Bring your senses to life in the Margaret River region

CONTO'S BEACH, MARGARET BEACH

Local delights abound in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, with a seemingly endless supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, gourmet produce and eateries with sweeping vineyard, forest and beach views.

With more than 220 wine producers, 100 cellar doors and producing more than 25 percent of Australia's premium wine, this chilled out surfing town has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of wineries, unique accommodation, quality local restaurants, art galleries and touring options.

Here you can stroll through vineyards with a glass of local wine, or dine at one of the many winery restaurants, where local chefs celebrate the local produce. Favourites include Aravina Estate, Cullen, Wills Domain, Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager Estate. There's also plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from in town including Muster, Miki's Open Kitchen, Morries Anytime and Swings Taphouse.

Margaret River also boasts an abundance of local cheeses, chocolates and ice cream, while boutique shops, luxury retreats and pampering spa treatments offer plenty of indulgent treats.

An emergence of award-winning boutique breweries are becoming internationally recognised for their range of brews, from traditional pale ales and pilsners, through to ginger or chocolate flavoured beers. Sample a local favourite at one of Margaret River's many breweries, including Eagle Bay Brewing Co, Cowaramup Brewing Company, Colonial Brewing Company, Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery, and the most recently opened Young Henrys Brewery.

The Margaret River region is also home to WA's annual premier food and wine event, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (MRGE). Each year, MRGE features an unparalleled line up of international and local food and wine celebrities, iconic and breathtaking host locations, money can't buy culinary experiences and a premium focus on 'the world's best'.

Marco Pierre White will be the international headline chef at MRGE 2015. Other chefs involved with this year's MRGE include Gaggan Anand (Gaggan, Bangkok), Rick Stein (chef and restauranteur), David Thompson (Nahm, Bangkok), Ashely Palmer-Watts (Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London), Guillaume Brahimi (Guillaume, Sydney), Matt Moran (ARIA, Sydney) and George Calombaris (The Press Club, Melbourne).

Margaret River is famous for its consistently spectacular surf with breaking waves across 40 scenic kilometres of coastline. It's now officially considered one of the world's top ten surfing breaks and has recently been named Western Australia's first national surfing reserve. Surf beaches alternate with secluded bays blessed with crystal clear water and pristine white sand, perfect for a cooling dip or a peaceful stroll.

Artists are also attracted to Margaret River's beauty and relaxed atmosphere, and the list of internationally and nationally acclaimed photographers, jewellers, painters, glass blowers and wood and metal working crafters is endless. Days are easily spent wandering the artisan trail and shopping for an original work of art bought direct from the artists themselves.

WORLD FAMOUS WINES

And when it comes time to rest, accommodation in the Margaret River region ranges from rustic wood cabins in the middle of the forest to five star luxury resorts that will delight even the most discerning traveller.

The Margaret River region is a three hour drive south of Perth.

For more information visit www.australiassouthwest.com.