300km south west of Perth you will find Western Australia’s treasured adventure playground. Famous in equal part for its epic surf coastlines, sweeping wine region and gastronomical delights, the Dunsborough and Margaret River expanse sets the scene for an incredible weekend getaway. Powered by an active lifestyle, for many in the area there is a shift in consciousness, with a local community that supports and empowers sustainability and the environment, showcases local produce and favours holistic health.
So, once you’ve checked out all the best spots in the capital, do yourself a favour, jump in the car and go southbound - your plant-based eating itinerary is all sorted!
Friday
1.00pm - The Forbidden Fruit
All that driving (and likely carpool karaoke) is bound to make you a little peckish and boy, are you in luck. As you cruise south down the Bussel Highway, keep your eyes peeled for a turn off just near Stratham, where you will find The Forbidden Fruit. At first an unassuming roadside stop, upon entry this specialty grocery store transforms into an oasis of fresh local produce, handcrafted products and a delicious smoothie menu! Stock up on a few groceries and treats for the weekend ahead, or just grab a smoothie to slurp on for the next hour until you reach your destination!
The Forbidden Fruit, The Forbidden Fruit, 265 Bussell Hwy, Stratham WA 6237, Australia
3pm - Kona Joe’s Health Shack
If you didn’t spot the world’s first mobile CocoWhip & Acai Bar food truck cruising around town as you pulled up into Dunsborough, then make a beeline for the Health Shack. Here you will find a flavour-packed menu of gluten, dairy free, vegan and paleo friendly options, all inspired by the active culture of the South West region. Featuring local, organic and seasonal produce, this is the South West home of CocoWhip, so drop by for a refreshing creation that packs out 20 yoghurt servings worth of probiotics in one bowl!
Check out other dishes and reviews of Kona Joe’s Health Shack.
Kona Joe’s Health Shack, 28D/55 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
7pm - Peko Peko
One of WA’s best sushi spots has been a staple choice for accessible plant based eating since it popped up down south. With a no frills, laidback vibe, it’s the perfect place to swing past for a hassle free (and healthy!) takeaway to whip over to the beach in time for sunset. Or simply take your time and relax at the outdoor picnic tables under the gumtrees. With vegan and vegetarian friendly options aplenty, choose from the extensive sushi and Vietnamese rice paper roll selection or opt for a hot noodle or curry dish.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Peko Peko
Peko Peko, 59 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
Saturday
7am - Merchant & Maker
You might be in holiday mode, but it’s the local way to be up as the sun rises - whether you’re hitting one of the amazing workout studios, heading for a coastal track walk or catching some waves, before you embark on your adventures drop by Merchant & Maker for one of the best brews in town. This popular joint is a firm crowd favourite, so expect a long line for the barista if you have a lazy lie in! With a variety of nut mylks on offer, the team here has perfected the art of quality coffee that doesn’t curdle or split. If you’re feeling hunger pangs already this early, there’s also hot out of the oven baked treats or fresh fruit salads to accompany your long mac.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Merchant & Maker.
Merchant & Maker, 675 Point Nepean Rd, McCrae VIC 3938, Australia
10am - Bunkers Beach House
Perched at the top of the boardwalk down to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Bunkers Beach Café consistently serves up some of the most delicious brunches in the South West. With an emphasis on fresh local produce with a modern Australian twist, this is absolute beachfront dining that cannot be missed. The menu offers an array of plant based, GF options and highlights regional merchants including Yallingup Wood Fired Bread and Margaret River Roasting Co Coffee. Here, you can expect to have a top-quality brunch with a side of the best ocean views around, before simply popping down the stairs to dive into the crystal clear turquoise waters of the bay. Does it get any better?!
Check out other dishes and reviews of Bunkers Beach House.
Bunkers Beach House, Farm Break Lane, Naturaliste WA 6281, Australia
1pm - Black Brewing Co.
No trip to Margaret River is complete without a wine tour of the world-famous vineyards of the region. However, before commencing your cellar door crawl, you’ll need a bit of fuel in your belly and there’s no better lunch location along Caves Road than the Black Brewing Co. With a recently refreshed sharing menu that favours South American influences and utilises the delicious produce of the local region, here you’ll find an abundance of yummy plant based options. Highlights include the chickpea, tomato and pumpkin spiced estafado, tomato, black bean and quinoa salad, chipotle lime herb slaw and loaded baked sweet potato. Black Brewing Co also brews handcrafted, mostly session beers onsite in their Margaret River brewery, so you may be persuaded to try a few bevvies. Choose a beer flight tasting over a long lunch and soak up the views from the outdoor deck over the landscaped dam and gardens.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Black Brewing Co..
Black Brewing Co., 3517 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280, Australia
3pm - Cullen Wines
Let’s be honest, Margaret River isn’t short of a top notch, award winning winery, but for something a little different, stop by the cellar door of Cullen Wines. With a philosophy of quality, integrity and sustainability, this vineyard is not only Australian certified organic and carbon neutral, but also A grade biodynamic. This method of farming treats the vineyard as a living system, beyond just the maintenance of sustainable soil fertility, and interacts with the environment to build a healthy living soil to nourish the wines. With a focus on biodynamic practices and minimal intervention in their growing, harvesting and producing their naturally fermented wines, Cullen Wines has cultivated a holistic, environmentally conscious mode of winemaking.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Cullen Wines.
