December brings so much joy to our little seaside region. The weather is spectacular, the beaches are breathtaking, and the flora and fauna are out and about soaking in the sun.
With holidays right around the corner and friends, family, and visitors travelling to the area, you can feel a deep, calming exhale across the region as everyone slips into summer mode. Yes, the crowds have started to arrive but there is always a secluded beach or quiet forest track to find tranquillity.
December also brings with it the start of the Birak season, one of the six seasons of Wadandi Boodja. Birak is characterised by hot, dry winds in the morning turning into cooling coastal breezes in the afternoon. As the sun shines hotter and the days stretch longer, our natural surroundings are transitioning into this new time of year. The Wanajet (peppy flowers) are falling as the rain eases up. The Kaarak (red-tailed cockatoos) are snacking on marri maada (honky nuts) and dropping them from the treetops. In the calm bays, the water is growing warmer, inviting us back in after the stormy months of winter. Larger djiljit, fish, are daring to come in a bit closer to shore and groper, abalone, and crab are plentiful. It is a magical time in the region, perfect for those visiting for the first time as well as locals looking to reconnect with our beautiful country.
There is a lot to look forward to this month. With five separate Christmas-themed music events it is safe to say the Margaret River Region is fully in the festive spirit! However, if you are feeling a bit like a grinch, there are plenty of non-holiday-fuelled options as well!