice of food from snacks to full meals. Grab a few coldies, a bottle of your favourite mixed drink from the bar inside the historic heritage-listed hotel, and settle in.

Bring your own picnic blanket and snacks are permitted. No BYO alcohol. Doors open 6pm, movie starts at 8pm. admission to cheese, charcuterie and wine packages with beanbags and blankets as well as gift vouchers. Bookings advised. Gates open 6pm and screening starts between 7.30pm and 8.15pm depending on sunset.

331 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River Visit capementelle.com.au/Movies/

18 Yallingup Beach Road, Yallingup Visit caveshousehotelyallingup.com.au/ outdoor-cinema

CAVES HOUSE The relaxed vibe, the lush lawns and pretty gardens at Caves House create a wonderful setting for outdoor movies. Movies are shown on Tuesday and Thursday nights from January until

ArtGeo Cultural Complex, 4-7 Queen St, Busselton Visit actingup.com.au/courtyardcinema

Happs Estate won’t be running their outdoor cinema this year; instead they have Happenstance Sundays, 2pm to 5pm every Sunday (except Christmas Eve and NYE) until end of January, a Sunday session with music, food vans and games.

575 Commonage Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281 Visit happs.com.au/events

RESERVATIONS WELCOME

COURTYARD CINEMA, ART GEO, BUSSELTON The Summer Series at ArtGeo - Courtyard Cinema will commence on December 16 and run through each Saturday until February 10.

Expect to see fun, family-friendly movies plus a few Australian films that were screened at this year’s CinefestOZ Festival, as well as comedy shorts from The Over the Fence Comedy Film Festival.You can bring your own blankets and concert chairs or hire a beanbag. There’s a pizza, popcorn and candy bar, and beer and wine are available for purchase, no BYO permitted.

Gates open 7.15pm, film starts 7.45pm with an intermission scheduled.

HAPPS ESTATE

Visit barnyard1978.com.au for opening hours & menu 08 9755 2548

12 Canal Rocks Road, Yallingup

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Art & wellbeing

PICTURE PERFECT Below, Jerome Forrest, image by Tom Forrest.

Right, Ric Chen (in 1970s) Below right, Ric Chen and Graham Noakes, image by Billy Menzies

LOCAL HERO

Life through a lens He photographed a generation of surfers and to this day lives life to the limit. Sophie Mathewson meets the one-of-a-kind Ric Chan.

I

t was the decade of Wonder Woman and Superman. Jimi Hendrix died. The Beatles dissolved. Smoking wasn’t a health risk, and bell-bottoms were a staple in the wardrobe; and the soundtrack rolling in the background was the Stones, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin.

In 1970s Margaret River, there was a character who had more than a glimpse of this iconic pop culture. Ric Chan was a photographer for some of the big bands touring Australia at the time. Mick Jagger, The BeeGees, Elton John, Nina Simone – the list is extensive and pretty outrageous.

For someone who called Margaret River home in the 70s, Ric bucked the status quo tremendously. An eccentric mix of Chinese & New Zealand heritage, he had an urbane air of cool, and a wild adrenaline that was clearly

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magnetic. Ric gathered friends wherever he went. Professionally, not only did he photograph high profile musicians, he was a well-known surfing photographer, model, voice-over artist and DJ. Ric pretty much had every base covered in the creative industry.

Ric’s legacy of photos sat in boxes for years from the '80s into the '90s. His old surfing mate, Graham Noakes, stored them in the shed of his salvage yard opposite the Margaret River Lions Club where they gathered dust, and didn’t see the light of day for a good 20 years. In that time, Ric moved to Bali to manage Cheaters nightclub in Kuta, married an Australian woman, Sami, and had two sons, Taron and Tao. “I was put up in a hotel in Kuta, 100 metres from the waves,” says Ric. “It was work, surf, eat and surf some more. Life couldn’t have been

better. The club took off, and became very popular, very fast. During this period, I met a really hot babe on the beach, and married her a couple of months later. We had it pretty good.”

In 1991, the carefree Bali life came to a halt when Sami passed away suddenly of septicemia.

“It was a terrible time, because I had two young boys to look after, and all of our money had been spent on hospital costs. Dad in his wisdom sent my sister Tina, to Bali, to pull me and the boys back to NZ.” Ric retreated to Auckland to raise the boys on his own, and his whereabouts faded from local knowledge in Margaret River. He lost touch with the community. Rumours circulated that he had died. And the photos in the attic of Graham Noakes’ shed continued to gather dust.

Fast-forward to today. The elusive Ric has made somewhat of a comeback. Tracked down through an old email address, the crew reconnected with him and flew the near 70-yearold back to Margaret River for the Surfing WA awards in 2013.

RELAX IN THE HEART OF TOWN ✭✭✭✭

Margarets Forest is conveniently located in the gourmet town of Margaret River. Relax in your own four-star fully equipped apartment, walking distance to the river, forest trails and the café strip.

Above, Ric Chan and Tom Forrest, image by Billy Menzies Below and right, Ric Chan in the 1970s, images supplied by Jim King.

F E AT U R E S Twin spas | Private barbecues Fully equipped laundry & kitchen Private balcony & courtyard Ric recalls the day he got the email from an old surfing mate from Dunsborough. ‘On the 16th November, 2012, I received an email from Jim King in which he told me that he was working with Kevin Merifield, Brian Cole and a certain Sue-Lyn Moyle, to produce a book about WA surfing in the '50 to '70’s. It was a total surprise. I was blown away. MY photos in a BOOK? Outasight!

“I bundled up all the negs, trannies and photos and sent them off to Jim. After the book was released, I was flown over for the launch of the new 50th anniversary book.”

Ric’s got the same free spirit he had in the 70s and you wonder how he made it this far. He sort of reminds you of a badass Dalai Lama. The guy doesn’t like seatbelts, smokes like a chimney, and, aside from green tea, favours scotch as his preferred beverage. But his charm is infectious and his ability to see the positive in life is utterly uplifting.

He was in Margaret River recently to film an episode for an ABC iView documentary series

LEGENDARY LENSMAN Ric Chan (above) was flown back to Margaret River for the Surfing WA awards in 2013.

following Tom Forrest - aka ‘The Kununurra Kid’. The series follows Tom – who made his debut in the recent ABC series ‘My Year 12 Life’, as he confronts the big adult world post–high school, travelling around Australia and onto LA. In the documentary, Ric offered his photography skills and a bit of life advice to Tom. Together, armed with long lenses and life-jackets, they went out on the water in a tinny to capture some surfing shots 1970s style. Local surfing talent, Jerome Forrest, was the subject of the shoot, and with a lumpy swell and offshore wind conditions, the boys got some pretty nice shots.

When filming was over, Ric packed up and went back to Auckland. In his wake he left a string of people who are still recovering from the belly laughs and late nights. Somehow, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him.

