What’s Happening in January?

Aravina Estate is a gorgeous destination for a summer afternoon in the sunshine. Their 14 Days of Summer Festival will get you in the groove with live music, an Aperol garden bar, Oyster king Jerry Fraser shucking fresh oysters and their pizza bar slinging doughy deliciousness. You’ll also be able to enjoy their own range of wines and beers – there’s enough to try a different bevy every afternoon. No bookings required, and there’s plenty of space for the whole family.

Devahiti Yoga will help you set your resolutions in motion (straight from New Year’s Day!) with daily yoga sessions on the Dunsborough foreshore. The slow and gentle hatha style yoga is suitable for all participants who wish to join in, held 50m from the corner of Dunn Bay Road, under the giant Christmas tree. Classes begin at 7am for $20 each (mat hire is an extra $2).

One of our favourite summer activities is back for the season, including the entire month of January! Cape Mentelle transforms the manicured lawn grounds of its cellar door into an evening outdoor cinema. Bring a picnic rug or nab yourself a comfy Cape Mentelle bean bag and settle down for your movie of choice. Doors open from 6pm and the movies begin from 7.30pm – 8pm (sunset depending), so get there early for a glass of wine or two and some dinner en plein air. Live music performances are included on Monday nights. Be sure to bring a jumper, it can get nippy once the sun goes down.

Running throughout the month of January, Busselton breaks out into full celebration when its annual festival takes over. There is an abundance of family-friendly fun to be had, so be sure to check out the festival website for full details. Calendar highlights include Busselton’s Big Water Fight (BYO water pistol!), a Dogs Day Out with pooch parade, a Sandcastle Competition, Log Chopping, Outdoor Movie Nights, the famous annual Petticoat Lane outdoor markets, the Festival Concert and Fireworks (with an epic Battle of the Bands), plus an Eats and Beats Foodies Fest. Pull out your diaries and don’t miss out!

The historical Caves House Hotel has magnificent grounds, and there is no better way to enjoy them than with a picnic as the sun sets, followed by some outdoor cinema. Bring your own picnics and rugs, and purchase food and drinks from the Caves House bar and restaurant. There’s a meal deal running where every main sold gets $7 off an adult movie ticket. Movies run every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Howard Park’s signature outdoor event is back for its 8^th year – pairing citrusy, crisp Rieslings with salty Australian oysters in a heavenly combination. Entry is free, so BYO picnic rug for a lazy afternoon of fresh shucking, seafood and lounge beats on the lawn. As well as the usual oyster bar, Normal Van Food and Mai Tardi Gelato will be serving more substantial bites, with DJ Erik providing the laid-back soundtrack to your day. Howard Park will be bringing the new releases plus special museum vintages of Riesling for the occasion.

Special musical events have been programmed for every Monday in January at Margaret River’s HEART performing arts centre. The events are suitable for all ages, with live performances, art exhibitions and more. Entry is free.

Children aged 8 – 12 are invited to hand build clay spheres with artist Natalia Ford at the Margaret River HEART. Using the ancient method of clay pinching, participants will make a hollow clay sphere. The surfaces will be finished with a method that varnishes the clay without the need for firing. Tickets are $40.

Circus, cabaret, music and comedy collide yet again for another Karnidale by the Lunar Circus team. This is one of the wildest events on the calendar, held over two days at a purpose-built festival site in Karridale. The set up includes four big tops, free camping and the infamous Dr Reg Bolton Cabaret Bar. Internationally-acclaimed shows – and live bands playing all day – make up the schedule, with market stalls, food, workshops and more. At night, things take a risqué turn with late night cabaret and sideshow performances.

Come and join the spectators at WA’s biggest and best junior surfing event, named after its founder – local star and Yallingup resident Taj Burrow. The event is now in its 17^th year and has harboured several of Australia’s future surfing legends, continually attracting the best junior talent from across the state. The competition includes eight divisions, from 16 and under down to 10 and under.

It was such a hit last year the team at Mr Barval have brought back their DJ & Dumplings night! Indulge in delicious dumplings courtesy of the legends at Ma La Dumplings, then dance it off on the lawn as the sun sets. DJ Private Pickle will be bringing the beats, and of course there will be new release Mr Barval wines (these sell out every year so get your hands on them while you can).

Mr Barval have a selection of fun sundowner events happening throughout January, check out their website for all the details.

The sophistication of the jazz lounge takes a new turn in this highly unique setting – eight metres underwater in the Indian Ocean, beneath the Busselton Jetty! The Underwater Observatory is the host venue for this jazz series, featuring star vocalist Paula Renee. Saunter around the observatory, watch the underwater world of sea life, sip on Wills Domain Wines and enjoy seafood canapes in this unforgettable evening.

Dine outside under the stars at the famed certified organic winery, Windows Estate. The team has partnered with Fervor; Paul Iskov and co’s well-loved pop-up dining outfit, which spends the year travelling around Western Australia cooking outside with specially-sourced indigenous ingredients. Four courses, respective and representative of place, will be matched with Windows Estate wines.

The picturesque lakeside accommodation at Tanah Marah is playing host to an Arts Margaret River fundraiser this month, of food, drinks, live music and stunning artwork. Guests are asked to wear all white finery for the garden party, which will include a high tea, art auction, garden tour, plant stall and more. Tickets include food, a glass of wine on arrival and all entertainment.

Registrations are now open for Geographe Bay Race Week, which hits the tranquil waters off Busselton this February. The event is known to be Western Australia’s premier yachting regatta and much anticipated among the yachting community. Competitors, spectators, family and friends come together to enjoy the festival atmosphere of the event’s on-water and off-water schedule.

This highly anticipated event is one of the hottest tickets in town, with entries determined via a ballot system due to massive demand. 2022 marks 27 years of the Busselton Jetty Swim, and there will be family-friendly celebrations over two days with the swim taking place on Sunday morning.