Take the back road, get lost in the unconventional, and wander out yonder. A group of Western Australian photographers recently spent a winter’s holiday ‘down south’ and took the time to engage in the region with dedicated curiosity. The result is a collection of images that capture the essence of winter in Margaret River.
Get to the heart of what makes Margaret River beat during winter, through the lens of photographers Zac White, Rachel Claires, and Jinna Yang.
Long Table Lunch
Al fresco dining in winter. Yes. It can happen. Spoilt with a sunny winter day at Ellensbrook Homestead on Mokidup, a long table welcomed guests on the green grass beside the historical site. Wadandi Cultural Custodian, Zac Webb described the significance of Mokidup – a stunning piece of land home to the region’s first ‘accommodation’. Cape Lodge head chef, Tony Howell cooked a four-course meal including truffle butter with home-baked sourdough, marron tortellini, slow cooked roo tail, and truffle ice cream. Sky above and ground below – the location proved the icing on the cake.
Dinner with Friends
In the kitchen, around a wooden table with friends, the best meals are had. On this trip, friends gathered at a big homestead in Rosabrook – Moonrise Farmhouse. Drinks were shared as guest chefs conjured up their creations. An open fire metres from the dining table, craft beer and local wine flowing as freely as the conversation. Outside a glamping tent set up for talking into the night.
Something New
Winter can provide an abundance of entertainment for the hungry adventurist to gorge on. There are art workshops by a pot belly, a horse-and-cart turned sauna, allowing a winter’s dip in the ocean seem less terrifying when the warmth and smell of Finnish cedar-wood beckons, and there are caves hidden deep below the Boranup forest – a place full of ancient stories only half discovered.
Swirl and Sip
The Margaret River region is about beaches, art, good things to eat, and of course – wine. Winter means appreciating the quality and variations of wines on offer – but particularly the hero varietals – chardonnay and cabernet.
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3.3 From $400
Moonrise Farm
Great For: Child Friendly,Dog Friendly,Fireplace673 Rosabrook Road Rosabrook, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.5 From $10
Ellensbrook - Heritage Site
Thursday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. Sundays and public holidays, tours by appointment only. Please call us to book (08) 9755 5173. Grounds are open daily.Great For: Picnic Spot,Scenic Spot,Wildflower SpottingEllen Brook Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.3
Swings & Roundabouts
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Child Friendly,Dine In,Dog Friendly,Fireplace,Outdoor Playground,Seated Tastings,Takeaway2807 Caves Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
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4.7 From $565
Cape Lodge
Great For: WiFi3341 Caves Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
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Margaret River Printmaking
Great For: Workshops & ClassesThe Space, 16 Burton Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
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Normal Van
View their Facebook or Instagram page for locations and times. -
4.6
Brewhouse Margaret River
Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM until 9:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Dine In,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Outdoor Playground,Sunny Day35 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.9
Jesters Flat Horse Riding
Open 6 days a week, closed Thursdays. Opening hours change seasonally.Great For: Child Friendly,Horse Riding,Nature & Wildlife Spotting,Sunny Day1549 Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
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5
Cape Grace Wines
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Indoor Play Area,Seated Tastings,Takeaway,Wildflower Spotting281 Fifty One Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284