Local Favourites: Minako Fukui

Surfers point. There are good waves there and I always surf on the south side where there are not many people. There’s always a high chance of dolphins. It’s kind of a secret spot because everyone’s looking at mainbreak. The people there are so unique as well and it’s a good spot to meet different people.

I take visitors to Contos and Wilyabrup cliffs. At Contos, I’ll stop at the cliffs and then go down. That is such a great location, it definitely feels like a secret spot. I took my parents there recently. I also love Cullen winery. I always take friends and family there. I love their wines and the location. It doesn’t feel anything like other wineries. Cullen is so much more approachable.

Mikis Kitchen always. Yarri. And Glenarty Road. Mikis is always good presentation, friendly staff and the food is special. The food is Japanese with a twist. And it’s always fresh. Yarri –  I like the atmosphere. It feels more like a city feeling which you don’t get in the Margaret River Region, and the food is always really nice. I love the food at Glenarty Road winery, and the whole picnic setup. On a sunny day sitting outside having snacks and bubbles it’s fun. You can see animals. I had octopus as a main and it was the best. Just so simple – barbecued but very tender and it was just the best octopus ever.

Umm, I like to meet friends at Settlers Tavern, Yonder, and the Giniversity. Usually a night out is Swings, Yonder – and then you’ll always end up at the Tav (ha ha ha).

For me it’s surfing. I surf everyday or six days a week. It’s a daily task. I take my dog to the beach and I paddle out. Even in winter it feels really refreshing. If it’s really windy or stormy I still go for a quick dip.

My favourite time is autumn. There is beautiful weather that’s not too hot, not too cold and beautiful ground swell. The wave conditions are also great –  nice winds, good swell. And I don’t mind winter here either. Nice and quiet – I like to go for a forest walk in the misty rain. I don’t mind rain, and I love fireplaces.

Actually it’s a bit of a secret but between Surfer’s Point and the Rivermouth. In between – it’s hidden and has a different view. You can see the sunset from a different angle which is interesting.

Going for a swim. Just jump in the ocean! My friend from Japan says ‘water is too cold, I’m too cold to swim’. But I say just jump in, just two seconds. I always push people really hard to jump in the water. The corner of the Rivermouth – in front of box – it’s safe to swim. Normally no one is there in the morning. That’s where I go.