The Margaret River region is best known for its surf and premium wines but visitors shouldn’t overlook the area’s culinary delights. I’ve put together a list of the must-taste addresses that should be on every itinerary. Plenty of restaurants may be found around here but it’s always nice to have some gourmet goodies to make a picnic from.
Fresh muffins at the Margaret River Providore
Local Producers
Berry Farm – Fans of gourmet jams, preserves, pickles, relishes and other condiments must visit this shop, cafe and cellar door for a range of products, wine and port. (43 Bessell Rd, Margaret River)
Bettenay’s Margaret River Nougat Company – Hand made French-style nougat is created in small batches and sold in large bars. It’s absolutely delicious and comes in a range of flavours – I recommend Wildberry & Macadamia Nut. (Corner Tom Cullity Dr & Miamup Rd, Cowaramup)
Dunsborough Bakery – Famous for their pies and bread, everyone will find a treat they’re happy with at this popular spot. (243 Naturaliste Tce, Dunsborough)
Gabriel Chocolate – Fine, single-origin chocolate bars, chocolate-dipped gelato bars and rich hot chocolate, with free tastings. It’s interesting to try the chocolates from different locations side by side. (Corner Caves Rd and Quininup Rd, Yallingup)
Margaret River Chocolate Company – Chocoholics will love the free tastings and huge product range: chocolate bars, truffles, novelties, ice cream, chocolate milk, cakes and desserts are on offer. (Cnr Harman’s Mill Road and Tom Cullity Dr, Metricup)
Margaret River Fudge Factory – Delicious hand made fudge is available right in the centre of town. (152 Bussell Highway, Margaret River)
Margaret River Providore – This upscale vendor offers local, home made sauces, jams and preserves, cheeses, wines, produce and changing gourmet delights in a modern “tasting centre.” (448 Tom Cullity Dr, Wilyabrup)
Yallingup Woodfired Bread
Margaret River Venison – If you’re looking for something slightly exotic, try the venison prosciutto, pates, liverwurst, pastrami and biltong at this specialty shop. (Caves Rd, Margaret River)
Miller’s Ice Cream – Enjoy ice cream, full cream milk, milkshakes and other quality treats from a family of local dairy farmers – a great place to take the family. (314 Wirring Road, Cowaramup)
Old Cheddar Cheese Company – Try the award-winning cheeses including the twice-voted best flavoured cheddar in Australia. (Glendon Rd, midway between Busselton and Capel, Ludlow)
Olio Bello – Sample award winning organic olive oils at the tasting room and café, along with marinated olives, produce and preserves. The estate has grown 14 different varieties of olives, which are picked and pressed on the same day. (Armstrong Rd, Cowaramup)
Petra Olive Oil Estate – The store offers a range of products, from infused olive oils to sauces and salad dressings. Six different olive varieties are grown on the property and visitors can relax with a “Bruschette” on the beautiful grounds. (233 Sheoak Drive, cnr Lagoon Drive, Yallingup)
Simmos Ice Cream – Ireland has some of the most delicious dairy products I’ve ever tasted. This is a traditional Irish ice cream brand whose product is still made from old family secret recipes using fresh milk and cream. Plenty of varieties are on offer and kids can enjoy the playground. (161 Commonage Road, Dunsborough)
Vasse Virgin – In addition to their delicious extra virgin olive oil, this tasting room offers table olives, tapenades, vinaigrettes, pasta sauces, pesto and dukkah. (135 Puzey Rd, off Abbey Farm Rd, Wilyabrup)
Yahava Koffee Works – An excellent place for a range of gourmet coffee and tea. (Corner Bussell Hwy & Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River)
Yallingup Woodfired Bakery – This place is a little bit hidden but still easy enough to find. Come in the morning or late afternoon for seriously addictive biodynamic white, sourdough and fruit bread baked fresh daily. (Off Biddles Rd at Balmoral Dr near McLachlan, between Dunsborough and Yallingup, look for the white signs with firey flames)
Steak and pepper pie from Dunsborough Bakery
Markets
Vasse Markets – 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month (Vasse Community Hall, Vasse)
Margaret River Farmer’s Markets – 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month (only 4th June-August) (Cnr Turnbridge & Farrelly Streets, Margaret River)
Dunsborough Markets – 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month (Palmer’s Winery, Caves Road, Dunsborough)
Town Square Markets – Select Sundays (Town Square, Margaret River)
Barnard Park Markets – 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday of the month (Yoganup Park, Busselton)
Railway Markets – 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (Railway Building Park, Busselton)
Single-origin chocolate bars from Gabriel Chocolate
Festivals
South West Craft Beer Festival – 25-26 Feb, celebrating the region’s beer, produce and music (3 Oceans Palandri Winery, Margaret River)
Wine vintage – Feb – April
Margaret River Wine Region Festival – 13-16 March
Oktoberfest – Duckstein Festbier, German food and live music, October (Duckstein Brewery, Wilyabrup)
Have you ever visited Margaret River? What did you like best about the area?
