When we’re scoffing down a meal, whether that be in a restaurant or in the comfort of our homes, we often overlook how all of the ingredients made their way onto our plate.
And across the month of March, the people of Perth are invited by WA’s Great Graze to reflect, share a platter and raise a glass to every person who helps to bring Western Australian (WA) produce from farm to table with eight unique foodie events around the state.
From street markets, winery luncheons, forest tours, and beach nights – there’s something going down near and far that’ll be sure to tantalise your taste buds while experiencing the best of WA flavours, thanks to Genuinely Southern Forests for the brand’s 10-year anniversary.
Grazing experiences that will satisfy all of your sensors will be all the go in Perth, Manjimup, Pemberton, the Swan Valley, Margaret River, and Carnarvon for holidaymakers, families, and foodies alike. WA’s Great Graze events go something a little like this:
1. Great Grazing Market
WA’s Great Grazing Market a.k.a. the feature event, is set to take over the Cottesloe Civic Centre Gardens on Sunday 26, and will showcase WA’s finest fresh produce, gourmet stores, Swan Valley sampling, premium wine tasting and delightful displays celebrating the best of local agriculture. Along with demonstrations, kids activities and plenty more.
Where: Cottesloe Civic Centre Gardens
When: Sunday 26 March, 9am – 2 pm
Price: Free
2. Graze In The Forests
While down in Pemberton on Saturday 4, join Graze In The Forests for a foodie and art exploration of the Southern Forests. Go behind the scenes of a boutique chocolatier inspired by the local produce, a passionate Pemberton beekeeper tending their honey, enjoy a graze box lunch overlooking the native forest, and be guided through a world-renowned art and nature trail. Bookings essential.
Where: Club Road, Pemberton
When: Saturday 4 March, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Price: $175 per person
3. Beach And Forest Eco Tour
Also in the region, the Beach And Forest Eco Tour might just tickle your fancy. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Warren and D’Entrecasteaux National Park, the Yeagarup Sand dunes and the Mouth of the Warren River via 4WD – all while grazing upon local, homemade, and seasonal produce while watching the sun over the Southern Ocean. Bookings essential.
Where: Pemberton
When: 3, 8, 11, 13, 16, 22, 27, 29 March, 2pm
Price: $140 per person
4. Grazing Platters For Holy Mary Cellars
Holy Mary Cellars inside the Swan Settlers Market is the place to be every Saturday and Sunday in March if smoked meats are your thing. Head up the hill for a big old tray of a smoked meats and local wine by Katgully. The weekends will see an American BBQ-style luncheon with a range of pork, beef, and brisket cooked on Ole Hickory wood-fired smoker ovens. You just know that’s going to be flavoursome. Bookings definitely advisable.
Where: 124 Lennard Street, Herne Hill
When: Every Saturday and Sunday in March
Price: $90 per couple
5. WA Great Graze At Upper Reach
Again, just a short road trip up to the Swan Valley there will be a tasty treat on Saturday 18. The Restaurant at Upper Reach Winery will honour hard work highlighting only locally harvested and produced ingredients with eight small plates by Head Chef Ryan Fels. All whilst taking in the splendid vineyard scenery and sweeping views towards to the Swan River. Bookings essential.
Where: 77 Memorial Avenue, Baskerville
When: Saturday 18 March, 12pm
Price: $75 per person
6. The Great Graze Tasting Plate and Wine Flight
Down in Margaret River, they really do it different. The Domaine Naturaliste Cellar Door will celebrate delicious local Southwest produce and wine with their exclusive grazing boards everyday through March from 11am to 3:30pm.
Where: 160 Johnson Road, Wilyabrup
When: Everyday through March, 11am – 3:30pm
Price: $65 per couple
7. Carnarvon’s Great Graze
Keen for a trip up north? If you haven’t been, the Carnarvon region bursts with tropical fruits and succulent seafood amidst lush greenery in the horticultural latitude. Crop estates line the banks of the Gascoyne River where bunches and bunches of produce are yielded. For Carnarvon’s Great Graze you can enjoy live music while chowing down along the shores of the Carnarvon fascine. Full details are yet to come.
Where: Fascine Town Beach, Carnarvon
When: Saturday 18 March, 4pm – 7pm
Price: TBA
8. Grazing Manjimup
The full details for Grazing Manjimup are yet to be confirmed, however the southern shire is worth a visit on any old day – so rest assured that the event will be beneficial on a lil’ road trip douth (down south).
Where: Tall Timbers Manjimup, 88 Giblett Street
Southern Forests Food Council Chair, Kieran Kinsella says, “In 2020 our committee decided that we needed an opportunity to unite and celebrate our state’s food and beverage sector, and so, the first WA’s Great Graze was born.”
“We are pleased to be able to once again offer this experience to consumers, and connect with industry around Western Australia,” Kieran shares.