Produce & Markets

The Margaret River Region has one of the world’s greatest climates to produce premium wine, and the same can be said about the region’s ability to grow impeccable produce.

Specialty growers and producers are part of a food movement that is taking over the region. Heirloom organic sun ripened fruit and vegetables, grass fed beef and lamb, daily caught seafood, venison, marron (freshwater crayfish endemic to the South West of Western Australia), native foods, free range eggs, organic dairy, olives, olive oils, wood fired bread, traditional French baked goods, artisan cheeses, chocolates, fudges, sweets, coffee and ice cream are just some of the outstanding foods being produced.

It is easy to enjoy the produce as most of the restaurants feature it on their menus. But to experience the ‘movement’ in full swing, taste your way around the Margaret River Farmers’ Market – on every Saturday morning 8.00am to 12 noon at the Margaret River Education Campus. There’re also great markets on in Busselton, Vasse, Dunsborough.

Markets

Touch, taste, smell feel and listen – a visit to the town markets is a sensory experience and a great way to meet the locals. You’ll find everything from farm fresh produce to handcrafted wares on offer. There is one on almost every weekend in Busselton, Dunsborough, Vasse or Margaret River.

• Busselton Community Garden Market, second and fourth Saturdays of the month, 8:00am – 12:00pm. Cnr Strelly St/Roe Terrace, Busselton.

• Busselton Foreshore Markets, first, third and fifth Sunday of every month, 7:00am – 12:00pm. Signal Park, Busselton.

• Busselton Rotary Markets, second and fourth Sunday of the month, Busselton Foreshore.

• Saturday Morning Shed Sales, every Saturday , 8.00am – 11.00am Lions Shed, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Busselton.

• Art Geo Markets, summertime only, check our event calendar for the latest listings. 21 Queen Street, Busselton.

• Vasse Market, first and third Saturday of the month, 8am – 12:00pm. 8 Kaloorup Road, Vasse.

• Dunsborough Markets, second and fourth Saturday of the month, 7:00am – 12:00pm. Closed during winter – reopens September. Lions Park, Dunsborough. (i.e. December 12th, December 19th)

• Lions Market Dunsborough, one Saturday per month (dates change each month), 9.00am – 1.00pm Lions Park, Dunsborough.

• Margaret River Farmers’ Market, every Saturday. April-November 8am-12pm, December-March 7.30am-11.30am. Margaret River Education Campus, Lot 272 Bussell Hwy Margaret River.

• Margaret River Town Square Markets, every Sunday Nov-April, twice a month and long weekends other days, 8:00am – 12:30pm, call 0490 691 752 for the latest information. 137 Bussell Highway, Margaret River.

• Margaret River Lions Club Garage Sale, every 2^nd & 4^th Saturday of the month, 8.30am – 12.30pm. Lions Shed, 12 Burton Road, Margaret River.

The Margaret River Region Marron

Marron is the largest (and very tasty) freshwater crayfish in Western Australia. It is also the third largest freshwater crayfish in the world! It is found naturally in permanent rivers and is endemic to the South West.

Marron fishing is a Western Australian tradition and as such the fishery is heavily regulated; the season is only open for a short time in January and February and fishing licences must be held. Luckily marron is also commercially grown at a number of marron farms in the region which means it can be found on many restaurant menus.

It is a very subtle crayfish and is a favourite on the winery restaurant menus as it matches perfectly with many white wine styles. If you’re travelling through the region in June, be sure to check out the annual Marron Feast at Knotting Hill Vineyard.

(image: spotting marron with The Margaret River Discovery Co.)