What’s New in Busselton and Beyond
New wining, dining, shopping and touring in the Busselton Margaret River region
The new year has not only brought us an extra day (Happy Birthday leaplings!) but a bunch of new places to wine, dine, shop and explore throughout Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and beyond.
From sleek new cellar doors to an underwater sculpture trail, a brand-new gourmet delicatessen and a heart-opening cultural tour with powerful Aboriginal learnings – here’s a collection of the best new experiences scattered across the Margaret River region.
- Busselton Central Shopping Centre
The highly anticipated Busselton Central Shopping Centre expansion is looking sleek and stylish, complete with all your retail ride or dies. Be among the first to wine and dine at Busselton Pavilion and the South West Wine Shop. Watch new releases in comfort at Reading Cinema, test your arcade skills at Timezone, brunch to your hearts’ content at Benesse Café, indulge in Turkish cuisine at Inara and shop ‘til you drop at new boutique stores.
- Dunn Bay Continental Dunsborough
Fresh and cured meats, huge wheels of cheese, quality coffee and even a vintage Labesse Giraudon rotisserie from France fills Dunsborough’s newest kid on the block, Dunn Bay Continental. The deli, grocer and café, helmed by hospitality royalty Michael Forde, stocks some of the best quality Australian and international produce in the south west. Whether you’re on the hunt for charcuterie and cheese for the perfect platter, or an easy takeaway meal, the team have you covered.
- Busselton Jetty Underwater Sculpture Trail
No visit to Busselton is complete without a stroll to the end of the 1.8-kilometre-long timber-piled jetty situated in the heart of the town, but did you know what lies below the crystal-clear water? Thirteen underwater sculptures by local artists were installed at the end of the jetty last winter, creating a trail that not only gets snorkellers and divers excited, but also acts as a man-made reef – and the marine life is flourishing. Secure snorkels, slip into swimmers, slap on SPF and embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure.
- Koomal Dreaming
Discover 60,000 years of culture with Koomal Dreaming tours alongside the new Ancient Lands Experience at Ngilgi Cave. Let Wadandi Cultural Custodian Josh Whiteland introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture on one of his excellent small group tours. Taste native foods, discover bush medicine, experience traditional fire lighting and enjoy the sounds of didgeridoo music.
Additional to Josh’s tours, the Ancient Lands Experience is also worth discovering. Learn about the cultural connections to the land, flora and fauna, the formation of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, and the beautiful caves beneath it. The above-ground tour finishes at the entrance of Ngilgi Cave – a wonderfully decorated cave filled with majestic stalactites, stalagmites, and coloured shawls.
- De’sendent Restaurant
With moody interiors and an indulgent menu, De’sendent is Margaret River’s newest refined dining experience. Owners Ann Spencer and Chef Evan Hayter are behind the project, which is the next incarnation of Arimia Estate. They continue their quest towards sustainable dining, carefully sourcing organic produce from local farmers. Expect high-end ingredients including abalone, full-blooded Waygu beef, marron and sea urchin. Add on the cracking wine list and you’ll see why this is guaranteed to deliver a memorable dining experience.
- Vallee du Venom at Yallingup Galleries
Vallée du Venom have recently opened a Pop-Up Cellar Door at Yallingup Galleries, sharing wine tastings, cheese platters and coffee under the peppermint trees. Crafting small batch, minimal intervention wines, owners Rhys and Emma Parker were inspired by the elegance and subtlety of French wines, the winery named for Les Trois Vallées in France. Swing by for a glass and peek at the latest exhibitions showcased throughout the gallery and sculpture walk.
- Swings & Roundabouts
Family favourite Swings & Roundabouts is already one of the buzziest spots in the region, but did you know they’ve unveiled a stylish new tasting room to their picturesque Yallingup winery restaurant? Hidden beyond grand timber doors and a wall of oak barrels, indulge in an elevated wine tasting experience. Sniff, swirl and savour your way through Swing’s hero wines. Bringing the family? Your kids won’t miss out – the adventure playground doubled in size last summer – it’s barrels of fun.
- Dear Darnells
A former trading post in the quiet town of Witchcliffe, Dear Darnell’s is a new contemporary bistro offering a relaxed dining experience the whole family can enjoy. Restored with eclectic artefacts and salvaged timber, the venue centres around a circular bar, pouring all the goods, including a fair few zesty cocktails. Food wise, expect to dine on Aussie pub favourites including wood-fired pizzas and chicken schnitties. Friendly staff, cold beers and hearty feeds – what more could you want?
- Alchemy Saunas
Alchemy Saunas have recently brought their popular sweatboxes to the South West, opening one on Busselton’s foreshore. The perfect way to unwind and relax, enjoy a morning sauna session before enjoying a hot brew from next-door neighbours The Goose.
