Cowaramup has a great mix of new and old quirky spots to eat, drink, and shop.
Cowaramup is a funky little town full of culture, character, and plenty to explore.
Known for its 42 life-sized and colourful fibreglass cows scattered around town, it’s easy to see why this place is so popular: it’s in a prime spot in the heart of Margaret River wine country, and it has a great mix of new and old quirky spots to eat, drink, shop, and get your groove on.
Read on for 15 spots you can’t miss in Cowaramup.
Who doesn’t love a walk-in vino? Perched on main street, Peacetree Estate’s urban cellar door is conveniently located “right there”, offering small-batch, organic wines, and a visit feels as welcoming as a warm hug from an old friend. The cellar door walls double as a gallery for local artists, and browsing the art goes down perfectly with a glass.
If you didn’t know how big a hammerhead shark’s head is, you know now! Ian Daniell’s vibrant, life-size ocean art celebrates marine life, with bold, blocky colours bringing iconic species to life at a 1:1 scale. Meet Ian in action and get a glimpse of his passion for the ocean and conservation in his studio and gallery – heads-up, measuring your walls before you go is a good idea.
You can’t cruise through Cowie without noticing a huge, weathered-looking building on your left (heading south). This place just got a fresh new vibe – Strange Brew just moved in, the latest venture from the legends behind Skigh Wines. We’re talking wine on tap and a huge selection of international and local wines, DJ’s spinning vinyl, charcuterie boards made for relaxed dining with friends, and an all-round open and airy venue. To complete the experience, West Winds Distillery has a tasting room attached on the side, offering a chance to sip their award-winning gins.
Temper Temper is a chocolate lover’s paradise with tons of flavours, from classic combos to surprising mixes like caramel, cauliflower, and chilli. Run by chocolatiers Roz and Georgia, this Cowaramup gem uses sustainable chocolate and creative ingredients in every batch. Not a big sweets fan? They’ve got skincare and lip balms packed with cocoa on the shelves too.
If groovy had a winery, it’d probably be LS Merchants. With incredible wines, farm/winery vibes, stunning views over the vines, and lively Sunday sessions with DJs, food trucks, and lawn lazing, it’s a true local fave. The wine list has everything from high-end Cab Sav and Chardy to pet Nats, Malbec, and juicy bangers like Chilled AF and Hoi Polloi, all served with some top-tier banter from the team.
Born of a desire to make having a cup of tea an unforgettable experience, Seven Seas Tea is a cute little boutique store packed to the brim with small-batch blends for every tea connoisseur. Their signature products are all made on-site, ensuring maximum freshness and flavour, and the ingredients are sourced from some of the best producers around the world. They also sell spices (the chai tea blend is a favourite), and the store is filled with interesting knick-knacks and vintage items for your browsing pleasure.
Miller’s Little Ice Cream Shop has just landed on the main strip. After 14 years of serving small-batch gelato from their farm gate just outside Cowaramup, the team’s switched things up with a brand-new shopfront in town – but don’t worry, they’re still using the same delicious, traditional Italian recipes, and yep – the milk still comes straight from their local farm. Grab a seat at the shop, or stroll over to Pioneer Park and enjoy your scoop in the sun. Tip: Don’t leave without trying the Cookie Monster. Trust us on this one.
Once a humble dumping house, Miss Chow’s has evolved into a stylish Asian eatery at its new Cowaramup venue, serving wok-fried delights made with top-quality, locally sourced produce. Alongside the mouthwatering menu, enjoy a local wine list, floor-to-ceiling views of Edward’s Wines vineyard, and neighbouring Flow Gallery, showcasing Russel Ord’s stunning surf, ocean, and lifestyle photography.
Finding the perfect gift for someone is an art in itself, but this thoughtfully curated selection at Mukau Giftware & Gallery has something for everyone. Owner Wendy personally chooses every product in the store, with a focus on beautiful locally made items alongside a considered edit of quality brands. Once you have enjoyed some retail therapy head upstairs to the art gallery, featuring a rotating collection of original pieces for sale by local artists – you may even be lucky to meet the artists themselves.
The Margaret River Region is filled to the brim with growers, bakers and creators, and if you don’t have time to visit them all – then the Gourmet Food Merchant is your one-stop-shop. Browsing their beautiful Cowaramup store is bound to get the tummy rumbling, with an impressive array of jams and chutneys, olive oils, local cheeses and cured meats, fresh bread and crackers… basically everything you need for an epic platter or meal. If you prefer they can also whip up a picnic box or grazing board for you to take away (or have delivered to your accommodation).
Located a short drive east of Bussell Highway is Cowaramup Brewing Company, a family-owned spot where you can learn all about the creation of their award-winning beers. Go on a behind-the-scenes tour with head brewer Jeremy Good to learn all about their range and processes, then relax in the restaurant overlooking the beer garden. The menu incorporates local produce and has all of the classics that perfectly pair with a quality brew and good company.
Just 10 minutes from town, Island Brook Estate is a hidden gem – and the first cellar door on Bussell Highway arriving from Vasse. Home to award-winning, hand-picked wines – including a nearly 40-year-old Semillon crop – the estate’s recently revived label is already winning big. Open Friday to Sunday, enjoy tastings, bottle sales, and build-your-own boards with fresh local produce. You can also stay the night in cosy forest chalets or a vineyard-view residence for the full experience.
Olio Bello – you can easily spend a few hours here tasting award-winning olive oils and unique infused flavours in the Tasting Room and exploring the Farm Shop for delicious goodies. Continue to kick back at the alfresco café with a farm-to-plate menu, and treat yourself to Olio Organics’ handmade beauty products, too. If you’re into glamping, you’ll love the luxury safari-style bungalows by the lake. And let’s not forget the stunning olive groves – perfect for a peaceful escape.
The Bettenay family sure knows how to do all things delicious. Drop by to taste their creamy, premium nougat and watch the team in action through the kitchen window. The Margaret River Nougat Company’s secret family recipe offers over 30 varieties packed with amazing flavour combos. Opt to take it up a notch with a wine and nougat pairing, or head relax with a barista-made coffee or a glass of Bettenay Wines by the lake.
Howard Park is one of the few spots in the region that makes traditional method sparkling wines on-site, with up to four different bubbles to try. Founded in 1986, it’s one of the pioneers of the Great Southern wine region. The Cowaramup winery has expansive lawns, a beautiful high-ceiling cellar door, and a stunning Wine Chapel. Booking a tasting in the Chapel is a must – it’s a luxe space with a dining room, sweeping vineyard views, a temperature-controlled cellar with rare museum wines, a Champagne Lounge, a magnum display, and a panoramic terrace.
