Category: Vacation

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.

The South West is home to some of Western Australia’s most spectacular waterways, from the mighty Blackwood River to its crystal-clear tributaries that weave through towering forests and peaceful bushland. The Blackwood itself stretches more than 280 kilometres, making it the state’s longest continually flowing river and a defining feature of the region’s landscape.

While these destinations are perfect for a refreshing swim in the warmer months, they’re just as captivating in winter.

• Picture mist rising from the water on crisp mornings,
• lush green forests,
• riverside picnics,
• scenic walks and
• quiet lookouts where you can simply pause and take in the beauty around you

Best of all, each of these hidden gems is within an easy drive of Tree Chalets, making them ideal for a leisurely day trip before returning to the comfort of your private chalet and cosy wood fire. Whether you’re visiting for a winter escape or a summer adventure, these three free nature spots offer a wonderful way to experience the region’s stunning rivers, brooks and forests.

Barrabup Pool – A Freshwater Oasis Near Nannup

Just a 35-minute drive from Tree Chalets, Barrabup Pool is one of the South West’s hidden gems and the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Nestled on the banks of the Blackwood River near Nannup, this picturesque freshwater swimming hole features easy access via steps into the water and a spacious picnic area surrounded by forest.

Barrabup Pool is also located along the Old Timberline Loop Walk Trail, making it an excellent stop for those wanting to combine a scenic bushwalk with a relaxing riverside visit. The trail winds through stunning native forest, passing beautiful banksia trees and offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the South West.

• In summer, adventurous visitors can leap from the dive platform into the cool water.
• In winter it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a quiet picnic, stretch your legs on the walking trail or simply admire the tranquil riverside scenery.

Sue’s Bridge – Picnic, Paddle and Swim

Just a short drive from Tree Chalets, Sue’s Bridge is a beautiful spot to reconnect with nature along the banks of the Blackwood River. Surrounded by towering karri trees, it offers plenty of shady places to roll out a picnic rug and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

• During the warmer months, the river is often calm and shallow enough for a refreshing swim, while the gentle waters also make it a lovely place to launch a kayak or simply paddle along the shoreline.
• The peaceful setting and picnic facilities make Sue’s Bridge an ideal destination for couples, families and anyone looking to experience the slower pace of the South West without spending a cent.

Chapman Pool, Warner Glen – Swim, Unwind and Soak Up the Views

Nestled within the tranquil forests of Warner Glen, Chapman Pool is another fantastic free spot to explore during your stay at Tree Chalets. The sandy river beach provides an easy entry into the crisp, refreshing waters of the Blackwood River, perfect for a cooling dip on a warm day.

• After your swim, wander up to the lookout and take in the sweeping views across the river and surrounding bushland.
• Bring along a selection of tapas, pour yourself a glass of your favourite vino, and settle in for a relaxing afternoon in one of the South West’s most picturesque settings.
• With picnic facilities, peaceful surrounds and easy access to the water, Chapman Pool is a hidden gem well worth discovering.

Whether you’re packing bathers for a summer swim or a thermos and picnic rug for a crisp winter outing, these beautiful nature spots showcase the very best of the South West. Best of all, they’re free to visit and all within easy reach of Tree Chalets, making them perfect additions to your itinerary. After a day spent exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to your private chalet, lighting the wood fire and relaxing among the trees.