Kununurra Kid is set to broadcast on ABC iView in early 2018.

Free onsite parking | Air conditioning

96 Bussell Highway, Margaret River

Ph 08 9758 7188 stay@margaretsforest.com.au www.margaretsforest.com.au

Art & wellbeing

Celebrating the

surf

BY VANESSA BUFF.

SIMPLER TIMES Top (clockwise) 1959 Yallingup surfers (by Brian Cole), 1957 Brian Cole and Ian Scott with hollow plywood surfboards and a WWII diving suit; 1977 Margaret River State Titles (Ric Chan); 1970s Rotto (Ric Chan).

IT’S THE FIRST MUSEUM OF ITS KIND IN WA AND SHOWCASES THAT MOST AUSSIE OF PURSUITS - SURFING.

D

on’t let a day of onshore breezes spoil a day of surf – there are plenty of barrels, tubes, fins and wipe-outs to enjoy with a glass of wine down the road from the sandy shores of Yallingup beach.

If you’re a fan of all things gnarly, whether you’ve ever actually pulled a wetsuit on and hit the waves or not, a brand new attraction is sure to be a big addition to the region’s offerings.

Aravina Estate are making a big splash this summer where, for the first time ever, Western Australia’s surfing history is being celebrated in an exciting collaboration with Surfing WA. The WA Surf Gallery will be the first and only official collection of surfing memorabilia in

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Western Australia, ideally located in one of the nation’s most iconic surfing spots.

Just minutes from the world famous breaks of Yallingup, Margaret River and Gracetown, the surfing history of these areas have a large part to play in the evolution of the region to its current stronghold as one of WA’s leading destinations for food, wine and nature.

From as early as the 1950s, surfers have been visiting with boards in tow to enjoy the pristine waters and incredible surf breaks, though it wasn’t until the 1970s that the surf culture really took hold and they started making the move to live and settle in the area.

With the wine industry taking root in the

same decade, daily life picking grapes in the morning and riding the waves in the afternoon saw Margaret River start to flourish and become firmly entrenched as both a surf and wine destination.

While the journey down south has been one for plenty of generations of Perth families, it’s surprising how many people are unfamiliar with the history of the region and how it came to be transformed from a ‘hidden secret’ to one of the most popular surf havens.

A visit on your trip to the region to explore the carefully curated collection of surf memorabilia, surfboards, historical photos and stories from surf legends such as Taj Burrow is one that is bound to surprise and stimulate.

You might even. spot a familiar face (or wave) if you look closely.

Visit aravinaestate.com

Creative force The Emergence Creative Festival returns from March 21 to 24 to transform the iconic Margaret River region into a creative playground for three days of inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, out-of-the-box colabs and incredible satellite events. By ERIN MOLLOY.

E

ach year the Emergence Creative Festival attracts professionals and emerging creatives from music, film, photography, advertising, digital, gaming and the visual arts to our incredible region to collaborate, create, be inspired, share emerging trends and recent developments in their disciplines, network with creatives from all industries and showcase local talent.

Emergence celebrates its sixth year in 2018, with a stellar line-up of keynote speakers from around the world who get immersed in the entire festival, not just the conference. There are also a host of events the that the whole community is invited to be a part of like the much-loved Creative Crawl which will return for Opening Night to liven-up main street with plenty of live music, art, food and fun for a free community celebration to kick-off the start of the festival.

Over the past five years the festival has brightened up Margaret River with a number of murals by Andrew Frazer, Chris Nixon, Chloe Wilder, Ian Mutch, Dune Haggar and Jack Brommel, with more planned for 2018.

The festival is renowned for its out-there sessions. Last year, photographers, drone pilots and enthusiasts gathered at Wilyabrup Cliffs with Jarrad Seng and Margaret River

Climbing Co. for a photoshoot that saw an entire band hung off the cliffs, with photographers abseilng to get incredible shots. Great live music, art, projections and performance at locations like the Driftwood Amphitheatre and White Elephant have been the basis for incredible satellite events and closing parties throughout the years.

Emergence has influenced a number of creative pursuits over the years: my favourite is the Colonial Brewery’s Small Ale can design.

This came about thanks to a collaboration between Emergence and Colonial in 2015, based on the festival artwork that year by local artists Dune Haggar and Ian Mutch. Intended as a limited edition can, it was such a hit that’s it’s become an award-winning mainstay. A second limited edition collaboration can was created in 2016 for Hop Astra with local artists Tim Kerr, Andrew Frazer, Joel Ebsworth, Ian Mutch and Emjay Kim which won first prize in the beer can collectors awards this year.

Another highlight is local musical prodigy Remi Casten working with visiting producers and directors, along with students from Manjimup and Margaret River High to record his song Breathe and film a music video clip that was launched at the Festival. He also got to team up with keynote speaker Nick McFarlane (famous for designing The Prodigy’s Rebel Radio album cover) and a room full of creatives to create the album cover to his single.

If you’re looking for some creative inspiration, look no further than Emergence Creative Festival.

Keep an eye out for exciting program updates at emergencecreative.com

goanna cafe ad

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Situated on a secluded beach in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, Injidup Spa Retreat features 10 luxurious villas, each with a private plunge pool and stunning ocean views.

31 Cape Clairault Road, Yallingup 6282, WA 90

(08) 9750 1300 | stay@injidupsparetreat.net.au | www.injidupsparetreat.com.au

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Perth’s multi-award winning day spas extends it’s exquisite offerings to the Margaret River wine region with Bodhi J @ Injidup Spa Retreat.

An eco-luxe spa experience, with the most breathtaking views.

Perth | Highgate 08 9466 8260

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Wembley 08 9387 5152

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Yallingup | Injidup 08 9750 1300

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Art & wellbeing

Bliss ou�

IN THE RUSH AND CHAOS OF THE FESTIVE SEASON, IT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO BOOK A LITTLE ‘ME’ TIME. CASSANDRA CHARLICK HAS SOME SUGGESTIONS.

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eed a retreat from the heat? Well, with the Margaret River region hovering on average around six degrees cooler than Perth, you’ve made a good start with a trip down south. But for those who need more relaxation for mind and body I’ve done the hard yards and hunted down some of the region's latest offerings for some rejuvenation and rest this summer.

BODHI J AT INJIDUP REST AND RELAXATION The signature treatment at Bodhi J at Injidup - the Li'Tya Marta Koda Rock Massage - is a blissful experience.

For those dreaming of a real change of pace, Bodhi J Spa has the ideal fix with ocean views from all three treatment rooms at this new addition to the region. It's ideally located at the Injidup Spa Retreat and from the minute you enter this peaceful and eco-luxe haven, just let their highly skilled staff whisk you into a whole new realm of relaxation. Choose from a selection of treatments using products from North Freobased skincare brand Sodashi or treat yourself to the signature indulgence, the Li’Tya Marta Koda Rock Massage. The Li’Tya range of products not only smell divine but are crafted from sustainably wild harvested, pure Australian botanicals margaretriver.com

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and organic ingredients. Native plants used include wild rosella, lemon myrtle, pepperberry, wattleseed, Kakadu plum, cherry alder and quandon, the latter of which are exceptionally high in Vitamin C, proteins, exfoliating fruit acids and natural antioxidants.

