The picturesque Great Southern is home to rugged coastline, towering forests, quaint country towns, scenic mountain ranges and secluded beaches with crystal clear water. The drive from Perth is 4 to 5 hours, so a trip down here is a true escape to the country.
The Great Southern is also home to over 50 wineries, located in Denmark, Albany, Mt Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River, all with different climates and distinctive wine styles.
We found four wineries offering stunning boutique accommodation, from where you can enjoy the magic of the region and return to your very own vineyard. For the ultimate wine-lovers holiday, take one week or more and stay in all four.
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Monkey Rock Winery
Denmark’s Monkey Rock Winery and Cidery is home to Turicum Chalets, with three 2-bedroom chalets and one studio room on their large rural property near William Bay National Park. Inspired by the family’s Swiss heritage, these weatherboard and granite chalets feature elements that can be found in a cosy Swiss alpine chalet.
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Both family and pet friendly, the property is only 10km out of Denmark’s town, and a short drive from stunning beaches with Greens Pool and Lights Beach only 10 minutes down the road. There are donkeys, sheep and other farm animals on site the kids can feed, and of course, resident kangaroos to admire from your patio.
You can appreciate views of vineyards and bushland from your chalet, and even hop on the Bibbulmun Track, which runs right past the farm.
Monkey Rock Winery pride themselves on producing wine, cider and liqueurs with no added sulphites or fining agents. Their cider is produced with cold pressed Manjimup apples, and they have been working on infused ciders, including passionfruit and pineapple. With a cellar door less than 100m from the cottage, we’re sure there will be a few visits to try their range of red wine, fruity liqueurs and refreshing cider.
Contact details:
0400772962
contact@turicumchalets.com.au
Website
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Poacher’s Ridge
20 minutes out of Mt Barker and less than an hour from the Stirling Ranges is the picturesque Gamekeeper’s Cottage at Poacher’s Ridge winery. Indulge in a complimentary breakfast hamper, enjoy the sweeping views of the Porongurup Ranges and curl up by the fireplace on colder evenings in this private country escape.
The 2-bedroom chalet is fitted out with a coffee machine, fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, outdoor deck and a spacious living room. As the cottage is elevated, it is the perfect time of year to enjoy some exquisite sunrises.
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A five-minute walk from the cottage will take you to the cellar door, open Friday to Sunday or by appointment. This family-run vineyard embraces the cooler climate, focusing on Riesling, Marsanne, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their winemaker, Robert Diletti, was named James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year in 2015.
The restaurant is unfortunately closed, but there are many eateries and cafes in the Great Southern to spoil your tastebuds. Make sure you try Poacher’s Ridge’ preservative free olive oil, a bottle of which is included in your chalet.
There is a minimum night stay of two nights, with a discounted rate for subsequent nights.
Contact details:
9857 6066
info@poachersridge.com.au
Website
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Alkoomi Wines
On Alkoomi’s vineyard in Frankland River sits two chalets, both sleeping up to seven people each and sporting views of rolling hills, bushland and vines. There is a BBQ and deck area, perfect for a family dinner under the stars (which are pretty spectacular in this remote corner of the world) or watching the mesmerising sunsets.
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The large property was first purchased in 1946 and named Alkoomi after a local Indigenous word meaning “a place we choose”. Frankland River is inland, about one hour north-west of Mt Barker. This Mediterranean climate is internationally recognised for producing premium Shiraz and Riesling. Alkoomi’s cellar door is 500m from the chalets, where you can sample and buy their premium wines, as well as their extra virgin olive oil, produced from their estate grown Correggiola and Manzanillo olive trees.
This country accommodation is perfect for those wanting to truly escape. As the most isolated wine growing region in the state, we can assure you serenity will be achieved while staying at Alkoomi.
Contact details:
9855 2229
info@alkoomiwines.com.au
Website
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Castelli Estate
Only 3km from the townsite of Denmark, the stunning Castelli Estate features Tudor-style buildings on the undulating green hills of Mt Shadforth. Their five recently renovated and luxurious chalets offer lavish beds, complimentary hot drinks, a mini bar and a wall mounted TV, perfect for a relaxing stay on their working winery.
Enjoy award-winning wines and grazing boards at the cellar door, with options of cured meats and fine cheeses to compliment a tasting or a wine by the glass.
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Their relatively new restaurant, In Cucina, specialises in Italian cuisine. They handmake their own pasta, gnocchi and bread, and produce hearty and traditional Italian specialities, such as grilled meat and pasta. Breakfast is included in your stay at Castelli, also served at the In Cucina restaurant from 8.30-11am.
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Please note that Castelli Estate closes over the winter period (from July 1st to September 8th).
Contact details:
9848 3344
Website
See more winery and accommodation options in the Great Southern
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