Out of Town Guide: Witchcliffe, WA

Published on 20 June 2023
by JONO OUTRED

With a population of less than 500, Witchcliffe – “Witchy” to the locals – epitomises small town charm. Just 10 minutes from the famed wine country of Margaret River, Witchcliffe offers a decelerated south-west experience within spitting distance of wineries, sprawling forest and the coast.

A historic town with a take-your-time sort of atmosphere, Witchcliffe should be on your radar for daytrips and mini-breaks. Any visit to Margaret River means abundant fine food and wine, and the same goes for the region’s surrounding villages with cellar doors, country bakeries and cafes, as well as a thriving local arts scene.

EAT
Yardbyrd
Yardbyrd is a staple for Witchcliffe residents. A cafe situated within a white-picket-fenced house, Yardbyrd prides itself on serving exceptional Pound Roastery coffee and uncomplicated dishes. Nab a spot in the streetside garden dining space under the shade of the tree canopy or grab a seat inside near the central wood-burning fire. The savoury muffin, loaded with bacon and cheese, is essential (ask for it toasted with a side of tomato relish). Or opt for eggs served on good old-fashioned slabs of country bread or a thick wedge of cake (baked fresh each day).
10413 Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe

Witchy Pies & Cakery
We love the humble country bakery. Widely considered to be the “best in south-west”, Witchy Pies & Cakery is a family-run business that’s been churning out carby treats for over a decade. The bakery’s show stopper is a pulled-pork pie filled with shredded meat and rich, savoury gravy. All the elements of a good pie are here: crisp casings, tender meat, fair prices and friendly service. There are vegetarian and gluten-free renditions. The vanilla slice is a best-seller, with creamy custard barely supporting a soft puff pastry ceiling.
19 Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe

DRINK
McHenry Hohnen
Although McHenry Hohnen has been producing wine in the Margaret River region since 1984, its Witchcliffe cellar door has only been operating since 2021. Warmly embraced by locals and travellers, the cellar door serves organic wines that encapsulate the Margaret River region. The comfortable cellar door serves an expansive wine list celebrating a broad range of McHenry Hohnen wines, preserved by Coravin to ensure freshness.
10406 Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe

Amato Vino
A relatively new addition to the Witchcliffe scene, Amato Vino has been knocking out lo-fi wines since 2003, but has found a new home at the The Witch and Windmill, a recently opened shared space for artists. Amato Vino’s cellar door serves a concise but compelling wine list. With indulgent wine flights and cheese platters featuring locally made Cambray Cheese, this is the sort of place where you can lose an hour or two. The tasting list – which includes more than 20 bottles available to take away – highlights classic Margaret River chardonnays alongside more intriguing drops, like savagnin and trousseau.
3 Redgate Road, Witchcliffe

SHOP
Hardware Creative
Many creatives have made the move to the south-west, and the cultural heart of the community is encapsulated by Witchcliffe’s Hardware Creative. A shoppable co-op space where local artists – Lauren Trickett, Scott Bauer and Flick Palmateer – exhibit their work alongside a photography studio and printing facilities.
10397 Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe