Why a Yallingup Farm Stay is Your Underrated Winter Escape
After earning the title as one of Australia’s best tourism towns in 2019, it’s no surprise that Yallingup is a favourite destination of Perth locals and travellers alike. While local surfers are out in the water all year round, us regular beach goers tend to visit in the summer to enjoy the stunning beaches. But we shouldn’t overlook winter — there’s plenty to see and do in the cooler weather throughout the Margaret River Region, and a cosy Yallingup farm stay might just be the most underrated mid-year escape you need to recoup and recharge.
The town is located on Wadandi Boodja, with its name directly translating to ‘Place of Caves’ in Wadandi dialect. It represents the network of limestone caves that have long provided shelter and held great spiritual significance for generations.
What to See & Do on a Yallingup Farm Stay
Embrace a Slower Pace at Yallingup Cabin Farm Stay
Our off-grid premium cabins are located on the property of Glenmore Wines. You’ll be sharing the land with a friendly herd of cattle that you can gaze at through the big picture window. You won’t need to leave your cabin, as you’ll have everything you need to feel at home, while far from home — like a kitchenette to cook all your meals, a warm shower, bath tub, air conditioning and heating to keep you cosy and warm, and a fire pit to connect with someone you love out in nature.
Make Some Time For Yourself at Tama Wellness
At a Yallingup farm stay, you’re just a short drive from Dunsborough town. That’s where you’ll find Tama Wellness. The holistic wellness studio offers body therapy and facial treatments, using traditional and modern techniques with a creative touch. From the moment you enter the space you feel like you have departed from the modern world, leaving all the pressures and responsibilities at the door. Reconnect with yourself through a private infrared sauna, a facial, or massage that are all more than just treatments. They are a much needed pause in a world that asks us to rush, guided by experienced and calming practitioners who care deeply about your experience.
Couples staying with us can book a Heyscape package that has been specially curated by Tama, including a sauna session each and the choice of a massage or facial. Reach out to hello@heyscape.com.au and leave the planning to us.
Admire Local Art at Yallingup Galleries
You’ll find the Yallingup Galleries nestled in the stunning coastal bushland of the South West. It’s located on Caves Road and is just a short drive from your Yallingup farm stay. You can drop in anytime from 10am – 4pm to admire the artwork. The gallery represents recognised Australian Artists and displays a diverse range of local fine arts and furniture. On the weekend you can browse through the gallery and sculpture trail, and follow it up with a glass of wine at the cellar door on site, Vallée du Venom. The cellar door showcases small batch minimal intervention wines made by local winemakers Rhys and Emma Parker at their Urban Micro Winery in Dunsborough.
Catch Whales Migrating North on a Whale Watching Tour
One of the most unforgettable experiences during winter in the South West is watching whales, like humpback whales and southern right whales, migrating north to warmer waters. Naturaliste Charters are experienced tour operators, departing daily from the nearby towns of Augusta and Dunsborough. They have the highest success rate for seeing Killer Whales and are renowned for their insider knowledge on the best sighting locations throughout the South West. Their guides are passionate experts who will transform your tour into an educational journey, enhancing your connection with the majestic whales.
Try a Local Drop on a Tannin Road Wine Tour
If you’re looking to venture out from your cabin to explore the local area, our top pick for a daytime activity is a wine tour with Tannin Road. They curate wine tours in the Margaret River region like no other, introducing you to some of the best hidden local gems that won’t be found on any other itinerary. With pick-up and drop-off at your cabin in a spacious and air-conditioned van, you won’t have to worry about organising a single thing. A local expert will guide you through the award-winning wine region, taking you to 4 wineries where passionate winemakers and cellar door staff share their stories, offer tastings, and showcase their unique cellar doors. Tannin Road offer small group tours, private tours and guided tours with Leah Clearwater from Margaret River Wine Academy.
Explore Ngilgi Cave with Koomal Dreaming
Explore one of the spectacular limestone caves with Wadandi Custodian Josh Koomal at Koomal Dreaming. The hands-on and 2.5 hour fully guided tour begins with a bushwalk where Josh talks you through the indigenous plants, foods, and medicines, intricately connected to the six Noongar seasons. Before descending into the cave you’ll also watch traditional fire lighting with stick-rubbing techniques. In the cave you’ll experience the melodies of Josh’s didgeridoo, made even more special by the extraordinary acoustics.
Where to Eat & Drink
Grab a Pastry at Yallingup Gugelhupf Bakery
It’s hard to miss Gugelhupf Bakery when you’re in Yallingup town. The pink and blue wooden panels stand out amongst the bushland, as does the name. A German family has owned the bakery for the last 20 years, baking delicious organic wood-fired bread alongside a range of other sweets and the iconic Guglehupf. The Gugelhupf is a crown-shaped traditional cake, originating from Germany, Austria and France. They make a range of flavours, including some stuffed with jam, vanilla flavoured custard, and nutella.
Taste a Local Brew at Wild Hop Brewing Company
Wild Hop Brewery is nestled on a family-owned property in the Yallingup hills. The brew-pub is a popular spot for locals and visitors to the region, with a family and dog-friendly atmosphere to accommodate everyone. The team has installed a wood-fired rotisserie oven, which is the centrepiece of their kitchen. Think family styled shares featuring the best local produce, from whole rotisserie chickens, to Wagyu steak, and charred broccolini and bang-bang Korean cauliflower.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Yallingup Chocolate
You’ll find Yallingup Chocolate nestled beside an old vineyard and mature trees. The team of chocolatiers here handcraft delicious chocolates with the finest ingredients sourced from all over the world. They produce a range of chocolates from the classic flavours you know and love, to creative combinations you can’t find anywhere else. Their sister company, Commonage Coffee Co, is located on the same property, where you can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee or bite to eat while surrounded by lush greenery and stunning scenery.
Visit Swings and Roundabouts for a Wood-fired Pizza
Swings and Roundabouts is an iconic spot, and for good reason. It’s located just a 5 minute drive away from our Yallingup farm stay with beautiful views, a range of award-winning and sustainably made wines, as well as some of the best wood-fired pizzas you’ll find in the region. It’s a family friendly venue, with a playground and grass area for the kids to burn some energy. It’s also plenty of fun for the adults, with a cellar door located on site where you can indulge in a wine tasting.
Enjoy a Bite to Eat By the Beach at Lagoon Yallingup
Lagoon Yallingup is tucked away just in front of Yallingup Beach, serving breakfast and lunch in the restaurant and coffee kiosk. You can grab a takeaway coffee and take it down to the beach to watch the waves roll in, or you can sit back and enjoy a big breakfast in the beautiful beachside, venue with views across the Indian Ocean. If you feel like trying some local seafood while you’re staying along the coast, they also offer fresh local seafood boxes that can be ordered through their website and enjoyed back at the cabin.