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Adventure, learning, cuisine and breaks in Margaret River

>> The Studio Bistro and Gallery is a new venue on Marrinup Drive, Yallingup, which opened on Thursday. The Studio combines fine art and food prepared by executive chef Blair Allen, formerly of Voyager Estate. Details: 9756 6371 or email lizzy@thestudiogallery.com.au .

>> Seclusions of Yallingup is a new luxury B&B in a bush setting 2km from Yallingup, with a maximum of two couples staying at any time. Details: www.seclusionsofyallingup.com.au or 9756 6219.

>> The Vroom Room has opened in Dunsborough and visitors can now explore Margaret River by scooter. Scooters can be dropped off and collected around the area. Details: www.margaretriver.com .

>> Whale season runs until December in Geographe Bay, Dunsborough, as the whales return to the Southern Ocean, migrating south along the coast Details: www.margaretriver.com or 9780 5911.

>> There are Wildflower Tours at the Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave precincts in Margaret River until November 12. Tours depart daily from Lake Cave at 9.30am and 11am and Mammoth Cave at 1pm. Margaret River has more than 2500 wildflower species with 150 spectacular orchids. Specialist guides take visitors. Tours can also be packaged with a cave tour, Devonshire tea and wildflower guidebook. Details: 9757 7411.

>> The Cape Lodge team is holding a Fresh is Best Cooking Class on September 25. For novices and experienced enthusiasts alike, the class is held by chef Tony Howell. Learn Tony's kitchen secrets, tips and recipes or try a package including the class and five-course chef's tasting menu in the Cape Lodge Restaurant, for $225. Bookings are essential. Classes start at $95. Details: 9755 6311.

>> The South-West's most famous Sunday session is back this coming long weekend, September 24-26. On Friday night there will be cheese and wine tastings courtesy of Knee Deep Wines, followed by live entertainment from Freya Hanly. On Saturday the grand final will be live on a big screen with the John Read Band afterwards. Details: 9750 1500.

>> Eagles Bay Olives near Dunsborough specialises in extra virgin olive oil, table olives, dukkah, tapenade and pesto. Details: www.margaretriver.com .

>> Bettenays' Margaret River Nougat is of a traditional soft French style and made on the premises. Six varieties are at Bettenay Wines Cellar Door. Details: www.bettenaysmargaretriver.com.au .

>> Margaret River's Offroad Buggies are two-seater, fully automatic and simple to operate. A guide is on hand to ensure safety and answer questions. Guests follow the guide through the forest for lunch at Canebrake Pool and the day winds up with a private wine tasting and cheese platter at Brookwood Estate. Details: www.margaretriver.com .

>> Cullen Wines won a trophy for the world's best chardonnay at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards in London. The Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2007 was one of 28 international trophy winners chosen from nearly 11,000 entries.

>> Information from Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association. Visit www.margaretriver.com or call 9780 5921.

>> For more on the area, visit www.australiassouthwest.com .