For 90 minutes, your body will be relaxed and rejuvenated with a treatment inspired by ancient Aboriginal techniques. Using ancient stones hand-carved and gathered from north western Australia, the skilled spa therapists ease aches and pains with a rhythmic Kodo body massage.You're guaranteed to leave the room feeling refreshed, uplifted and with a clarity of mind and spirit after realigning the body's energies with pressure point and muscle releasing techniques. Definitely the tonic for those seeking a moment of peace from the madness of the holiday season.

VIE SPA AT PULLMAN BUNKER BAY A little further toward the north end of the cape region, The Vie Spa at Pullman Bunker Bay will help you drift off to a place of calm within its peaceful surrounds. February 14 is an important date in the calendar for love birds and the south west is the destination of choice for a romantic escape. For those that are looking to make the most of their romantic retreat, there's no need to be parted from your beloved one's company.

With its stunning bushland and beachfront

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location, romance is in the air with the option of treatment in the exclusive couples room. Be exfoliated, massaged and treated within arms' reach of each other by the highly skilled therapists before relaxing in your own private courtyard.

The tranquility will leave you both refreshed and floating on cloud nine – ready for a long lunch at one of the local wineries and a dip in the ocean. After all, that really is one of the benefits of holidaying in a coastal wine region, isn’t it?

Be exfoliated, massaged and treated within arm's reach of each other.

Looking to cool down and bliss out in a different style? Why not try some of these ideas: YOGA ON THE BEACH From Margaret River through to Busselton, summer is the best time to spend on the beach and a whole host of activities pop up, from boot camp through to more peaceful endeavours such as yoga. Listen to waves lapping on the shore as worries and stresses are disolved. Subject to weather of course, be sure to look out for options at Caves House on the lawn, Yallingup and Prevelly beaches and the Rivermouth to Margaret River. Or take your own mat down to any of the pristine beaches and forest in the region – there are plenty to choose from.

WORKSHOPS AT FAIRHARVEST Relax and learn a new skill with one of the regular workshops at Fair Harvest.

From meditation and yoga through to permaculture, cooking and composting there is a wide range of options to choose from to step out of the rat race. Learn a new sustainable skill to take back into the real world with you and slow down the pace of life with some fresh air and a nourishing workshop. It is proven that gardening really is good for the soul, so whether you choose to plant flowers or food, get out and learn some extra tips with likeminded green fingers. You might even walk away with a new friend as well as a new skill and a healthy glow from time out with mother nature.

Stay @ Cape View Enjoy a summer getaway package available online!

On the shores of Geographe Bay, Cape View Beach Resort offers the best of both worlds with beautifully appointed, fully self contained accommodation, some with spa.

• Two & three bedroom, two bathroom accommodation • Childrens playground and BBQ area • Outdoor pool, indoor pool, gym and sauna

Ask about our accommodation with ocean views.

HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY Hit up the Farmers Market for a tasty and healthy hit to treat your temple. Did you know that your stomach is actually a second brain? With as many as 100 million neurons (more than your spinal cord) there really is truth to the saying ‘trust your gut’. Studies have shown that people with a healthy digestive system and gut microbiomes are much less prone to depression and anxiety. Peace of mind truly does start with nourishing from the inside out so start the day off right. From kombucha and green juice through to farm fresh eggs, wholegrain sourdough, almond milk lattes, kimchi and locally grown fruit and vegetables . . . the options are endless at the Margaret River Farmers Markets or one of the many cafes filled with local produce to kickstart your day of bliss and peaceful endeavours.

BOOK ONLINE www.capeviewbeachresort.com.au 12 Little Colin Street, Busselton book@capeviewbeachresort.com.au Tel: 08 9755 4388

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Art & wellbeing TAKE A BREAK FROM THE SUMMER HEAT AND HEAD INSIDE TO SEE SOME BEAUTIFUL LOCAL ART - CASSANDRA CHARLICK ROUNDS UP THE PICK OF THE SUMMER EXHIBITIONS IN THE REGION.

Chill out

with art

By CASSANDRA CHARLICK

T

he sun is out and shining this summer, but a break from the harsh Australian heat is sometimes appreciated. Why not take the chance to make the most of a shady retreat and indulge in some of the fantastic local art galleries of the region? From Augusta through to Margaret River and all the way up to Busselton there are a plethora of talented and diverse artists whose work can be found throughout the collections of international buyers.You never know - this summer might see you take home a new investment piece to grace your walls.

JAHROC GALLERIES 83 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA, 6285 Open 10am – 5pm every day – 7 days a week Christmas Day + Boxing Day only Phone (08) 9758 7200 Located at the entrance to Margaret River, don’t let a trip down to the town slip by without a

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visit to see the varied collection of pieces ranging from sculpture, woodwork and jewellery through to painting and glasswork at Jahroc Gallery. Summer brings a number of exhibitions; first up the gallery welcomes existing and new artists Becky Blair, Craig Parnaby, Liv Vardy and Nicky Shelton with ‘Summer Delight’, a collection of their new works. From the thought provoking and classically inspired imagery by Lauren Wilhelm through to the colourful, abstract works from new addition to the gallery, Vardy, there is something for all tastes to appreciate. The exhibition will be running from December 27 through to January 21.

Next up, explore Australia’s landscape from the eyes and palettes of three of WA’s most respected and loved artists. Larry Mitchell, Ingrid Windram and Judy Prosser capture their own distinctive visual impressions with the collaborative show, North South running from February onwards.

MARGARET RIVER GALLERY Shop 4, 1 Charles West Avenue, Margaret River Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Sunday 10am to 3pm Phone 9757 2729 Based in the centre of Margaret River, pop by this hidden gem located behind the main shopping strip for an indulging afternoon of creative immersion. A whirlwind of colour and texture, the gallery features an eclectic mix of art from jewellery and textiles through to photography, painting and ceramics. Summer kicks off with a joint exhibition from the December 28, Time and Tide from popular local up and coming artist Alice Linford Forte and Western Australian sculpture artist Lesley Whitham. Together they are inspired by time and place and the journey of life. This will prove to be an exhibition of personal and evocative works not to be missed.

February will fill the gallery with a journey through colour and form with ‘An Exhibition of Colour’, featuring paintings of the West Australian landscape by Myra Mitchell, organic jewellery

by Salli Coppin crafted from raw gemstones and precious metals, and glassworks from Margaret River artist Gerry Reilly.

amaze’n MARGARET RIVER

RICH AND REWARDING Make sure you catch some of these exhibitions this summer. From left (clockwise) Prussian Light by Liv Vardy, Arms Around a Memory by Lauren Wilhelm and Blister In The Sun by Becky Blair (Jahroc Galleries). This page, left, Life Support by Lesley Whitham, glass work by Gerry Reilly, Pretty in Pink ring by Salli Coppin and Alice Linford Forte's Fly (Margaret River Gallery).

