When to immerse yourself in both wine and art

There are myriad great wine tasting opportunities in the Margaret River region, but man cannot live on wine alone.

Wine lovers might want to time their visit coincide with spring when over 150 artists from Busselton to Augusta will throw open the doors to their creative spaces as part of the 12th annual Margaret River Region Open Studios.

The event will run from September 13 to 28 and offers a once-a-year opportunity to meet artists, explore working studios, and experience art in the raw - all free of charge.

The 2025 line-up includes iconic names like Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Lauren Wilhelm, Lesley Meaney, Caroline Juniper, Nathan Day, Christian Fletcher and Ian Dowling - along with 30 new artists joining the program for the first time.

Visitors can expect a dynamic mix of artistic expression, from traditional Japanese gyotaku (fish printing) and encaustic beeswax painting, to basket weaving, tattoo art, and immersive sculpture installations.

This event is now in its 12th year and chair Jim Davies said it is now one of the most popular events on Western Australia's arts calendar.

“MRROS is such a special event for both artist and visitor, giving everyone the chance to access art and creativity,” he said.

“Art lovers can explore the Margaret River Region via studios in some of our most picturesque and inspiring locations. Studios might be converted barns, sea containers, railway carriages or inside artist’s homes. The variety of art and experiences provided by our artists is phenomenal.

“Visitors can plan a trail of their favourite art mediums such as sculpture, painting, pottery, jewellery or glass; or by location or artistic style."

Image: Artist Leon Pericles in his Margaret River sculpture garden