What’s Happening in March?

What better way to start the month than with a long weekend? Add in a Shellfish and Chardonnay event at Passel Estate and now we are really talking. A match made in heaven, the rich fruit flavours and lively acidity of Chardonnay pair perfectly with the creamy decadence of crayfish and shrimp rolls, fresh off the BBQ. On Saturday 4 March from 1 to 3 pm, sit back and soak in the soft, late summer rays at Passel’s picturesque Cellar Door.

Prefer Rosé to Chardonnay? Well, then you can spend your long weekend at Howard Park. A fashionable farewell to summer, Rosé the Summer Away is set to be an afternoon filled with blush-coloured beverages, fresh fare, mellow beats, and delicious sweet treats. With Little Hands Dumplings, Normal Van, and Mai Tardi serving up a feast and DJ Erik bringing the tunes, it is the ultimate way to spend a March Saturday. The Rosé line-up will feature all the classics from Howard Park, Marchand & Burch, MadFish and Mon Tout with Franck Bonville Grand Cru Rosé Champagne available for those looking for French fizz. Plus all your other Howard Park and MadFish favourites will be on tasting at the Cellar Door – what more could you ask for?

The creatively inclined will be rushing to the opening of Lauren Wilhelm’s Memory of Place on March 4th at Margaret River’s favourite art hub, JahRoc Galleries. Join the artist herself for some fine wine and live music as you take in the breath-taking portraits alongside the stunning permanent collection. Lauren’s pieces are centred around the idea of home and comfort, yet told through a refined and luminescent lens, encouraging stillness and reflection. This is one of only three more special events at JahRoc before the gallery closes on the 30th of June 2023, marking the end of an era in the local art scene.

The sheer amount of local artistic and musical talent at the heart of this region is what sets it apart and it should be celebrated. That is what the Dunsborough Arts Festival is all about. This iconic annual community event is returning this March long weekend and we can hardly wait! Held on the Dunsborough Foreshore, it is serving up a jam-packed weekend with Sculptures by the Bay, a Small Sculptures Exhibition, two evening concerts, a Sunday art market, a youth talent competition, and a firework display. Take in the immense creativity all around us and perhaps purchase a piece for your own collection.

The Blackwood River meanders through the south of our region leading all the way to Augusta where it meets the awe-inspiring Indian Ocean. The Rivermouth often plays host to a pod of exuberant dolphins as well as every sort of activity from fishing to kiteboarding. This picturesque setting is the stage upon which the Augusta River Festival is set. A full-day event, it will feature live music from Australian music legend Tex Perkins and The Fat Rubber Band, food trucks, market stalls, and activities for the whole family. Plus, there is also a circus skills workshop, skateboarding clinic, outdoor roller disco, and a percussion-making and rhythm workshop! Feeling competitive? Join in on the inaugural Blackwood Dragon Board SUP Race. After being cancelled in 2021 & 2022 the Augusta River Festival is back, and it is bigger and better than ever!

Feel the connection to Aboriginal culture and music and tap into the power of place and country with the Undalup Bunuru Festival. Created with children and families in mind, this festival is filled with workshops and entertainment centred around our beautiful country and pristine environment. All the activities are Indigenous themed including cultural weaving, dancing and kite-making workshops as well as performances and entertainment by Indigenous artists. The Act Belong Commit Undalup Bunuru Festival will be held on Saturday, March 11th at Riflebutts Reserve, Prevelly Beach in Margaret River.

Now in its 20th year, the famous Geographe Outriggers Jetty Regatta is back. It’s Western Australia’s largest outrigger canoe race, featuring a fleet of over 20 canoes with clubs from all over the state participating in the action. This year the calm waters of Geographe Bay around the Busselton Jetty will play host to the regatta. The race begins at 9 am so head to the foreshore early to enjoy the festivities.

If you’re inspired to get rid of things you don’t use and earn some spending money, or grab yourself a second-hand bargain, you can’t miss the annual Signal Park Sellathon. Support re-use and give items a second chance at love instead of going to landfill, mingle with your community, and keep your tummy happy with a sausage sizzle and coffee van. Don’t forget to BYO reusable shopping bag and coffee cup to support this low waste, high value event. If you’d like to join as a seller make sure to register in advance, otherwise we’ll see you there on the day!

