20.10.2022

November is here and with it come the first inklings of summertime in the region.

It is a time of year when you can enjoy the best things the South West has to offer minus the holiday crowds and peak summer heat. The Mooja or Australian Christmas Tree begins to flower adorning our coastal hills with bright orange accents as the ocean transforms into an irresistible shade of blue. It is as if the land is drawing us back after a cool winter spent indoors.

Out in the vines, lush canopies form a sea of green stretching across the region. This time of year, small clusters of white flowers emerge from the verdant growth. Grapevines are self-pollinating so they do not rely on little buzzing bees, instead, gusty spring winds do the trick. Once fertilized the floral clusters will transform into tiny berry bunches called inflorescences. From this point forward the vine shifts its focus to leaf and canopy growth to provide protection for the precious ripening grapes.

As the vineyards and coastal hills are busy donning their summer garb, the social calendar for November is certainly stacking up. Transition into this pre-summer bliss with an overflowing agenda complete with an Ag show, live jazz, surf comps, art auctions, fairs, groovy tunes and great films!

Margaret River Pro Crowd at Surfers Point Prevelly
Head to Surfers Point for the 40th Margaret River Classic.

The 40th Margaret River Classic | 4 - 6 November

Margaret River

We know that Margaret River is all about surf, but it is events like the Margaret River Classic that have built this sleepy seaside town into the adrenaline-filled destination it is today. Some of WA’s best surfers have cut their teeth and launched their careers shredding waves in this very competition. Check out what makes this stretch of coast the iconic surf spot it is and let the pros show you their skills. All you have to do is head down to Surfers Point to check out the action.

Margaret River Agricultural Show | 5 – 6 November

Margaret River

The Margaret River Agricultural Show is back again this November to provide some springtime fun! Whether your skills lie in quilting, photography, gardening, preserve making or Lego building – this is your chance to show the local community what you’ve got and win some stellar prizes along the way. Located in Gloucester Park, the show will have rides, showbags, carnival games and over 100 food and beverage vans! Per usual, the Friday night will include the Margaret River Family Vet Hospital Children’s Pet Show as well as a stunning firework display at 8 pm. Saturday will have live music, sheepdogs and displays on the oval. Gear up for a weekend of wholesome family fun!

Margaret River Art Auction | 5 November

Margaret River

Already missing Open Studios 2022? Well, here is another classic Margaret River Region art event to get your creative juices flowing! View and purchase some of the region’s most prestigious and prominent artist’s work alongside breathtaking interstate contributions. Now in its 17th year, the evening will include an auction, live music, and the presentation of awards. Come for the art, stay for the complimentary finger food and delicious Margaret River wine.

Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race | 5 - 6 November

Eagle Bay

If you have indulged this winter and are now looking for your sign to get back on the fitness fast track, here it is! The Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race is back and it will take you on a whirlwind, gruelling and gorgeous course of endurance. Swim and kayak in the calm waters of Geographe Bay then run and bike the breathtaking coastal tracks of Meelup Regional Park. This event is about inclusivity so there is a course designed for every fitness level from couch potato to absolute powerhouse. Team up or go it alone! Plus, there is a child-focused course and modern-day “wife” carrying championship to round out the day with a bit of fun.

Kids running at the Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race.
The kids race at the Eagle Bay Epic.

Taste of the Bays Cruises with Tony Howell | 6 & 20 November

Dunsborough

The Taste Of The Bays dining cruise has ‘welcomed aboard’ acclaimed chef Tony Howell to oversee their menu, and there are two opportunities in November to be hosted by the masterchef himself. Enjoy a 7-course progressive feast of delicious local produce (particularly highlighting sustainable seafood), matched with premium fine wines from Howard Park and boutique beers from CBCo and Shelter, it’s a don’t-to-be-missed experience for all foodies.

Vance Joy | 12 November

Cowaramup

How good does it feel to finally be back in the swing of going to gigs?! Well, if you have been hanging around in the background, waiting for your moment to re-emerge into the music scene, here is your chance! Multi-award-winning Australian singer-songwriter, Vance Joy is coming to 3 Oceans as a part of his The Long Way Home Tour.

After spending most of his career travelling the world and gaining some serious stardom, Vance Joy is thrilled to be coming back home. This tour will see him travelling all around Aus stopping in at various regional towns as well as major cities. With special guests, Budjerah, Mia Wray, Noah Dillion & Darcie Haven, it will surely be a night filled with groovy tunes and great vibes. It’s the only type of ‘riptide’ you want to get stuck in!

Perth International Jazz Festival On Tour: Groovin' at the Tap House | 12 November

Busselton

Grab your mates and head to Rocky Ridge Brewing Co on the 12th of November for their Groovin’ at the Tap House event, but bear in mind this is not your average Saturday sesh… Sink some bevies in the arvo sun, set to a sick soundtrack served up by the contemporary instrumental band, TRISK followed by some sets from vinyl-loving DJ Jimmy Mac. Soak in the slick funk and contemporary sounds of TRISK then DJ Jimmy Mac will throw down some hip-hop beats with rare gems mixed in. Part of the Perth International Jazz Festival, this event will definitely spice up your Saturday with some big-city tunes and the ever-crisp and frothy Rocky Ridge brews.

