What’s new in Margaret River this winter?
Plenty! There’s whale watching, new restaurants, new chefs, new wineries – and we’ve opened a Chinese takeaway!
Winter is meant to be ‘low season’ in the south west, and sure, there’s definitely fewer people around – and you can nab a bargain on our hotel rooms.
But there’s so much going on, and so many new experiences to be had, new restaurants, chefs and wineries.
Here at Quality Inn Margaret River we’ve long been hankering for a delicious Chinese takeaway. In fact, we used to drive right up to Dunsborough or Busselton for a Chinese fix. So we’re thrilled to announce our latest venture, a Chinese takeaway, which you can order through Willow Grill.
We couldn’t have done it without our awesome chef Wong Yin Man (otherwise known as Kira), who brings authentic skills and experience to create delicious dishes – thanks Kira!
New: Whale Watching Season
Each year the whales make their annual migration from the feeding and breeding grounds of the southern ocean, as far south as Antarctica, to the warm waters of the Kimberley region north of Broome where they give birth to live young.
They suckle their calves, then make the long trip south again. The whales are in Flinders Bay, Augusta right now. Whale Watch Western Australia has a luxury boat and they offer twice-daily tours at 10am and 2pm out of Augusta. It’s about a 30 minute drive south of Margaret River.
It’s an awesome opportunity to get eyeball close the these incredible animals. Then from the beginning of September to mid December, the whale watching tour operators are based in Geographe Bay, and tours start in Dunsborough. By this stage the whales have had their young and are returning south with their calves.
Whale Watching Western Australia, Tours depart Augusta Harbour 10am and 2pm daily.
Book at Quality Inn Reception
New: Amelia Park Restaurant
Not to be confused with Amelia Park Lodge which sits in the renovated Newtown House building in Vasse near Busselton. Amelia Park Restaurant is located in Wilyabrup looking over the lush vines, adjacent to Amelia Park Wines.
It’s operated by chef Blair Allen and his wife Renee, who previously owned Piari & Co in Dunsborough, and used to run Studio Bistro in Yallingup.
You can expect delicious food and polished service – and some pretty nice wines too.
3857 Caves Road, Wilyabrup.
New: Passel Estate Winery
I love Passel Estate for a couple of reasons; they make a small range of great wines, and they are doing fantastic things for our flora and fauna.
You can visit the cellar door for a free tasting, or a guided tasting for $25. Add Cambray Cheese to your tasting experience for a small fee.
Passel Estate’s conservation efforts include rehoming rehabilitated possums on their property. They’re also trying to eradicate some pests and weeds, and starting to make some good progress there.
Open 10.30am-5pm daily, 655 Ellen Brook Rd, Cowaramup.
New: Robert Oatley Vineyards
Robert Oatley Cellar Door and Restaurant is located on Caves Road Wilyabrup, where Laurance Wines used to be; Diane Laurance sold earlier in the year. They also have a cellar door in Mudgee, New South Wales, and make wines all across the country.
Larry Cherubino makes the wine, so it’s going to be fantastic. He’s a respected winemaker and he’s worked in the region for over 20 years.
The restaurant is open 11am-3pm daily, and cellar door is open 10.30am-5pm.
3581 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
Photo: Tim Kerr
New: Giniversity
This sounds like my kind of university!
Get your PhD in distilling when you spend a marvellous afternoon making your very own blend of gin.
Choose your botanicals; start with the must-have juniper berries then add your favourite flavours – perhaps kafir lime leaf, lemon rind, pepper, angelica, star anise or any of the dozens of dried herbs, spices and fruits. Add spirit then enjoy lunch while it infuses.
After lunch distil your creation in your own personal copper still.
Giniversity runs every Friday at Margaret River Distilling Co. Bookings essential.
Maxwell St off Carters Road, Margaret River
Announcement: CinefestOZ Finalists and Early Bird Tix on Sale
CinefestOZ early bird tickets have just gone on sale for the most popular events; the Premiere screenings, Gala Opening Night, Side Bar and In Conversation events.
There’s limited tickets available if you’re keen to walk the red carpet and rub shoulders with Australia’s film industry stars.
Four finalists have been announced for the CinefestOZ $100,000 prize; the richest film prize in Australia.
There’s events throughout the region; Busselton is the hub, with events in Margaret River, Bunbury and Dunsborough.
Quality Inn Margaret River is a great place to stay – we’re a short walk from the Margaret River venue.
Quality Inn is your perfect base to explore everything new in Margaret River
We’re right near the action, and we’ve got some great winter accommodation deals to make it a very affordable stay.
Call us on 08 9757 2633 or email reservations@staymargaretriver.com.au or book online for the very best rates.
Winter Accommodation Deals at Quality Inn Margaret River
We’re making a winter getaway even more appealing with our 2 Day Winter Warmer package.
Enjoy a cosy 2 night stay in one of our Hotel Rooms with your Margaret River region experience all planned out, including a $75 food and beverage voucher for Willow Grill and a complimentary bottle of wine in your room. Also enjoy these additional vouchers for your winter adventure in Margaret River:
- 2 free glasses of wine from the Shades range when 2 main meals are ordered at Watershed Premium Winery
- Free tasting paddle OR 2 free midis of beer or cider when 2 main meals are ordered at Bootleg Brewery
- 20% off the price of admission to any of the Caves in Margaret River. See the hotel reception to book your tickets.
- 20% of all workshops at Vasse Virgin and 10% of all purchases in the stores at Margaret River & Wilyabrup.
- Fish & Chips & a pint for $25 Or Beef / Fish Tacos & a Corona for $20 at Sea Gardens Cafe.
