The Margaret River Region's local produce is some of the best in the world.
The fresh local produce is key to many a South West chef’s award-winning success, and has been feeding Margaret River Region locals and food lovers for centuries.
Want an access-all-areas pass to one of the most well-stocked natural pantries in the world? Lily Yeang shares where to go in the Margaret River Region for top-quality, farm fresh produce.
For the best in farm-fresh Margaret River local produce, head to the Saturday morning market that was voted Delicious Awards’ Most Outstanding Farmers Market in Australia. The Margaret River Farmers’ Market is the most genuine representation of a ‘farmers market’ I know. Featuring stalls filled with an array of foods that have come straight from local farms and kitchens, the market allows locals and visitors to chat to the farmers and producers directly before they buy. It’s a true paddock-to-basket experience that’ll feed your belly as well as your soul.
DON’T MISS: Devouring one of Margaret River Bakery’s breakfast croissants.
Address: Margaret River Senior High School, Margaret River
Into permaculture? Just 4kms from Margaret River, Fair Harvest features regenerative gardens, animal systems, an environmentally-friendly campground and beautiful farm walks. Established in 1995, the farm grows food holistically using permaculture principles. Come along during one of its open days to learn about permaculture and enjoy a delicious organic lunch made using ingredients from the farm’s seasonal crops, join in one of Fair Harvest’s mindfulness and nature retreats, or camp/glamp onsite. Staying the night? There’s no need to leave to get a feed – just ask the Fair Harvest team to put together a local produce box for you and your other campers.
DON’T MISS: Sharing stories and a homegrown feast around the campfire.
Address: 426 Carters Road, Margaret River
Come on a unique sensory journey and experience a thoughtfully curated, vibrant hub showcasing Western Australia’s finest creatives, growers and producers. Origins Market is a place to celebrate all that the region offers, where locals and visitors alike can engage with farmers, producers, wine makers and artisans. Regular workshops for the whole family, fantastic coffee and street food and free live music will make this artisan haven a mandatory stop when in the Margaret River Region.
DON’T MISS: The kids will love the transparent beehive and the indoor playground, a lifesaver on a rainy day.
Address: 90 West St, Busselton
Gathered Organics work directly with a talented bunch of over 30 growers and makers every week, all from around Margaret River and the wider South West. The fresh produce is organic and harvested to order, sometimes only hours before it’s packed into a box. This means super fresh food, no waste and low food miles.
It’s not only fruit and vegetable boxes on offer. They also source local eggs, meat, woodfired bread, gluten-free bread, olive oil, honey, bottled preserves and ferments, nuts, milk, cheese, vegan nut cheese, sweet treats (including raw and vegan), cooked meals, pantry items, skin care products, beeswax candles and even wine.
DON’T MISS: Book a delicious, feel-good box of local fruit and veg ready to eat when you arrive in the region. Pick-up or delivery on Thursday or Friday. Or just drop into their shop Tuesday to Saturday, 7am-2pm.
Address: 401 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River
Get your seafood fix at Busselton Seafoods, a local gem specialising in fish and top-quality seafood from Australia and New Zealand. Such quality is not found in retail stores – they deal directly with the local fish suppliers. Except for Scottish Kippers and Norwegian Salmon, everything else is 100% local.
DON’T MISS: Go for a local variety that you haven’t tried before – it might become your new favourite.
Address: 129 Bussell Hwy, West Busselton
Everything about The Berry Farm is splendid. Its country gardens, its range of jams and preserves, its sparkling fruit, dessert and fortified wines, and its fairy wrens. Come along to the 2019 WA Region Country Wide Café of the Year to pick up your condiment staples, then stay for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea (scones and strawberry jam, anyone?). Kids in tow? The Berry Farm has three playgrounds, a giant chess set and plenty of farm animals to keep all the little monkeys busy.
DON’T MISS: The Berry Farm’s boysenberry pie, filled with plump boysenberries and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
Address: 43 Bessell Road, Rosa Glen
At Icon Honey, the bees do things naturally – and so do their keepers. Showcasing the South West’s natural bounty in its purest form, they offer eleven raw, natural honeys to taste for free – including forest favourites like Jarrah, Karri, Redgum and Peppi – each jar is a snapshot of the region’s pristine landscapes. Each spoonful – from antioxidant-rich Jarrah to gentle Karri – is a gift from untouched nature.
DON’T MISS: Be sure to look at the on-site live beehive, where bees buzz through their ever-changing world of wax, nectar, and teamwork.
Address: 749 Caves Rd, Anniebrook
Stepping into Providore Margaret River is a local produce paradise, with vast shelves filled with a veritable treasure trove of delicious small batch products and award-winning wines. Sample your way through the tasty treats on offer before DIY’ing an epic platter or picnic spread, using the homemade chutneys and marinated Kalamata olives picked from their on-site olive grove. Finish your visit with a wander through their organic veggie garden, where they grow a lot of the ingredients for their products.
DON’T MISS: The indulgent and moreish passionfruit curd, which uses organic eggs from their free-range chickens.
Address: 448 Tom Cullity Drive, Metricup
The IKEA of grocery stores, the Bunbury Farmers Market features a unique layout designed for the eyes, nose and mouth. Weave (and taste) your way through aisles of colourful fruit and vegetables, in-season meats, freshly caught seafood, one of the largest ranges of WA cheeses in the country and a plethora of wholefoods, meal packs, snacks, desserts and more. Travelling from Perth to Margaret River? Instead of having to cook when you reach your accommodation, swing by the markets, either in Bunbury or its new sibling in Vasse, and choose from a huge selection of ready-made family meals – think wholesome lasagnes, pastas, pies, pizzas and quiches.
DON’T MISS: Dessert! A slice of their decadent, salted caramel cheesecake is a must-try.
Address: 2 Vittoria Road, Glen Iris (Bunbury Farmers Market) or Napoleon Promenade, Vasse
