Margaret River Distilling Company

After helping put Western Australia on the world whiskey map, Great Southern Distilling Company founder Cameron Syme decided the time was right for expansion. Enter the Margaret River Distilling Company: opened in 2015, the group’s second distillery specialises in the production of gin, vodka and brandy.

The distillery looks right at home in the south-west. The corrugated iron-clad space is simple and open; the single-level building tucked into the trees at the entrance to the Margaret River township. The timber veranda overlooking the tree-edged lawn is an ideal spot for enjoying great Bloody Marys while watching little ones play on the grass below.

The distillery highlight is its “Giniversity”: a four-hour class teaching distilling techniques where attendees create their own gin before chasing liquid refreshment with lunch. Bookings are recommended as tours are held every Friday and sell out fast, particularly during the high season.

The food offering is simple and revolves around pizzas and share platters highlighting local ingredients. But the gin is where things become complex. A smoked hemp gin offers an unexpected herbaceous kick, while the botanical gin is an ideal base for a citric lemon Martini.

The distillery offers a range of ciders and beers, alongside sister distillery, Limeburner’s award-winning whiskies.