Doctors bring West Australia's Geographe wine region to life

MEDICAL science and growing vines mix, Marina Thomas discovers, in a part of West Australia offering plenty of rural treats.

Escape Geographe region

THE Geographe region in WA's South West has a long history of doctors running vineyards.

The big three were all started by medics as was Penfolds across the border in South Australia.

"Winemaking has a scientific background but you get to put your personality and imagination in it,'" says anaesthetist Phil Smith of St Aidan Wines in Dardanup. "Everything is very controlled as an anaesthetist, whereas the vineyard is chaos - we are always putting out fires.''

The Ferguson Valley winery has a cellar door and cafe offering a tasty lunch menu.

Classic movies will be screened among the vines in November, accompanied by picnic hampers, and concerts will be held in December.

The emerging Geographe Wine Region, 90 minutes south of Perth, was formally established in 1999 with more than 1200ha of vines planted over the past 40 years.

The region takes its name from French explorer Nicolas Baudin's ship, Le Geographe, and is known for its shiraz, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and semillon.

New blends are also emerging, providing alternatives to Margaret River wines.

"The region has a real freshness," Smith says. "It is more raw and youthful and you get to meet the winemaker personally. We have close friends of 20 years who help out and know the region well.''

At Smallwater Estate in Donnybrook, John Small also breeds marron, a local freshwater crayfish. It is served in the new restaurant in dishes including Marron Chardonnay Pie and Marron Tail Salad.

"The Geographe region is able to be very consistent with the fruit quality, as it ripens slightly earlier than more southern regions,'' Small says.

"Much of the fruit produced in Geographe has historically gone in wine in other regions but in recent years many have chosen to produce under their own label and Geographe wines are starting to make people take notice at last.'"

For nature lovers, the Geographe region encompasses bush hinterland in the east and spectacular beaches in the west, by Geographe Bay.

Bunbury is the cultural and business hub of the region. About 170km south of Perth, it has a seaside setting by the Indian Ocean and a country pace of life.

At Big Swamp Wildlife Park near the CBD, there are 60 species of Australian birds and marsupials with the chance to get hands-on.

"The animals are close enough to be able to feed and pat which is a fun experience,'' manager Kristina Knight says.

"The endangered red-tail black cockatoo, western grey kangaroo and brushtail possum are some of the highlights.'"

Some species come from the Tuart Forest National Park which stretches along the coast between Bunbury and Busselton. It is the largest remaining forest of tuart trees in the world, with some 400 years old.

A walk in the forest gives you the chance to interact with bats, echidnas, kangaroos and bandicoots.

Quest serviced apartments in Bunbury offers fully-equipped kitchens, barbecue facilities, an outdoor pool and tennis court. They are a 10-minute walk to the waterfront precinct, which is home to cafes and restaurants, and the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

Yarloop, established in the late 1800s as a timber-milling town, offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time to an industrial age.

At Yarloop Workshops, you can see how steam locomotives were repaired to keep the Millars railway system running and service the 26 other South West mills.

The museum houses the largest collection of working steam engines in the southern hemisphere.

Monthly "live steam days" show how the impressive collection of locomotives drove the area's development.

About 17km from Yarloop is Bluehills Farmstay in Harvey.

Accommodation is in chalets which sleep six, or a nearby cottage. Pony rides, feeding and milking the farm animals, and fishing are some of the activities and the beach is 20 minutes away.

On May 5 and 6, Ferguson Valley hosts the Dardanup Art Spectacular. An art trail through the scenic landscape will lead visitors to works at 12 galleries and wineries.

There will be a chance to indulge in a spot of tasting at the cellar door and enjoy food from some of the region's chefs.

More than 90 works of art will go on display at Dardanup Hall too.

On October 13 is the Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival. As well as showcasing the region's food and wine, there are street processions, art, live music and the lighting of the bull fire sculpture.

-- Go2

GEOGRAPHE

- Getting there

The Geographe region is a 90-minute drive from Perth.

- Staying there

Quest Apartments, Bunbury; questapartments .com.au, ph 9722 0777.

Bluehills Farmstay, bluehillsfarmstay .com.au, ph 0439 313 898

- Doing there

Yarloop Workshops, yarloopworkshops .com.au, ph 9733 5215

Big Swamp Wildlife Park

Ph 9721 8380

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See australiassouth west.com