MARGARET RIVER IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA A FEW HOURS FROM PERTH IS A WONDERLAND OF PEACE AND PLENTY!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

january 2015 your margaret river region newsletter

FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE MONTH 2174 143

Dear Kee and team It's a new year! 2015 has arrived and summer, although a little slow to warm up, has officially kicked in.  Blissfully warm days at the beach, lazy winery and brewery lunches... jealous? Don't be! Come and visit us - there's no better time than the start of the new year to start planning your 2015 escape!  Head to our website for accommodation, tours and activity suggestions. This next few weeks there's heaps of action happening in the Margaret River Region - Busselton Jetty's 150th anniversary, two concerts at the spectacular Leeuwin Estate, the WA Circus Festival, a stunning dinner under the stars at Lake Cave on Valentines Day... read on to find out more. And don't miss Emergence Creative Festival in March - Margaret River's very own  'anti-conference!' Until next month,  Warm Regards, The team at MargaretRiver.com

Contents What's hot? New product What's on now? What's on soon? Visitor quote of the month: If I walk quickly through Mammoth Cave, will I get through it faster?

WHAT'S HOT? back to top

Most liked Facebook pics of 2014 To celebrate the end of 2014 and the start of a new year, we've put together a series of albums on our Facebook page highlighting the most liked images of 2014. Featuring your favourite snaps from the past 12 months, the albums are visual feast of spectacular imagery. Here's to more stunning images of our beautiful region in 2015! Want to know more? View the albums - part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4 or visit our Facebook page.

Busselton Jetty 150 year anniversary celebrations The magnificent Busselton Jetty has stood the test of time and 2015 will see this tourism icon celebrating its 150th year. To celebrate this historic occasion, the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with the City of Busselton will be hosting a stylish black tie event at the end of the Jetty. Imagine being nearly two kilometres out on the waters of the beautiful Geographe Bay, watching the sun set over the cape and then enjoying great food, wine and entertainment. Want to know more? Visit the website.

NEW PRODUCT back to top

New tour company: EcoAdventures Margaret River EcoAdventures Margaret River is the world’s first electric quad bike tour; a unique new way to see the stunning Margaret River forest and beaches. This fully guided, family friendly tour takes you to very special hidden gems of the Boranup Forest in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park to discover places very few locals have ever seen. Smooth and quiet, the Eco Bike is a fully electric quad bike that was hand built specifically for this fully guided tour. Want to know more? Visit their page on our website.

New product: Wine Lounge at Vasse Felix Margaret River's founding wine estate, Vasse Felix has introduced an exciting new fit-out to its cellar door and restaurant featuring a range of locally and internationally sourced furnishings and joinery. Specifically, Vasse Felix is transforming its cellar door experience beyond the traditional tasting bar to include wine by the glass and bottle options as well as a DIY-style wine tasting that allows guests to trial three wines (with optional matching canapes) in a contemporary new wine lounge space. The estate's restaurant - headed by the WA Good Food Guide's 2015 Chef of the Year Aaron Carr has also been fitted with an inspired new layout, making it the ideal space for a relaxed, stylish dining experience. Want to know more? Visit the website.

New day tours: Cape to Cape Explorer Tours Cape to Cape Explorer Tours has launched three new day tours for those looking for an exciting adventure in the picturesque Margaret River Region - the Northern Highlights Tour, the Wild About Margaret River Tour and the Sunset Forest and Cave Explorer Tour. Cape to Cape Explorer Tours is an award winning, Margaret River company which specialises in providing memorable experiences on WA's premier coastal hike, the Cape to Cape Track. Want to know more? Visit their page on our website.

New holiday house: Dunescape Beach House Dunescape Beach House is in a unique location opposite national park and only a 300 metre walk to the beach. This private and quiet location is also within walking distance to liquor store, cafes and restaurants. Margaret River townsite is 10 km away, with a golf course, wineries and other attractions close by. The house is a comfortable 4 bedroom and 2 bathroom home, accommodating up to 6 guests.  Want to know more? View the page on our website.

Product alerts, awards and updates Willy Bay Resort's expansion is now complete. The resort now accommodates more than 100 people with 14 additional five star suites, as well as a new function centre which houses up to 300 people for weddings and large corporate groups;   The White Elephant Beach Cafe, usually open for breakfast and lunch only, is running 'Sunset Beats and Bites' until mid-January, with an evening tapas-style menu;   Mandalay Holiday Resort & Tourist Park was just voted into 'Holidays with Kids Top Ten Holiday Parks for Families. The venue also now has a new free App providing useful information on the local area and things to see and do in the region;   Seagardens Cafe in Prevelly is running a series of evening Sunday Sunset Sessions over Summer, so diners can enjoy stunning ocean views and relaxed tunes;   Aravina Estate has released its delicious new summer menu; Executive Chef Tony Howell and the team continue to work within the Aravina style of Aussie-Asian influenced cuisine, representative of the South-West region and the season;   Walk into Luxury has a new partnership with quality outdoor gear retailer, Macpac, whereby every dollar Walk into Luxury and its customers and supporters spend in Macpac stores, raises funds for much-needed gear for WA charities with kids' sleeping bags for Camp Quality first on the list.

WHAT'S ON NOW? back to top

Western Australian Circus Festival: January 24 - 26, 2015 Held in Karridale, 20 minutes south of Margaret River, this event features local, national and international contemporary circus performers. Circus, comedy, cabaret and theatre shows from around the world showcase across the three day festival from midday to midnight, as well as music, food, market stalls, bars and a flying trapeze for the adventure seekers. Want to know more? Visit the website.

Bernard Fanning at Leeuwin Estate: 25 January, 2015 Bernard Fanning, one of Australia’s most loved musicians, will perform Leeuwin Estate’s annual family style concert on the evening of Saturday January 24 of the Australia Day long weekend.  Performing at the stunning surrounds of Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River, Bernard and his band will bring to life his acclaimed ‘Tea & Sympathy’ and ‘Departures’ albums, as well as debuting to Australia as yet unheard new tunes. Want to know more? Visit the Leeuwin Estate website.

WHAT'S ON SOON? back to top

Valentines Day on the Lake Cave Deck: 14 February, 2015 Enjoy a romantic Valentines Day dinner on the spectacular suspended deck at Lake Cave. A magical evening under the stars, entertained by Chas Veall duo - a Spanish guitar, vocals and cellist. The deck appears to hover in the tops of the magnificent karri trees, above the beautifully lit cavern. Enjoy a sensational three course 'shared plate' menu of local produce from Gnarabar restaurant accompanied by Margaret River's finest wines from Clairault . A unique way to spend your Valentines Day with that someone special. Want to know more? Register your interest via CaveWorks on +61 8 9757 7411 or via email. Tickets will be available online soon!

South West Craft Beer Fest: 14 February, 2015 The best of the South West craft breweries will come together for a celebration of the region’s produce, music and of course beer! Festival goers will sample the region’s finest brews – from the more traditional pale ales and pilsners to creations like ginger and chocolate beer, while listening to live, local music. Want to know more? Visit the website.

Leeuwin Estate Concert: March 7, 2015 The 2015 Leeuwin Concert will return to its classical origins, presenting superstar Welsh bass-baritone, Bryn Terfel CBE and soprano, Rachelle Durkin, with the Perth Symphony Orchestra on Saturday March 7 in what promises to be a stunning alfresco vineyard performance featuring the classics of popular opera and stage musicals. The concert will incorporate the Leeuwin Marquee event and the traditional post performance arena party. Want to know more? Visit the Leeuwin Estate website.

Sandalford Vineyard Half Marathon: March 7, 2015 The 2015 Sandalford Vineyard Half Marathon will take participants on a 21.1km journey through one of the oldest, largest and most scenic vineyards in all of Margaret River. This off-road run captures the very essence of Margaret River: vines for kilometres, stunning scenery, and the golden hues of late summer and early autumn combined. The event caters for all - with the Half Marathon supported by a 10km and 5km run and a 2.5km 'Grape Run' for juniors and families. Want to know more? Participants can register for the event via the website.

Emergence Creative Festival: March 8 - 11, 2015 The Emergence Creative Festival turns the iconic Margaret River Region into a Creative Playground, bringing together like-minded creatives from across the globe for a four day sensory overload. Dubbed the 'anti-conference', the Margaret River Region's very own ideas fest is an influential celebration of creativity where ideas get off the ground. Want to know more? Visit the website.

Regional events calendar There's always lots of exciting events happening in the Margaret River Region!  For our full events listing visit our online calendar.

TASTES OF MARGARET RIVER back to top

Ricotta Gnudi, Artichokes, Broad Bean, Hazelnut: Vasse Felix The Vasse Felix Restaurant offers a beautiful setting to indulge in regional flavours, textures and creative cuisine. All dishes are created from local, seasonal produce, to compliment Vasse Felix wines. The menu is modern Australian and draws inspiration from international preparation techniques, fused in a unique Vasse Felix / Margaret River style. The Vasse Felix Restaurant has served lunch daily since its opening in 1989.  Want the recipe? Download Executive Chef Aaron Carr's recipe for Ricotta Gnudi, Artichokes, Broad Bean and Hazelnut.

Augusta Margaret River Tourism Assoc. 100 Bussell Highway Margaret River Western Australia, 6285 welcome@margaretriver.com www.margaretriver.com +61 8 9780 5911