Lucky Bay in Esperance
YOU GUYS. I have the craziest news ever!! I am going to AUSTRALIA!!!! More specifically, Western Australia, the country’s largest state which includes the Margaret River region (more on that in a minute!), responsible for over a quarter of Australia’s premium wine production. It’s also what is referred to as a “biodiversity hotspot,” which basically means its rich soils are home to an abundance of produce and wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Which, to you and me, means food. Good food, and lots of it. Marron (better know to us as lobster!), finger limes, pearl meat…it all sounds so exotic and I can’t wait to try them all and share what real Australian cuisine is — fresh, local, sustainable and prepared in ways to make the pristine nature of the ingredients shine. Oh- another fun fact- the capital city of Western Australia, Perth, is the sunniest capital city in all of Australia, and where I’ll be starting my journey when I visit.
I am literally beside myself. I’ve always DREAMED of going to Australia, but I never imagined it would be anytime soon! But I’m going, this August. Just a few short months away. It will be winter there!!
FIRST, I want to hear all your recommendations. Where should I go, what should I do, where should I EAT? :) Do I have any readers that live in Australia?? :)
Second, because you guys are AWESOME, I want one of YOU to go to Australia, too!
Vasse Felix Winery
The Giveaway
Tourism Western Australia, Virgin Australia, and Down Under Answers are hosting the Say G’day to Gourmet sweepstakes!
One lucky winner will receive a trip for two to Australia AND get to attend the Margaret River Gourmet Escape!!
The Margaret River Gourmet Escape is an annual food and wine festival in Western Australia that celebrates the extraordinary culinary offerings of the Margaret River. World-class chefs and award-winning wineries all come together for a 3-day festival in the breathtaking Margaret River region.
Past years’ events have included world-renowned chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Tony Howell, Matt Stone and many more, and this year’s event will once again feature an all-star lineup that will be announced in June.
Here’s what’s all included in the Say G’day to Gourmet prize:
- Two roundtrip, economy tickets flying Virgin Australia from Los Angeles to Perth, Western Australia
- Four-night stay for two at Pullman Bunker Bay, Margaret River in a Studio Villa including breakfast
- Four-day car rental with unlimited mileage with Avis Car Rental
- Two tickets to one day of the Gourmet Village at Leeuwin Estate at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape
- Two tickets to the signature Gourmet Beach Barbecue at Margaret River Gourmet Escape
- A Ngilgi Cave Twilight Tour for two with Koomal Dreaming
- Two-night stay for two at the Crown Metropol, Perth in a Luxe King Room including breakfast
- Dinner for two at Rockpool Perth to the value of AU$500
How to Enter
Enter to win HERE.
The sweepstakes runs from Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 12:01 a.m. PDT through Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 12:01 a.m. PDT.
For a complete list of sweepstakes rules, visit www.westernaustralia.com/gdaytogourmet.
GOOD LUCK, friends!!
The Village at Margaret River Gourmet Escape. All photos copyright Tourism Western Australia.
Amanda, love your blog! I spent 3 months in Australia (mostly Sydney and Melbourne) several years ago. You’re going to LOVE it! It’s a great country and the people are the friendliest I have ever met while travelling. Reader Gretchen is right, Tasmania is well worth a visit and I add my recommendation to hers! There a great food scene, great markets, the outdoor activities are endless (and beautiful!). I think you’ll find the homes and towns picturesque. At least I did. :) I’ve not been to the west of Australia so I can’t give any specific recommendations, but if you get a chance to try to a roo steak (as in kangaroo), go for it. Roo steaks are high in protein and really tasty (tasted like steak to me).
Before you go, watch the movie Rabbit Proof Fence. Bill Bryson also wrote a fun and funny book about Australia. And A Town Like Alice is a terrific book if you’re just looking for something fun to read that is set in Oz.
I can’t wait to read about your trip. All the best!
Amanda! I’ll be in Australia in August as well! I’m so excited to go. We’ll be on the opposite side though… Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Can’t wait to see what you post about getting ready for traveling there. I’m struggling with what to pack and the long flight. Enjoy every minute!
Hi Amanda, I am from Perth and you will certainly love the Margaret River Region in our South. Shame you aren’t coming in the Summer as the Winters down south can be quite cold and wet (no snow though!!!). Will hunt out for you the latest hot spots to eat and visit and let you know. So many boutique wineries and breweries down there, you will be amazed. Sandra
So happy to hear that you are coming to Australia. I live in Sydney (really wish you were coming here also) and I’ve been following your blog for I don’t know how many years. You are going to a beautiful region of our country and you will get to try some of our gorgeous produce and see some unbelievable scenery. I really look forward to seeing it through your lens and taste buds.
I hope you have memorable and fantastic time.
So fun!! I LOVE travelling and exploring new cultures and cuisine. So excited for you and would love to win the trip! :)
P.S. Would love to hear how you get these exciting opportunities!
OMG! I understand you excitement!! That would be a dream come true!! Australia and a culinary experience?!?! WOW! I entered!! :) (THANK YOU!)
Wow! What a great opportunity! I’m from Sydney, hope you can visit our city while you’re in Aus. I’ve never been to Western Australia, but hear that the Margaret River Region is pretty awesome. Actually, all of Australia is pretty great. Hope you enjoy, looking forward to seeing your posts! Enjoy :)
I live in Queensland, Australia on the beautiful Gold Coast – I’m so happy that you’ll get to come and visit our awesome country! Enjoy :)
Super excited for you, Amanda! And I totally entered to win! :-)
My parents visited Australia for three weeks in the early 90’s when my uncle was working there with the telephone company. I don’t think they visited Western Australia, but they still talk about their trip. We have so many cool souvenirs from that beautiful country. Have fun!
Hi, I am from Bunbury, Western Australia not far from Margaret River. My daughter and her friends love the Gourmet Escape and go every year. The Jewel caves are worth a visit, they are just south of Margaret River. I agree with the other suggestion about Fremantle also.
Try to get over the the Fremantle Market. Fremantle is virtually a suburb of Perth. (the original settlement area) Great food and crafts
I live in Australia, we live in Tasmania the little island down the bottom. We have been to Perth once, unfortunately we never got the chance to visit the Margaret River Region. Your visit looks like it’s bound to be an amazing one. If you get the chance visit Tasmania it is well known for it’s clean green produce and it’s slow paced lifestyle. Here’s a link to an article I found on Tasmania being the Next Foodie Destination
http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304441304579480040563522048
I hope you enjoy yourself there are so many things to see and do in WA.
Wow!!! Your are so lucky Amanda! Australia is my dream destination! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back! Safe travels!
Australia is on my “bucket list” of things I have to do!!!
Have the best time ever Amanda … you deserve it!!!
Amanda you are amazing! What a wonderful trip and opportunity for some lucky person.
SOO jealous!! I want to go so bad!!