9 Reasons To Stop in Cowaramup | The Margaret River Region

The main street of Cowaramup may not be very big, but it certainly punches above it’s weight when it comes to incredible local produce and artisan wares.

Located 12 kms north of the Margaret River township it’s famous for the 42 life-sized fibreglass cows and calves dotted around the streets, parks and shops, however the town was actually named by the Wadandi people after the Cowara bird, a purple-crested lorikeet that once lived in the area. Wondering how to pronounce it? Locals refer to it as ‘Cow-town’, but the full name sounds like kuh-wara-mup.

Cowaramup was once a stop on the Busselton to Augusta railway. The last train chugged along the track in 1957, which has now become part of the ‘Rails to Trails’, a picturesque 13km walk or cycle pathway all the way from Cowaramup into Margaret River.

Here are 9 reasons to stop in Cowaramup next time you are in the region.

Temper Temper Chocolate Cowaramup — Indulge your sweet tooth at Temper Temper.

1

Temper Temper Fine Chocolate

With a mind-boggling number of flavours and styles available, Temper Temper is a chocolate-filled wonderland. Perusing the aisles will uncover a selection of classic flavour combos plus some more unusual pairings for the adventurous of palate – caramel, cauliflower and chilli anyone? Chocolatiers Roz and Georgia are the duo behind the scenes of this Cowaramup must-visit spot, lovingly crafting each batch from sustainable chocolate sources around the globe and combining it with fun and creative ingredients. Those with less of a sweet tooth can still enjoy cocoa’s magical properties through their range of skincare products and lip balms.

Open daily from 9am – 4pm.

2

Seven Seas Tea

Born of a desire to make having a cup of tea an unforgettable experience, Seven Seas Tea is a cute little boutique store packed to the brim with small-batch blends for every tea-connoisseur. Their signature products are all made on-site, ensuring maximum freshness and flavour, and the ingredients are sourced from some of the best producers around the world. They also sell spices (the chai tea blend is a favourite), and the store is filled with interesting knick-knacks and vintage items for your browsing pleasure.

Open weekdays 10am – 5pm, and weekends / public holidays 10am – 4pm.

3

Mukau Giftware & Gallery

Finding the perfect gift for someone is an art unto itself, but this thoughtfully curated selection at Mukau Giftware & Gallery has something for everyone (the only tricky part is not picking something up for yourself while you’re there!). Owner Wendy personally chooses every product ranged in the store, with a focus on beautiful locally made items alongside a considered edit of quality brands. Once you have enjoyed some retail therapy head upstairs to the art gallery, featuring a rotating collection of original pieces for sale by local artists – you may even be lucky enough to meet the artist themselves.

Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5pm, and Sunday 9.30am – 4pm.

4

Gourmet Food Merchant

The Margaret River Region is filled to the brim with growers, bakers and creators, and if you don’t have time to visit them all then the Gourmet Food Merchant is your one-stop-shop. Browsing their beautiful Cowaramup store is bound to get the tummy rumbling, with an impressive array of jams and chutney’s, olive oils, local cheeses and cured meats, fresh bread and crackers… basically everything you need for an epic platter or meal. If you prefer they can also whip up a picnic box or grazing board for you to take away (or have delivered to your accommodation), just add a south west sunset and bottle of wine.

Open daily, 9am – 5pm.

5

Millers Ice Creamery

A small detour off the main strip, Millers Ice Creamery is worth a stop for their incredible small batch ice cream, made from local south west milk. The spacious grounds are perfect for letting little ones stretch their legs, and there’s even a fake cow to practice some milking skills! Roll out the picnic blanket, or take a lap around the short bush walk signposted on the property. The only tough part is deciding which of the 26 different flavours to taste.

Open daily 10am – 4.30pm.

6

Candy Cow

Bringing all of your nostalgic lolly shop dreams to life is The Candy Cow. Kids (actually lets be real, everyone) will love the colourful array of treats, from sour bears to salted caramel fudge and everything in-between. Watch the team of expert confectioners create batches of fresh honey crunch and fudge, and then do your best not to eat it all on the drive home!

Open daily 10am – 4pm.

7

Treeton Fine Wood Studio

Furniture maker Adrian of Treeton Fine Wood Studio has been honing his craft for over 25 years, and his purpose-built workshop and gallery located just off the main strip of Bussell Highway in Cowaramup is testament to his skill and experience. The fine furniture made primarily from local hardwoods (such as Jarrah, Marri, Blackbutt and Sheoak) is mostly bespoke pieces, so you won’t find anything else like it. Adrian can also work with you to design something custom, guaranteeing that it will be treasured for many years to come.

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, and Saturday 10am – 2pm.

8

Cowaramup Brewing Company

Located a short drive east of Bussell Highway is Cowaramup Brewing Company, a family owned spot where you can learn all about the creation of their award winning beers. Go on a behind the scenes tour with Head Brewer Jeremy Good to learn all about their range and processes, then relax in the restaurant overlooking the beer garden. The menu incorporates local produce and has all of the classics that perfectly pair with a quality brew and good company.

Open Sunday to Friday 11am – 5pm, and Saturday 11am – 6pm.

9

Tom Cullity Food & Wine Trail

While it isn’t a single location, the Tom Cullity Wine & Food Trail is a compelling reason to stop in Cowaramup. West of Bussell Highway stretches the iconic Tom Cullity Drive, named for one of the pioneers of the region (and founder of Vasse Felix). Exploring this area is an opportunity to talk to the people behind the labels, whose passion and knowledge and more than a little grit have culminated in the region becoming the gourmet destination it is today. Start with award-winning chocolate and a well-stocked providore, meander around family-owned wineries and learn their stories, and finish at Margaret River’s first wine estate, Vasse Felix.