We’ve embarked on South West Australia’s four week marron season, which runs from Friday 8 January – Friday 5 February 2016 and will see thousands of people take to the waters in search of the delicious freshwater crayfish.
Marron is the largest freshwater crayfish in Western Australia, and the third largest freshwater crayfish in the world. It is found naturally in permanent rivers and is endemic to Australia’s South West. Fishing for the local delicacy is a Western Australian tradition and as such the fishery is heavily regulated, so you’ll need to apply for a licence if you’re keen to catch some.
For the non-anglers among us, luckily marron is a favourite on the region’s restaurant menus. We’ve listed some restaurants below where marron is regularly served (call in advance to check). Marron is commercially grown at a number of farms in the region, which means it can be found on many menus throughout the year.
Photo above thanks to The Margaret River Discovery Co.
Cape Lodge Restaurant, Yallingup
The Cape Lodge Restaurant features seasonal local and home grown produce plucked from nearby oceans, local farms and the onsite kitchen garden to create fresh innovative cuisine. We recommend enjoying your marron dish in the stunning lakeside restaurant (pictured).
3341 Caves Road, Yallingup 6282
+61 8 9755 6311 – Reservations are essential
Open 7 nights per week from 6.00pm.
Katch-Up Sea Food Grill & More, Margaret River
Katch-Up Seafood Grill & More is the only seafood restaurant in Margaret River and is conveniently located on the town’s main street. It offers contemporary cuisine with a Mediterranean touch in a casual ambiance. Try the legendary Seafood Platter for two, with two whole Donnybrook marron! (Pictured)
151 Bussell Hwy Margaret River 6285
+61 8 9757 3232
Open Thursday through to Monday from 5 pm to 9.30 pm. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Open on all Public Holidays.
Knotting Hill Estate Annual Marron Feast, Wilyabrup
Knotting Hill Estate’s celebrated Annual Marron Feast takes place from 4 – 5 June 2016 over the WA Day (Foundation Day) long weekend. Enjoy marron cocktails and hot marron served with sides of silver perch fish cakes, potato wedges, salad and a fresh crusty roll. Live marron is also available to purchase for you to enjoy at home all year round.
247 Carter Rd, Wilyabrup,Western Australia 6285
+61 8 9755 7733 – Reservations are essential.
The Studio Bistro, Yallingup
The Studio Gallery & Bistro is a unique destination in Yallingup that combines the experience of great food and inspirational art all in one beautiful bush setting. Enjoy the award-winning bistro style menu, innovative wine list as well as a beautiful range of artworks from leading artists around the country.
7 Marrinup Drive, Yallingup WA 6282, Australia
+61 8 9756 6164
Extended summer trading from 27DEC – 19JAN: 10am-5pm 7 days, Thurs, Fri & Sat nights for dinner | Normal trading:10am – 5pm Wednesday to Monday | Dinner from 6pm to late on Friday and Saturday nights | Closed Tuesdays.
Vasse Felix, Margaret River
The Vasse Felix Restaurant has served lunch daily since its opening in 1989 and today serves a modern Australian menu which draws inspiration from international preparation techniques, fused in a unique Vasse Felix / Margaret River style. Their summer menu features marron served with custard apple, buckwheat and tendon.
Caves Road (Cnr Tom Cullity Drive) Cowaramup, Margaret River 6284
+61 8 9756 5060
Open Daily, 10am – 3pm.
Voyager Estate Restaurant, Margaret River
At this iconic Margaret River winery and restaurant ingredients are sourced from local food producers, who not only offer the season’s best, but match Voyager’s passion and integrity. The menu regularly features Pemberton Marron, Indian and Southern Ocean fish, Margaret River venison and Mount Barker free range chicken, amongst others.
Stevens Road, Margaret River, WA 6285
+61 8 9757 6354
Open 10am – 5pm daily. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
World-class dining
The restaurant and café scene in Your Margaret River Region is unsurpassable. The region has attracted and created world-class chefs that draw their inspiration from the abundant fresh local produce, stunning landscapes and the pristine environment in which they work.
We now serve Marron at Arc of Iris