Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region

Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder many creatives visit the Margaret River Region and never leave. Inspired by the enchanting forests, the rugged coastline, and the undulating vineyards, the landscape is the ultimate muse.

But this source of inspiration is hardly a new phenomenon with the land dating back 60,000 years to the traditional owners of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People. A visit to this part of the world is sure to satiate refined cravings with the best cultural experiences in the Margaret River Region.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: CinefestOZ

In August 2022, CinefestOZ attracted over 26,000 local, national and international film-goers during Australia’s premiere destination film festival. In an annual celebration of new Australian films and filmmakers, Richard Roxburgh was the 2022 recipient of the Screen Legend Award and Chair of the $100,000 Film Prize Jury – the country’s largest prize of its kind. Of An Age took out the well-deserved award but had stiff competition from other finalists Seriously Red, Transfusion, and Sweet As. With over 270 film events held at 35 locations over six days in Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton, and Margaret River, from 3-6 November, CinefestOZ visits Broome in much the same star-spangled glamour.

2022 was the 15^th anniversary, and the festival was joined by Emma Booth, Myles Pollard, Kelton Pell, Tasma Walton, Matt Nable, and Rove McManus, the likes of whom you could be mingling with over lunch or in the cinema, including Richard Roxburgh who shared of the event, “Extraordinary Indigenous voices and stories are being heard, and CinefestOZ is helping to manifest this profoundly through their diverse programming.”

Planning for 2023 is already in the works, so stay tuned at www.cinefestoz.com to book your tickets and accommodation in advance.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS)

Each year the Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) flourishes. From 9 – 24 September 2023, 168 artists will fling open the doors to their studios and invite the public to witness their art in the making. As their private worlds of creativity are revealed, the 15-day event is the perfect opportunity for art lovers to discover Margaret River and its sweeping landscapes in a whole new light.

Some past standouts include one of Australia’s most prolific hand-crafted jewellers, John Miller in Yallingup, Carmen McFaull’s body of paintings on the Pilbara, Gerald Ashcroft’s thought-provoking and emotive coastal horizons paintings at the ArtGeo Cultural Complex, whimsical printmaker, painter and sculptor Leon Pericles, vibrant sculptor Alan Meyburgh and gifted photographer Christian Fletcher has a gallery in Dunsborough and been shaping WA’s photography scene for decades. In 2022, he invited several artists, including jeweller John Miller, to interpret his photographs in a unique collaboration.

Many participating artists have galleries open year-round, and for more information, go to www.mrropenstudios.com.au. If you love a bit of culture with your brew, head to Shelter Brewing Co. to check out artist Ian Daniell’s 200sqm whale mural.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Aboriginal

For over 60,000 years, the Margaret River Region has been the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People. Although the region has evolved, it remains of immense significance and rich in biodiversity to the local Wadandi people and their connection to land and sea through songs, stories, spirituality and dreams. Living in harmony with the land and environment, the six seasons of the Wadandi Boodja calendar are Birak (December – January), Bunuru (February – March), Djeran (April – May), Makuru (June – July), Djilba (August – September) and Kambarang (October – November).

To delve into this ancient culture and experience this immense connection to the land for yourself, take a tour with Koomal Dreaming Cultural Tour (Yallingup) or visit the Djiljit Mia Community Gathering Place (Dunsborough), Ellensbrook House (just outside of Gracetown), Redgate Beach, Meelup Beach, Blackwood River and Ten Mile Brook Dam.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Food

So many places to eat, so little time. You could live in the Margaret River Region and still not try every dish in your lifetime. So what makes this region so delicious? The answer to this question can be found at the weekly Margaret River Farmers' Market on Saturdays or at Origins Markets in Busselton, as a dazzling array of fresh produce is on display. Abalone from Augusta, oysters from Albany, fruit fresh off the tree, vegetables plucked from the ground, cheese made from local milk, olive oil pressed from local olive groves or eggs just laid – you can be guaranteed that everything sold from these markets is locally produced with sustainable farming practices.

Now that you’ve sampled the produce, maintain the paddock-to-plate philosophy with farm tours and the countless sustainable restaurants in the region, including Arimia Estate, Cullen Wines, Olio Bello, Margaret River Venison Farm, The Farm House Margaret River, Voyager Estate, Leeuwin Estate, Chow’s Table and Glenarty Road, to name a few.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Wine

Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of the world-class Margaret River wine region, not to mention the pristine and geographically isolated environment. With over 100 cellar doors to visit, you’ll never run out of drops to sample, ranging from casual settings to behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive tastings and decadent degustations. Many wineries also serve up feasts from their onsite restaurants offering simple cheese platters to gourmet extravaganzas.

Enjoy a leisurely self-drive itinerary or take a tour and allow the experts to guide you on the many varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Everyone has their favourites, and our picks include (but are never limited to) Voyager Estate, Cape Mentelle, Domaine Naturaliste, Clairault Streicker, Happs Wines and Commonage Pottery, Mr Barval Fine Wines, Woody Nook Wines and Rivendell Winery Estate. Beware, after visiting just one winery, you’ll be left yearning for a tree change.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Surfing

With over 75 breaks spanning 135km of coastline, there’s a surfing spot for all levels, unless you’re competing in the Margaret River Pro at Surfers Point in Prevelly, where the mighty waves are only for those at the top of their game.

Beginners should head north to the eastern side of Cape Naturaliste, where the beaches are sheltered, but there’s still enough swell at Castle Rock and Meelup Beach. The more experienced will love the southwest swells and local favourites at Rabbit Hill, Gracetown and Yallingup Main Break. If the weather is stormy, the WA Surf Gallery at the stunning Aravina Estate should fuel your surfing urges along with a brew or two. For complete novices who have always wanted to ride the waves, there are several regional surfing schools for all ages.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Literary

So many WA writers have made the Margaret River Region home - that staggering scenery is nothing short of inspirational. The annual Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival celebrates storytelling across multiple venues. Novelists, journalists, publishers and creatives flock to the region to share the workings of the industry, their experiences and plenty of inspiration to readers and budding writers.

Apart from this thought-provoking festival, the area has a high capita per person of bookshops ranging from the Margaret River Bookshop, Viva Books (Busselton) and Text & Co (Dunsborough). Also, check out the libraries for stimulating talks and workshops. So grab a notebook to capture those musings as you might have the makings of something so profound that local publishing house Margaret River Press might consider it for publication.

Best Cultural Experiences in the Margaret River Region: Music

Jazz Under the Jetty (February, Busselton), Out of the Woods (April, Busselton), Cabin Fever (July, regionally) and Strings Attached (October, Margaret River) are just some of the music events to perform. And why wouldn’t they, given the settings and some of the state-of-the-art facilities, including the Margaret River HEART (the hub of entertainment, arts and regional tourism in Margaret River) and the ArtGeo Cultural Complex (Busselton)?

The good news is you don’t have to wait for festivals as there are ongoing live music acts all over the region, such as monthly Jazz Club Nights at the Elkamo Restaurant in Margaret River, Caves House Hotel (Yallingup), Origins Markets (Busselton), Settlers Tavern (Margaret River), The River (Margaret River) and Clancy’s Fish Pub Dunsborough. Even more exciting is the new 650-seat Busselton Entertainment, Arts and Cultural Hub (BEACH) currently under development.

Fancy yourself a bit of a sweet tooth? Check out our top 10 bakeries to visit in Perth. Or if you’re more of a culture vulture, take a look at our comprehensive guide rounding up everything you need to see and do in Perth.