Have you been waiting patiently for the yearly excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Easter is just around the corner, and along with it comes the cooler weather and the perfect excuse to get rugged up and enjoy the autumnal hues of the region.
Take the car out for a leisurely drive and you’ll see vines turning golden, animals starting to grow their winter coats and lots of reasons to stop the car and explore.
There are plenty of chances to indulge in all manner of earthly delights. Feast on the bounty that mother nature provides local chefs to craft their autumn menus with. Prick up your ears to world class musical events, and of course, gaze on the visions from over 100 artists at Open Studios.
Put down those hot cross buns and hop to it – there is more to do than chow down on the sweet stuff this April in your Margaret River Region.
Deep Listening Festival | 5-6 April
Margaret River
A chance to reconnect and help build stronger communities, The Margaret River Uniting Church is hosting the Deep Listening Festival this April. Join in and you will have the chance to participate in workshops and discussions focusing on the festivals theme of ‘Finding a Place to Call Home’. With art, music and storytelling, there are plenty of ways to engage on the topic and make a difference.
Augusta’s Community Radio 10th Birthday Party | 6 April
Augusta
The local community radio is always interesting listening, with a loyal troop of presenters who keep on top of the region’s news and interesting happenings. To celebrate their 10th Birthday , 97.1 2OceansFM are holding a free party at the Augusta Hotel. Join in for the live broadcast and lots of entertainment including bands, a climbing wall and even bungee trampolines.
Busselton Relay For Life | 6-7 April
Busselton
Help raise vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services. Thousands of people around Australia participate in Relay For Life each year, this is the major event of its kind in the South West and a chance for the local community to help support those that have been touched by the disease.
Easter Egg Hunt @ Margaret River Chocolate Factory | 7/13/14/20/21 April
Cowaramup
Make sure you have been eating your carrots kids, you want top notch eyesight when it comes to seeking out chocolate eggs! A day of fun for all the family, make sure you arrive on time as there are several egg hunts each day, with a limit of 20 children each. There are rumours there might even be a guest appearance from the bunny himself. Don’t worry, there are free chocolate treats for the grown ups too.
Stargazing at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse | 13 April
Dunsborough
Whether you know your saucepan from your southern cross, there is plenty of entertainment to be had gazing into the galaxy. An educational and entertaining event for the whole family that only comes around a few times each year. The evening kicks off taking in the sunset at the stunning location of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Observation deck before taking to the telescope to view the night sky like you’ve never seen it before. Buy tickets here.
Margaret River Weekend of Music | 12-14 April
Margaret River
The weekend that music lovers look out for each year. Margaret River Weekend of Music is a delicious program of fine music, elegant wines and of course, exquisite music. The Australian String Quartet and special guests will be treating ticket holders to events at some of the regions founding wineries. Book early for performances at Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, Cape Mentelle, and Leeuwin Estate.
Millers Ice Cream Milking Show | 13- 26 April
Cowaramup
Ask any kid in town what their favourite treat is and you can be 99% certain it’s a trip to Millers. The Millers Ice Cream Milking Show will give an insight to how that creamy ice cream Is made, and the full process from cow to cone.
Megafauna Nightstalk 17 & 24 April
Boranup
As the sun sets in the Karri trees, visit giant replicas of the extinct megafauna species and learn about the life and death of these supersized animals. Then head into the cave on a rare night tour to discover how fossils from 38 species were uncovered here in the early 1900s. Finish with a night walk through the bush, spotlighting living animals as you go.
Djeran Youth Week | 13 April
Margaret River
Make your way to the Margaret River Youth Precinct for a day of cultural and youth art focused activities. Djeran Youth Week culminates in the festival on the 13th April and is showcasing this year’s theme of ‘Nurture the Now’. A joint partnership with the Shire and Undalup Association Inc, after a welcome to country there will be a full day of activities including bush tucker tastings, skateboard and spray art workshops and live music.
Easter Weekend | 20-22 April
Margaret River Region
There is heaps to keep you busy if you are down in the region over the Easter weekend. Listen to live music at a number of venues including Settlers Tavern, The River, Aravina, Caves Road Collective, The Corner Bar and The Ship Inn. Plus, don’t miss your chance to catch the Easter Bunny at an Easter egg hunt. Rivendell will be letting hunters loose at 10am, and you don’t want to be late for the chocolate stash! Sunday at Big River Campsite sees a whole day of entertainment, from the egg hunt at 8am through to food trucks in the evening. Finally, gourmands will want to enjoy the Cape Lodge Easter Weekend Lunch, filled with French classic dishes and a glass of bubbles on arrival.
Claret Ash Tour @ Fraser Gallop | 27 April
Metricup
With one of the region’s most stunning estates, the gardens at Fraser Gallop are a sight to behold. Not usually open to the public, join Dorothy Gallop for a Claret Ash Tour, as she guides guests down the famous tree lined driveway with a glass of wine in hand. Finish up with a stroll around the gardens and a full wine tasting of the estates current wine collection.
The Festival of Love @ Leeuwin Estate | April 27
Margaret River
Getting married? Thinking of getting married? Or simply dreaming of getting married? The Festival of Love is a date for your diary then. Bringing together the best of the regions wedding suppliers at the exquisite grounds of Leeuwin Estate for one day, the festival celebrates all things LOVE. From caterers to musicians, venues to celebrants – there are so many boxes to tick when planning a wedding in Margaret River. Make life easy and meet them all in person here with a glass of vino in hand.
Open Studios | 27 April – 12 May
Margaret River Region
Don’t miss your chance to peer into the working lives and studios of some of the regions busiest artists with Open Studios. Over 16 days, you can watch more than 100 local artists at work and learn about their creative practices. The largest and only event of its kind in Australia, it’s also FREE.
FOR THE DIARY
Cabin Fever | July 19-28
Margaret River Region
The winter festival you definitely don’t want to miss. Pop the above dates in your diary for Cabin Fever and be on the lookout shortly for ticket sales opening up. Get in quick, as the hottest events sell out fast. There are over 30 events this year, chock full of foodie goodness, live music, decadent wines and wintery fun. Whether you fancy wining and dining in style at a secret location, or prefer the sound of an epic cheese toasty battle – it’s all happening down in Margaret River this July.
