Going down south is a popular break for people living in the Perth metropolitan area. Down south refers to the area south of Bunbury along the south west coast of Western Australia. This very beautiful region offers thick bush land, amazing coastal views from clean, yellow sandy beaches and striking granite cliffs, coves and reefs. There’s a huge wine and brewing industry, fabulous fresh artisanal food, so many talented artists and crafts people, authors and photographers and surfing breaks famous around the world. It’s a lovely area to visit for an active break, a relaxing time or anything in between.
Map Department of Regional Development
We booked into a resort, Bunker Bay, which we visit at least once a year. It nestles in secluded bush land on the Indian Ocean past Dunsborough heading towards Cape Naturaliste. There is a scenic drive to Busselton and Dunsborough one way and Yallingup, Cowaramup and Margaret River another way. We like to come down here and visit old favourites and always find something new to enjoy.
Set off from Perth Monday morning and headed down the coast. Stopped in Busselton for lunch. Once a sleepy retirement settlement plus beach shacks and camping areas Busselton has become a thriving arts centre and there’s the amazing jetty, too, the longest wooden jetty in the world; nearly 1.8 kilometers /1.1 miles long with so many activities to enjoy. These include a train trip along the jetty, a sea bed underwater walk and viewing windows under the water. Busselton has grown and now stretches almost to Dunsborough. Also many beautiful old buildings in the centre of town.
Ben Ing, previously Head Chef, Noma, Copenhagen,now at his own cafe, Alberta’s in Busselton.
Really good coffee, really good treats.
Home to about 86 restaurants and cafes, Busselton is also the home of Alberta’s, run by two former employees at Noma Copenhagen, considered the best restaurant in the world with 3 Michelin stars. Kirsty Marchant (head gardener Noma) and Ben Ing (head chef Noma) opened their cafe Alberta’s, the name a nod to Ing’s Canadian heritage, at the beginning of June. For now they are open in the morning, Thursday to Sunday, serving ‘morning’ foods, listed on a black board. Broths, baked goods, small bites and coffee. Nearly everything is sourced from local suppliers.
Our bed picnics don’t usually take place on the bed but you get the idea.
Once we were unpacked and settled I headed for the beach. It was a short walk along the boardwalk over the lake and through lush greenery.
We’re fans of long lunches at wineries, local cafes and restaurants and then settling to “bed” picnics for dinner, which aren’t eaten in bed! We collect punnets of seasonal berries, cherry tomatoes, some local apples, goats cheese, some crackers, sometimes cold meats and soups. Spread out on the coffee table this is our usual dinner when we are traveling.
We’re on either side of the bush in the middle of the photo.
We can hear the waves crashing. Peaceful and picturesque.
The next morning was relaxing and slow, reading, making some phone calls, watching the birds. Then we set off for lunch with some friends. We hadn’t seen them for ages. So much to talk about!
Lunch became afternoon tea and suddenly it was getting dark. Tuesday was the shortest day of the year and darkness fell early. Such a lovely, relaxing day.
We had visitors every day. They just wandered in and waited for snacks. My husband was happy to oblige! Sometimes we had five water hens lined up waiting for a treat. They attract our attention by tapping on the wooden slats on the deck.
On Wednesday we set off to have lunch at one of the very few local cafes/restaurants opening for lunch. More venues advertise they will be open from Thursday to Sunday, but we will be gone by then. The staff shortages in Western Australia mean no-one should be unemployed! Currently there are 1.4 full time jobs available for every unemployed person in W.A.
Left, scallops and right, fennel. Delicious.
This bistro only offered small share plates on their menu. We began with Scallops, duck xo, smoked avocado and allium ($36) and another plate of Confit fennel, yolk emulsion, edamame, goats cheese ($16). These were well balanced, interesting dishes accompanied by sparkling water and pinot noir. Things went down hill from there! The second two dishes were Beef short rib, maple mop, parker house roll, pickles ($40) and a bowl of shoestring fries, duck fat, herb salt ($16.)
The beef short rib was covered in a lump of fat, the sweet, soft bread roll a gluggy mystery ( I noticed other tables left theirs, too) and the gherkin was just sad and floppy. I added vinegar and salt to the shoestring fries and they were still pretty plain. The duck had truly flown: we couldn’t taste any duck fat at all!
I enjoyed the post lunch coffee and the wander around the adjoining art gallery. The bistro was an attractive area with views to a lovely green outlook, the food was disappointing.
Had intended to have the icecream for dessert but felt it was wiser to go elsewhere. The local well known, wonderful icecream shop, Simmos was our next stop. They were very, very busy and we both thought our icecreams were just right!
On Thursday we set off quite early to spend some time with my Mother on the way home.
As usual, we had a great break down south and we’re already planning the next one!
I love that the birds came into your room! They must do that a lot. Your ice cream sounds delicious. I love the sound of a bed picnic they sound like the sort of meal we often have when we are away.
Hello!
Visiting birds were interesting to watch and obviously other guests had encouraged them. Sturdy, sleek feathered with red beaks and long orange claws, we found them very entertaining. I’ll take appropriate bird food next time.
Deborah