For the adults: sip away at the region’s best distilleries

Whether you’re partial to a dry martini or a class G&T, the Margaret River region has a plethora of boutique distilleries offering a unique, artisan experience.

At some you’ll tour the distillery and learn about the grain to bottle technique. Others offer a cellar door-style tasting. And some have sunny courtyards and a cocktail menu where you can relax with your favourite drink.

We’ve rounded up a list of some of the standouts peppered from Busselton to Augusta for you to visit on your next South West getaway ~

1. Beyond Distilling

Founded in 2022 by former West Coast Eagles teammates Josh Kennedy and Chris Masten, and helmed by Master Distiller Greg Garnish, Beyond Distilling has quickly become a beloved favourite for South West gin lovers.

Made from mid-west WA grain, and carefully curated local botanicals their signature spirits pay tribute to grain growers and the rich biodiversity of the mid-west. Grab a glass and enjoy a moment to Be Still.

Now located at Origin Market, they are open Thursday to Sunday for tastings and ‘make your own’ workshops.

2. West Winds

If you want to find all your gin-loving needs in one space, make a beeline for West Winds multi-purpose distillery, tasting room and tavern in Cowaramup.

The lovable multi award-winning brand has been paving the way for unique botanical spirits since 2010, and now has a line-up of best-selling gins, vodka and whiskey.

The chic industrial distillery space not only has a vibrant courtyard area for enjoying a few G&Ts, but they’ve even repurposed an old fishing boat into an outdoor place space for kids. Swing by and spend an afternoon soaking up the vibes with a few nibbles and drinks.

Located at 29 Hasluck Street, Cowaramup.

3. Wise Eagle Bay

Life in Eagle Bay, nestled in the heart of the Margaret River region, revolves around the ocean, and there’s a distinctive seaside vibe to the premium gins and spirits at Wise Eagle Bay.  Whether you’re a stickler for a fruity gin or prefer something with a little spice – the line-up of hand bottled and produced spirits has something for every gin enthusiast.

There’s an extensive array of gins plus Pisco and Brandy.

Park up on one of their outdoor dining tables, admire the beautiful colours of Geographe Bay and enjoy a refreshing G&T, alongside some nibbles. Visit 237 Eagle Bay Road, Eagle Bay.

4. Margaret River Distilling Company (known now as Limeburners & Giniversity)

Practically a Margaret River institution, the Margaret River Distilling Company embodies the low-key elegance and coastal spirit of the region. Using native botanicals, from meen, and eucalypt to emu plum, boronia, and lemon myrtle, the gins are bold, flavourful and pay homage to the natural environment. 

Jump on a tour and learn about the gin-making process or enjoy a lovely tasting paddle and soak up the beautiful surrounds on the deck in the shade of the peppermint trees. Located on Maxwell Street, Carters Road, Margaret River.

5. Wild Lot

Wild Lot is the region’s newest kid on the block, and although they may be newcomers – their gins are superb. From a classic juniper-forward gin (Fortuna) to one aged in Pinot barrels, another featuring finger limes plus seasonal batches where the distiller Rebecca de Burgh flexes her creativity.

Nestled in the small town of Karridale, the distillery and cellar door is the brain child of Rebecca and Slade de Burgh, who not only pick the farm-grown botanicals, and hand-bottle each gin, they also undertake tastings.

Spend an afternoon sipping away at their delicious Fortuna Gin and enjoy some light nibbles amongst the beautiful natural surrounds. Located at 764 Brockman Highway, Karridale.