Thursday, April 22, 2021

A jam-packed social calendar: autumn and winter South West events

friends toasting with red wine after the harvesting

Western Australia’s South West transforms into a giddy wonderland during autumn and winter. This is the perfect time of year for long degustation lunches, winery tastings, roaming through enchanting woods, and watching immense whales as they pass through our waters. It’s sensory heaven: the inviting scent of log fires and hearty food wafting from venues; glittering raindrops on sage- and emerald-coloured leaves; and our famous big blue WA skies. And, happily, this is also a bumper season for events and festivals with the whole region a buzz with life.

What’s on: South West events

May is filled to the brim with events for both the sporty and the arty. Busselton will be bustling with the Busselton Festival of Triathlon kicking things off on May 1 with a two-day event that covers a 1.9km swim, 90.1km bike ride, and 21.1km run. 2021 is extra special, celebrating the 20th year this key event has been held. And if you feel like you’re up to the challenge to compete (kids are also welcome to participate in their own event) email entries are still open.

Busselton Festival of Triathlon

May 1 will also see the Margaret River Ultra Marathon traverse through our diverse South West landscape. Although already sold out for runners, spectators can drop by and watch the action as it unfolds with some 1500 competitors racing through charming coastal villages, atop dramatic clifftops, and along forest trails.

As luck would have it, we are treated to a third major sporting event from May 2 to 12: the iconic Margaret River Surf Pro surfing tour. The planet’s greatest male and female surfers will descend upon WA’s surf mecca to battle the waves during this thrilling 10-day event. Grab your scarf and a hot coffee and head down to the world-famous breaks to witness the morning action.

Margaret River Surf Pro. Image by Photo Elements.

One for the bookworms and art lovers, the beloved annual Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival is back again on May 14 to 16. Dozens of authors and presenters have been lined up for this three-day extravaganza, including legendary commentator and writer Jane Caro, Natasha Lester – New York Times bestselling author of The French Photographer – and renowned travel writer Will Yeoman.

For something a little different, creatives can get professional development and a great big dose of inspiration at the Emergence Creative Festival. Held from June 9 to 11 this year, you’ll get to attend workshops and talks with highly accomplished people in their respective fields: investigative journalists, fashion directors, photographers, art directors, and more.

For those who love music, food, drinks, and an all-round terrific time, you should nab tickets ASAP to Cabin Fever fest which has emerged bigger and better than ever from 2020’s hibernation. Between July 16 and 25, venues from Busselton to Margaret River will be hosting all sorts of fun and memorable events. From Mexican street food fiestas to a rice and sake masterclass at Miki’s, you get a little taste of everything.

Cabin Fever

Rounding out a cosy South West winter will be the distinguished CinefestOZ film festival which will feature outstanding flicks between August 25 and 29. Australian and international cinema and incorporating over 40 live events and screenings, the festival is a must-attend event. If you’re in Albany during April and May, you also have the chance to check out the films at the inaugural CinefestOZ Albany event, taking place between April 29 and May 1 2021.