Road trip season is upon us, and who better to take inspiration from than Western Australia’s hospitality pros?
In our new series, On The Road With, we get the inside tips from your favourite chefs, somms, and restaurateurs to discover where they’re headed, their must-visit stops along the way, and their go-to stays on their WA holidays.
First up, Emma Farrelly, Director of Wine and Beverages at the State Buildings and WAGFG’s own WA Wine Awards co-chair, shares her favourite spots down south, plus the one place she makes time for on the way home.
What’s your favourite destination to explore in WA, and who’s your ideal road trip companion?
The South West. I know it’s predictable as I’m in the wine industry, but it really is my favourite place and my home away from home. I have lots of great friends who live down there, so it’s great to take my teenage boys down to spend time with them. I very much love the Cape to Cape track and will always fit a section in when I can. I really want to do the whole thing one day. Just need to find the time.
What are some of your favourite pitstops along the way?
I’m one of those ‘drive until you get there’ type people and when driving down for work, I’m usually on a tight schedule. Even if I’m on holidays it’s habit to load up on caffeine and just roll through, although the boys will definitely make me stop for bakery items somewhere along the way.
If there’s time to stop in Busselton on the way home, I’ll grab a buckwheat crepe from Mano Wraps. They are so freaking delicious and feel ridiculously healthy.
Mano Wraps
Where do you eat when you’re in the South West?
Margaret River Bakery, Egberts and Sidekick for coffee. Brewhouse and Wild Hop for casual/brewery vibes.
My absolute favourite place for lunch is Glenarty Road – I love the team and what they are doing there. The whole experience is excellent. Otherwise, the classics – Vasse Felix, Voyager and Wills Domain – always impress.
In town, I like Morries, Miki’s Open Kitchen and Tuckshop. I still haven’t been to Dahl Daddys but hopefully on my next trip down.
When I’m further north I head to Lady Lola, Chow’s Table or Yarri. There’s also a great burger place in Dunsborough, Burgertron.
Voyager
Are you the kind of person to whip up a feast while you’re away? If so, what’s on the menu?
I’m definitely all about this. We tend to cook a lot when we are on holidays so it’s pretty hectic – especially now my son Otis insists on taking over. He is very good at tacos, and we make everything from scratch.
We also went to Japan recently, so there is a big love of miso on everything.
If I get the chance to visit the farmers markets in Margaret River, I will be cooking anything and everything that I purchase there.
And finally, where do you like to stay?
Very often in Yallingup. I’m very fortunate to have friends with a place on the hill and also some in the more rural part, surrounded by bush. That view from the hill in Yallingup is one of my favourite spots in WA.
Looking to book accommodation for your next South West stay? Find the best hotels in Margaret River and beyond at WAGFG Stays.
