This route takes you through scenic farmland and towering karri trees between Wilyabrup and Margaret River. Enjoy a variety of handcrafted brews and local dishes in relaxed, picturesque settings for a taste of the region’s inland charm and vibrant beer culture.

First up are the playful cowboys of the South West brewing scene: Beerfarm. Beerfarm was once an old dairy farm, before they converted the hay shed into a tavern and built a brewery in the roundhouse. Their mission is to cultivate good times, working with both the land and environment to create sustainably tasty, straight-up brews. 

If you’re in the area on a Friday night, put their Raise the Steaks dining event at the top of your to-do list. A unique experience where Head Chef Hayden Vink specially selects large cuts from their Black Angus cattle herd for the ultimate paddock to plate dish. Wash everything down with the zero fuss and must try IPL, recently announced ‘Beer of the Year’ at the WA Good Food Guide Awards in 2023. It has all the hoppiness of an IPA, built upon a crispy and clean lager base. 

When the team are not making beer or cooking up delicious eats, they are creating raucous fun times with local bands and internationally acclaimed musos, hosting regular festivals and pop-ups throughout the year.

As the name suggests, these guys love a cheeky brew. Their original brewpub is located on Caves Road, but their Cheeky HQ Taphouse in Vasse is also open to the public, allowing you an exciting, behind-the-scenes insight into their daily production operations. 

Join them for adventurous beers and tasty eats, handcrafted with quality ingredients and a touch of a cheeky attitude.  

Head to their Caves Road Brewpub for a rustic ambiance and laid back outdoor area, complete panoramic views overlooking the lake and a playground for the kids. 

Have a crack at their cheeky fried chicken (with varying levels of heat), or opt for their go-to smash burger or fish tacos. They have something for everyone! 

Located in the picturesque rural setting of Cowaramup, this family-owned brewery bucks trends, instead choosing to focus on more traditional, European style ales and lagers. The hero in their lineup is the German Pilsener, moderately bitter with a crisp finish. 

The restaurant opens onto a wooden deck overlooking the scenic dam and rural farmland. The beer garden features a huge grassed area perfect for lazy afternoon pints and lawn games. 

The kitchen serves up simple and modern Australia dishes with a focus on local produce, rounding out the experience of a casual and relaxing afternoon in Cowaramup.

A pioneer in the Margaret River brewing scene, CBCo Brewing’s beer offering is uncomplicated and approachable, just like their venue.  

Their new Goldy Lager is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Best enjoyed from CBCo Brewing’s hecklers longue as you watch your friends have a crack at their backyard Short Iron Range. If you’re into golf (or just want to have a go at something outside of the norm of a regular brewpub visit) it’s the perfect place to park up for an afternoon and hit a few golf balls into the dam.  

They offer a range of special packages, including a tee-off lunchtime special and ‘bottomless beer and golf’, so you and your friends can make the ultimate day of it.  

Their menu is easygoing to complement their brews and designed to be shared with good company. They also pour a super limited range of tap room exclusive beers, not available anywhere else in Australia.

Located in the heart of Margaret River town and lovingly called ‘the brewhouse’ by the locals, a visit here is as authentic as you can get. The Brewhouse philosophy is simple: good vibes, great beer and tasty food.  

From the second you walk through the brewhouse doors, you’re guaranteed to be in good hands. As an added bonus, they are one of the only breweries in the south west open for dinner year round, and are both family and doggo friendly. 

It’s a good thing they boast the biggest tasting paddle in the South West, as Head Brewer Ryan Allen is currently pumping out some award winning brews. Check out the ‘In The Pines’ Pale which took out the trophy for Australia’s Best Modern Pale Ale at this year’s Australian International Beer Awards. 

To top it off, they were also awarded the Champion Small Brewery Trophy at the Perth Royal Beer Awards 2024. 

Last but not least, be sure to arrange for a designated driver or book a chaffeur or guided tour, so everyone in the group can fully enjoy the day.

The Cave Trail has been made possible by the South West Brewers Alliance with support from the City of Busselton.