{"id":31259,"date":"2014-02-02T10:58:13","date_gmt":"2014-02-02T00:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=31259"},"modified":"2015-03-11T16:11:34","modified_gmt":"2015-03-11T06:11:34","slug":"eat-stay-and-play-in-margaret-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/eat-stay-and-play-in-margaret-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Eat, Sleep & Play in Margaret River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We\u2019re on the Forrest Highway when a white bolt of lightening shoots down from blue sky.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/div>\n
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The flash is enough to shock my head off the car window, and the loud noise knocks my heart a few beats. An isolated storm darkens the road, sprinkles the windscreen and just like that- it\u2019s over. The sun shines again.
\nI\u2019m on my way to Margaret River<\/a> in WA – where all is pretty, yummy and where extraordinary things happen when you least expect.<\/p>\n

\"South<\/a>

South East of WA= Dry forest. Blue sky. White clouds.<\/p><\/div>\n

Three hours from Perth<\/a>, Margaret River is your Byron Bay<\/a>-esque escape from the big city, with enough activities and attractions to fill more than a weekend.<\/p>\n

I know we\u2019re getting close when we see flickers of vineyard poke through the native Jarrah Scrub. That and the signs of course; Yallingup, Cowarmup, Gnarabup. This region is famous for it\u2019s \u2018up\u2019s, which means \u2018place of\u2019 in Aboriginal language.
\nSo, you wanna stay, eat and play in Margaret River? Here are my tips:<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stay:<\/p>\n\"Quality<\/a>\n

If you\u2019d prefer to spend all your money on food and wine and are after an affordable hotel close to town, The Quality Inn Margaret River<\/a> is your best bet.
\nThe rooms are clean, comfortable and excellent for families, who in their spare time can cool off in the pool, or kick butt with some putt putt.
\n\"Affordable<\/a><\/p>\n

The gardens here are also pretty special.<\/p>\n\"Margaret<\/a>\n

More Margaret River accommodation here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Eat:<\/strong>
\nIn Margies, there\u2019s a long-lunch culture that you just have<\/b> to embrace. Most people drive out one of the wineries, (or visit a few) to spend the afternoon. And they truly are spectacular, think big, elaborate estates with elegant hedges, fountains and rainbow gardens.<\/p>\n

\"Here<\/a>

Here you can drink all the wines!<\/p><\/div>\n

Just some of the wineries here include:<\/p>\n

Cullen Wines<\/strong> – A winery that is super famous for its biodynamic approach to wine making. Not sure what biodynamic winemaking is? It takes organic farming to the next level, connecting with the environment and bringing an element of hocus-pocus into the way grapes are grown and turned into wine. Definitely one for the tour itinerary.
\nWindows Estate Winery<\/strong> – A small winery that offers tastings and lunches by its lovely lake. The wine making and bottling is done on site and it\u2019s one of five wineries in region that are still hand pressing.
\n\"Windows<\/a><\/p>\n

And the best news? They are about to build a fromaggerie! Hello wine and cheese heaven! So guys\u2026 can I come work here?<\/p>\n

\"Cheers!<\/a>

Cheers! Enjoying Windows Estate Wines<\/p><\/div>\n

Cape Mentelle Winery<\/strong> – This winery is a powerhouse of fun during summer, great for movie, music nights, afternoon tastings and winery tours.<\/p>\n\"Cape<\/a>\n

Leeuwin Estate<\/strong> – The big guy! Home of the Margaret River Gourmet Escape Village, which you can read about here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not eating out at one of the wineries in the region, the main street in town is where you\u2019ll find cute restaurants and cafes. Places like Morries, Muster<\/a> and the Settlers Inn Tavern<\/a> do some killer breakfasts and lunches.<\/p>\n

\"Committing<\/a>

Committing carbacide with a Veggie Burger at Settlers Inn.<\/p><\/div>\n

Thanks @MorriesAnytime<\/a> in Margaret River for brekkie. Is this the cutest place or what?! #MustDoWA<\/a> -LML Mitzi pic.twitter.com\/42A1u6Uy1Q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 lastminute.com.au (@lastminute_au) November 25, 2013<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n