Secrets of the Region’s LIAs

As the name suggests, the LIAs, as they are known, are a hive of industry. But you might be surprised to note that in recent years a number of trendy new venues and services have popped up, with many of them helping the semi-industrial areas to become known as a source of hidden gems.

Here’s a few places worth putting on your radar.

Adrian van den Ouweland builds fine timber furniture right in the heart of the Margaret River Region, much of it taking place at his studio in Cowaramup’s Light Industrial Area. He first became fascinated with woodwork as a young boy in Holland, when he found himself fascinated with the beautiful grain patterns on split blocks of wood he would chop for the fire place. He dreamt that instead of burning that timber, it could be used in a more elegant and creative way. Adrian has made that dream a reality with Treeton Fine Wood Studio, and much of his work utilises the majestic timbers of WA’s south west. You’ll find his studio on Treeton Road in the Cowaramup LIA.

Cowaramup’s Light Industrial Area is also host to many other Margaret River artists, and features prominently in the annual Open Studios event.

Origins Market is an unassuming delight with fresh produce, gourmet eateries and local artisan products all in one place. Pop in for a morning coffee and stock up on supplies for your stay, or get along to one of their regular events. Foodie Friday has tastings of wine, ciders, craft beer and spirits, and Makers Workshops held weekly, have a range of creative workshops.

For over 25 years BG’s Farmstand has been Busselton’s go-to fresh produce. It’s cherished among locals, farmers, and tourists for their top-quality produce and traditional customer service. They support local farmers and artisans and stock in season, low-mile foods, all the while doing their best to help others in the community.

Dormilona is a cellar door in Margaret River’s LIA, and their kind of wine tasting experience is unlike anything else you’ll experience at the region’s myriad of wineries. They invite you through the doors of their little house of wine to learn about how the magic happens, discover the new vintage direct from the vessel, and taste new releases from the bottle. Cellar Door tastings are by appointment only, so contact ahead to book.

Tucked away in the Vasse LIA is an unassuming award-winning furniture designer. Although Nathan Day Design’s workshop is small, they’re clientele is anything but. The designer furniture maker has worked with some of Australia’s leading architects and luxury builders and have custom-built works for the likes of Apple and Louis Vuitton. At time of press, the designer is completing a project for the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. For visitors to the region wanting to peruse the gallery or discuss a custom-piece, Nathan Day Design create many residential works too, all with a focus on craftsmanship that will last generations within a family. These are timeless pieces that speak of the region in which they were built.

The Sophisticated Beast are one of the Margaret River Region’s newest breweries, and their operation is centred in Vasse’s LIA. They’re a small brewery who think big and don’t dabble in the mundane, and it’s not just beer on the menu either; they also produce oyster mushrooms and cold brew coffee for the local farmers markets.

Popular Margaret River Region brewery, Cheeky Monkey, have a lesser known but equally special venue in the heart of the Vasse Industrial Area. It’s aesthetic fits perfectly with the location – stainless steel exposed vats and barrels with casual seating in an industrial shed environment. The usual core range of Cheeky Monkey beers are on tap paired well with pizzas and delicious bar snacks.

Corrynne’s Soaps offer some of the finest natural skincare products in the south west. They make all their soaps, creams, scrubs, and oils using good old-fashioned plant-based recipes. They care more about the contents than expensive packaging, and use ingredients that aren’t harmful to anyone or anything. You’ll find them on Dunsborough Lakes Drive in Dunsborough’s LIA.