FAMILY ADVENTURES

Spring in Margaret River: The Pigs' Guide to Open Studios, Wildflowers and the Show

Our pigs greet spring the way they greet everything: snout first, straight into the mud. Spring rain softens the paddock, and they treat every puddle as a day spa. They also like to remind guests that the Chalet started life as a pig shed.

So the pigs reviewed Margaret River's spring events. They score in oinks, out of five. Five oinks means a full-volume squeal and a happy roll in the mud.

Margaret River Region Open Studios

When: Two weeks in September
Where: Artists' studios across the Margaret River region
Cost: Free
Kid Factor: 4 oinks

For two weeks each September, around 150 local artists open their studio doors and let you wander in. You get to meet the makers, see the work in progress and buy straight from the studio. Grab the event guide, pick a cluster of studios close together, and let the kids choose one each.

Birchfield's own story runs on hand-built walls, mud render and leadlight windows, so Open Studios feels like home to us. The pigs work in mud and wonder why nobody has asked them to exhibit.

Artist at work during Margaret River Region Open Studios — Photo: Tim Campbell, via Margaret River Region

Wildflower season in the Margaret River region

When: August to November, starting near Busselton and moving south towards Augusta as spring goes on
Where: Boranup Forest, Cape Leeuwin, the Margaret River walk trails and Meelup Regional Park
Kid Factor: 4 oinks

The region grows more than 2,500 wildflower species, about 150 of them orchids. Send the kids on a hunt for spider orchids and the giant donkey orchid, which our donkeys insist they inspired.

Orchid on a wildflower tour in the Margaret River region — Photo: Tim Campbell, via Margaret River Region

September school holidays in Margaret River

The September school holidays land in the thick of wildflower season and Open Studios. Spend mornings on a studio trail or a bush walk, then head back to Birchfield to feed the animals, bounce on the trampoline and keep score of the emus and kangaroos strolling past the cottages.

Our guide to things to do in Margaret River with kids covers the rest of the holidays.

Cape to Cape MTB

When: October
Where: Four stages from Cape Leeuwin to Nannup, Margaret River and Cape Naturaliste
Kid Factor: 3 oinks

Mountain bikers race four stages from the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse to the finish at Cape Naturaliste. Catch them on the Margaret River stage and cheer the mud-splattered riders home. Want to ride yourself, minus the race numbers? Our guide to mountain biking the Wadandi Track starts close to the farm.

Riders in the Cape to Cape MTB — Photo: Supplied, via Margaret River Region

Margaret River Agricultural Show

When: A Saturday in early November, from morning until after dark
Where: Gloucester Park, 33 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River
Kid Factor: 5 oinks

Rides, show bags, carnival games and a long row of food vans. The Margaret River Show runs from morning until well after dark, so pace the sugar. The pigs rate the show on the food vans alone, and the food vans score very well.

Pair'd Margaret River Region

When: Four days in November
Where: Wineries, producers and venues across the region
Kid Factor: 1 oink for kids, 5 for the grown-ups

Pair'd spends four days on wine and food, with more than 40 experiences built around the region's vineyards, producers, chefs and winemakers. Most events suit adults, so this one works best as a date-night weekend. Leave the kids with a grandparent and come stay in the Chalet for two.

Pair'd Margaret River Region beach club event — Photo: Supplied, via Margaret River Region

Margaret River weather in spring

Spring brings warm days, cool nights and the odd last shower. The bush flowers, the paddocks stay green, and by November the beaches start calling. The ducks take over from here in our summer guide.

Common questions

When is Margaret River Open Studios?

Margaret River Region Open Studios runs for two weeks each September, with around 150 local artists opening their studios free of charge.

When is the Margaret River Agricultural Show?

On a Saturday in early November at Gloucester Park, 33 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River, with rides, show bags, carnival games and food vans.

When is wildflower season in Margaret River?

August to November. The region grows more than 2,500 wildflower species, about 150 of them orchids, with blooms starting near Busselton and moving south towards Augusta.