The MRBTA Member Famil on Tuesday, 14th November 2023 unfolded as a day of exploration through Dunsborough and its surrounds.
Bringing together MRBTA Members, the event provided a practical understanding of the region’s offerings and an opportunity for businesses to showcase their services. The event emphasised the role of member businesses as being regional ambassadors who can confidently recommend activities and accommodation to visitors through firsthand exposure to the local scene.
Below are some highlights from the day!
Nina’s Jewellery
We convened in the heart of Dunsborough to meet at our first host – Nina’s Jewellery – where the group were treated to a sneak preview of the upcoming Crescendo exhibition. Members, like all visitors will be able to, were able to view and try on some simply stunning pieces containing a host of different types of diamonds. The Nina’s team were happy to offer professional jewellery cleans to the group for any items they were wearing and, for a bit of extra sparkle, offered a glass of bubbly while we browsed the collection. A number of the group had to be pulled away from the store to ensure we weren’t late for the next stop!
Next Level Monkey Business
Our transport provider for the day, Jason from Cape to Cape Wine Tours and Charters, then took us to stop number two – the Dunsborough family favourite, Next Level Monkey Business. With the high ropes park closed to the public on the day, we were grateful to the team for opening up and providing a behind-the-scenes look around the course and giving inspiration to some to come back to tackle the various ziplines and rope challenges in the near future.
Yallingup Galleries and Sculpture Trail & Vallee Bistro
Following a brief photo opportunity overlooking Smiths Beach, we headed to Yallingup Galleries for our next stop. Members were free to browse the gallery and explore the new Sculpture Trail with a morning caffeine fix gratefully supplied by the team from Vallee du Venom wines at their new pop up cellar door on site, Vallee Bistro. Ahead of schedule (for the first and last time that day!) we even had opportunity to sample some of the delicious Vallee du Venom wines.
Yallingup Aboriginal Art
You can never see too much art in a day, so back on the bus we headed down Caves Road to the new premises of Yallingup Aboriginal Art. Having only been open for a matter of weeks, it was great to appreciate some stunning Indigenous artworks in a fresh setting, as well as hear from Sara and Tim about the journey they have undertaken to open the space and what’s coming soon. With a heap of different events and experiences on the horizon – it’s a case of watch this space!
Swings & Roundabouts Yallingup
After a morning of exploration, we headed to Swings and Roundabouts for lunch. Following a brief introductory tour of the always impressive Swings setting (including newly renovated cellar door), we were treated to food from the new Swings summer menu with a glass of wine. Thanks to the team for accommodating us in a prime spot in the restaurant on what was a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Hay Shed Hill Wines
Following a delicious winery lunch, it was probably the best possible follow up for the next stop – chocolate (and more wine!)! Showcasing their new wine and chocolate pairing experience, we were very grateful for Cara at Hay Shed Hill to step us through four perfectly matched wines AND for keeping to what was an already tight schedule, without it ever feeling like a rushed experience.
Eight Willows Retreat
Our day officially came to a close at Eight Willows Retreat, where we explored the extensive site, had a look inside some of the luxury accommodation options available to visitors, as well as having a tour of the stunning lakeside corporate function/wedding venue. With the team busy preparing for a wedding the next day (on a Wednesday!), we were appreciative of Yvette and co taking time to show us around.
The Pour House
After a long day on the road, the group were given opportunity to relax and share stories at one of the staples of the Dunsborough bar scene – The Pour House. A special shout out to the team from Eagle Bay Brewing Co who shouted a round of their new Citrus Sour! A refreshing end to a hectic, but fun day!
Some testimonials from the group:
“It was great to meet with other (MRBTA) members on the tour”
“I wish we could have spent more time at Nina’s! A real highlight!”
“An excellent day – good to see new and existing experiences”
“A great day out!”
And that is the Member Famil Program complete for another year! The 2024 schedule will be released in the new year and communicated to members via the usual channels. If you know you would like to participate as a host next year, do contact the Membership team to express an interest.