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Margs and the Swan Valley make the prime cut

Penny ThomasThe West Australian
Yarri Restaurant.
Camera IconYarri Restaurant. Credit: Jessica Wyld/Supplied

Known for their fresh local flavours and world-class wines, it must come as no surprise that Margaret River and the Swan Valley made the cut in Lonely Planet’s latest foodie-inspired release.

Titled Gourmet Trails: Australia & New Zealand, the book brings together 40 of the best food and drink experiences across the two neighbouring countries with easy-to-follow itineraries that can be done in a weekend.

Contributing author at Lonely Planet Chris Zeiher says there is something for all tastes in the latest release.

“This is a celebration of Australia’s culinary ingenuity and, with domestic border restrictions starting to relax, now is the perfect time for travellers to experience it,” he says.

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Margaret River and the Swan Valley were the pick of the crop for the Western Australian section, despite the fact our state’s culinary attractions extend far beyond these two regions.

However, with the abundance of outstanding food and wine on offer in both regions, it is easy to see why these two destinations were chosen.

Bettenay's Margaret River.
Camera IconBettenay's Margaret River. Credit: Bettenay’s Margaret River/Supplied

MARGARET RIVER

Copping a mention in the Margaret River section of the book are places like Miki’s Open Kitchen, Chow’s Table, Settler’s Tavern, Wildwood Valley Cooking School, Margaret River Famers’ Market, Yallingup Cheese Company, Bettenay’s Margaret River and Yarri Restaurant and Bar.

Listing Empire Spa Retreat and Caves House Hotel and Apartments as places to stay, the book also recommends visitors’ book a tour with Koomal Dreaming when visiting the laid-back seaside town.

Settlers Tavern.
Camera IconSettlers Tavern. Credit: Supplied

SWAN VALLEY

Seeing as though the Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in WA, its inclusion in Gourmet Trails is a welcomed addition.

From stunning wineries with manicured lawns to a grungy roadside kitchen loved by locals, the Swan Valley is full of fun and delicious places to visit.

Food and beverage venues listed in the book’s Swan Valley section include Alfred’s Kitchen, Funk Cider, Mandoon Estate, Morish Nuts, Maalinup Aboriginal Gellery, Old Young’s Distillery and Feral Brewing Company.

For a relaxing overnight stay, the book suggests Keller’s B&B, while Whiteman Park and Gomboc Gallery Sculpture Park were put forward as places to visit.

Gourmet Trails: Australia and New Zealand.
Camera IconGourmet Trails: Australia and New Zealand. Credit: Supplied

Discussing the book, contributing author Chris Zeiher says it may have been the best job he’s ever done for Lonely Planet.

“We collectively ate and drank our way around Australia to come up with these amazing weekend itineraries in some of our countries prettiest spots,” he says.

“Part of the joy of Gourmet Trails Australia and New Zealand is that we’re able to introduce you to the minds behind these businesses but also create these easy-to-follow itineraries to enable travellers to discover these places themselves and indulge in the same delicious experiences we had.”

Gourmet Trails is available in stores and online now.

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