The Margaret River Region is world famous for its breath-taking beaches and bustling wine scene, but it’s the epic mountain bike tracks that draw adrenaline junkies from all over the nation and world. This March, Western Australia’s biggest MTB series WA Gravity Two-Day Enduro returns to the region with two full days of shredding. Day One is focused on the Wooditjup Trails (formerly ‘The Pines’) in Margaret River, and then on Day Two the riders will hit the short and fast tracks around Dunsborough. Aimed at elite riders and weekend warriors alike, it is sure to be two days filled with some serious cycling fun. Spectators are welcome!

Be a part of history by joining the Busselton Jetty March Marathon, recreating and celebrating the 579km feat that John Bussell and the Save Our Busselton Jetty Organisation achieved in 1979. John walked 151 laps of the Jetty over 10 days, raising money for its restoration and future use after Cyclone Alby destroyed parts of the original Busselton Jetty in 1978. From March 15 – 25, Busselton Jetty is challenging the community to walk as much as possible with every lap able to be sponsored (similar to a school lapathon) and proceeds going to the BJEF. Those wanting to be part of the event will have access to their own fundraising platform for recording your walk anytime, anywhere. Other highlights include an Opening Night Gala Dinner, Local Schools Competition, Family Fun Day Wrap up Event, raffles, prizes and much more!

A contemporary dance performance unlike any other, The Stars Descend will send you on a journey across five locations, covering 16 days, all the while telling the story of caring for country and restoring the health of our land. Each location will feature a chapter of the story performed by professional artists and local community members. Starting in a grassy sloping paddock in Margaret River on March 17th, it will continue to Northcliffe, Porongurup, Ravensthorpe and Kalgoorlie. Be sure to bring your own picnic and seating.

Sway, sweep, dip and dance the night away at Salsa, Salsa, Salsa at Origins Market on March 17th. Learn the basics of Salsa dancing with Dance Steps South West, a fun and friendly community of men and women passionate about Salsa. Start with a one-hour lesson then enjoy some social time to unwind and practice your new moves. With Suzanne as your guide, you will be in good hands – she is experienced in competitive Ballroom, Latin & New Vogue styles, but her laidback Aussie attitude makes it fun and easy to learn. Couples and singles are welcome. Soft-soled shoes recommended, great time guaranteed! This event runs every 3rd Friday of every month up to and including 19 May.

Perth-based soul and blues band Dr Fish will be performing on the lovely lawn of the Augusta Hotel at the Augusta Presents Outdoor Concert, overlooking the Blackwood River on Saturday the 25th of March. Local musicians Tom Fisher and Kilian Albrecht will be serving up a huge array of soul, blues and roots music. Dr Fish will be supported by class act Howling Onshore who are equally enthusiastic about blues and roots music that’ll make you move! BYO picnic but for alcohol, the Augusta Hotel has got you covered.

Are you thinking about adding a scaly little mate to your family? Then head to Discover Deadly Reptile Education Centre for their Reptile Rampage. There you can learn the ins and outs of owning a lizard or snake plus you can get in touch with breeders, pre-view animals and purchase all the equipment you will need. Not in it for the reptiles alone? There will also be face-painting, book signings, prizes, food vans, drinks and more. Learn about our incredible native wildlife and what we can do to protect and conserve all our favourite cool-blooded friends.

Head to Lentedal Vineyard for an evening spent under the stars, sipping wine while watching Outdoor Movies at Lentedal. One of the most family-friendly wineries, your whole family will be entertained in this chilled-out outdoor cinema. Catch the sun setting over the vines then grab a pizza or grazing box to enjoy with the movie. Lentedal Vineyard has got everything you need for a luxe night out with family or friends! Movies run every Saturday from 7.30 pm until 25 March 2023.

A major draw card to the region, the Margaret River Pro is right around the corner. One of only two Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour (CT) this event sees all the world’s top surfers shred their way to our distant shores to take on the region’s most epic waves. This section of the tour is positioned as the mid-season decider meaning all the top stars will be throwing themselves headfirst into the competition vying for their chance to progress on to the second half of the world tour. Best part? Spectators can watch all the action for free at Surfers Point!

Self-proclaimed bookworms unite! The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is near. The flagship annual literature event of Arts Margaret River, it is the biggest and best regional literary event in Western Australia aimed at keeping the love of reading, writing, and creating alive in our community. With novelists, journalists, academics and storytellers from all over the world coming to share their process and passion it is set to inspire and educate. Plus there is a youth program that brings in children’s authors. Get ready for two wordy weeks, tickets go on sale 24 March.