What’s Happening in June?

Proving that beer is definitely not just a warm weather beverage, Black Brewing Co are embracing the cold with cosy vibes and a delicious feast. Explore dark brews by the fire with Head Brewer Brian Fitzgerald, learning from one of the best about his approach to the craft of brewing. Chef Hayden Vink will be matching six delectable courses to the beer journey, which will include the latest Winter Porter release.

Just 30 minutes south of Margaret River town, the natural beauty and community spirit of Augusta are at the heart of the town’s Whalesong Festival, which celebrates the start of the annual whale migration through local waters. Events across the long weekend include the Blessing of the Fleet, dinner at Colourpatch, a cultural dance event by Wadandi custodians, walking tours plus markets, cooking demonstrations, local music & entertainment.

Two producers with a highly accomplished history in WA, Devils Lair and Lamonts have joined forces to present a tantalisingly tasty long lunch. Meet Devil’s Lair winemaker Matt Godfrey while dining on a 5-course meal designed and matched by Kate Lamont, as he discusses 10 very special wines from the stable. What better way to spend a long weekend than with an indulgent, oceanside feast.

One of Margaret River’s most anticipated wine sales happens every June long weekend. Fraser Gallop opens up rare museum wines, an award-winning archive of vintages and large format bottles in the ambience of their cellar – once a year only. This is the wine sale event that you have been waiting for to stock up the cellar!

It’s time to bust out your evening wear as Vanya Cullen, the Cullen family and team will be hosting their fourth Cullen Award for Excellence on June 5, celebrating individuals, companies or institutions that positively promote West Australian wine under the banners of quality, integrity or sustainability. This year will be extra special, as the 50^th anniversary of Cullen Wines. This is your chance to dine with people in the local wine industry who have made it the world-class product it is today.

Knotting Hill are renowned for their quality wines, but they also have a dam on the property where they farm fresh marron for your tasting pleasure. Each year over the June long weekend they serve up an incredible feast of this local delicacy! A freshwater crayfish endemic to the South West, the firm sweet meat is truly something to savour and is a perfect example of the outstanding produce the region is famed for. Choose from a marron cocktail or go all out and indulge in the marron platter. They will also be releasing their 2017 Michael Thomas Malbec for your sipping delight.

Mountain biking is definitely having a moment, and riders of all abilities can join in the fun at this annual festival taking in some of the most popular trails in the region. Starting in Dunsborough on Saturday, the kids event kicks off first followed by three waves of the adult groups. Heckling is allowed (nay, encouraged) so even non-riders can get involved as spectators and make as much noise as possible as the participants whizz past.

Get behind-the-scenes access into the Howard Park French oak barrel hall on the long weekend for the chance to snap up limited wine releases. Not usually open to the public, this is your opportunity to snaffle up some outstanding wines, including export wine labels not usually available. One-off Howard Park and MadFish wine specials, museum releases and French imported Marchand & Burch wines will be available to taste and purchase – It’s a wine lovers dream!

Discover Hay Shed Hill wines right alongside winemaker Michael Kerrigan in the first of a series of masterclasses in 2021. Cabernet Sauvignon will be kicking things off this session, where lucky participants will start with a vineyard stroll followed by a seated tasting of eight back vintages of the Vineyard Series Cabernet, finishing with a light platter.

We don’t know whether this is more exciting for kiddies or parents, but the ABC favourite Bluey’s live show will be hitting the stage in Margaret River for one night only! Join all the loveable characters while they get up to their usual mischief.

Laughter is really the best medicine, & Jimeoin is here to provide! The most loved and respected comedian world-over is bringing his new show to the Margaret River HEART, with an expected cheeky dose of Irish charm.

If you’re missing adventure travels, the slopes, snow (any of the above!) then come and see the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival, now in its 45^th year. Expect three hours of footage selected from 400 entries, showcasing the best films of adventure captured around the world.

Enjoy a week-long celebration of truffle season in the heart of WA truffle country over in the neighbouring Southern Forests region and Manjimup. Star-studded chefs & wine luminaries are dotted throughout the programme of truffle hunting, dining events, masterclasses & the ultimate truffle HQ – the Festival Village itself.

Everyone’s favourite winter pastime is back again – Cabin Fever! More than 40 food, wine, fire, cheese and chocolate events will hit the Margaret River Region top to bottom, including cheese fondue and toastie battles, chef and restaurant collabs, bonfires and sea shanties, just to name a few! Tickets are already selling fast, so now is the time to check out the events and make sure that you don’t miss out.

Australia’s premiere destination film festival returns in August, with more than 40 live events and screenings from Busselton to Augusta. The celebration of Australian and international cinema brings five days of immersive film experiences in the region’s cinemas, wineries, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries.