Thursday, June 18, 2015

MARGARET RIVER REGION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA A FEW HOURS' DRIVE FROM PERTH IS SOOTHING FAMILIAR YET WILDLY DIFFERENT AND EXCITING! SEE YOU THERE SOON!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM


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Exciting times for us here at the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association - we're about to join forces with our neighbouring local tourism organisation Geographe Bay Tourism.  As of 1 July, 2015 we will officially be the 'Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association', with an exciting new brand - read more about it here. But never fear, we'll continue to deliver juicy news and updates from the Margaret River Region, just in a different format as of next month! Keep an eye out in your inboxes.
Enjoy this final edition of Inspirations - see you next month with a facelift! 
Warm Regards,
The team at MargaretRiver.com
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Contents


"The adventure of it, driving to the waves and visiting all the places. And the wineries, beer and food - it's just a great place."
~ Joel Parkinson, Pro Surfer, on the Margaret River Region
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WHAT'S HOT?
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Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association set to launch
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The Margaret River Region is preparing for a watershed moment on July 1, 2015, which will mark the official formation of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA).  The past six months has seen the two associations working closely together, integrating assets, systems, staff, strategies and procedures, with one of the biggest projects being the development of a powerful new regional brand for the Margaret River Region.
Want to know more? Visit our news page.
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Eight exhilarating winter weekenders
enter image description hereWinter is that time of the year when it's tempting to either hide out at home or migrate somewhere warm. We disagree, however - there are plenty of cool things to do in the Margaret River Region in winter, and to prove our point, here are eight recommendations straight from the horses's mouth!
Want to know more? Visit our news page.
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Skydivers raise funds (and eyebrows!) for 'Wild Onesie Week'
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Skydivers in Busselton recently took part in the World Wildlife Fund Australia’s ‘Wild Onesie Week’ and jumped out of planes wearing animal onesies. More than 20 skydivers raised vital funds for the conservation of endangered species in Australia and abroad. $20.00 from every tandem skydive on the day was donated, raising over $1000 for to WWF-Australia. Skydivers chose to jump wearing a Onesie of their choice, or in an official WWF Panda or Black-flanked Rock Wallaby Onesie.
Want to know more? Read the blog post or view the YouTube video of the jump! 
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Celebrate truffle season in neighbouring Manjimup
enter image description hereThe Margaret River Region's neighbouring area of Manjimup, renowned as part of the Southern Forests "food bowl", is home to some of the world's best truffles. Visitors to the Margaret River Region can self-drive on a day trip to the Manjimup region, or take a fully inclusive day tour to Oak Valley Truffle Farm in Manjimup followed by a decadent truffle-themed lunch at Watershed Premium Wines in Margaret River. And don't miss the Truffle Kerfuffle to celebrate truffle season, from 26 - 28 June.
Want to know more? For more information about Go In Style's truffle tour, visit their page on our website.
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The whales have arrived in Augusta!
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Another bumper whale watching season in the Margaret River Region is on the cards, with local tour boat operators Legend, Naturaliste, All Sea Charters and Whale Watch Western Australia having officially commenced whale watching tours from the new $36 million boat harbour in Flinders Bay, Augusta. Up to 35,000 Humpback and Southern Right Whales, and even the occasional rare Blue Whale, travel through the waters of our on their northern migration - so jump aboard a for the experience of a lifetime!
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Queen Mary 2 to dock in Busselton
enter image description hereThe Queen Mary 2, one of the most magnificent ocean liners ever built, is set to dock in Busselton, cementing the Margaret River Region as one of WA’s premier cruise destinations.  The ship will cruise to Western Australia in February 2017 with Carnival Corporation, a British-American registered multinational cruise company, and the world's largest cruise ship operator. Cruise shipping is said to be the fastest growing segment of the travel industry and has been identified as one of the more robust sectors of the tourism industry.
Want to know more? Visit our news page.
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Awards and accomplishments
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Leeuwin Estate's Denis and Tricia Horgan have won WA’s Hospitality Industry Achievement Award from AHA;
Mandalay Resort was named 'Best Family Accommodation in WA” in the 2015 Buggybuddys Awards'            

Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat has achieved gold level in Trip Advisor's “Green Travel Leaders” program, which helps travellers around the world plan greener trips by highlighting accommodation providers engaging in environmentally-friendly practices;
• Certificates of Excellence have been awarded by Trip Advisor to the following businesses for constantly achieving outstanding traveler reviews:

