Release your inner foodie!
Australia’s South West is a foodie heaven. Plan a gourmet tour through the region and your love affair with fresh produce and bountiful food will undoubtedly blossom. The best local fare is being prepared for you everywhere you look, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. If you prefer to forage for yourself, farmer’s markets and providores offer the building blocks for you to create your own memorable meal. Join a cooking class, discover one of the many excellent eateries or pick up a few essential ingredients for a platter or picnic.
Take a journey into the wonderful world of fresh local produce and start your day visiting a regional farmers market. Browse, discover, sample and buy delicious organic produce fresh from the farm. There are cheeses, olive oils, bread, free-range eggs, meats and a huge variety of tasty fruit and vegies.
Be adventurous and create your own tasting itinerary around the region. Take the time to discover hand crafted cheeses, sample olives and their oils with fresh bread at the farm where they are grown and for the sweet tooth, there’s plenty of delicious chocolates, toffees, honey and fudge.
REGIONAL SPECIALTIES
With the abundance of fresh local produce, there are certain regions that feature their own gourmet delicacy. Famous for its black truffles, Manjimup is the second largest producer behind France. Join on one of their truffle hunts with well-trained truffle dogs followed by a sumptuous meal prepared with this prized delicacy.
At the water’s edge in Albany, experience freshly shucked oysters just after they’ve been plucked from the clear waters of the Southern Ocean. Picnic next to trout-filled lakes in Pemberton and enjoy a delicious platter of marron (freshwater crayfish) and smoked trout. Venison chorizo together with crusty wood fired bread and olive oil is a must try in the Margaret River region.
DON’T MISS!
- Black truffles in Manjimup, one of the largest producers in the world
- Trout and Marron in the Southern Forests – the purest waterways grow the best fish and crustaceans
- Pink lady apples in Manjimup, the town where they were created
- Oysters in Albany, where they’re small and sweet
- Riesling from the Great Southern – the cool climate is ideal for Riesling
- Chocolate in Margaret River – Small batch bean-to-bar chocolate, plus truffles galore!
- Lavender in the Blackwood Valley – several lavender farms offer a range of edible and skincare products
FARMERS' MARKETS
For fresh seasonal produce visit one of the region's Farmers' Markets.
Albany Farmers' Market
Every Saturday, 8am to 12 noon
Collie Street, Albany
Visit the Albany Farmers' Market website
Boyanup and Districts Farmers' Market
4th Sunday of every month, 8am to 12 noon
Boyanup Memorial Park Grounds, South Western Highway, Boyanup
Visit the Boyanup and Districts Farmers' Market
Eaton Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 9am to 1pm
Eaton Fair Shopping Centre, Recreation Drive, Eaton
More details on Eaton Farmers Market
Katanning Farmers' Market
3rd Saturday of every month, 9am to 12.30pm
Katanning Show Grounds
Visit the Katanning Visitor Centre for more information
Manjimup Farmers Market
1st & 3rd Saturday of every month, 8am to 12 noon
Round House, Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park
Visit the Manjimup Visitor Centre for more information
Margaret River Farmers' Market
Every Saturday year round, 9am to 1pm
Community Centre, Tunbridge Street, Margaret River
Visit the Margaret River Farmers' Market website
Allanson Markets, Collie
Allanson General Store car park, Collie
Every second Sunday of the Month
Goods Shed Markets, Collie
8am to 12pm once a fortnight on a Sunday
Call for the Collie Visitor Centre for dates
Agricultural Markets, Collie
Wallsend Grounds in the Show Pavilion on Bridge Street
The first Saturday of each month
All Collie Markets - for more information visit collierivervalley.com.au