MARGARET RIVER MAZE, GARDENS, MINI GOLF & CAFE

Tel: 08 9758 7439 Giant Hedge Margaret River Maze, 18 Hole Mini Golf and 5 ha Botanical gardens, 4km south of Margaret River More mazes, games and puzzles amongst the gardens | Unusual WA native plants, attracting abundant birds and wildlife | BBQ’s, picnic ground, playground | Amazen café overlooking Amazen gardens and lake for breakfast and lunches | Wheelchair accessible paths

9978 Bussell Highway, Margaret River findus@amazenmargaretriver.com.au

www.amazenmargaretriver.com.au

Art & wellbeing YALLINGUP GALLERIES 31 Marrinup Drive, Yallingup Open 10am to 5pm Daily Phone (08) 9755 2372 - Gallery (08) 9755 2662 - Studio The summer arts calendar at Yallingup Galleries kicks off with a Christmas Exhibition showcasing new works from five diverse artists. With subject matter ranging from epic landscapes and lush wildlife through to cityscapes and elegant figurative work, the uniting element to these five artists is their creative and bold use of colour. Displayed at the Garden Arts Studio, meet the featured artists at the opening event on December 27 at 6pm and enjoy the first chance

LOCATED ON CAVES ROAD, THE GALLERY @ MR BARVAL IS THE PERFECT SPOT TO SPEND A RELAXING AFTERNOON.

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to view the works on display. The exhibition runs through until January 9, with an ongoing selection of other works available for viewing at the main gallery location on Caves Road.

THE GALLERY @ MR BARVAL Mr Barval Fine Wines 7087 Caves Rd, Margaret River WA 6286 Open 11am–5pm Thursday - Sunday Phone 0478 589 790 The newest addition to the region, and a union of art and wine, is also just a stone's throw from the coastline of Margaret River. Located on Caves Road, the new cellar door and art gallery is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon

gazing over the picturesque vista, viewing local artworks and sampling wine. Opening its doors on December 15, the theme for summer 2017/18 is Margaret River: Where Vineyard Meets the Sea. A variety of artwork featuring vineyard and coastal motifs will be showcased from south west-based artists. The opening event from 6pm is sure to be an evening for both art and wine aficionados to enjoy, with wine and canapĂŠs from the range of Mr Barval fine wines.

Take a tour by winemaker Rob Gherardi and bid in the silent auction which has a percentage of proceeds going towards local charity River Angels. Opening hours throughout summer are 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday with familyfriendly weekends with live music.

designs in nature

BEAUTY AND ART Left, works by Sam Broadhurst at Yallingup Galleries and Mikros at Artgeo Cultural Complex.

This page, top, Beyond Boundaries, also Artgeo, and Ollie School of Fish and chair at The Gallery @ Mr Barval.

ARTGEO CULTURAL COMPLEX Cultural precinct, 4-7 Queen Street, Busselton - walking distance from the foreshore and Busselton’s historic jetty.

Open daily from 10 – 4pm Phone (08) 9751 4651 Courthouse (08) 9751 4217 For those with a day of seaside adventures planned in Busselton, pop into the cultural precinct on Queen Street for a break from the sun. Gain some creative inspiration in the gallery and state heritage-listed courthouse and soak up some of Busselton’s history alongside the summer exhibitions on show.

From December 15 through until January 28, Miik Green will engage viewers with his largescale paintings combining mixed media and sealing unlike materials in layers of resin. Entitled

Beta Blocker, the artist’s works link the ideas of tension and disequilibrium in arts practice with the biological. From February 2, John Austin’s silver geletin black and white photography is showcased from his extensive collection in an exhibition entitled Survey II. Up-and-coming artists pieces can be found in The Courthouse Gallery through until December 20 where the South West Institute of Technology will have their student works exhibited. Alice Alder will be filling the space after the Christmas festivities with her small works from January 3 through until January 17.

For up-to-date exhibition information find full details on ArtGeo’s Facebook page or visit their website at artgeo.com.au,. or visit margaretriver.com for full art info.

jewellery designed and handmade in Margaret River Open Daily 10am - 4pm 611 Boodjidup Road 08 9757 6885 info@payetgallery.com.au www.payetgallery.com.au

Art & wellbeing

Big top big fun The circus is coming to the Margaret River region, the perfect kidfriendly treat for this time of year.

By CASSANDRA CHARLICK. Images by ELEMENTS MARGARET RIVER.

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B

ig tops, high wires, tumblers and trapezes . . . for a few weeks each year, these are just some of the words that can be heard carried on breezes across the vineyards and farmland of Karridale.

While rural Western Australia may seem like an unlikely destination for an international festival filled with death-defying feats of athleticism and artistry, it’s precisely what happens once a year in this little spot of paradise. Lunar Circus has grown over the past 23 years to evolve into a site of pilgrimage for circus performers and enthusiasts from around the world.

The festival hosts more than 3,000 people and, with camping on site, it’s an experience like no other. Wake up to morning yoga, learn the art of juggling and clowning with the kids, try your hand at the flying trapeze, watch some of the world's most renowned circus acts and dance the night away to some of the best electro swing DJs in the country after the adults-only late-night cabaret.

Each year sees the founders of the festival, Matt ‘Fatso’ and Louise Moss, busily working

on the newest addition and development to the site months in advance. With a loyal tribe of repeat visitors each year the first words uttered on arrival are most likely “what’s new this year?”, says Fatso. A purpose-built festival site, the event offers a unique use of land that, until recent decades, had only been the home to dairy farmers and peaceful cattle whiling away the hours.

“Everything we do on the property leads to the January festival. It’s a strange way to build actually,” says Fatso.

Having grown to the point it can now host six big tops in total, last year saw the creation of ‘The Bus Station’, an imaginative new space for live music and intimate performances in the round surrounded by, you guessed it, several doubledecker bus shells transformed into a quirky performance venue.

This year’s festival will see a freshly renovated Reg Bolton Bar and new entrance veranda complete with an expanded shaded eating area. Named after one of Australia’s most loved and treasured Circus icons, Reg Bolton was a trailblazer responsible for several generations of

circus performers finding their love of their craft through his Suitcase Circus and children’s circus training throughout the state.

Circus aficionados have learned to keep their eyes peeled with the first release of acts from mid-August. This summer, over 20 international acts and 60 Australian circus performers will descend on the campsite and festival grounds for an intensive few weeks of challenging gravity.

With no two years the same, there is plenty of buzz surrounding the highlights of this years program. Flying the Australian flag high is Cassis, an internationally renowned circus company from Brisbane that have been recently touring worldwide with their show Driftwood.

