Winter in Margaret River feels different. The roads are quieter, the forests deepen to green, and long lunches stretch a little longer. For guests staying at Tree Chalets, winter is less about filling an itinerary and more about slowing down and experiencing the region at a gentler pace.
Mornings begin slowly among the trees, with mist settling through the forest and birdsong carrying through the still air. Head out for a long lunch at a nearby winery, spend the afternoon exploring winding country roads, then return to the warmth of your chalet before evening settles in.
Winter reveals a side of Margaret River that feels quieter, more spacious, and easier to settle into. It’s a season that invites you to linger a little longer, whether you’re enjoying a tasting by the fire, walking through the forest after rain, or simply taking time to do very little at all.
Long Lunches and Fire-Cooked Dining at Willespie Wines
One of this season’s most exciting local experiences is the winter residency at Willespie Wines, running from 30 May to 5 July. Located a leisurely half hour drive from Tree Chalets, it’s the perfect addition to a slow winter weekend in the region.
Leading the experience is acclaimed chef Melissa Palinkas, formerly of Young George and named WA Good Food Guide Chef of the Year. Her approach centres on seasonal produce, fire cooking and bringing people together around the table.
Guests gather around a purpose-built asado pit where dishes are cooked in front of them, with wood smoke, local produce and Margaret River wine creating an atmosphere that feels warm and generous rather than formal.
The Long Table | Saturdays
Held each Saturday, The Long Table brings guests together around a shared veranda table overlooking the winter landscape. The four-course menu celebrates local ingredients and the simple pleasure of taking time over a meal.
Four-course shared menu
$120 per person
Braizen | Sundays
For something more relaxed, Braizen offers a casual Sunday lunch centred around a hero dish cooked over fire and served alongside seasonal share plates.
Share plates
from $45 per person
After an afternoon at Willespie, returning to Tree Chalets becomes part of the experience itself. The forest grows quiet, the evening air cools, and the chalet offers a comfortable place to unwind after a day spent exploring the region.
Winter is the Season to Slow Down
The cooler months bring a different rhythm to Margaret River. Cellar doors feel calmer, conversations linger longer, and rainy afternoons become an excuse to settle into a tasting by the fire or another glass of wine over lunch.
It’s the season for scenic drives through the forest, discovering small local producers, and returning with fresh bread, wine and local produce to enjoy back at the chalet. Even familiar places feel different in winter quieter, softer and less hurried.
For guests staying at Tree Chalets, the region’s food, wine and nature experiences are all within easy reach, while the surrounding forest offers a peaceful retreat at the end of each day.
Planning Your Winter Stay
If you’re planning a winter escape to Margaret River, a little preparation can help you make the most of the season.
- Book dining experiences such as Willespie Wines in advance, particularly weekend sittings.
- Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings.
- Allow at least two to three nights to fully enjoy the region’s wineries, walking trails and local experiences.
- Leave space in your itinerary for slower moments — some of the best winter experiences happen when there’s nowhere else you need to be.
Returning to the Chalet
Some of the most memorable moments of a winter stay are often the simplest. A slow morning with coffee overlooking the trees. Rain moving gently through the forest. An evening spent indoors while the landscape settles into silence outside.
At Tree Chalets, winter offers the chance to experience Margaret River at its most relaxed. It’s a season of long lunches, quiet roads, fresh forest air and unhurried days.
For guests looking to experience the region beyond the peak summer season, winter offers something unexpected more space, more calm and more opportunities to enjoy Margaret River at your own pace.
At Tree Chalets, it may just become your favourite time of year to visit.