Cullen Wines, 4323 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280, Australia
8pm - Snatch
New kid on the Dunsborough block, Snatch Dogs is emerging as the spot to go for a chill plant based takeaway meal. With a menu simply consisting of hot dogs or bao buns – so on trend... Snatch Dogs is reinventing the classic BBQ favourite. The dogs here come loaded with delicious delights – think cashew cheese and vegan mayo - and there’s plenty of options for the vegan, vegetarian or gluten free crew (who to be honest, might’ve thought hot dog days were never to be seen again!). Oh, and don’t forget a sneaky side of the sweet potato chips – they won’t last long around greedy hands…
Check out other dishes and reviews of Snatch.
Snatch, Shop 2/42/48 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
Sunday
7am - Canteen Kitchen And Garden
Nestled amongst its fit and flexible neighbours of The Movement South West and Yoga South West, sits Canteen Kitchen where you can find local, organic, vegan offerings. With a spacious, airy café and sweeping outdoor garden, you may be inclined to stay a while, or just grab a quick coffee or cold pressed juice before venturing to a class or checking out the eco-shopping store on site.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Canteen Kitchen And Garden.
Canteen Kitchen And Garden, 226 Naturaliste Terrace, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
10am - Goanna Bush Café & Gallery
I don’t like having favourites, but if you forced my hand, then Goanna Bush Café & Gallery would resolutely be my winner for best brunch in the South West. Tucked into a tranquil bush setting, complete with friendly locals, namesake Goanna popping out to say hi and a blue wren or two fluttering around the garden, the relaxed location is already ticking all kinds of boxes. The kitchen consistently delivers a menu that is all you could ever ask of an Aussie brunch - generous portion sizes, delicious flavour combinations showcasing the best of the regions produce and options to suit every dietary preference of holidaymaker swinging past the popular spot.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Goanna Bush Café & Gallery.
Goanna Bush Café & Gallery, 278 Hayes Rd, Quindalup WA 6281, Australia
1pm - Morries Anytime
As you head further south to scope out the many incredible surf beaches, caves or forest trails along the way, swing by Margaret River town and duck into Morries Anytime, the standout spot for a buzzing bistro lunch. With a suitably seasonal and local menu featuring plenty of options for plant based eaters, the modern Australian eatery mixes up offerings of tapas, main courses and a killer cocktail menu (should you so fancy). The vibe is more hipster hangout than beach café, and often doubles up as a live jazz venue.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Morries Anytime.
Morries Anytime, 2/149 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
4pm - Simmo’s Ice Creamery
It’s the classic down south institution and every summer holiday to the region deserves a stop by Simmo’s Ice creamery. With more flavours than you could ever taste test your way through, the famous ice creamery recently began stocking their own vegan recipe which you can select by scoop or pick up in a take home tub for the rest of the weekend! The expansive outdoor area is an ideal spot for an afternoon treat in the sun with a kid friendly garden and crazy golf course. Whatever you do, make sure you make time to meet the resident “ice-cream eating” emu – but keep those ice-creams away, he’s a hungry one for sure!
Check out other dishes and reviews of Simmo’s Ice Creamery.
Simmo’s Ice Creamery, 161 Commonage Rd, Quindalup WA 6281, Australia
8pm - Peace Pizza
After a busy weekend of sightseeing and exploring the region, it’s time to chill out with a delicious, woodfired pizza in this local go-to restaurant. The retro, upcycled décor and friendly staff who are passionate about their pizza skills make it a casual place to hang out or simply drop by to grab a slice before they fly out the door! There are plenty of veggie options on the menu already, and GF or vegan friends simply need to ask and they will be able to accommodate your requests at no extra cost...if they haven’t already sold out!
Check out other dishes and reviews of Peace Pizza.
Peace Pizza, 16/34 Seymour Boulevard, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
Monday
7am - Evviva Café
Swing past this lively local café for a freshly squeezed juice, alternative mylk coffee and maybe a sneaky pre-breakfast treat of a bliss ball, fruit salad or chia bowl. With an extensive menu based in healthy, vitality boosting food, beverages and tasty treats, the sunny, relaxed patio invites you to sit and stay a while, or just swing past en-route in the AM.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Evviva Café.
Evviva Café, 1/233 Naturaliste Terrace, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
9am - Shaana Café
Situated just above Yallingup – an iconic beach of the region – you will find the happy union of surfer vibes and yogi chill at the quirky Shaana Café. The beach cafe delivers wholesome, delicious Aussie meals in the relaxed setting through the day and night, with options to select or modify to plant based and vegan. Enjoy the scenic drive down the coast to Yals, where you can watch the surfers carving up the reef break or join the ranks tumbling as they bodysurf the waves breaking onshore.
Check out other dishes and reviews of Shaana Café.
Shaana Café, 6 Dawson Dr, Yallingup WA 6282, Australia
1pm - Wild & Woods
When sadly the time comes to cruise back up to the big smoke, drop by Wild & Woods in the town centre to load up on some car snacks and coffees to fuel the journey. Serving up nourishing wholefood breakfasts and easy takeaway lunches alongside homemade cakes and delicious raw treats, you will easily find GF, vegan and vegetarian options in this sweet little spot. If tea is your thing, you’ll be in luck with over 45 premium leaf teas on offer, or enjoy Aussie favourite Toby’s Estate on the barista brew!
Check out other dishes and reviews of Wild & Woods.
Wild & Woods, 2/237 Naturaliste Terrace, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