With artists from as far as Spain, Germany, Canada, USA, Sweden, UK, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand and Venezuela, how does the conversation flow?

“Circus is an international language, it’s a unique form of communication,” says Louise.

“Luna really is a celebration of circus for the industry and there is so much industry networking going on.”

It is not just traditional circus acts that are the drawcard, along with acrobatics and highwire balancing are a host of magicians, dancers and stand-up comedians. Children especially are catered for with all ages swept up into a world where disbelief can be suspended. Familyfriendly acts draw the kids in local favourites like The Pitt Family Circus and workshops run all day in everything from clowning to diablo.

While the official festival runs over the long weekend from January 26 to 28, the training program, The Lunar Circus Summer School Program, is a unique opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of circus performers.

Professionals and amateurs come together to share skills, inspire and create partnerships and creative developments.

With participants journeying from all over the country to take part, classes are separated into skill groups for younger kids and teens, so beginners can be sure of plenty of support. More experienced acrobats will get personal attention to advance their skills.

From toddlers to teenagers, kids have the option join in on up to 20 classes a day in all disciplines from silks, unicycling, tumbling, diablo, and trampolining through to dance classes of all styles. There’s even the chance to try hands (and legs) at the flying trapeze for those that aspire to great heights and have a desire to challenge gravity.

One of the most rewarding parts of the festival is training kids that return each year and have gone on to travel the world in some of the

world’s top international circus acts beams Fatso.

“Students have gone onto train in the best professional Circus schools in Canada, are currently touring in shows such as ‘Briefs’ and some of Europe’s most respected troupes,” he says.

The Lunar Circus is an awe-inspiring entry in the calendar each year that once hooked, is hard to say no to. “It is not your average event that happens in WA. It’s very different to anything else; you have been warned," says Fatso. Once the circus gets under your skin it’s hard to forget.

“People come and they never leave.”

Dates Festival Circus Training Week: January 21 to 25.

Western Australian Circus Festival: January 26 to 28.

Location

Wilson Road, Karridale, WA 6288

Website

Visit lunarcircus.com and visit westernaustraliancircusfestival.com

Facebook

Western Australian Circus Festival: facebook.com/circusfestival/

Price

Three-day weekend pass 26-28 Jan with free camping included: Child $88, Youth $108, Concession $134, Adult $149, Family 2A2C $372.

Single day passes also available.

Tickets brought at the gate will incur a 10% surcharge.

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Art & wellbeing

Hot days, cool digs Fancy staying somewhere a little different while you’re in the Margaret River region? We’ve got you covered, says Gabi Mills.

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VINTAGE CHARM BY SARAH ROBINSON Wake up in a decadent antique bed in a room at Margaret River Antiques adorned with beautiful antique furnishings and artworks, reminiscent of days gone by. Every luxury has been carefully considered by your hosts, Katie and James from your complimentary breakfast, made with local produce to your own special library, full of classics from the eras we adore.

Although you’ll only be a stone’s throw from the Margaret River township, this luxury accommodation is still quiet and secluded enough for a truly private escape.Wander into town and enjoy the local restaurants, or visit the vineyards and breweries that have made the Margaret River region famous. There’s also a wonderful antique gift shop, which you are welcome to explore.

Take one step into Margaret River Antiques' grand Georgian entry and you will undoubtedly

step back in time.

The curated library is stacked with novels inspired by each room’s special theme and the crystal chandeliers and a grand Chesterfield sofa, ready for you to sink into after a day of exploring the region’s vineyards and breweries.

There’s the Gatsby and Napoleon suites, with free standing baths and beautiful ornate antique beds, the charming Victorian room and the epic Studio found on level two .Katie lends her interior designer touch to every room, creating a luxurious sanctuary for you to unwind n and enjoy.

Guests receive the utmost privacy, however owners Katie and James are always on hand, if you do need support during your stay.

Most importantly, the couple are passionate about ensuring your stay is not only luxurious and relaxing, but also something to remember.

Their beautifully decorated guesthouse is a nod to the nostalgic best of times gone by, while still

SOMETHING DIFFERENT Left, the beautiful rooms on offer at Margaret River Antiques really offer something special for guests. This page, below right, The Residence at Cape Lodge.

embracing the luxuries we know and love.

MARGARET RIVER ANTIQUES STUDIO GUEST SUITES, 43A Townview Terrace, Margaret River. Call (08) 9758 8004 or visit margaretriverantiques.com

TEE TIME Got a keen but lazy luxe-loving golfer in the family? How about booking at stay at The Residence, Cape Lodge’s one-of-a-kind luxury lodge with its very own single-hole golf course in the grounds? With enough room to bring friends along for an indulgent break - or just enjoy the beautiful accommodation all for yourself - this is one stay down south that ticks all the boxes. The Residence has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and is set in its own three acres.Arrive by helicopter and immediately slip into the rock star lifestyle thanks to the

Residence’s gorgeous furnishings and views over its own private lake. Cape Lodge’s renowned restaurant and service make your stay even more delicious, especially when room service means they’ll bring your order to the Residence’s door in, what else, but a golf cart, of course. One for the bucket list.

CAPE LODGE, The Residence,3341 Caves Rd, Yallingup. Call(08) 9755 6311 or visit capelodge.com.au

HOLY MOLY Get thee to a nunnery takes on new significance in the unlikely setting of Margaret River.

Shakespeare’s famous line could be taken literally in this case as the guest house, steeped in history, was built for a group of Anglican Sisters of the English Order of St Elizabeth of Hungary in 1928.

Wearing the traditional grey habits that led to

St Francis calling the nuns ‘little grey sparrows’, the original inhabitants of this gorgeous property moved out in 1957. The original chapel still exists, now renovated, with gothic windows and a door forming part of the house which can be viewed while you enjoy breakfast.

These days the guest house offers various accommodation options for families and couples. Have a scrumptious Devonshire tea and, as part of their Great Escape package, enjoy a three-night stay, full -day wine tour (including lunch), breakfast and that indulgent tea, as well as a bottle of Margaret River wine and cheese platter on arrrival.

The nuns would approve of such hospitality.

MARGARET RIVER GUESTHOUSE, 5-7 Valley Road, Margaret River. Tel 08 9757 2349 or visit margaretriverguesthouse.com.au

Art & wellbeing CARRIAGE CLASS Spend the night in a lovingly restored historic jarrah rail carriage and let the romance of rail take you away from the stresses of the modern age. The perfect place for a couple’s retreat, the carriages are fully equipped with a cute kitchenette, TV, private ensuite and toilet and self-containted open-plan living area. There are plenty of animals who share the 100-acre farm property too including roos, llamas and chickens.

