Saturday, April 20, 2019

What to do for the whole family in the South-West this Easter holiday.

If you’re headed to the South-West this Easter school holidays, there’s plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained.

Easter this year is in late April, so while you can still expect some time on the beach, the weather can be a little unpredictable – so it’s a good idea to have a few alternatives.

Here are 10 things to do with the family in the South-West this April school holiday.

Dunsborough Lions Easter Fair

Saturday 20 April, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dunsborough

This free morning of family fun on the Dunsborough Playing Fields has something for everyone. With 170 stalls, food, drinks, and plenty of amusements to keep the kids occupied, it’s a great way to spend Easter Saturday.

Easter Egg Hunt

Create your own Egg Hunt by visiting these first class chocolatiers in the Margaret River region to taste their artisanal chocolate.

Gabriel’s Chocolate, Yallingup – WA’s first bean to bar chocolate maker and recently awarded Champion Small Dairy Producer 2018 from Perth Royal Food Awards. They make delicious ice-cream too.

Margaret River Chocolate Co, Metricup – a must visit to see chocolate being made, taste a range of the specialties, and pick up a few gifts for friends (and yourself!).

The Fudge Factory, Margaret River – it might not be chocolate, but this is an institution in town, they have been hand-making premium fudge here since 1999.

Temper Temper, Margaret River – Roz and Georgia’s love for chocolate and cooking combined to create Temper Temper, producing amazing chocolate creations.

Bahen & Co – does not have a tasting room but this beautiful chocolate can be found throughout the region at a numerous wine estates and gourmet food merchants.

Ride quad bikes through the South-West forest

Boranup

Anyone over the age of four can enjoy a unique experience, riding electric quad bikes through the incredible forests of the Margaret River region.

The fact these bikes are electric means you ride through the forest in silence, enjoying and learning about the stunning flora and fauna of the biodiversity hotspot that is the South-West, without disturbing the locals!

It’s a real eco adventure. Find out more about tours, here.

Visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

 Augusta

If the kids are driving you round the twist, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the kind of landmark that will spark their imagination.

The tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, it stands on the cape at Augusta, overlooking the spot where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. But it’s not just awe-inspiringly beautiful – a visit to the lighthouse is also a trip through maritime history. Built in 1895, it’s a must-see on any South-West holiday.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Photo by Tim Campbell.

Get up to some serious monkey business!

Dunsborough

Keep kids with boundless energy and thirst for adventure amused at Monkey Business, the new zip-line and ropes course in Dunsborough (next to Clancy’s Fish Pub).

There are course options for people of all ages, including a free playground for kids aged up to four. Kids from age three upwards can enjoy a variety of challenges, including tree walking, balancing, climbing, zip-lining, swinging bridges and more. Those over age 13 (including adults) can try the 100-metre zip-line — if they dare!

Enjoy culinary and crafty delights in Yallingup

17 & 24 April, 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., Yallingup

The Caves House Twilight Markets have become something of an institution, beloved by locals and visitors alike. It’s the place to be on a Wednesday night in the South-West – try food from all across the world and buy art, crafts, giftware and much more.

Take to the skies with a real fighter pilot

Busselton-Margaret River Airport

Strap yourself in for the ride of your life, flying over the beautiful South-West coastline in a CJ6A Nanchang Warbird. It’s an absolute adrenalin rush! You’ll experience “g-force” and aerobatics, like loops and barrel rolls.

Your pilot is an ex-Air Force fighter pilot with more than 30 years’ experience, so you’ll be in safe hands for this unforgettable experience.

Booking in advance. Find out how here.

Enjoy a taste of the Great Southern

4 to 14 April, Albany, Mount Barker, Denmark and other locales

If you’re heading to the south coast, the annual Taste Great Southern — the premier food and wine event in the region — is on until 14 April.

This 11-day festival highlights the amazing locally grown produce and boasts an impressive line-up of guest chefs, including Adam Liaw and Anna Gare.

Find out more about the festival and choose an event that’s right for your family here.

Reflect a little on our military history

Evenings until 25 April, Albany

Since October last year, Albany — which has a unique place in Australia’s First World War history — has been host to an immersive art experience called “Field of Light: Avenue of Honour”. A visit to this installation at Mount Clarence will not fail to impress and move you.

Field of Light Avenue of Honour at night Albany. Photo by Lee Griffith Photography.

Check out some WA artists and their work

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout the holidays, Margaret River

This is a unique exhibition, hosted by Vasse Felix in Margaret River. Images of famous West Australian artists taken by photographer Richard Waldendorp have been paired with works by those artists from the collection of renowned WA businesswoman and philanthropist Janet Holmes a Court.

Some of WA’s most famous artists are included, including Robert Juniper and William Boissevain.

Find out more here.

If you’re headed to the South-West for the April school holiday this year, Private Properties has a portfolio of stunning homes available to make your getaway even more memorable.

Like what you are reading?

Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all things Private Properties.