Art lovers rejoice! The ninth annual Margaret River Region Open Studios returns with a record 168 artists showcasing art in all its forms. From paint and canvas to fabric, timber and clay.
From the magical forests and mesmerising coastlines to the world-class wineries and restaurants. Margaret River is a destination for wine lovers, foodies and nature enthusiasts to collide. Yet there is another reason to head to Western Australia’s stunning wine region. With the chance to visit private studios, and meets the artists, from 10 to 25 September.
Margaret River Region Open Studios provides the optimum opportunity to plan a creative road trip to Australia’s southwest. With studios sprinkled from Busselton to Augusta, via Witchcliffe and Eagle Bay. You’ll have the chance to hear the artists’ stories. And witness the creative processes with the added bonus to buy direct from the artist.
So how to plan your perfect artistic adventures? By location, preferred style, or favourite artists. And in between all this artistry fair, you’ll need to be watered and fed along the arts trail.
Where to wine and dine in Margaret River
For food: Swings and Roundabouts
What you lose on the swings, you pick up on the roundabouts, as the saying goes. Swings and Roundabouts has their vineyards and cellar door in Yallingup. Yet in Margaret River town they are known for their wood fired pizzas (which you can also find at their winery restaurant) and seasonally crafted dishes at this popular eatery. Take a swing (literally) at the bar and enjoy one of their wines served on tap while your food its prepared.
For beer: Margaret River Brewhouse
Nestled on the banks of the Margaret River and just a short stroll from the heart of town, Margaret River Brewhouse is one of the OG micro-breweries making their craft beer on site. Order a pint or if you prefer, tackle one of their paddles that has all eight main beers served in small glassware. On the pub grub menu, battered Spanish mackerel or the farmhouse beef burger are two current favourites.
For wine: Amato Vino
Small-batch artisan winemaker Amato Vino recently opened their first cellar door just south of Margaret River in the quaint village of Witchcliffe. Their new Tasting Bar is found in the heritage-listed Darnell’s Trader building, offering a cosy space to sip. Bottles are made using a ‘lo-fi’ ethos that embraces wild ferments with gentle handling and minimal adjustments. With a nod to Italian varietals like Teroldego, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
For gin: Ginversity
Enveloped by towering forest and native Peppermint trees, Ginversity is a dreamland for gin lovers. Inspired and crafted by native Australian bushland and botanicals, pop in for a tasting of the distillery’s fine spirits. Be it a classic G&T or a tasting paddle, that comes complete with a garnish per style. Or let the hours flow over creative takes on classic cocktails like Pink Cosmo, Dutch Mule, or GiniMary.
Where to stay in the Margaret River region
Margaret River is full of stunning accommodation from tents to ten-bed beach houses and luxury heritage homes. One of our favourite ways to mix nature with comfort is via Wild Goose Camping. They pitch luxe glamping Bell Tents across the Margaret River region at multiple locations from Yallingup to Hamlin Bay.
Husband-and-wife Chloe and Clint will shape your experience around your tastes. With extras like festoon lighting, wine, and even fresh flowers. Just choose your glam location – be it Gracetown, Prevelly, Taunton Farm, Jarrahdene or Conto Springs. And voila! Your tent will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
However, if craving something more terra firma and brimming with country charm, Cabins on The Vine is perfection. A cosy tiny home set within a family-run winery with a unique sensory wine garden.
Where to Spa
Bodhi Spa Yallingup has a brand new water-front home in the tranquil surrounds of Lake Gunyulgup. This eco-luxe day spa is design inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty of its Margaret River surroundings. With five couples’ suites, an infrared sauna, hydrotherapy baths, as well as a yoga/meditation studio. Plus a serene relax lounge and spa terrace overlooking the Lake. Many of their treatments are inspired by ancient Indigenous healing and use premium Australian botanical products.
How to Get to Margaret River
Margaret River is an easy three-hour drive south of Perth with interstate arrivals now available via Jetstar. Direct flights depart from Melbourne to Busselton three times a week.
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