DUNSBOROUGH RAIL CARRIAGES AND FARM COTTAGES, 123 Commonage Road, Dunsborough. Call (08) 9755 3865 or visit dunsborough.com

SECRET SANCTUARY Being eco-friendly isn’t just an empty catchphrase at Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat and Conservation Sanctuary. As the name suggests, it is located within a 100acre conservation sanctuary, and the chalets are surrounded by native wildlife, including kangaroos, ringtailed possums, and the critically endangered woylie.

Indeed, for more than 10 years owners Joy and Simon have been running a woylie breeding

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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Book a stay at Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat and you'll forget all about your life back home. Opposite, the great outdoors is the order of the day at Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat.

program with the assistance of Dept of Parks and Wildlife and Perth Zoo, helping to add to the local population of this adorable yet threatened creature, and guests are invited to make donations to improve the property’s predator-proof fence.

When it comes to human care, products are bought locally and organically whenever possible, and visitors are encouraged to be mindful about their energy consumption.

While this might sound a little like an eco-warrior boot camp, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

Old-fashioned country hospitality and charming private cottages make a stay at Yelverton Brook a stress-free break. Each chalet has its own outdoor hydrotherapy massage spa, best enjoyed under the stars (which you can actually see, being well away from the light pollution of the big smoke), and guests can enjoy beauty and massage treatments in the privacy of

their own cottages.

Guests are actively encouraged to feed and pet the local animals that invariably come snuffling around, or go for walks and picnics in the many trails and quiet spots the untouched bushland provides.

The peaceful, natural atmosphere explains why Yelverton Brook is popular with honeymooners; the team even offer to arrange an elopement aboard a yacht sailing on Geographe Bay. If a wedding could be as stress-free and friendly as a stay at one of their chalets, we can understand why guests might be tempted to jump aboard and say ‘I do’.

YELVERTON BROOK ECO SPA RETREAT AND CONSERVATION SANCTUARY, 118 Roy Road, Metricup. Call 08 9755 7579 or visit yelvertonbrook.com.au

we’d love to tell you about our gourmet traveller and good food guide awards, but we’d rather you experience it for yourself.

voyagerestate.com.au

Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat is a wellequipped bush camp.

GET YOUR DOSE OF VITAMIN G(REEN) Hidden in the forest on the edge of the Margaret River town centre, Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat is a well-equipped bush camp perfect for those who crave the free-range kind of life.

Keeping it real is the aim here, and while the focus is clearly on nature and the environment, the camp is very well-suited for nature lovers, families, mountain bikers, hikers, and people just looking to unplug and tune in with the natural environment.

Eco-safari tents, self-contained cabins, campsites and caravan sites are available, and guests can access hot showers, a camp kitchen and a huge undercover area with BBQs, a nature playground, picnic tables, table tennis and campfire pits.

Although just a leisurely one-kilometre walk through the forest to the town centre, Wharncliffe Mill feels miles away from everything.

The advantages of staying within a National Park are immediately obvious, and bringing a mountain bike, or renting one at their kiosk, is a smart move, as the national park encompasses kilometres of spectacular biking trails, which can also double as hiking and wildlife spotting trails.

The Prendergast family who operate Wharncliffe clearly care deeply about the

environment and natural surroundings, and have strived to make the site as self-sufficient as possible.

They generate their own power, collect rainwater from the old mill and have a stateof-the-art wastewater treatment plant. They encourage guests to get in on the act too, with the opportunity to use solar-powered air conditioners (in the lodge and cabins), solarheated showers (with gas for back up), sample herbs and vegies from the garden beds and feed their food scraps to the chooks . .

It’s the simple, outdoor life, done very well.

WHARNCLIFFE MILL, Carters Road, Margaret River. Call (08) 9758 or visit wharncliffemill.com.au

GETTING AROUND

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. Or catch the Perth to Bunbury train (called the Australind) and catch a bus from there onwards to the Margaret River region. Visit wa-getaway.com.au

SOUTH WEST COACH LINES South West Coach Lines’ express coach services connect Perth and the south west region, offering unrivalled comfort, convenience and reliability.

Their complete network provides a vital link within and between south west communities, including Busselton, Manjimup, Collie, Bunbury, Perth, and Perth Domestic and International airport terminals.

Visit 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. Visit 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.

Visit busseltonswrentacar.com.au

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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.

Visit avis.com.au

IN STYLE MCLEOD TOURS Take in Margaret River’s scenery and attractions with the knowledge of 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. Visit mcleodtours.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.

Visit margaretriver.com/members/westwardaviation-charter-services/

ESQUIRE CLASSIC CHARTERS Want to travel in style? It doesn’t get more

stylish than in a Silver Spirit Rolls-Royce from Esquire Classic Charters. There’s no better way to enjoy a private charter, special event or winery tour in the Busselton, Dunsborough,Yallingup and Margaret River region. Visit esquireclassiccharters. com.au

VIRTUALLY YOUR MARGARET RIVER REGION APP The latest version of the Your Margaret River Region app features more than 1,000 things to do, as well as service points located throughout the region. Available online and offline for both Apple and Android devices, the app also features an audio tour of the Busselton Jetty.

WINERY EXPLORER APP Explore Western Australia’s incredible wine regions from the palm of your hand with The Winery Explorer App. It lists every WA cellar door and wine region in beautiful detail and offers up-to-date information. The app is available to download for free for Apple devices.

OUR FAVe INSTA ACCOUNTS @southwestlife_ @tweetsouthwest @elementsmargaretriver @margaretriver @margaretriver_style @discovermargaretriver @experiencesmith

It’s everything you need to explore the region!

The most comprehensive list of things to do in the region Build your holiday itinerary

Find what’s near you

Book tours & accommodation

Interactive map

Visit www.margaretriver.com/app for full details Download the Your Margaret River Region app at

Available online and offline

STAY

ABBEY BEACH RESORT LUXURY HOTEL AND APARTMENT ACCOMMODATION IN A RESORT SETTING, LOCATED ON THE BEACH IN BUSSELTON Enjoy fully serviced, self contained apartments and studios, each with a private double spa and balcony.

Abbey Beach Resort is a 4.5 star leisure resort with countless facilities and amenities. The Resort has an atrium restaurant, pool side café, several bars, a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, 2

outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, spa, gym and sauna for your enjoyment.

Stroll to the beach, tour wineries, art galleries and many other local attractions.

For a holiday or short break you are assured of comfort and style at Abbey Beach Resort

595 Bussell Highway, Busselton WA Freecall 1800 017 097 • Ph 61 8 9755 4600 • info@abbeybeach.com.au www.abbeybeach.com.au

DUNSBOROUGH CENTRAL MOTEL

DUNSBOROUGH INN BACKPACKERS

SUPERIOR BUDGET ACCOMMODATION SITUATED RIGHT IN THE HUB OF TOWN For those on a budget, the self-catering aspect of the complex and it’s proximity to the supermarket can be a great money saver. Dunsborough Inn Backpackers provides a variety of accommodation ranging from self-contained units to our non dormitory hostel style rooms. Our large communal kitchen/dining room and spacious recreation areas provide an environment for guests to relax and exchange experiences of the day or just to meet new people.

