New Year, New Experiences

All the latest openings in the Margaret River Region

While there’s no predicting what’s to come as we push ahead through 2021, the Margaret River Region community appear well equipped to manage any situation. Just looking at the ingenuity of new products and innovative experiences that have been dreamed up and brought to life over the last year is pretty darn impressive.

Here’s our wrap up of must-try new (and newish) stuff to get around.

LS Merchants have opened a new home base in Cowaramup

New Cellar Doors

Winemaker Dylan Arvidson opened the doors to a brand new L.S Merchants cellar door in Cowaramup over summer. Dylan doesn’t play by the rules and values flavour over analysis. His small batch, minimal intervention wine consists of 20 different varieties, styles and blends all handmade with wild fermentation where possible and a lot of experimentation. And for those that judge a book by its cover – their wine labels are pretty special too.

Head toward the coast to Grace Farm – only minutes from Gracetown beach and sandy feet are welcomed, so pop in on your way to or from a swim.

Another newbie to check out are Skigh Wines. Set in the Yallingup hills with a relaxed set up and sprawling gardens it’s the perfect place for a tasting. While in Yallingup, Marri Wood Park’s recently opened cellar door is a must for those interested in biodynamic, regenerative farming practices. Book ahead for a complimentary cheese platter.

Stay amongst the vines at Petit Eco Cabin. Photo: Damien Warr

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

It’s a trending movement that the region is embracing with full force – sustainable housing for travellers. A new eco-friendly accom to join the growing list is Barn Hives in Yallingup. The eco-pods are architecturally designed with special attention to sunlight and cross ventilation. Water is collected from rainfall and heated by solar panels making it self-sustainable.

Petit Eco Cabin is the latest rural hideout to open in the region. The architecturally designed timber cabin is set amongst the organic vineyards of Windows Estate in Yallingup. A testament to Australian craftmanship, all fixtures, fittings and decor items have been sourced and made in Australia. Everything has been carefully curated to help you slow down. So, fill up the outdoor vintage tub, hop in and soak up the views.

Margaret River Heartland is also eco-aligned offering off-grid accommodation with pastoral views to the forest. Choose from a weatherboard cottage or a ‘glampavan’ – which is a completely refurbished caravan designed by artist Anita Revel. It’s barefoot luxury at its finest with a modern kitchen, vintage record player, and rainwater sky shower.

If you’re after a more curated digital detox, try the new 4 Day Yoga and Wellness Glamping Adventures with Nullarbor Traveller. You’ll practice yoga in pristine locations, be nourished with plenty of local and organic produce, connect to country with a powerful Indigenous experience and tuck into a glamping tent by night.

Barn Hives Yallingup Sustainable Eco Tiny Cabins

Barn Hives, pod accommodation in a vineyard just moments from Smiths Beach

New Bars, Private Wine Experiences & Craft Beer Venues

Well-loved and frequented winery Aravina Estate has recently entered the craft beer space. They now have an onsite brewery with five of their own brews which are crafted by chief brewer, Dr Brad Hutton (who also happens to be one of their winemakers). Now with crafty pints and a surf gallery – Aravina is now the perfect place to take your favourite bloke to visit.

Dunsborough is bursting with new secret bars to discover. Har Bar in Dunsborough has a vintage nautical theme with a solid cocktail menu. Lady Lola is part deli, part bar, part bistro. Indulge in a negroni or a glass of bubbles and some share plates.

Discover a new style of wine tasting experience in the luxurious surrounds of Howard Park Wines iconic private Wine Chapel. ⁠Here guests can sip their way through five private tasting experiences, including the ‘Art of Sparkling’ and their ‘Native Food Experience’.