o Lake, Jewel, Mammoth and Ngilgi Caves
o Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouses
o Margaret RiverBusselton and Dunsborough Visitor Centres
o Mandalay Resort
o Taunton Farm Holiday Park
And a special congratulations to Wine for Dudes, who have been inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for winning a Certificate of Excellence five years in a row!
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NEW PRODUCT
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New tour company: Margaret River Touring Co
enter image description hereDarcy and Kaye Campbell aim to give small groups a snapshot of the region through an intimate and specialised array of touring experiences.  Guests can also elect to custom their own chauffeur driven tour for the day, blending the food, wine and eco-adventure experiences across the region –  all by luxurious, air-conditioned Landrover Discovery 4WD.
Want to know more? Visit their page on our website.​
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New tour company: ExperienceSmith
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Experiencesmith is a luxury travel and events concierge offering a customised and exclusive approach to creating private journeys that maximise the best of what the region has to offer. They utilise an exclusive network and partnerships to design exciting, authentic and luxurious experiences - from private jet transfers, accommodation arrangements, chauffeurs, five star hotel services and tailor-made itineraries.
Want to know more?  Visit their page on our website
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New tour company: South West Eco Discoveries
enter image description hereSouth West Eco Discoveries provide half-day tours of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. The morning and afternoon nature-based tours are a perfect way to discover the beautiful Margaret River Region, and include friendly local guides, unique scenery, whales and wildflowers in season, pickups and drop-offs and light refreshments. 
Want to know more? Visit their page on our website.
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New tour company: Kape Kombis
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Kape Kombis is a ​ family owned business with a passion for Volkswagens and the wedding industry. Kape Kombis offers wedding transport or personalised tours exploring the Margaret River region. Taking you to the hidden gems that the region has to offer… choosing from wine, food, chocolate, liqueur or the wonderful scenery from beaches to forests and maybe a cave or two!
Want to know more? Visit their page on our website.
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Product alerts and updates
enter image description hereThe Old Settlement in Margaret River has opened a group house as a museum on Saturdays and Sundays 10 – 3pm;
Koomal Dreaming are now operating tours in the forest at Wharncliffe Mill, allowing them to offer fully catered all inclusive cultural programs for groups in Margaret River;
The Grove Experience has released a range of delicious 18+ hand made fudges using a few of their famous liqueurs including Butterscotch, Turkish Delight & Ginger, Chocolate & Coconut;
Swings Taphouse & Kitchen in Margaret River is now operating as a cellar door 'tasting room' from 12pm - 5pm every day, but is still serving food all day;

Muster has opened 'MusterUP', a new private party/dining space overlooking the main street of Margaret River which seats up to 24 and will accommodate up to 50 for a cocktail style event;

Colonial Brewing Co is now doing breakfast every Sunday from 8am – 11am, along with the epic brekkie ‘growler challenge’ - have you got what it takes?
Simmo’s Icecream can now be found in 26 Coles stores across WA, in 850ML tubs.
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WHAT'S ON IN THE REGION?
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Cooking Classses at The Larder: Winter 2015
enter image description hereThe Larder Margaret River's cooking classes are designed for amateur enthusiasts and beginners alike. Hosted by renowned local chefs including Dany Angove and Aaron Carr, get together with friends or colleagues, or come solo and meet some great like minded cooks!
Want to know more? View the 2015 winter schedule.
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Vasse Felix Cuts & Cabernets: 27 June, 2015
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Explore a range of interesting preparation techniques for five different cuts of beef by Aaron Carr and team, paired with current and museum vintages of Vasse Felix wines chosen by winemaker Virginia Willcock.
Want to know more? View the event online.

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South West Mudfest: 4 July, 2015
enter image description hereObstacle and mud racing has hit the South West region of WA! Whilst the area is best known for its wine, we have a jam-packed day full of mud, burgers and beers planned instead. We look forward to seeing you down at Bootleg Brewery on July 4 for heaps of muddy fun!
Want to know more? Visit the website.
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Deja Moo - An Udderly Legendairy Fair: 11 July, 2015
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Following on from last year's success with the Guinness World Record breaking Cow Muster – the greatest number of people dressed as cows, this year we are looking at the Cowtown Cow Conga!  Everyone dressed as cows in a conga line.  This time it won’t be a Guinness World Record – but we reckon it will be our OWN world record! Plus market and food stalls, and gumboot tossing.
Want to know more? Visit the website.
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CinefestOZ: 26 - 30 August, 2015
enter image description hereCinefestOZ is an unforgettable five-day getaway premiering feature films and events in the region’s cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries. It also boasts the richest film prize in Australia!
Want to know more? Visit the website.
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Regional events calendar
enter image description hereThere are always lots of exciting events happening in the Margaret River Region!  For our full events listing visit our online calendar.
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TASTES OF THE MARGARET RIVER REGION
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Braised Pork Belly with Celeriac Puree - Matt Hamilton
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We recently did a cooking class at the Larder in Margaret River - it was a braising masterclass (NOM!) with Executive Chef Matt Hamilton from local winery Rivendell Estate. Our favourite dish was the braised pork belly with celeriac puree - it was delicious. There was free-flowing wine, lots of laughs and an amazing amount of food  - a three course dinner in fact - for $90 per head (bargain!). We highly recommend it! 
Want the recipe? Download it here.
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Augusta Margaret River Tourism Assoc.
100 Bussell Highway
Margaret River
Western Australia, 6285
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