3 day eco-conscious traveller trail

Burnside Organic Farm

Burnside Organic Farm offers an authentic agritourism experience, with four limestone bungalows, a winery and tours of the working farm.  You might recognize Jamie and Lara McCall from the Margaret River Farmers Market where they sell avocadoes, olive oil and Zinfandel. Enjoy an outdoor bath with a view, or relax with a glass of wine on the outdoor sofa.

Tree Chalets

Proof that eco-conscious can be aesthetic, the adults-only Tree Chalets will satisfy your fantasies of living in a (luxurious) cabin in the woods. Completely off-grid, rainwater is harvested and chalets are all powered by the sun, plus there are Tesla car charging stations installed to ensure you are ready to explore all across the region. Romantic and relaxing, there are lots of extra little touches included so all you have to do is sit back and take in the natural surroundings. Tree Chalets just achieved Eco Certification for Nature Tourism, and might be Australia’s only holiday accommodation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by their own means, rather than through purchasing carbon offsets.

All good days start with quality sustenance, so make a beeline towards local favourite on the main street of Margaret River town, at Sidekick Café. From the barista’s cheery ‘hello’ to the seriously good coffee and people-watching opportunities, it’s a delightful spot and their eco-conscious credentials are the icing on the (gluten-free) cake.

Karen and Rob Gough run both Sidekick and Settlers Tavern, and sustainability informs everything they do. They are Gold Bean ‘Responsible Cafe’ accredited, all beverages are organic, and they support charities such as Street Smart Aus and AmnesTea, to name a few.

‘We have not sold plastic water bottles since 2004!’ says Karen. Back in the day, they were the first business in town to use compostable paper straws and had to buy an entire pallet from the East Coast. They use Enjo cleaning cloths, macadamia milk (the only nut milk grown in Australia) and still give 50c off for reusable takeaway cups.

‘We use local produce wherever and whenever possible – even though that could cost more, we feel the need to connect with the local community’ says Karen, about supporting the likes of Bahen & Co. Chocolate, Burnside Organic Farm avocadoes and Mumballup macadamias.

Fully fuelled up, it’s time to hop on a tour with a difference: jump on an eco-conscious electric quad bike tour with EcoAdventures Margaret River. Solar powered, whisper quiet and emission-free bikes are the best way to explore the awe-inspiring Boranup Forest.

If you want to do the work yourself, hire a mountain bike or gravel bike at The Hairy Marron, Life Cycle Bikes – Margaret River or Bike Shed Dunsborough, or go on a tour with Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours.

Next up is a lovely lunch at the beautiful Aravina Estate in Yallingup. On arrival at the estate, you’re met with a sea of pink and blue hydrangeas looking out onto an expansive vineyard and manicured lawns.

The Aravina team has cultivated a stunning organic garden brimming with herbs, vegetables destined for the kitchen. The seasonal menu offers uniquely flavoursome dishes that showcase the quality range of produce available in the Margaret River Region. Their woodfired pizzas and seasonal bar menu are available every day of the week, and don’t miss pairing your plate with a delicious premium estate-grown wine or a craft beer brewed under their very own 8 Waves Brewing Co label. Top the day off with an in-depth Estate tour running weekdays.

Explore an ancient cave and gaze with wonder at magnificent crystals that formed hundreds of thousands of years ago. Caves Road is named for the 100+ caves that lie beneath the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, and four are open for tours; Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup, Mammoth and Lake Cave within Boranup Forest and Jewel Cave further south near Augusta.

All of the caves are Advanced Eco-Accredited with EcoTourism Australia, which recognises innovative ecotourism products that operate with minimal impact on the environment and operators who are committed to achieving best practice, using resources wisely, contributing to conserving the environment and helping local communities.

After exploring the caves it’s time for an energy boost, and the Margaret River Chocolate Company not only serves up delicious chocolate treats, but they’re also set to achieve their carbon neutral plan.

It’s the growing, harvesting and transporting of cacao beans in Africa that emits the most carbon, co-founder Patrick Coward explains. ‘A lot of the carbon cost is borne by the cutting down of native forest to plant cacao trees. By increasing yield, you don’t need to increase the planted area.’ Hence the chocolate company supports the Beyond Chocolate program which aims to lift 5,000 family plantations out of poverty, increase yields and decrease deforestation.

After a big day, it’s time to linger over a late lunch. The team at Barnyard1978 proves that hospitality and environmental conservation can coexist in their restaurant and Barn Hives eco-pod accommodation. ‘Create more, consume less; embrace every opportunity to learn and improve, and always look to nature,’ says owner Egis Rusilas, who wants to inspire others to positive change.

Sit under the restaurant’s solar pergola overlooking vines, sculptures and free roaming chooks. A paddock-to-plate approach means that the fresh pasta is made with homegrown eggs, and the chickens feast on kitchen scraps. Don’t forget to pop into the barn store and honey farm, too.

Alternatively, if you’re craving fresh seafood with an Asian infused twist, steer your compass towards Blue Manna Bistro in Dunsborough. The team at Blue Manna specialise in local seafood and produce, and they don’t compromise.

All their fish is sustainably line caught in the pristine waters of the WA coast (except for ora king salmon from NZ) and freshly filleted in-house by their experienced chefs. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed with sleek wooden finishes – this truly is a place for friends and family to spend quality time together over great service, great food and great local wine. There’s a reason the wont Best Seafood Restaurant WA in 2023, and we haven’t even mentioned their cocktails yet…