50 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough WA Ph 08 9756 7277 • bookings@dunsboroughinn.com.au www.dunsboroughinn.com.au

DUNSBOROUGH CENTRAL MOTEL IS NESTLED IN A TRANQUIL GARDEN SETTING IN THE HEART OF TOWN Dunsborough Central Motel is ideally located on the doorstep of world renowned beaches, dive sites, premium wineries, art galleries, wildflowers, caves and the incredible coastal scenery of Cape Naturaliste. Just a 600 metre stroll to the beach or a short drive to surf beaches, the Dunsborough Central Motel is adjacent to restaurants & cafes, wine bars, supermarket shopping centre, beauticians, banks and a very well informed Visitor Centre. Simply relax in style by our outdoor pool and

50 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough WA Ph 08 9756 7711 • reservations@dunsboroughmotel.com.au www.dunsboroughmotel.com.au

South West family adventure

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» Exceptional in-park facilities » Self contained cabins » Large powered and unpowered sites

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au

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BBQ area, indulge in the Bali Style Gazebo Spa, or just kick back with a good book and a glass of wine in the privacy of your well appointed room.

Don’t miss out next time Contact Natalie to book your space in our next issue of Your Margaret River Region Magazine.

Call 0426 752 352

E: natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au

STAY

SUNFLOWERS ANIMAL FARM & FARMSTAY

Spacious & Comfortable Cabins + Caravan Sites

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).

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.

5561 Caves Road, near Margaret River Ph: (08) 9757 3343 • farmerjones@sunflowersfarm.com www.sunflowersfarm.com

ASK a LOCAl! Drop in to one of our four accredited visitor centres in Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta for friendly, expert advice.

www.riverviewtouristpark.com

9757 2270 | 1300 666 105

JACARANDA GUEST HOUSE

WISTERIA COTTAGE

PARK YOUR CAR AND WALK EVERYWHERE

REST, RELAX, EXPLORE.

Busselton famous Jetty, beach, shops, cafe and restaurants all just a short walk away.

Jacaranda Guest House is centrally located, has 7 guest rooms all with own ensuite, r/c airconditioning and free wifi.

It is nestled amongst english style gardens, where You can just relax or enjoy a bbq.

Continental breakfast is included in the price.

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.

30 West Street, Busselton, WA Ph 08 9751 5973 • jacarandaguesthouse1@westnet.com.au www.jacarandaguesthouse.com

31 Dekkers, Rd Deepdene WA 6290 M 0407 084 086 P 08 9758 4618 wisteriacottageaugusta@gmail.com

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FOOD & DRINK

KARRIDALE TAVERN

FRIENDLY COUNTRY TAVERN AND RESTAURANT Serving meals all day 11am - 9pm Local beer and wine.

Lunch • Dinner • Bar • Snacks.

CAFE BORANUP

COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE IN THE FOREST 10am-4pm Weekdays. 8am-4pm Weekends.

Great coffee. Home baked scones and cakes.

Augusta Abalone and Whiting.

Variety of vegetarian and GF options.

Breakfast and Lunch Menu.

Next to Boranup Gallery.

7981 Caves Road Forest Grove WA 6286 Ph 08 9757 7279 www.cafeboranup.com

Bussell Hwy, Karridale, WA Ph 08 9758 5523

EAGLE BAY OLIVES

08 9588 8877 107 BUSSEL HWY (MAIN STREET)

w: www.elkamo.com.au • e: info@elkamo.com.au COCKTAILS + TAPAS + FOUR HOTEL SUITES

BLUE OCEAN FISH & CHIPS

A GOURMET EXPERIENCE WITH A FOCUS ON OLIVE OIL AND OLIVES Premium extra virgin olive oil.

Premium extra virgin oliveolives, oil. naturally processed.

A wide selection of table A wide selection table olives, naturally processed.

Tapenades, pesto,ofdukkah, jams and preserves, all gluten Tapenades, pesto,free. dukkah, dressings and jams, and preservative all preservative Unique giftwarefree. including olive wood boards and Unique giftware kitchen utensils. including olive wood boards and kitchen utensils. enjoyaway in our Picnic boxes to take orshady enjoy gardens. in our shady gardens.

Open 10.30-5.00 every day in December and January except except December 25, 26 &1January December 25, 26, January and 13.1.

Then, February from February untilout, soldopen out, open 10.30-5.00 From until sold 10.30-5.00 Friday,Friday, Saturday, Saturdayand & Sunday.

Sunday Monday.Also open Monday public holidays.

Check our Facebook page for the latest news.

521 Cape Naturaliste Road, Eagle Bay WA Ph (08) 9755 3188 eaglebayolives.com.au

BLUE OCEAN FISH & CHIPS Come eat where the two oceans meet in the spectacular location of Augusta. Experience the taste of our mouth-watering local fish, grilled or fried with yummy gluten-free chips.

Blue Ocean have a variety of seafood products and combo packs to suit all. We also offer a great selection of kids’ packs, burgers, drinks and ice creams.

Blue Ocean is located in the centre of town, next door to the Visitor Centre.

Open 7 days a week Lunch 11.30am ~ 2.00pm Dinner 5.00pm ~ 8.00pm 73 Blackwood Avenue, Augusta Ph 08 9758 1748 eftpos facilities available

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With wines from both Margaret River &

With winesSouthern, from bothpicnic Margaret River & the Great lawns flanked the Great Southern, picnic lawns flanked by native marri & karri trees, a visit to our by native marri & karri trees, a visit to our Cellar Door is a truly unique experience.

Cellar Door is a truly unique experience.

Howard Park & MadFish Winery

Howard Park & MadFish Winery 543 Miamup Road, Cowaramup 543 Miamup Road, Cowaramup Open 10am--5pm 5pmdaily daily| |08089756 9756 5200 Open 10am 5200 www.burchfamilywines.com.au www.burchfamilywines.com.au

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FOOD & DRINK ARTS & ACTIVITIES

ASK a LOCAl! AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GELATO AND SORBETTI Authentic Italian gelato and sorbetti made in-store by owner Andy using natural ingredients. Dairy & gluten free flavours available.

Summer 2018 Opening Hours 7 days from 26 December to 31 January, 10am - 9pm

Drop in to one of our four accredited visitor centres in Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta for friendly, expert advice.

Feb, March and April, Sun - Thurs 10am - 5.30pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 9pm.

Closed Tuesdays 32 Queen Street, Busselton WA Ph 08 9751 1477 / gelatobuonissimo / gelatobuonissimobusselton

THE LARDER

YALLINGUP SURF SCHOOL

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LOOKING FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A RESTAURANT DINNER TONIGHT? Then it’s time to drop into The Larder on the main street and treat yourself to one of their mouth-watering take-home meals.

