A culinary driving tour of WA’s South-West

Visitors to WA’s South-West are spoilt for choice. The region famed for food and wine is continually upping the ante and surpassing its previous standards.

So strap yourself into the driver’s seat while we take a culinary adventure around the South-West. We have designed a one-day loop for you, starting and ending in Margaret River. The tour begins with a breakfast overlooking the beach and ends with a night under the stars.

White Elephant Café, Gnarabup

What a location to begin your day. Tucked just south of the famous surf beach of Prevelly, is Gnarabup Beach. And perched high above the blue water is White Elephant, a casual outdoor café whose simple décor belies the lovely food on offer. Serving breakfast and brunch made from the freshest ingredients (try the crunchy beer-battered chips and the popular Rosie’s Wrap – it’s delicious but light), it is only a few steps away from a dip afterwards in the bay. You could even try stand-up paddleboarding, with equipment for hire on the beach. This is the kind of morning memories are made of when you’re on holiday in the Margaret River region.

Website: www.whiteelephantcafe.com.au

Address: Gnarabup Road, Gnarabup 6285

Phone: (08) 9757 1990

Wild and Woods Café, Dunsborough

Continuing with the casual, lazy morning feel, we recommend a scenic drive down Caves Road past the art galleries, caves and wineries, eventually arriving in the centre of Dunsborough. While you are people watching or checking out local businesses like Christian Fletcher’s photography gallery, take some time to stop for a treat at Wild and Woods. This cosy little cafe serves full-to-the-brim rolls, more than 45 types of tea, and trendy must-haves like turmeric latte and paleo bites. Try the free tea tastings they have on offer, too.

Website: www.wildandwoods.com.au

Address: 2/237 Naturaliste Terrace, Dunsborough, 6281

Phone: (08) 9755 3308

La Casina, Dunsborough

Craving a hearty Italian meal on your holiday? Look no further than La Casina. The restaurant describes itself as picturesque, tranquil and rustic, and they are right on the money. The pretty restaurant, with its sheltered terrace, is hidden in the trees just off Caves Road but seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the traffic. With the restaurant’s hearty pastas, tasting platters and creamy tiramisus (the dark chocolate tiramisu on the specials menu is a must-have), you’ll leave satisfied.  They’re open for lunch and dinner, but to be safe we recommend calling ahead as they are often fully booked in popular seasons.

Website: www.lacasina.com.au

Address: 1842 Caves Road, Dunsborough, 6281

Phone: (08) 9756 8154

Yallingup Woodfired Bakery, Quindalup

There is just no beating the smell of freshly baked bread. Yallingup Woodfired Bakery remains the best in the bread business, selling loaves upon loaves of sourdough and rye to hungry people lining up at 4pm for their fresh hot bread – not to forget supplying to a whole host of local restaurants. Of particular note is the fruit loaf. Forget about the few sultanas scattered in white bread that you’re used to. This fruit loaf is dense, fruity without being overly sweet, with big chunks of fresh apricot, dates and more. There simply is no competition in this regard.

Website: None. Visit their Facebook page here.

Address: 7 McLachlan Road, Quindalup, 6281

Phone: (08) 9756 6306

Cape Mentelle, Margaret River

While there is no shortage of amazing restaurants open for dinner, you might be a little full by now. We suggest ending the day with a cheeseboard and a glass of wine, snuggled up for a movie under the stars on the grass at Cape Mentelle. The outdoor sessions are scheduled throughout the summer, and into April. You can choose to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets or for extra comfort, Cape Mentelle has lounges and blankets available for hire. If you get a little more peckish, you can order gourmet pizza or there is the Margaret River Burger Co. van on premises serving juicy burgers. Move over regular cinema, because a film under the stars and the tall trees is an experience not to be missed.

Website: www.capementelle.com.au

Address: 331 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River, 6285

Phone: (08) 9757 0888

It was with great difficulty we narrowed down the day’s itinerary to just these five premises. There is so much on offer in the South-West region and there are many more culinary driving tours to be had.

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