Trifter

 Western Australia is a BIG state.  To give you an idea of how big, California would fit into Western Australia 5 times.  It’s hot, it’s dry and there’s a lot of desert. 

But if you think Western Australia is just a “sunburnt country and a land of sweeping plains,” let me take you to a little place the locals fondly call ‘Margs’.  You’ll discover just how diverse this ancient land really is.

280 kilometres (124.27 miles) south of Western Australia’s capital city Perth, nestles the small and vibrant town of Margaret River. 

Imagine this.  Ancient forests for hundreds of miles, stunning coastline – renowned for its world class surfing action, humpback whales galore in the winter months (May through September) and a brilliant profusion of wildflowers in spring (September through November).  

Throw in the limestone Leeuwin Ridge that runs for 140 kilometres and hides more than 150 caves, an artistic local community and a hinterland full of quaint galleries, and you start to get a feel for this laid back coastal community. 

But top this little piece of paradise off with a perfect Mediterranean climate and it gets even more interesting.

For a start, organic farms boast acres of olive groves and macadamia trees.  Then there are the traditional cheese makers, delightful chocolate creators, and juicy jam makers, as well as home grown specialities such as marron (small freshwater crayfish) and locally farmed venison.

All of which combine to attract some of Australia’s top gourmet chefs. 

But that’s not everything that makes this region so classy.  That wonderful Mediterranean climate means that the South West of Western Australia is perfect for growing grapes. 

And that is Margs claim to fame.  You can sample some of the best wines in Australia in this little town.

There are over 120 wine producers around Margs and close to 5,500 hectares under vine.  Producing only three per cent of Australia’s wine grapes doesn’t stop this region dominating over 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wine market.

So.  Let’s take a kitchen full of local delights, mix in a passionate gourmet chef, then infuse everything with a drop or two of the best wine in Australia. 

What’s the end result? 

Some of the finest contemporary Australian cuisine you’ll ever taste.   And that’s a big claim.

But don’t just take my word for it.  Visit the annual Margaret River Wine Region Festival (held in autumn), and see why these quintessential Australian vineyards have received a host of international and national awards. 

Better still, taste for yourself!

A chilled fruity Chardonnay with succulently seared West Australian scallops?  Or a smooth Cabernet with crispy duck and grilled eggplant?  How about warmed olives with parmesan bread and a peppery Shiraz?

…..aaah Margs.

Of course if all this eating and drinking gets too much, you can explore an isolated beach that holds only your own footprints, climb the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, take in the solitude and amazing energy of the surrounding caves, or just sit and watch the huge surf roll in off the Indian Ocean at sunset. 

But whatever you do, next time you’re passing through Western Australia don’t forget to call in on Margs.  

You won’t be disappointed.

Good on ya.