Cabin Fever Festival – and other great excuses to visit Margaret River in winter
We’re in the midst of a wonderful autumn – there’s beautiful sunny days and barely any wind. The surf is amazing and surfers don’t need to compete for a wave. There’s also cool nights, misty mornings and sprinklings of rain.
We’ve just had our first good rain this weekend. It was Mother’s Day, and I took my family out for lunch and a walk in Boranup Forest between showers. It got me thinking – Margaret River isn’t just about sunshine and sandcastles at the beach, or drinking a refreshing pale ale at your favourite brewery.
It’s such a thrill to get rugged up in a jumper and jeans, wellington boots and a rain jacket for an invigorating walk in the forest or on the Cape to Cape track. Lunch can be lamb shanks and creamy mash with a glass of red wine. Dessert can be a bag of marshmallows, toasted on the fire. Or a platter of cheese – there’s more artisan cheese makers in the southwest than you can poke a fancy cheese knife at.
It’s official – I love winter far more than summer – and there’s a new festival to celebrate Margaret River in winter.
Cabin Fever Festival
July 14 – 23, 2017. Various venues. www.cabinfeverfest.com.au
It’s the brainchild of Mat Lewis from Creative Corner – why not celebrate all that’s awesome about winter in Margaret River?
We’re putting a hold on hibernation and indulging in “as much quality wine, seam-splitting food, fireside brews and general good times” as our bodies can handle.
There’s a series of events running over 10 days; pick a handful, book your tickets and make a trip of it. We’ve rounded up our favourites, but check the website for a full listing and to buy tickets.
And when you’re ready to book accommodation call us on 9757 2633 or book online. We’re stumbling distance from town – perfect after a delicious meal at Settlers Tavern, Secret Speakeasy at Margaret River Distillery or the Backyard Brewing Tournament Awards at Brewhouse.
Secret Speakeasy
14 July. Margaret River Distillery – Corner of Maxwell and Carters Rd Margaret River, WA 6286
Head back to the 1920’s Prohibition Era when the gin bars were secret. The Margaret River Distillery recently launched their Giniversity, an afternoon where you create your very own blend of gin, and earn your PhD in Distilling.
Get glammed up in your finest cocktail attire for a night of gin cocktails, canapes and live music.
Paddock to Plate Organic Farm Walk
18, 19, 20 July. Burnside Organic Farm – 287 Burnside Road, Margaret River, WA 6285
Don wellies and bring an umbrella – you’re going to check out the fabulous Burnside Organic Farm. I’ve been a fan for years – farmers Jamie and Lara sell their beautiful organic avocadoes, honey and Zinfandel wine and much more yummy produce at the Margaret River Farmers Market.
The farm walk includes great advice about making your own veggie patch and fruit trees thrive, and how to include animals in your ecosystem.
Tour the organic winery and check out the olive and avocado trees, bee hives and vineyard.
Includes lunch in the cellar.
Fondue by the Fire
15, 16, 22 and 23 July. Howard Park Winery – Miamup Rd, Cowaramup, WA 6284
This brings back memories of Switzerland – incredible pots of cheese fondue you never imagine you’ll finish… but always do.
Cambray Sheep Cheese are teaming up with Howard Park Winery to put on a series of fondue afternoons. Snuggle up by the fire with a glass of wine and a moreish fondue. “Because friends who cheese together, stay together.”
Howard Park have some excellent wines – taste a few, choose your favourite and settle in for a fantastic afternoon. If it rains? Even better, you’ve got a great view from the cosy cellar door.
Tickets are free – you’ll have the opportunity to sample cheese, buy wine and fondue, and relax by the roaring fire.
Cocoa Nuts with Cavalcade Desserts
20 July. Riversmith – 122 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA 6285
There’s a new bean-to-bar chocolatier in town – Cavalcade Desserts. Join Master Chocolatier Nadia Haskell of Arimia Estate Winery to decorate your own truffles and taste a selection of exquisite chocolates from all around the world.
This one is not just for adults – children aged 14 and above are welcome too. Includes the chocolate masterclass plus a glass of wine for adults, or juice for children.
Winter Art Banquet
15 July. Cape Lodge – 3341 Caves Road, Yallingup WA 6282
Did you catch the awesome Margaret River Region Open Studios in late April/early May? It was sensational! 127 artists opened their studio doors for us to see their incredible work spaces and latest paintings, sculptures and more.
At The Winter Art Banquet you’ll meet some of the artists behind the Open Studios event and preview their recent pieces.
Then sit down to a decadent three course dinner by the Cape Lodge chefs. It promises to be an incredible evening.
Guy Grossi in Residence at Voyager Estate
21 July. Voyager Estate – 41 Stevens Rd Margaret River, WA 6285
This is one of the events I’m most excited about – Guy Grossi is one of Australia’s leading Italian chefs, and he’s preparing a three course meal for us to enjoy with Voyager Estate wines.
He’s a veteran of the Melbourne restaurant scene, but Grossi Florentino is his best known and critically acclaimed respected restaurant.
Voyager wines need no introduction – and it’ll be a treat to dine in the restaurant at night.
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.
Keen to celebrate at the Cabin Fever Festival?
Book our Margaret River 2 Day Winter Warmer
