Perfectly positioned between Margaret River and Pemberton, Ampersand Estates provides a luxurious base for exploring the best of two wine regions.
When it rains in Western Australia’s South West it pours, and in Ampersand Estates’ case, that’s a good thing.
The boutique winery and distillery that’s set among old growth forest and located within an hour’s drive of Margaret River and Pemberton has received a steady flow of accolades since opening in 2021, but it’s the estate’s unique position within this pristine pocket that co-owner and sommelier Melissa Bell believes to be the secret behind their success.
“Not only are we a winery within a national park, privy to this incredibly wild spot where there’s such biodiversity and preservation of native species, but the area’s ancient soils, botanicals and micro-climate mean we’re able to produce virtually everything we need," says Melissa.
The boutique winery sits along the forested banks of Donnelly River.
With water an essential ingredient for viticulture and spirit production, Melissa says abundance and purity of rainfall is one of their greatest assets. “Our proximity to the Southern Ocean means rain falling on the estate is some of the purest in the world – and when it rains here, it does so in biblical levels," she says.
Ampersand Estates
founders Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheeper.
Enjoy lakeside pinot at the estate.
Sample the estate’s award-winning pinot noir.
Recently inducted into Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA)’s collection, Ampersand Estates, on the banks of the Donnelly River, is where I’m gathered in the cellar door with a crisp glass of sparkling and small group of others to be the first to experience two new behind-the-scenes offerings.
Melissa guides us around the grounds, originally founded by Scottish settlers in the 1870s, before housing one of the region’s first wineries, Donnelly River Wines, in 1985.
She explains how she and business partner Corrie Scheepers have transformed the once-vacant estate with the inclusion of a new distillery, renovated cellar door, wellness Summit Studio and meticulous restoration of historic dwellings into luxury accommodation.
The most recent addition, however, is the Rainfall Distillery Gardens and we explore them via Ampersand’s new Terroir Tasting Experience. It’s an immersive journey to original chardonnay vines and the gardens themselves where we sight, smell and sample various fruits, spices, herbs, and botanicals used in Rainfall Distillery’s single-estate vodkas and gins.
Reaching the greenhouse at the top of the hill, we are seated for a private tasting of Ampersand’s award-winning wines before trickling down terraces to the distillery. After an informative session here where we taste a selection of spirits including Karri Honey Roasted Macadamias vodka, and Australian Rain and Scarlet Bottlebrush gin, we relax at The Homestead and freshen up for dinner.
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AI Prompt
Spending a night among the vines
Take in scenic surrounds from The Homestead.
Part of UWEA’s second new offering, Ampersand Estates’ signature experience, A Marriage of Luxury & Nature, gives guests exclusive overnight access to architecturally designed accommodation.
The Homestead, Vintner’s Residence and Settlers’ Cottage provide luxurious bases, with the addition of a five-course degustation dinner prepared by a private chef, gourmet breakfast and complimentary wines, spirits and tasting experiences included throughout a stay.
Indulge in a
feast cooked over open flames.
Cosy up by the fire.
The luxury
accommodation has a residential feel.
From the balcony of my upstairs bedroom, I watch as fairywrens flit in the light of late afternoon and kangaroos bound from karri forest. At dusk we gather in the elegant events space converted from the estate’s old barn and, taking our seats under the stars, we watch in wonderment as Argentinian fire chef Facundo Salas prepares a feast over the flames.
Basking in the glow of good company, food and wine, just like the pinot noir in hand, Ampersand Estates proves a delightful drop between regions.
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Turn your stay into a regional road trip
Single-estate vodkas and gins are infused with fruits and botanicals.
Ampersand Estates is 300 kilometres (three-hour drive) south of Perth, or 100 kilometres from Busselton Margaret River Airport (45-minute drive). Luxury transfers via Rolls Royce or helicopter can also be arranged.
Accommodation at Ampersand Estates starts at $995 per night, while the all-inclusive Marriage of Luxury & Nature package for one to four people starts at $3145. The Tasting terroir experience (for up to 10 guests) costs $180 per person.
With WA’s premier wine region under an hour’s drive away, start your day in Margaret River with artisanal pastries from Egberts, followed by breakfast bubbles at the region’s first sparkling salon, Idée Fixe.
After a swim at Gnarabup Beach, enjoy the Art, Wine & Ultimate Lunch experience at Leeuwin Estate, or the Cellar Experience at Vasse Felix, with both wineries also part of UWEA’s collection.
Exploring the smaller cool-climate wine region of Pemberton, 30 minutes from Ampersand Estates, grab coffee at Wild at Heart cafe before a guided Beach & Forest Eco Adventure with Pemberton Discovery Tours.
Spend the rest of the afternoon tasting wine at Pemberley of Pemberton or Below and Above (appointment only) before viewing (or climbing) the famous Gloucester Tree. Or soaking in the serenity at Pemberton Pool – with a new floating sauna set to open later this year.
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Bonita Grima is a freelance travel writer with a background in television and radio production. With a passion for immersive storytelling, Bonita believes travel has the power to challenge, inspire and educate us, and encourage empathy by providing a window into the worlds of others. Based in Margaret River, when not working on a story, you’ll find her at the beach, on a trail, drinking great coffee, discovering what’s new around town, or simply dreaming up the next adventure!
With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).
As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.
And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.
Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.
The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.
Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.
Morning colours
Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)
As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.
When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.
Afternoon adventures
Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)
When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.
Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.
Evening degustation
Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)
As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.
While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.
For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.
Beyond the beach
Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.
Unmatched experiences
Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)
Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.
Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.
And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.
Dining discoveries
Settle in for Matso’s famous ginger or mango beer. (Credit: Tourism WA)
Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.
For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.
Natural beauties
Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)
Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.
Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.
Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.