Ngilgi Cave Jazz Show Cave Tour
Jessica Carlton & Kate Pass will be performing in Ngilgi Cave as part of the Perth Jazz Festival On Tour program.

Perth International Jazz Festival On Tour: Ngilgi Cave Tour with Jessica Carlton & Kate Pass | 13 November

Yallingup

Now, how many times in your life do you get the opportunity to listen to world-class jazz in a literal cave? Set in the ethereal and ancient Ngilgi Cave, this is an evening of sensory deprivation and utter audio indulgence. Be serenaded by the rhymes, improvisation, and complex harmonies of trumpeter Jessica Carlton and bassist Kate Pass with stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and multi-coloured shawls as the exquisite backdrop. Fittingly taking place in the Amphitheatre Chamber, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for jazz lovers and avid spelunkers alike.

After 15-20 minutes of music, delve deeper and explore the cavernous wonders that lie beneath. Surely one of the most anticipated events of the Perth International Jazz Festival, get in quick while tickets last!

Estate To Plate Mediterranean Fiesta | 19 November

Yallingup

After the success of last year’s event the Estate To Plate Fiesta is back, by Happs Wines and Goanna Bush Cafe. This year guests will enjoy an evening of Mediterranean flare set in Goanna’s newly renovated alfresco area. Relish in an unparalleled array of mouth-watering Mediterranean inspired food with matching premium regional wines, whilst learning how these two local favourites are connected through food, wine and history. Sit back and enjoy a presentation by winemaker Mark Warren, plus there will be live music and a Spanish dance performance.

Here Comes The Sun Music Festival | 19 November

Cowaramup

Festival vibes are what November is all about and 3 Oceans is back again to provide the goods with Here Comes The Sun, this time with the chance to catch Ziggy Alberts, Babe Rainbow, Body Type, The Dreggs, Dz Deathrays, Kiera Jas, Livvy, Pricie, and Winston Surfshirt. Brought to you by the legends behind Out Of The Woods, Sugarloaf Rock and Good Day Sunshine, this day fest will be filled with 90s nostalgia and world-class acts. From the chilled-out finger-picking stylings of Ziggy Alberts to the retro punk rock vibes of Body Type, there is a huge range of styles. Tickets are on sale now. Buses are available from Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton.

Bro's The Movie | 18 November

Margaret River

Now if you have not heard about this movie, it is a pretty big deal… It is the first-ever romantic comedy from a major film studio about two gay men finding their way, with many twists and turns, to love. Downright hilarious and all about inclusivity, it features an entirely LGBTQ+ principal cast including Billy Eichner, Guy Branum, Miss Lawrence, Ts Madison, and more! Presented by Margi Pride with the screening held at Margaret River HEART, it is sure to be a great night celebrating the universal highs and lows of stumbling your way towards love.

Cowaramup Christmas Fair | 20 November

Cowaramup

Gone are the days when big box stores dominated Christmas shopping. Nowadays, we seek out deeper, more meaningful gifts for our loved ones. Visit the Cowaramup Christmas Fair to discover ‘up-cycled’ wonders, handmade jewellery, woodwork, candles, soaps, macrame, pottery, plants, clothes, home goods, and much, much more! Considered the best fair in the South West, put on your Santa hat and head to Cow town to shop ‘til you drop. You will be awe-struck by the abundance of fabulous creations to choose from.

Kids skating at MR SAMM Fest
Have some fun at the MR SAMM Fest.

MR SAMM Fest | 26 November

Margaret River

Margaret River’s annual Skate, Art, Music & Mental Health Festival is just around the corner and this year it is stacking up to be an epic afternoon – all for a great cause! One of the region’s biggest youth events of the year, it is organised by Margaret River Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a local group of 12-24-year-olds with the sole purpose of putting together rad events in the area.

Complete with live music, a photo booth, a rock-climbing wall, food trucks, and not to mention, the annual Soggy Bones skate jam – need I say more? Oh, and the Margi Pride team will be there in bedazzled, technicolour glory accompanied by some stunning Drag Queens! Cruise, skate, or skip down to the Margaret River’s Youth Precinct for an inclusive, accessible, free, and fun-filled event.

For the Diary

Yallingup Malibu Classic | 3 - 4 December

Yallingup

The Yallingup Malibu Classic is a historical longboarding competition, with a history harking back to 1985. It is now one of the premier longboarding contests on the calendar. The Indian Ocean Longboard Club is now custodian for the event.

Ironman Western Australia | 4 December

Busselton

Busselton bills itself as the regional event capital of WA, & it is arguably the hugely popular annual Ironman that kicked off that reputation. The world-class sporting competition has been a stalwart of the Asia Pacific triathlon scene since 2004. Encompassing the iconic Busselton Jetty & pristine Geographe Bay beachfront, the contest is renowned worldwide as the place to go for a personal best, with the bike & run legs of race being some of the flattest of the global Ironman circuit.

Ironman Busselton

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