As Makuru transitions into Djilba, the region becomes a crescendo of colour. Wildflowers start to bloom, the whales say g’day as they migrate along the coastline and the events season is in full swing.

August marks the beginning of CinefestOZ Film Festival, with a program celebrating innovative film, inspiring conversation and First Nations cultural exploration.

Two remarkable Australian song writers, Didirri & Rowena Wise, join forces to bring their ethereal melodies to Settlers, while heavy music trailblazers Northlane charge into Shelter for a fired up performance and Pete Murray brings his first ever solo tour on home soil to The River.

Music, movies and collaborative menus all set the mood for the Margaret River Region this month. Discover what’s happening below.

Didirri & Rowena Wise at Settlers Tavern | Friday 1 August

Margaret River

Celebrated for their individual artistry in the indie-folk scene, Didirri and Rowena Wise are currently touring the country on their “No Cure For Love” tour. These two songwriters have come together to create a dynamic live performance of masterful storytelling and emotional vocals. Their raw depth and beautiful lyrics have earned them both a devoted following across the country. Catch them live at Settlers Tavern.

DIDIRRI & ROWENA WISE
Didirri and Rowena Wise perform as a combined ensemble on their "No Cure For Love" tour. Image: Supplied

Pete Murray at The River | Friday 1 August

Margaret River

Revered Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray has embarked on a mammoth national tour the in solo acoustic mode for the first time ever, supported nationally by Rachael Fahim and Brett Wood. Pete Murray needs little introduction as one of Australia’s most successful singer-songwriters who has sold over 1.2 million albums and boasts 17 ARIA Award nominations amongst multiple other wins. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a stunning back catalogue of hits to create his setlists from, Pete has set the scene for an intimate show at The River full of storytelling about his personal life and career.

Pete Murray
Catch Pete Murray on his first ever solo tour down under. Image: Supplied

Wildwood Valley Thai Temptations Cooking School | 9 August

Margaret River

Passionate foodie Sioban relishes the chance to share her love of Thai cuisine at her ‘Thai Temptations’ workshop held at Wildwood Valley Cooking School in Yallingup. Join her for some serious fun over four hours as you learn the secrets to preparing fabulous dishes from one of the world’s great culinary traditions, and finish with a six course feast. 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.

If the thought of Italian cuisine gets your belly rumbling, Sioban is also offering a ‘Taste of Tuscany’ cooking school on 14 August.

Thai cooking at wildwood
Sioban's Thai recipes include amazing canapes, beautiful salads, delicious curries made from scratch and desserts. Image: Supplied

Northlane at Shelter Brewing Co | 15 August

Busselton

Northlane have been thrilling crowds around the globe with their immersive live shows, and are now taking their signature fusion of metal and electronic music to Shelter Brewing Co. It’s been an immense couple of years for the Northlane who have cemented their status as one of the most innovative and influential bands in heavy music. In 2024, Northlane released their acclaimed EP, Mirror’s Edge, which explored their most vivid colours and textures, as well as dominated festival lines up and supporting Slipknot in NZ. This is not a brand to miss!

Northland Band Photo
This is Northlane's last tour before they bunker down to work on new music. Image: supplied

Australian Bee Gees Show | Sunday 17 August

Margaret River

After 24 years and over 6,500+ performances in over 55+ countries, The Australian Bee Gees Show is the toast of Las Vegas. The show has been in residence at Excalibur Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip since 2011 and has been voted twice, The Best Tribute Show in Las Vegas. The show features a chronology of the greatest hits from the wonderful music of the Brothers Gibb, including More Than A Woman, Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, and How Do You Mend A Broken Heart. For one night only, be a part of the magic at the Margaret River HEART. 

Australian Bee Gees Show
The Australian Bee Gees Show has captured the look, sound, and personality that define one of the most adored acts in musical history. Image: Supplied

The Wooditjup Bilya Story | 21 - 22 August

Margaret River

Margaret River Primary School proudly presents The Wooditjup Bilya Story — a powerful cultural production that brings to life the Dreaming creation story of Margaret River. Entrusted to the school community by the Elder of the local Webb family, Nan Vivien Brockman-Webb, this story will be shared through a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary dance, movement, music, and storytelling. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC and inspired by the 2025 theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, this vibrant performance at the Margaret River HEART unites students, artists, and community members in honouring the strength of Wadandi culture and language.

