Winter is a perfect time to visit the Margaret River wine district.
Winter is a perfect time to visit the Margaret River wine district. Frequent rain brings the pasture back to its vibrant best, the air is fresh and fragrant, ferocious winter storms pound the coastline with dramatic clashes of sand, spray and rock, and monstrous ocean swells provide endless interest looking out to sea.
Snuggling by an open fire after a day of exploring the wineries, picnicking on a cool fine day or strolling along a deserted beach with the pounding surf crashing over weather-worn rocks are all part of the wonderful down-south experience.
At this time of the year there are fewer tourists to contend with, so visiting wineries, art galleries and restaurants is much more laid-back.
You do need to consider the quality of the accommodation you choose, as good internal heating, comfortable well-adorned beds and piping hot showers are absolutely essential ingredients when holidaying in the colder months.
Here are some of the best places to stay in winter.
Forest Rise
Set among 97 hectares of red gum and jarrah bushland overlooking a spring-fed lake, these luxurious chalets offer seclusion and serenity together with modern facilities.
Gazing outside, numerous trails wind through the surrounding lush bushland, enticing you outside during breaks in the weather for a leisurely stroll or on the mountain bikes provided.
There are two two-bedroom chalets and four one-bedroom chalets, each with a two-person spa and king-sized beds. The spa is framed by a waterfall window revealing the star-lit skies at night or a view of birdlife soaring overhead during the day.
The rammed earth and timber homestead has a spacious central living area featuring a large open fireplace and two master bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
A glass of wine in front of the flickering log fire adds to the cosy atmosphere. The wood has already been chopped and a fire prepared, with no effort on your part except the striking of a match. There is a CD player, board games and a TV and video, while a relaxing massage can be arranged.
A gourmet meal cooked by the in-house chef can be organised with prior notice, or alternatively, several winery/restaurants are within a short driving distance. Breakfast baskets and picnic baskets are also available. Room rates are $240 per couple in a chalet and $450 per couple in the homestead. Phone: 9755 7110.
Empire Retreat
Everything about Empire Retreat’s decor speaks luxury – modern, sophisticated and stylish. Natural building materials of stone and timber are complemented by subtle lighting and add to the immediate impression of welcome and warmth.
Elegant furniture and knick-knacks adorn both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Refreshingly different from many other guesthouses, which represent traditional or farm-style decoration, Empire Retreat is a showcase for the latest styles of decor while ensuring that comfort, privacy and attentive service are high priorities.
Located between Dunsborough and Yallingup on 107ha of picturesque farmland, the guest accommodation is tastefully nestled in its own area of inter-connected water gardens and timber-decked pathways.
There are four types of accommodation: luxury villas, deluxe suites, courtyard suites and loft suites. The loft suites include queen-sized beds and air-conditioning, the deluxe suites incorporate king-sized beds and two-person spas and the luxury villas have the additional feature of an open fireplace.
A cooked breakfast is provided as part of the tariff. Spa treatments can be arranged and picnic baskets are available for order if you wish to take your midday meal with you on your daytime excursion. Room rates start at $220 per night for a loft suite up to $456 per night for a Luxury Villa. Phone: 9755 2065.
Pinda Lodge
This is an attractive single-storey bed-and-breakfast lodge set on the banks of the Margaret River in an amphitheatre of natural forest and rolling green lawns.
All four suites are beautifully decorated, reflecting the features that make the Margaret River region famous – the ocean, the vineyards, the wildflowers and the forest.
A hearty country-style breakfast is included and served in the sunny dining room, which opens through French doors to the veranda overlooking the garden and forest. Evening meals, using local and fresh produce grown onsite, can be arranged at a reasonable extra cost and are served in the cosy guest lounge beside a crackling open fire.
Those feeling energetic can walk to the Margaret River waterfall on a fine day and a picnic basket can be arranged. Alternatively, a visit to one of the numerous local wineries, caves, galleries or beaches is a short drive in any direction. Winter rates are $195 per room per night. Phone: 9758 7103.
Abundance@ Eagle Bay
This property is in an area that has the most expensive real estate in rural WA. This attractive, two-storey, bed-and-breakfast guesthouse is located near the small, exclusive, seaside settlement of Eagle Bay about eight kilometres from the more populous town of Dunsborough.
Its grounds are neatly landscaped yet still convey the impression of being in a coastal bushland environment. The guesthouse was constructed from stone and timber salvaged from the property, giving it a warm, earthy ambience.
The guest rooms are extremely well appointed with all the mod cons such as air-conditioning, heated towel rails and two-person spas. The king-sized beds are beautifully adorned and bathrobes are provided for comfort and relaxation. Each room has its own lounge/dining area where guests are served their choice of a generous continental breakfast or a delicious cooked breakfast in the privacy of their own room.
Those wanting to take advantage of the close proximity to scenic Eagle Bay beach can do so without resorting to a car, as a short walk along a creek-side path will get you there within minutes. This is truly a lovely place to spend some time in winter. Rates during winter start at $170 for a garden suite (room only) up to $265 for an upper deck suite with a cooked breakfast. Phone: 9759 1211.
Where to eat
Bay Cottage
Lot 2 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough.
Fresh local produce is used imaginatively to produce delicious dishes with a warm friendly ambience. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm. Phone: 9755 3554.
Clairault
Henry Road (off Pusey Road), Willyabrup.
Wonderfully different food and fine wine served in sleek modern restaurant with a serene garden and vineyard outlook. Open for coffee 10am to 4.30pm, for lunch noon to 3pm and for dinner on Saturday night from 6.30pm. Phone: 9755 6655.
Flutes Restaurant
Brookland Valley Vineyard, Caves Road, Willyabrup.
Beautiful outlook over large lake and vineyards, this is an exceptional place to dine for food, service and wine. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Phone: 9755 6250.
Newtown House
737 Bussell Highway, Busselton.
Superb cuisine utilising local produce in a historic building set in lovely gardens. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am for lunch, dinner and coffee and cakes. BYO. Phone: 9755 4485.
Voyager Estate
Stevens Road, Margaret River.
Stunning formal gardens and fine Cape Dutch architecture make this an elegant setting from the outset. Food and wine are also exceptional. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Phone: 9757 6354.
Watershed Café & Restaurant
Corner Bussell Highway and Darch Road, Margaret River.
Enjoy the magnificent panorama overlooking the vineyard and dam. This venue offers a choice of casual family dining or formal restaurant menu prepared by gold plate award winning executive chef. Open daily from 10am to 5pm and Saturday evenings for dinner. Phone: 9758 8633.
