AUSTRALIA’S SOUTH WEST
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
WEEK 2 OF 5
When a destination has a combination of world-renowned wineries with vineyards in close proximity to an unspoilt coastline, towering karri forests, ancient limestone caves, indulgent food and wine experiences and over 50,000 years of Aboriginal history, it’s easy to see why people add it to their bucket-lists. Travellers to Western Australia’s South West will discover that it truly is a dreamlike place to explore.
With direct flights from Melbourne to Busselton-Margaret River with Jetstar Australia running three times a week, all year round, the Margaret River region and beyond is closer than ever before. It’s only fitting to showcase some of the most luxurious and highly-desired experiences to be had in this region within Australia’s South West.
The Margaret River region is a living and breathing embodiment of ancient geography and Wadandi song lines. Natural beauty, abundance of space, fine wine and fresh coastal air make a holiday here the remedy to modern life.
STAY
Voted Best Boutique Hotel in Australia, World’s Top 20 Vineyard Hotels, one of the fabled Luxury Lodges of Australia and a Tourism Australia Signature Experience, Cape Lodge sits on its own secluded vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region and is one of the country’s finest small vineyard lodges. While meandering down the winding driveway of this intimate country estate, visitors will discover why Cape Lodge is described as of Australia’s finest country house hotels.
Long recognised as one of Western Australia’s best dining establishments, the Cape Lodge Restaurant specialises in French-influenced country fare featuring local produce and fresh seafood and has recently opened a Gourmet Retreat and Cooking School.
Cape Lodge has 22 guest rooms and suites, a luxury 4-bedroom Private Residence, tennis court, swimming pool and 3.2-hectare vineyard.
INDULGE
The Margaret River region is home to three of Tourism Australia’s Signature Ultimate Winery Experiences at some of the oldest wineries in the region; Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate.
Vasse Felix
Established in 1967, Vasse Felix is Margaret River’s founding wine estate. The Vasse Felix Cellar Door, Restaurant, Wine Lounge and Art Gallery take in sweeping views of the Margaret River’s pristine landscape and the region’s oldest vines. Visitors are welcome to indulge their senses with the internationally acclaimed wine and cuisine at Vasse Felix or partake in behind-the-scenes tours.
The Vasse Felix Restaurant is one of Australia’s most esteemed dining experiences and offers a beautiful setting to indulge in regional flavours, textures and creative cuisine. Dishes are created from local, seasonal produce, to compliment Vasse Felix wines. Vasse Felix focuses on Margaret River’s strengths of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, along with Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends and Shiraz. The menu is modern Australian and draws inspiration from international preparation techniques, fused in a unique Vasse Felix / Margaret River style.
Leeuwin Estate
A boutique family-owned winery, Leeuwin Estate has earned an international reputation for producing outstanding wines and for staging spectacular alfresco summertime concerts.
The winery incorporates a Cellar Door, multi-award-winning restaurant, Art Gallery, serviced boardroom and coordinates scenic charter flights from Perth landing on the Estate’s private airstrip. The Estate is ranked as a ‘five star’ winery by James Halliday.
Voyager Estate
A small second-generation, family-owned estate located just 5 minutes drive south of Margaret River town, Voyager Estate was established in 1978 and is currently undergoing full organic conversion. The Estate is one of Australia’s most ambitious and innovative producers of world-class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. All wines are estate grown and reflect the unique qualities of the Stevens Valley, with its undulating slopes, warm summers and cooling maritime breezes.
But great wine is just the beginning. Their Cellar Door invites visitors to explore their wines with immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences and menus that are the best in food & wine pairing.
Take a sensory journey of discovery with the four- or seven-course Discovery menus, presented by Head Chef, Santiago Fernandez and his team.
IMMERSE
For over 50,000 years, the Wadandi and Bibbulman people of the Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River areas of Australia’s South West have walked this ancient land.
Together with other Aboriginal groups from an area that stretches from Kalbarri to Esperance, they are also known as Noongar. The Noongar culture is as rich and varied as the countryside itself, and their knowledge of the environment is incredible and fascinating.
Koomal Dreaming provides an opportunity for visitors to follow in their footsteps and experience Wadandi and Bibbulman country through their eyes. Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland will introduce clients to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic, personal interpretation.
Travellers will be moved by the skill and intensity of Josh’s didgeridoo playing and fire-making, taste native foods, discover bush medicine and meet the animals, plants and Dreaming spirits that have enriched the lives of Wadandi and Bibbulman people since time began.
Download a copy of Australia’s South West’s Margaret River Luxury Trade Itinerary or visit the tourist bureaux corporate website to find out more about trade-ready products across the region.
Lead image: Vasse Felix, Margaret River/Facebook
AUSTRALIA’S SOUTH WEST
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
WEEK 2 OF 5
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