The MRBTA Member Famil program for 2024 kicked off with a tour of Dunsborough, Yallingup and Surrounds on Thursday, 14th March.
Bringing together a diverse mix of MRBTA Members alongside MRBTA staff, the event once more provided participants a practical understanding of the region’s offerings and an opportunity for businesses to showcase their services.
The program emphasises 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 the highlights from the day:
Dunsborough Bakery
With an early start, we kicked off the day in the heart of Dunsborough to meet at our first host, the iconic Dunsborough Bakery for a caffeine hit. Our hosts provided coffee, tea and hot chocolate for the group before we were given a rare glimpse behind the scenes as pies, sausage rolls, bread and custard slices were being prepared for the day’s customers.
Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience
Boarding our transport for the day, Jez from Gannaways Charters & Tours then took us to stop number two – the newly upgraded Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience. Guided by the Cave’s Manager Tod, the group were able to explore the new above-ground experience and gain understanding of the work that had gone into its development. With only limited time to view the attraction, we headed briefly down into the Cave’s first chamber to see some of the stunning formations below the surface.
Edge Luxury Villas
We headed south to Wilyabrup to experience the new, adults-only luxury lakeside accommodation, Edge Luxury Villas. With owners Clare and Cameron on board the bus for the day, the group were able to get a greater understanding of their journey so far and the thoughtful design process for their unique over water villas.
Eagle Bay Olives
Back on the bus, we headed north again for the first of two stops in Eagle Bay – Eagle Bay Olives. Manager Tristan gave a brief, but very insightful introduction to olive farming and the different styles of olives available as the team geared up for harvest. With a platter of breads, oils, dips and olives providing a perfect appetiser ahead of our next stop for lunch, the group were also able to explore the farm shop where many took advantage of the opportunity to take home a selection of their artisan goods.
Eagle Bay Brewing Co
After a busy morning on the road, the next stop – Eagle Bay Brewing Co – involved just a two-minute trip next door for lunch. With the team busy preparing for the weekend’s Southwest Beer Festival we were grateful to still hear about their revamped offering including the new Garden Bar and kids playground. We were treated to a variety of dishes from the new food menu alongside a guided tasting of their core range of beers. Thanks to the team for accommodating us in a prime spot in garden on what was a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Happs Wines & Commonage Pottery
With bellies full, our penultimate stop was the twin attraction of Happs Wines & Commonage Pottery. Guided through the charming, self-built property constructed by the Happs family, the group were provided the opportunity to witness the entire pottery process in action, experience and participate in the ancient technique of encaustic art (coloured, heated beeswax), meet artist in residence (and fellow MRBTA Member) Jenny Taylor, before finally heading into the beautifully landscaped gardens to experience the unique self-guided wine tasting at the open air cellar door! All in just 45 minutes!
Southcamp
The day officially came to a close at Dunsborough’s new entertainment and accommodation hub, Southcamp. We explored the extensive site, getting opportunity to view the on site Cafe, the kitchen and brewhouse (even getting to taste the latest beer straight from the tank!), and inside some of the accommodation options available to visitors, including apartments and the cosy wood cabins.
Some testimonials from the group:
“Enjoyed being shown behind the scenes of the businesses…and them sharing the ideas they’ve implemented to better the customer experience.”
“Great opportunity to get connections for collaborations.”
“really enjoyed the diversity of the different venues.”
Thank you to all of the day’s hosts and for the enthusiastic participation from all on the tour. Our next Member Famil will take in the south of the region around Augusta in May. Full details are tbc but if any businesses are keen to participate, do contact the Industry Development team to express an interest.