Whale song, wineries throwing open their cellars, the first wildflowers and the crackle of a fire mark the beginning of winter.
June marks the beginning of Makuru, the coldest and wettest time of the year in the Wadandi six season calendar, punctuated by heavy rains and more frequent storms.
It’s a wild and woolly month, and while it’s tempting to retreat to a cabin with a log fire, there’s plenty to coax you out. Sumptuous food events, wineries opening their private cellars, a mountain bike festival and music to get up and dance to, all worth braving the cold for.
Keep reading for all the must-see, must-do June events.
Celebrate the annual cetacean migration with the Augusta Whalesong Festival which takes place over the June long weekend. Around 35,000 humpback whales, 200 southern right and 300 blue whales pass through Flinders Bay Augusta each winter, with whale watching charters operating daily tours. The festival has a series of events including a blessing of the fleet, Walk Talk Taste tour, and an Ocean Grown Abalone tour. On the main festival day you can test your rowing skills on a wooden skiff, marvel at kite displays, meet emergency volunteers and check out the fire trucks, get close to deadly reptiles and browse the market stalls. Book ahead for the ticketed events.
Passel Estate are hosting Shiraz and Venison, with their velvety wine the perfect foil to a Margaret River Venison brioche burger. A vegetarian option of grilled haloumi cheese is available by prior request. The small but perfectly formed cellar door overlooks a lake and across to a winter creek and thicket of peppermint trees, home to rescued and rehabilitated western ringtail possums.
The much anticipated Unlock The Cellar returns to Howard Park on Saturday 3 June, with labels including Howard Park, Madfish and Marchand & Burch available to taste and buy at never to be repeated prices. An excellent opportunity to restock your personal cellar. Sample premium wines surrounded by countless barrels of the 2023 vintage then stroll outside to admire the winter beauty of the bare vines, ready for pruning.
From kids and enthusiasts to competitive cross-country cyclists, there’s races and events to suit any skill levels at the Down South MTB Festival, taking place 3 – 4 June. Test your strength and stamina within the Dunsborough and Margaret River MTB parks, taking in glorious bushland, forest and ocean views. Run by the local clubs, be sure to register in advance for this family friendly event.
World Environment Day falls on Monday 5 June, and it’s a time to reflect on the natural wonders of the region, and what we can do to protect and preserve them for future generations. Perhaps visit Eagles Heritage, admire (but don’t pick) orchids and wildflowers, go whale watching, wander an ancient cave and walk softly on Wadandi Boodja. Read our Sustainable Travel guide for eco-tourism experiences with an eye on environmental conservation.
Feast on aromatic black truffles in the heart of Manjimup, where 90% of Australia’s Tuber melanosprum is grown. Truffle Kerfuffle attracts chefs from Western Australia’s most revered kitchens, and they’ll whip up delicious degustation dinners, hearty wintry dishes in the Festival Village and present cooking demonstrations – all featuring truffles and produce grown in the Southern Forests and Valleys food bowl. Foodies, get booking.
Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia (Our Story House) plays host to countless of arts and cultural events and exhibitions, with plenty happening throughout June.
Poet, punk rocker, actor and comedian Henry Rollins delves into life in the months pre-Covid, and when things got strange, on 6 June. It’s part of his Good to See You Tour.
The film Black Cockatoo Crisis shows the plight of a bird at risk of becoming extinct unless we act to protect its habitat. Screens Friday 9 June as a fundraiser for the Margaret River Independent School.
Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ much loved Possum Magic has been adapted for the stage to celebrate 40 years in print. Monkey Baa Theatre Company use live action, stage magic, puppetry and projected animation to bring the book to life. Tuesday 13 June.
From a seedling to forest elder The Giants weaves the story of environmental hero Bob Brown with the life cycle of the ancient trees he is fighting for. See forest life through cameras rigged high in the canopy; with thought-provoking insights by the likes of David Suzuki, Merlin Sheldrake and David Lindenmayer. Tuesday 20 June.
Mambolicous: Jodrell Screams Puente features Mat Jodrell, one of the Australia’s greatest trumpet players and the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra. Mat just returned from eight years in New York City, performing and teaching at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. Sure to get you grooving – Friday 30 June.
Cabin Fever Festival celebrates the best of the Margaret River Region in winter, with more than 40 events from winter feasts to raucous parties, fireside barbecues and barrel room dinners. Tickets are going quickly with several events already sold out, so get a wriggle on and secure your spots.
Producers, directors and the stars themselves flock to the red carpet and Australia’s richest film prize, CinefestOZ. There’s plenty for film lovers to immerse in; short films, in conversation events, IndigifestOZ featuring Aboriginal filmmakers and plenty of premiere screenings.
Art lovers mark your diaries for Margaret River Region Open Studios – two weeks of immersive and interactive art experiences, the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The much-loved event provides a rare opportunity to meet, chat, be inspired and even purchase artworks direct from the artists. 166 artists take part in this 10th anniversary event.
