Local Favourites: Sasha McDonald

The award-winning Glenarty Road restaurant / cellar door / wine bar is housed in the original 1950’s farmhouse. It’s a building perfectly balanced between rustic and refined, with handcrafted marri tables milled right there on the farm next to beautiful ceramic plates and elegant glassware. There aren’t many places where you can slip off your shoes and walk over the grass to give one of their piglets a belly rub between courses.

The food is completely centred around the seasons with the farm, orchards, vines and gardens all harvested and thoughtfully plated. Sit outside, and you may even spot one of the chefs duck out from the kitchen into the garden to gather up some extra herbs for your lunch.

With the couple’s passion for not only implementing but also sharing their knowledge of regenerative practices, Glenarty Road offers Foraging Experiences that take you behind the scenes on a roving feast to sample wines at the source (bookings essential), and a Farm Collective subscription offering to help keep the wholesome vibes going once you are home.

We had a yarn with Sasha and were quick to scribble down her local tips to enjoy the best of the Margaret River Region.

During the summer South Easterly’s (wind), I would say that Salmon Holes is my go-to. It is a little off the beaten track but ticks all the boxes with a beautiful, protected bay for the young ones, rock pools to explore and some great free dive spots out the back. On low tide it really shines. If it swings westerly, you can’t get any better than Flinders Bay, Augusta, for a glass-off.

The beauty of the southern end of Margaret River is that there are always options, no matter the weather.

Down through the vineyard to the dam to catch some marron with a glass of wine in hand, after a quick harvest in the garden. Nothing beats the abundance of fresh produce in the south west.

Casual: Margaret River Brewhouse for a casual but always delicious feed. The proximity to the Margaret River and the forest makes it a beautiful spot. The kid’s playground is simple but perfect entertainment for the whole fam.

Special Occasion:  Vasse Felix – the attention to detail and the incredible balance created between their food and wines is always a treat.

Date night: Mikis – the open kitchen and Miki’s great charm and flair always creates a fantastic atmosphere. Add delicious food pairings and a great wine and sake list, you can’t go wrong.

Grab the paddle boards and head down to Augusta for a cruise along the river. You are bound to see a dolphin or two, some crabs and an abundance of fish.

The beauty is in the change of seasons, but I must admit that nothing beats the end of summer when vintage is on our doorstep and the magic starts to really happen in our vineyards and wineries. You can’t help but get excited when flavours start to develop and shape the mystery of the new season’s wines.

A quick scoot down to Hamelin Bay is always a winner. You are bound to run into some locals winding down for the day. In summer there are a range of food trucks that park up to make it even more special.

You can’t go past the Margaret River Farmers Markets. The dedication of the growers and the quality of nutritious and delicious food is next to none.

Daydreaming about making the tree change.