The Wooditjup Bilya Story
Guided by Elder Vivien Brockman-Webb and Mitchella Hutchins, local creatives Weaving Stories of Boodja, and choreographer Dale Kelly, this is a performance unlike any other. Image: Supplied

Yarri x Sofika Boulton x Dream Bird Wine | 22 August

Dunsborough

Yarri are thrilled to announce the next instalment of Yarri & Friends, featuring acclaimed Perth chef Sofika Boulton of Sonny’s in Mount Hawthorn, who was recently named Breakthrough Talent at the 2024 WA Good Food Guide. Join Sofika as she takes over the Yarri kitchen with a menu inspired by her signature wood-fire, share-style approach. Wine pairings will be from Dream Bird Wines, made by Dunsborough local Kym Carr, who was the recent winner of Best Emerging Producer at the WAGFG Wine Awards 2024. With these too powerhouses at the helm, it’s set to be an unmissable evening!

yarri x sonnys
If you haven't been to Sonny's before, Yarri & Friends is the perfect opportunity to try Sofika's award winning food. Image: Supplied

Sunday Sounds at Skigh Wines | 31 August

Yallingup

Sunday Sounds at Skigh Wines is back! Join them on the last Sunday of August in their picturesque Yallingup gardens, where they seamlessly bring together music, wine, and a vibrant community spirit. Local talent sets the tone with vinyl records, as you kick back surrounded by peppermint trees, velvety green lawns and pop-up burger van The Hungry Brown Cow. Bring a picnic blanket, your furry friends, and good company — this is a Sunday tradition you won’t want to miss.

Skigh Wines
Pick up some wine or a fun vinyl find to take home once the music is over. Image: Supplied

CinefestOZ 2025 | 30 August - 7 September

South West Region

CinefestOZ Film Festival returns, bigger and better than ever, combining cinema with the region’s best wineries, galleries, breweries and restaurants. 

Think world premieres with red-carpet events and after parties, intimate in-conversation lunches, and screenings of the finalists for the prestigious CinefestOZ Film Prize. Check out the IndigifestOZ program, showcasing Aboriginal filmmakers, the Cinesnaps Student Competition, the CinefestOZ Short Film Awards, plus free community events.

Grab your cinepass and read through the full program – available online now.

CinefestOZ
CinefestOZ is Australia’s answer to Cannes Film Festival. Image: Supplied

For the diary

Margaret River Region Open Studios | 13 - 28 September

Margaret River Region

Get ready for Australia’s largest open studios event. Meet 150+ artists opening their galleries, sheds, and home studio doors. From painters to potters and printmakers, timber craftspeople to textile creators and illustrators to installation artists, Margaret River Region Open Studios brings these artists closer to you than ever before. Get to know the creators and purchase original works across 16 days of self-guided art exploration from north to south in the Margaret River Region.

Alice Linford Forte in her studio - Margaret River Region Open Studios
Art-inquisitive visitors will love Margaret River Region Open Studios. Image: Tim Campbell

Cape to Cape MTB | 16 - 19 October

Margaret River Region

The Cape to Cape MTB riding event is nothing short of epic; accessing stunning private trails, vineyard visits, brewery finishes and some of the warmest hospitality the region has to offer. Starting at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta, the mountain bike stage race finishes four days later at Cape Naturaliste. The Cape to Cape MTB course makes its way through a network of trails along the coast, through National Parks, forests, farmlands, mountain bike parks and bush, and conveniently wraps up each day near a local brewery. Standard entry pricing to the competition runs until 4 September, so round up your mates and register today.

Cape to Cape MTB racer
Cape to Cape MTB is rideable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and MTB skills. Image: Daniela Tommasi

Pair'd Margaret River Region

Margaret River Region

The region’s homegrown festival, Pair’d Margaret River Region, is mandatory for food and wine lovers. Book your accommodation, jump on a flight (we recommend the Jetstar direct to Busselton if you’re coming from Sydney or Melbourne), and snap up tickets to whatever is left on the event program, because it is selling out fast!

Immerse yourself in the exploration and indulgence of the finest local wines, venture into renowned vineyards, meet world-class chefs, discover unexpected pairings and enjoy a diverse lineup of live music – all setting the stage for an unforgettable four days.

Pair'd beach club
Experience barefoot luxury at the Pair'd Beach Club on Meelup Beach. Image: Supplied

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