Member Famil Program: Margaret River September 2024

Our latest Member Famil on Wednesday, September 4, was a fantastic day exploring the Margaret River Region. It brought together MRBTA Members and staff who share a passion for showcasing everything this beautiful area has to offer. By diving into the local scene, everyone got the chance to become true ambassadors, ready to recommend the best experiences and accommodations to visitors. The day was filled with exciting highlights, leaving everyone inspired and eager to spread the word about the special charm of Margaret River.

Our next Member Familiarisation will take in Busselton and Surrounds on 6 November. If you would like to host a stop and share updates on your business or join the tour and learn more about the region’s offering, please register here.

Here’s a look at what made the day so memorable:

Margaret River Exposed

The day kicked off with some brisk winds and a light drizzle, but spirits were high as we boarded the luxury transport from Tannin Road. Our friendly drivers, John and Luke, ensured a smooth and comfortable journey as we set out to explore the stunning local landscape.

Our first stop was with Hank from Margaret River Exposed, where we took in breathtaking views above Gnarabup Beach. Despite the weather, the waves and clouds created a dramatic and memorable scene. Hank shared his deep passion for the region and emphasised the importance of enjoying and preserving this special place. Margaret River Exposed offers personalised 4WD tours that include local produce, wildlife encounters, and even photography lessons.

Next, we visited Yalgardup Falls where the sun finally made an appearance, and Hank’s stories about the area’s history and his childhood added a personal touch to the experience.

Margaret River Candle Company

Afterwards, we explored the charming town of Witchcliffe, renowned for its excellent coffee, wine tasting, and vintage shopping. To celebrate the two spring seasons, Djilba and Kambarang, which are recognised by the Wadandi people, the group split into two to enjoy the next Witchcliffe experiences more intimately.

We began by exploring the gallery and workshop, browsing their impressive collection of handcrafted candles, gifts, artwork, and locally made timber products. Then, we moved on to a private candle-making workshop where we each got hands-on, creating our own custom candle art. A couple of our masterpieces are showcased here!

Amato Vino

Next, we enjoyed a seated tasting at Amato Vino, nestled in the historic Darnell’s Trader, a heritage-listed building. We cozied up in the urban tasting bar, which offered a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Sarah guided us through a selection of unfiltered and unique wines, providing an interesting tasting adventure. Their wine styles range from traditional Margaret River varietals to eclectic and unusual grape varieties, with innovative winemaking methods. Guests can opt for a guided tasting of their seasonal wines, as we did, or purchase a Wine Paddle flight to savour at their own pace.

And of course, we couldn’t leave Witchcliffe without sampling a local brew from Witchy Brews!

REDSEA Gallery

Our journey continued to Margaret River Town, where we were inspired by the REDSEA Gallery. Charlie, the founder, shared the gallery’s evolution from a Singapore apartment to two prominent locations showcasing both local and international artists.

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Settlers Tavern

Lunch at Settlers Tavern (The Tav) was a treat! We indulged in their famous brisket steak sandwich, crayfish sliders, seafood chowder, and more, all while enjoying their extensive wine list in a dog-friendly atmosphere. The meal ended on a high note with a bloody mary oyster shot!

Tanah Marah

In the afternoon, we visited Tanah Marah, a serene 350-acre retreat featuring six luxurious chalets, a lakeside function room ideal for weddings or special events, and a 9-hole golf course. The tranquil setting, surrounded by lush lawns and a picturesque lake, made it difficult to leave!

Bettanys Margaret River

Our next stop was Bettanys Margaret River, where we enjoyed a delightful Nougat & Wine Pairing experience. Greg guided us through five wine and nougat pairings, and we learned about their seasonal experiences, including winter fondue Fridays and luxury accommodations.

Howard Park & MadFish Wines

We wrapped up the day at Howard Park & MadFish Wines, where Larissa treated us to The Art of Sparkling tasting flight in their elegant cellar door. Howard Park, renowned for its champagne method sparkling wines, also showcases these exceptional wines at their seasonal events, including Bubbles and Blooms. Additionally, Larissa shared details about their Private Tasting in the Wine Chapel, which would be perfect for groups.

Some testimonials from the group:

“We loved it and are so grateful for the opportunity to have shared the well curated experiences with a great bunch of fellow members and small business owners.”

“We appreciated being able to share more about our business with the group – – it was a great opportunity for us.”

A big thank you to all our hosts for their warm welcomes and to everyone who participated enthusiastically.

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