MARGARET RIVER REGION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL AND DELIGHTFUL HAVENS! JUST A FEW HOURS' DRIVE FROM PERTH, IT IS A WORLD APART! VISIT SOON!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

february 2015 your margaret river region newsletter

FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE MONTH 6276 932

It may be February already but Summer is well and truly kicking on in the Margaret River Region - warm sunny days and long, balmy evenings.  We hope it never ends! To celebrate this endless summer, we've put together some great midweek specials for February and March - so check it out, and make that dream a reality. In other news, the Cape to Cape Track was recently named in Australia's top six walk trails by Experience Oz, and we were also placed on Australia's offical 'bucketlist' for 2015 - speaking of making that dream a reality!  Valentine's Day is around the corner so check out our list of the region's top 10 romantic spots, or if you're after something super special, don't miss the exclusive opportunity to dine under the stars with your Valentine on the Lake Cave Deck. Read on for more tips, events, and news from the Margaret River Region!

Contents What's hot? New product What's on now? What's on soon? Tastes of Margaret River “The best wine, the best produce and the best scenery.” ~ Heston Blumenthal, world-renowned chef

WHAT'S HOT? back to top

Freedom is a midweek weekend | Stays from $130 night If you have returned to work after the holidays, don't let summer become a distant memory already!  There are still many weeks of blissful sunshine and peaceful beaches to enjoy in the Margaret River Region.   Don't miss the chance to save on stays during February and March, with deals starting from just $130. So why not break the routine and start planning your midweek escape today! Want to know more? Visit midweek.margaretriver.com.

Cape to Cape in Australia's top six walking hotspots The Cape to Cape Track in the Margaret River Region, Western Australia has been named in Australia's top six walking hotspots for 2015 by leading travel website Experience Oz.  The walk trail, which runs for 135km from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south, is the longest coastal track in Australia, with spectacularly diverse scenery along the way. Want to know more? Visit our news page.

Top 10 romantic spots in The Margaret River Region Looking for a special place to take your true love this Valentine's Day? Look no further than The Margaret River Region - endless beaches, gorgeous vineyards, towering forests... the region is romance just waiting to happen!  We've put together our recommendations of the top 10 romantic (and some secret!) spots to spend your Valentine's Day in our beautiful region. Want to know more? Visit our news page where we reveal our top 10 spots!

Margaret River on Australia's 2015 bucketlist More good news - Margaret River has been listed among the top 10 destinations in Last Minute's 'Aussie Bucket List'. The list was based on a survey of over 4000 Australians who nominated iconic natural landmarks which they had not yet visited, but intend to.   Author Bec Livingstone recommended readers 'spend mornings at the beach and afternoons wine tasting and nomming on local produce.'  We agree! Want to know more? Check out the top 10 list.

NEW PRODUCT back to top

New gallery: Treeton Fine Wood Studio Recently opened in Cowaramup, Treeton Fine Wood Furniture offers custom-made fine furniture utilising local hard woods such as Marri, Jarrah, Sheoak and Blackbutt.  Owner/artist Adrian van den Ouweland new purpose built workshop and gallery displays an array of finely crafted furniture and smaller items on display, including his famous end grain chopping boards. Want to know more? Visit their page on our website.

Product alerts, awards and updates • The Chauffeur Bus is doing transport for the South West Craft Beer Fest, from Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, Yallingup and Dunsborough; • Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat & Conservation Sanctuary has been officially certified for 2015 by the Eco 2015 certification from Eco Tourism Assoc of Australia. The retreat has been holding Advanced Eco Accreditation since 1999; • Vasse Virgin's new food room wasrecently unveiled - purpose-built to showcase and expand on its gourmet food range. With views out to our Vegie Garden, the olive grove and the vineyard beyond, it’s a foodies haven.

WHAT'S ON NOW? back to top

Busselton Jetty 150th celebrations: 7 February, 2015 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 milestone, the Busselton Jetty and the City of Busselton hosting a free community concert and fireworks for everyone to enjoy on Saturday, 7th February 2015.   Popular rock trio, Eskimo Joe, are headlining the concert and will be taking to the main stage at approximately 7.20pm. What better way to celebrate the milestone that with a band that hails from WA! Want to know more? Visit the website.

Busselton Jetty Swim: 7- 8 February, 2015 Since 1996, the Busselton Jetty Swim has grown from a local event to an internationally recognized event attracting in excess of 1750 competitors.  The Busselton Jetty Swim 2015 event will take place over 2 days with entertainment, activities and family-friendly fun, with the swim taking place on the morning of Sunday 8th February 2015.  The course is a swim of 3.6 km around the Busselton Jetty. Solos and relay teams of two and four are welcome. Be a part of the atmosphere and enter the best jetty swim in the world. Want to know more? Visit the website.

Valentines Day on the Lake Cave Deck: 14 February, 2015 Enjoy a romantic Valentines Day dinner under the stars on the spectacular suspended deck at Lake Cave.  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? Book your tickets online or contact CaveWorks on +61 8 9757 7411 or via email.

South West Craft Beer Festival: 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.

WHAT'S ON SOON? back to top

Augusta River Festival: 28 February - 1st March, 2015 The Augusta River Festival is a two-day event that provides water and land based activities and entertainment for the whole family.  The main action takes place on Sunday 1st March 2015, where you will find a packed programme of events rolling out, including the popular drink-can regatta. There are lots of craft and food stalls, displays and amusements for all ages to enjoy. 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

Smoked salmon, walnut and goat's cheese salad: The Larder The Larder is Margaret River’s premier specialty gourmet retailer and is a not-to-be-missed destination for fine food lovers. The Larder provides a unique combination of services to its customers, incorporating a cooking school, boutique caterering and gourmet deli. This summer salad is perfect for balmy evenings, or a satisfying lunch - enjoy with a glass of chilled Margaret River wine! Want the recipe? Smoked salmon, walnut and goat's cheese salad.

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

© Augusta Margaret River Tourism Assoc.