31.05.2023

Winter in the Margaret River Region is full of perfect excuses to indulge in hearty food, warming drinks, and fiery events.

From 14 to 23 July, winter in the region just got a whole lot hotter with Cabin Fever. Featuring over 50 local events from Busselton to Margaret River and everywhere in between, Cabin Fever Festival is bringing all the fire, food and fun across 10 wintry days that will leave you happier than a seagull with a chippy. Whether you’re after impressive locations and premium, exclusive experiences, or want to hang out with locals at some of the region’s most loved venues, there’s a Cabin Fever experience that’ll have you heading to the region, Ugg boots in tow, faster than you can say ‘yum!’.

The one thing all of these events have in common is that they all feature world-class, delicious local produce, wine and events: some in the form of long-table lunches and ransacking the cellar, others in the form of a bushman’s ball and negroni battle. Is your mouth watering and dance shoes tapping yet? Wait ‘til you’ve checked out these incredible experiences you can only have in the Margaret River region, all thanks to Cabin Fever Festival!

Read on for our favourite Cabin Fever events that are worth dropping everything for.

Cabin Fever: Red Hot At Swings. Photo: Supplied
1

The Ultimate Winter Long Lunch | Friday, 14 July 2023

You simply can’t miss this exciting many hands collab lunch championing local produce with four renowned chefs preparing a course each, The Ultimate Winter Long Lunch.

Be wined and dined by Chef Rishi Naleendra of Michelin-starred Cloudstreet Singapore, who will be joined by Evan Hayter of Arimia, Calum MacKechnie of Lalla Rookh and Luke Foyle from Juanita’s Bar Subiaco. Each a master of their preferred cuisines and will be preparing a course each championing local produce, matched to stunning local beverages.

2

Negroni Battle | Tuesday, 18 July 2023

Gather in the company of some of WA’s best bartenders for the ultimate Negroni Battle.

The recipe for the great clash consists of one part Luca Baioni (Banks & Bloom Distillery), one part David Stucken (Terrarium Kitchen + Bar), one part Billy Phillips (Rhum Burgundy) and one part Elise Goodwin (Wild in the Street Fremantle and 2023 Bartender of the Year – WA Good Food Guide). Each marker will produce two creations plus a twist on the classic negroni resulting in the night’s ultimate cocktail menu. Prize packs to be won throughout the evening.

3

Shelter The Storm | Friday, 21 July 2023

Shelter presents a big night of live blues to get you through the depths of winter this Cabin Fever: Shelter The Storm.

WA’s kings of blues-rock Old Blood are bringing their electric live act to the South West, along with Carla Geneve’s captivating live show and unique brand of brutally honest lyricism. They’ll be joined by local legends, Lightnin Jack and DJ Mandy B.

All that to say – you are in for a night of raucous live music, delicious beers, and questionable dance moves (especially when you make your way to the silent disco). Be sure to hit the photo booth for your souvenir from the night.

Cabin Fever: Pearl's In The Wild. Photo: Supplied
4

Savouring The Art Of Shiraz | Friday, 21 July 2023

Get ready to savour Syrah and Shiraz with a stunning Masterclass, food pairings and museum wines at Savouring The Art Of Shiraz.

Leeuwin Estate Chief Winemaker, Tim Lovett, will lead a tasting in the Leeuwin Art Gallery, encompassing two brackets: benchmarking five Shiraz from regions across Australia, followed by a deep dive into Leeuwin Estate’s Shiraz programme with a tasting spanning five vintages accompanied by canapés.

Following the Masterclass, enjoy a three course Shiraz-centric lunch in the Leeuwin Estate restaurant, paired with the new release 2021 Art Series Shiraz alongside the spectacular 2011 Museum release.

5

Red Hot At Swings | Saturday, 22 July 2023

Swings & Roundabouts in Yallingup will light up with flames in all forms for a night championing museum red wines and fiery good times at Red Hot At Swings.

The Swings ‘Wine Library’ will be open for a sensory experience and special access to back-vintage wines, while hearty canapes touched by flame, as well as BBQ and woodfired bites will set your taste buds alight. Choose your night’s soundtrack with dual DJ spaces from Simon Mellor and Ru Teweehi, each setting the tone for either a mellow or bouncing night, with additional fiery performances throughout.

Cabin Fever: Street Eats By Chow's Table. Photo: Supplied
6

Winter Wine Walk | Saturday, 22 July 2023

Mosey your way along the Margaret River main street with a progressive wine and lunch adventure with Walk, Talk, Taste Margaret River at the Winter Wine Walk.

You’ll visit four of the town’s best kept secrets with your incredible local guide, Kellie Tannock, as she shares stories about Margaret River, and the world-class food and wine it’s famous for along the way. Each special spot is an easy walk, with a wine and wintry dish waiting to warm you up inside.

7

Cabin Fever Closing Party | Sunday, 23 July 2023

Wrapping up Cabin Fever the only way we know how: with good bevs, tasty bites, and some real good tunes.

Join and bid farewell to Cabin Fever 2023 at the Tuck Shop for the ultimate party on the main street in Margs. Enter through the restaurant doors and find yourself in the Tuck Shop like you’ve never seen it before as they take over the carpark with marquees, fire drums, pop-up bars and street style food stands for the ultimate wintry Sunday sesh. Enter the cave as the sun sets for one more spicy dance.

Cabin Fever: Shelter The Storm. Photo: Supplied

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