Southern Backroads Trail

The Southern Backroads offer what many locals might label as hidden gems. With a geography that traverses fertile farmland, karri forests, and family-run wineries, the backroads offer an intensely diverse and uncrowded view just south of Margaret River.

Immediately, you get a sense of the region’s history, from a nostalgic general store built in 1932 to an equestrian farm with inviting weatherboard cottages and an open fireplace.

There are walks filled with wildflowers and wineries filled with passionate families who have grown up amongst the vineyards. People around these parts are known for their creativity, and it’s this quirkiness that makes the backroads unlike anywhere else on the map.

Yahava KoffeeWorks

It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll discover a coffee that not only captures your taste buds but also your heart – Yahava KoffeeWorks is a playground for grown-ups, and the theme is coffee. Yahava imports coffees and teas from all over the world, and at a KoffeeWorks you will discover just how different coffees can be. Learn all the different ways to brew a cup and see coffee beans being roasted fresh each day. The friendly crew will guide you on your Yahava adventure by taking you back to the origin of the coffee, all the way through to the cup in your hand.

Stella Bella Wines

With a charming little cellar door located just minutes from Margaret River, Stella Bella is your ideal kick-off for winetasting on the trail. Capturing the essence of southern Margaret River, Stella Bella rates amongst the best wineries in Australia, with several unique ranges of wines crafted from their five vineyards dotted throughout the region. You will be greeted by a generous and knowledgeable cellar door team, including the odd wine dog or two, as you take in the experience of a guided tasting and discover the many personalities of Stella Bella.

Brown Hill Estate

Brown Hill’s cellar door sits at the heart of their boutique winery and is operated by friendly members of this family-owned estate. The vineyard tasting room is pure small-town Margaret River Region; a jarrah slab resting on a couple of oak barrels in the vineyard’s working winery. Traditional small-batch winemaking is expressed in hand-picking and hand-sorting of the single vineyard estate-grown fruit. This artisinal technique and care ensures control over quality and character.

Darnell’s General Store

Step back in time at this historic general store, where little has changed since it was established in 1932. For a peek into history, visit Darnell’s General Store with its quaint, rustic frontage. A one-stop shop that features a grocery store, fuel station, and post office, as well as wholesome home-made meals and preserves.

Jesters Flat

Jesters Flat provides horse riding activities for all levels of ability, from the absolute beginner to the seasoned eventer. The charming clubhouse and surrounds are perfect for those relaxing, while their fellow travellers head off for a horse riding adventure. Owned and operated by locals with in-depth knowledge of the history and natural environment of the area.

Firetail Wines

A tree-changer-owned vineyard and cellar door in Rosa Glen producing medal-winning wines from 40 year old vines. Firetail’s Cellar Door is set amongst the trees and offers close views of the vines and local bird life. Their distinctive premium wines include sparkling chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, chardonnay, rosé, cabernet sauvignon and a dessert wine. These outstanding wines are only available at the on-site or via their website.

The Berry Farm

The Berry Farm operates one of the oldest restaurants in the region and specialises in fruit and berry wines, liqueurs, fortifieds, sparkling wines and ciders. It is an operating horticultural farm with an extensive avocado orchard, blueberries, raspberries, quince, stone fruit and figs. The family-owned and operated winery and restaurant are pioneers in the production of vinegars, chutneys, sauces, dressings, and jams in the Margaret River Region, all of which are available from their cellar door.

Si Vintners

Si Vintners is all about natural farming. Husband and wife team Sarah and Iwo work the vineyard using biodynamic principles and chemical-free farming methods, and make all of their wines with minimal intervention. With experience drawn from many overseas vintages and their wine project in Spain, they are incredibly passionate about Si Vintners, and love hosting visitors through the vineyard and winery. Book in advance for a private appointment any day of the week, or pop in Friday to Sunday for a glass on the lawn.

Mr Barval Fine Wines

Drawing on his extensive experience in both Margaret River and Barolo in Italy, Mr Barval winemaker and owner Rob Gherardi employs an exceptionally traditional wine-making model, aiming to produce wines utilising old-world vineyard and winemaking techniques. Visitors can relax and enjoy a flight of fine wines in a stunning cellar door and art gallery, or outside overlooking the Calgardup Brook and forest. They have a selection of local artisan cheeses and produce on offer, with pizza and Italian share plates being served out of CIBO (the Barval food van) throughout summer. There’s a space for the kids to play and dogs are welcome too!

Capes Raptor Centre

Explore lush native bushland on the Bird of Prey trail, where you will encounter over 50 resident eagles, hawks, falcons, owls (and more) living in sanctuaries at Capes Raptor Centre. Stay for the twice-daily Birds of Prey Flight Displays and you’ll learn about the birds’ natural behaviours and unique sensory abilities used to hunt – you can even have your photograph taken with an owl! The centre is the perfect way to keep the whole family entertained, before you head onto the next winery or eatery on the backroads. In spring, the trail is perfect for spotting wildflowers and orchids.

A Maze’n Margaret River

A Maze’n Margaret River offers guests one of Margaret River’s most unique experiences – the largest hedge maze in Australia – two kilometres of paths with three-metre high walls. The maze was planted 30 years ago by the owners and is set on 5 Ha of tranquil landscaped gardens. There’s activities for everyone here: an 18-hole mini golf course, outdoor games, BBQ’s, picnic grounds, play areas, and even a spot to meditate! There is also a café on-site.

South by South West

A family-owned and run wine producer, South by South West creates traditional wines with an expressive and contemporary edge. True to vintage, true to region. Winemaker Liv leans on her extensive European winemaking experiences to present Australian versions of predominantly Italian grape varietals. South by South West produces honest wines using great fruit and minimal intervention, to demonstrate the characteristics and values that best represent the South West. BYO picnic, snacks and furry friends. There is a dog-friendly patio.

McHenry Hohnen have been growing grapes in the Margaret River wine region since the 1990s, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and wines that speak of place. Visit the McHenry Hohnen Cellar Door in Witchcliffe to taste the full range of current releases with the team, stay for a glass or a bottle, or move through to Vintners Wine Bar & Bistro to enjoy a menu shaped equally by South West produce and Mediterranean flavours.

Amato Vino

A quirky, rustic cellar door located in a lovingly restored heritage building, offering relaxed seated tastings, either inside on our crafted narri table, or outside (dog-friendly) at their windows bar or on the sunny terrace. Amato Vino are small-batch artisan winemakers utilising traditional methods, Mediterranean grape varietals and working with growers who employ organic and sustainable farming practices. Their wine-making philosophy has always been ‘low-fi’, embracing wild ferments, minimal adjustments in the winery and gentle handling. An old-school approach with a modern flair for creativity.