A weekend away at Mandalay...Part 3

Aug 31st 2011, 12:40 by Mandalay | Posted in General

The delicious delights of Cowaramup are only a short drive from Mandalay!

From Mandalay head towards Margaret River on the Bussell Highway, turn right into Wildwood Road (on the corner is the Carbunup General Store). Your first stop should be the Naturaliste Reptile Park, open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday – Sunday. Here you can gaze at goanna’s, touch a turtle and learn about Western Australia’s venomous snakes. If you are not fond of reptiles, continue down Wildwood Road and you will find the Anniebrook Wine & Flower Emporium, for an extensive range of artificial flowers, handmade soaps and 100% essential oils. A new winery has just opened here as well.   

 

Travel along Wildwood Road and turn left at North Yelverton Road for Wonky Windmill Farm and Eco Park.  Meet and feed pigs, ponies, alpacas, emus and many other friendly farm animals.  Enjoy homemade preserves and biscuits with a coffee.  Back onto the Bussell Highway towards Cowaramup, you will come across Fonti Farm followed by the Margaret River Cheese Factory. Stop at one or both for a taste of the local cheese’s and yoghurts. Turn left into Treeton Road, and then onto North Treeton Road you will come across Cowaramup Brewery. With a bouncy castle and playground to keep the kids entertained, this is the place to stop, relax and try a few hand crafted quality ales and lagers. 

 

In Cowaramup town stop for some lunch at the Cowaramup Bakery or just have a walk around town and visit places like, Cowaramup Pottery, Candy Cow (a fudge factory, with many goodies to choose from), and Moon Haven for handmade soaps, lotions and potions.

 

Turn into Miamup Road and from here you have many wineries to choose from, such as Howard Park Wines, Vasse Felix, Sandalford, and much, much more. You also have the Margaret River Chocolate Factory with lots of yummy treats for the whole family and Margaret River Providore that produces lots our yummy gourmet delights such as jams, chutneys, oils and sauces.

 

Just out of Cowaramup on Wirring road is Millers Ice-creamery, which offers hand-made ice-cream, coffees and baked treats and an adventure playground for the kids.

 

Travelling back to Busselton along Caves road is the Duckstein Brewery at Saracen Estates. The Duckstein Brewery prides itself on its superior German beer, quality German influenced food, lively music and fun atmosphere. Your journey takes you back along Caves Road and for a cultural experience turn into Wyadup Road, then left into Injidup Springs Road. You will now find yourself at the Wardan Aboriginal Centre. Visit the beautiful rammed earth art gallery where you can purchase and view Aboriginal paintings and cultural artifacts. You can also do the bush story trail tour or the stone tool making class or test your skill by having a go at the boomerang & spear throwing.

 

Mandalay is currently offering a Winter Accommodation Special, stay 3 nights, pay for 2 (valid until 27th September 2011).  Call our reception now to enquire about availability.