Margaret River hosts the worlds largest Adventure Race

Yes, the world’s largest adventure race, the Anaconda, was right here in Augusta, Margaret River on the weekend.   Some would argue it’s also the best with the large competitor field and huge crowds which created  an electric adventure race atmosphere like no other. 

Margaret River arranged perfect weather for competitors who were challenged in the untouched landscapes in and around Augusta in the south west of Western Australia.  Hundreds clambered over rocky headlands; swam and paddled the Southern Ocean; and mountain biked through the difficult underlating terrain.  It was a Wild West adventure in every sense.

BBC Television presenter and renowned global adventurer Ben Fogle visited Margaret River, Western Australia, to tackle the course as part of his new series A Year of Adventures.  Event organisers Rapid Ascent chatted to Ben a few days out from his first taste of the Anaconda and the Margaret River region.

With every day as stunning as the next, here’s a few more reasons to ‘Live it Up’ in Margaret River. 

Hot on the heals of the 2011 Cape to Cape Mountain Bike Trek  is the Margaret River regions premier cycling event for charity, the Tour de Gracetown as well as the Anaconda Adventure Race in Augusta. 

TOUR de GRACETOWN

Date : Saturday 5th November 2011

Venue: Gracetown, Margaret River

Tour de Gracetown is the Margaret River regions premier charity cycling event.  This is not a race but is a group ride, there are no timings or placings and open to all ages and abilities.   The ride starts at Gracetown, winding through the picturesque Margaret River region – one ride is 110km and one is 55km stage ride.  The cost is a small $35 donation which goes to Telethon.

For more information phone Jason Antunovich on 0414 344 928 or visit the official website. 

ANACONDA ADVENTURE RACE AUGUSTA 

Date : Sunday 6 November 2011  (Junior Survivor Challenge 5 November)

Venue: Augusta

Comprising of a Coastal run 14.4km; Ocean swim 1.9km; Inlet and ocean paddle 13km; Mountain bike 32km; Team run 2.5km, competitors will follow a spectacular course through wilderness and untouched landscapes in and around Augusta – running around rocky headlands, swimming between tranquil ocean reefs, paddling on the Hardy Inlet and Southern Ocean and mountain biking through scenic inland forests.

The race can be completed in a range of categories: Individuals – do every leg as a non stop race around the track; Pairs – do every leg but in the company of a mate or; Relay teams – with up to 4 people where you do one (or more) legs each. A great way to get involved - build a team of friends and work colleagues and share the fun.
 
For more information and to register visit the Anaconda website.

MEET THE WINEMAKER DINNER, FRASER GALLOP ESTATE

Date : 7pm Friday 25th November 2011

Venue: The Studio Gallery & Bistro, Yallingup

Join Fraser Gallop winemaker, Clive Otto, who is one of eight finalists in the Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year awards, for a 5 course degustation dinner at The Studio Gallery & Bistro, Yallingup.

Take pleasure in a vertical tasting of Fraser Gallop’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as the award-winning Parterre, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Merlot, matched with Blair Allen’s exquisite cuisine. 

This five course menu with Fraser Gallop Estate wines is $130 per person and promises an evening to remember.

Please call 9756 6164 or email renee@thestudiobistro.com.au to reserve a table.

UK Travel writer, Sophie Lam, has named the Roozen Residence in Margaret River, Western Australia, as one of Australia’s most stylish holiday rentals in a recent travel feature for The Independent newspaper.

With private holiday home rentals booming around the globe, savvy British travellers looking for the quintessential Australian experience will feel right at home at this iconic Australian beach house. 

Kick back and unwind surrounded by nature and 180 degree ocean views from every room.  On your doorstep are the beautiful vineyards of Margaret River and some of Western Australia’s best surf and beaches. 

Margaret River is a leisurely 3 hour drive south of Perth, in the south west corner of Western Australia, and is one of the great holiday destinations in Australia.  

For more information on this luxury Margaret River beach house accommodation contact Karen on 0407 479 004.

Winter accommodation deals at luxury Margaret River beach house

The mild winter weather has been just stunning, with crisp mornings, clear blue skies and uncrowded surf.   The months of June and July have proven to be exceptional weather over the past couple of years and 2011 is delivering the same beautiful conditions.

Margaret River’s luxury beach house accommodation, the Roozen Residence, offers great winter specials and last minute accommodation specials every year.  Whether you are staying for a week with a group of friends or just a couple of days for a romantic escape, this self contained beach house overlooking the ocean in Prevelly, Margaret River , is the perfect base to explore the Margaret River wine region.

Depending on your length of stay in the region, the Roozen Residence is offering up to 50% off or a free weekend.   If you want to know more,  follow us on Twitter and we’ll tweet you special discounted offers.

Date: 11 May – 11 August 2011

Venue: Hay Shed Hill Winery, 511 Harmans Mill Road Wilyabrup

Stunning art exhibition from Maryann Devereux  – ‘Pieces of the Journey’ - subtle nudes, South West ocean and North West landscapes – art and furniture.  View Maryann’s love of the ocean and diversity of the landscape in her work – acrylics, with modelling compounds and collage for texture and tactile qualities.  Geoff Devereux has also included a small slection of handcrafted Jarrah and Blackbutt furniture.

PIANO MAN – MUST SUNDAY SESSIONS

Date: 10,17,24 and 31 July 2011

Venue: Must Margaret River, 107 Bussell Highway

Piano man Noak Shilkin takes the chill off every Sunday in June with his smooth tunes from 4 – 6pm for a groovy Sunday Session at Margaret River’s premium wine bar.  Sing us a song Noah…. you’re the piano man…..