This Margaret River treasure has become the first port of call for visitors wanting to stock up on some little luxuries for their holiday stay, and to sample the best of local and exotic fine food.

OPEN DAILY. Shop 2, 99 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River Ph 08 9758 8990 www.larder.biz

JOHN STREATER FINE FURNITURE

WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER SURF AND LIFESTYLE ACADEMY Yallingup Surf School provides group lessons or private coaching for the absolute beginner to aspiring champions and we cater for kids, mums and dads, tourists, corporate and school groups and everyone in between.

Ph: 0429 881 221 info@yallingupsurfschool.com yallingupsurfschool.com

MARGARET RIVER GOLF CLUB

JOHN STREATER FINE FURNITURE AND ART GALLERY

Bookings are essential

PLAY AROUND IN MARGARET RIVER

105 Blythe road, Yallingup Siding 6282 WA Open daily 10am to 4pm Ph 08 9755 1211 www.streaterfinefurniture.com

Keen to combine some golf with a trip to WA’s wine country?

Margaret River Golf Club is the highlight of any golf tour to the south west. There aren’t many golf courses in the region that rival Margaret River for scenic beauty and sheer golfing challenge. The 6,092 metre, par 72 course is highly regarded by golfers from all over WA and beyond.

Clubs, buggies and carts are available for hire at the on-course golf shop that also stocks a wide range of equipment.

Ph: (08) 9757 3161 • E golfshop@westnet.com.au 599 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River margaretrivergolfclub.com.au

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ARTS & ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL PARK RIVER TOURS

SKYDIVE GERONIMO

WA’S BEST BEACH SKYDIVES Tandem Skydive from 10, 14 or 15,000ft over the spectacular Busselton and Margaret River regions!

Enjoy a breathtaking flight to altitude, taking in views of Geographe Bay, the famous Busselton Jetty, Cape Naturaliste and the wineries beyond. Then it’s time for the door to open, and ready? set? GO! Feel the rush of free falling when you and your Instructor plummet toward the earth at 200km/hour, before safely landing on the beaches of the beautiful Busselton foreshore alongside the Jetty. We are open all year round, so contact us today!

Ph 1300 449 669 skydive@skydivegeronimo.com.au www.skydivegeronimo.com.au

ARTGEO CULTURAL COMPLEX

MARGARET RIVER’S BEST VALUE SUP TOUR! • SUP Lesson & Transport

FUN & • National Park Location EASY • No Experience Necessary TOURS • Gift Vouchers Available

Call 0419 959 053 or book online

margaretriversup.com.au

ARTGEO CULTURAL COMPLEX - where art & heritage meet ArtGeo is a creative hub for the visual and performing arts housed in heritage-listed buildings close to Busselton foreshore. The complex includes the old Busselton Courthouse, which now operates as an interpretive centre and retail outlet for regional arts andcrafts, and ArtGeo Gallery where we host exhibitions sourced Australia-wide. open daily 10am ~ 4pm

Queen Street Cultural Precinct Ph 08 9751 4651 | www.artgeo.com.au

PREMIUM PUBLISHERS

DIRECTORY

Buy your copy of Artists of the Margaret River Region at any visitor centre.

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WINE & BEER TOURS

Book your spot in the autumn issue Contact Natalie to book your space in our next issue of Your Margaret River Region Magazine.

Call 0426 752 352

E: natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au

DIRECTORY

FLAMETREE FLAMETREE WINES

FLAMETREE WINESRIVER FLAMETREE MARGARET MARGARET RIVER

• Stunning cellar door •

Taste award-winning Margaret River wines and relax with a winning platter of beautifulAward local produce.

With wines a stunning Cellar Door, beautiful gardens and picnic lawn Flametree Wines offers a quality local produce truly Platters memorableof wine tasting experience.

•

Open 7 days a week 10am ~ 5pm Cnr Chain Avenue & Caves Road Dunsborough (opposite Ramada Resort) Ph 08 9756 8577 www.flametreewines.com

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TOURS

MARGARET RIVER BUBBLES TOUR

. affordable . quality .

THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN ONE DAY! margaret river

bubbles tour

A tour to suit everyone!

Gourmet food, great wines and iconic locations.

Private tours for 4-11 people.

Margaret River Food & Wine Tours phone: 0417 948 933 email: vintagetours@bigpond.com www.winetoursmargaretriver.com.au

Tel Mark on 0437 618559 margsbubblestour@hotmail.com

www.margaretriverbubblestour.com

$70 GREAT RATES & SERVICE at Bunbury, Busselton & Collie Oneway Rentals (to Perth) available Call 1800 679 880

HALF + FULL DAY Wine & Scenic Tours

Sample plate at Venison Farm Sample French Nougat at Bettenays Cellar Door Cheese & Crackers at Knotting Hill Samples at the Cheese & Chocolate Factories Sample Liqueurs & Cocktails at The Grove Free bottled water on board Gourmet Lunch at an Iconic Restaurant (full-day tour only) See our NEW CHEERS MARGARET RIVER VIDEO online!

.com

To make a booking visit avis.com.au

9757 2270 or 0474 721 836

2015-A00073

JESTERS FLAT

MARGIES BIG DAY OUT BEER & WINE TOUR

DIRECTORY

EXPERIENCE THE BEST… OF WHAT THIS WORLD FAMOUS REGION HAS TO OFFER! Visit 7 venues including 3 wineries, 2 breweries and the Cheese & Chocolate Companies.

Enjoy a lunch of delicious local produce at a Margaret River Brewery. Make friends, have a laugh and relax whilst your friendly Tour Guide takes you on an amazing day out in the Margaret River Region.

Pick up and drop off to your accommodation included.

CALL US TODAY!

Ph 0416 180 493 margaretrivertourswa.com.au

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1549 Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River Ph 08 97574 562 bookings@jestersflat.com www.jestersflat.com Margaret River WA

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Professionally guided HORSE RIDING TOURS, suitable for all abilities. From forest treks to beach rides, we have a horse riding adventure just for you.

/JestersFlat

The moments that last Set aside the commute, the school lessons, the errands, the background hum of striving that marks our days in the city. There’s another way to be. Rediscover it on holiday with Private Properties. Our exceptional holiday homes are handpicked to melt away the nonsense, and leave you with the pressing decisions like which beach to visit, and whether to fire up the barbecue for breakfast as well.

Sometimes you need a getaway to arrive at what matters.

ALBANY EAGLE BAY

AUGUSTA

BUNKER BAY

MANDURAH & DAWESEVILLE

BUSSELTON

MARGARET RIVER

www.privateproperties.com.au

DENMARK & WALPOLE PEPPERMINT GROVE BEACH

DUNSBOROUGH SWAN VALLEY

YALLINGUP

| +61 (0) 8 9750 5444 margaretriver.com

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