GOING BOLLYWOOD – INDIAN @ GNARABAR

Date: 13 July 2011

Venue: Gnarabar, 1 Resort Place, Gnarabup

Funky beach bistro, Gnarabar, continues to come up with cool stuff.  This time we’re celebrating Bollywood with awesome Indian.  Starting Wednesday 13 July from 6pm, 2 courses $35, 3 courses $45.
Book your table online to secure a seat.

A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS – NEW RELEASE DINNER AT SARACEN ESTATE

Date: 16 July 2011

Venue:  Saracen Estate, Caves Road, Willyabrup

FRESH IS BEST COOKING CLASS – CAPE LODGE

Date: 23 July & 27 August 2011

Venue: Cape Lodge, Caves Road, Yallingup

The Cape Lodge Cookery School is described as one of Australia’s “finest new generation gourmet establishments”   The next cookery class, Fresh is Best, will be hosted on 23 July and 27 July, welcoming participants from the complete novice through to the experienced enthusiast.  Stand alongside the talented Executive Chef, Tony Howell,  as he prepares the evenings dinner menu. Learn some of his kitchen secrets, tips and recipes. Classes run from 3.30pm until 5.30pm.  Booking essential.

CABERNET & COMEDY

Date: 30 July 2011

Venue:  Aravina Estate, Yallingup

Cabernet & Comedy with Peter Rowsthorn & Russell Woolf, hosted by Aravina Estate.  A winter version of  the summer’s ‘Seafood & Semillon’, it’s bound to tickle your tonsils!  Aravina Estate (formerly Amberley) is sure to turn on the winter festivities.

CAPES LONG LUNCH

Date: 31 July 2011 – Northern Region

Celebrate the good times with friends, get out of the house and shake of the winter blues with the Cape Long Lunch.  There are two tours, North and South of the Cape.  The dates have now been set so check out  www.capeslonglunch.com.au

Date: 28 August 2011 - Southern Region

Date : 4th – 19th JuneVenue: Margaret River Gallery, 91 Bussell Highway

Contemporary art exhibition featuring works by Troy Barbitta and Jodee Knowles, opens at 6pm Saturday 4 June and on display until 19 June. 

The two contemporary Perth artists express different personalities of the human state - Barbitta combines design techniques and 17th century illustrations to produce thought-provoking and often humourous images, while Knowles’ works portray inner emotion, anguish and despair. An exhibition not to be missed. 

ERNABELLA ARTISTS AT TUNBRIDGE ABORIGINAL ART GALLERY

Date : 4th - 25th June

Venue : Tunbridge Gallery

Ernabella is the longest running aboriginal art centre in Australia.  It has a strong tradition in craftwork including fabric and pottery and more recently painting.  this exhibition features paintings by established and emerging artists in a variety of styles, including figurative work and draditional designs.

The exhibition will be opened at 4.30pm on Saturday 4th June 2011.

ANNUAL MARGARET RIVER ART AUCTION

Date : Saturday 4th June

Venue: Cultural Centre, Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River

With over 70 local Margaret River artisans, the 6th Annual Margaret River Art Auction is proving to be the biggest yet.  Tickets are $15, available at the door and include a complimentary glass of Margaret River wine.  Viewing, art awards, voting and music from 6pm, auction commences 7pm.  If you are looking for a special piece, don’t miss it!

Proceeds from the auction go to Margaret River Independent School. 

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

Date : Thursday 2 June 8pm

Venue: Margaret River Cultural Centre, Wallcliffe Road

Join Sam Simmons and co from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow  for 2.5hrs of side-splitting laughter at the Margaret River Cultural Centre, the first show with the new fancy nancy seating!

Now in it’s 13th year, the Roadshow shares the Comedy Festival vibe with punters outside the Melbourne area code. From Devonport to Darwin, Broken Hill to Bunbury, a cast of big local names, newcomers and overseas guests prove there’s nowhere a comedian fears to tread. 

HOW MUCH: $50 – bookings www.artsmargaretriver.com  
 

WHALESONG FESTIVAL

Date : 3rd – 5th June (long weekend)

Venue: Augusta Foreshore

Celebrate the start of the whale watching season with the Whale Song Festival, a great weekend of festivities and fun on the Augusta foreshore. Check out the whole program. 

The weekend includes art, markets, food, entertainment and of course whale watching.  See the photographic exhibition of the 1986 stranding of 114 False Killer Whales. With community courage, 96 were returned to the ocean.

Celebrate the return of the Southern Right and Humpback whales at Whale Song 2011.

CLAIRAULT DEGUSTATION LUNCH 

Date : Sunday 19th June 2011 from 12noon

Join Clairault’s own master chef, Jake Drachenberg, in a tantalising six course degustation lunch matched with a selection of Clairault’s wine. Jake will be creating some special dishes for the occasion, inspired by the MasterChef episode Clairault is featured in, using locally sourced and estate grown produce.

Book tickets online or call Clairault direct on  (08) 9755 6655

How Much – $150 per person, limited seats.

Early start to Whale Watching season

Each year Humpback and Southern Right whales make the long journey from Antarctica to the warm pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, Margaret River.   

Whale watching in the Margaret River region is a truly magical experience and can be viewed from the balcony of Ron Roozen’s Margaret River beach house where you can marvel as these incredible creatures frollick in the Indian Ocean.

From June to September, Flinders Bay in Augusta is the “first port of call” for many whales that come to feed, breed and play. It’s the only place in the world where you can see the Southern Right and Humpback whales interacting.

To get up close and personal you can join Legend Charters whale watching tour which departs from Flinders Bay, Augusta where the “Whalesong” festival opens the season.

From September to December you can whale watch in the north of the Margaret River region in the sheltered Geographe Bay where endangered Blue Whales have also been spotted from scenic vantage points including at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

Bookings can also be made with tour companies, Naturaliste Charters or Legend Charters.