Cowaramup – the gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region!
Cowaramup, or Cow Town to those who struggle with its pronunciation, is a thriving village of some 2000 persons, an important hub for its surrounding rural district that is fast becoming a recognised gateway to the Margaret River wine district and other produce in the region. It has established viticultural, agricultural, technical, service, retail and tourism businesses that serve the surrounding area, residents and visitors to the region. Cowaramup is one of the northern towns of the Margaret River region in the south west of Western Australia, located 10km north of Margaret River.
Located on the main highway and with a rich history, Cowaramup is full of wonderful cafes, and gourmet foods, bakeries, quirky gifts, sweets, local wines and all your basic needs with a post office, pharmacy, butchery, petrol station, and even somewhere to fix your computer, all set amongst picturesque, rolling farmland. All major services from agricultural to mechanical and earthmoving are provided by experts in their fields.
Take your time to discover the town’s hidden treasures, top-notch restaurants/cafes and indulge in the wine tastings on offer that are guaranteed to tantalise the palette. One will surely leave a full bottle on wine after a day spent in this delightful little town. Gracetown is the beach close by, a beautiful secluded little bay, home to a small community of locals. Fantastic fishing, diving, surfing, snorkeling and swimming are also on hand within the protected bay with its reefs, limestone cliff faces and surf.
The township of Cowaramup was established during the group settlement era of the 1920’s. It became a service centre for the emerging agricultural industry (predominantly dairy) with a railway station providing the lifeblood for the dispatch and receival of goods. There is a distinct community spirit in Cowaramup which is evident in projects such as those undertaken by the Cowaramup Lions including the improvements to Pioneer Park and the revegetation of areas of the Primary School.
Since 1998, with the release of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge Statement of Planning Policy, the town has been identified as an important part of the settlement hierarchy of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Region, with potential to become a village of 2,000 persons with surrounding enclaves of 50 persons. The town is becoming an attractive residential alternative to Margaret River and provides for more balanced growth of the Shire. The current community within Cowaramup is a mixture of the agricultural community and those working in this industry and further business that services the community and outlying agricultural areas.
There is also a significant focus toward tourism in Cowaramup. It is a vibrant community that includes a number of people involved in artistic enterprises. There is a distinct community spirit in Cowaramup which is evident in projects such as those undertaken by the Cowaramup Lions including the improvements to Pioneer Park and the revegetation of areas of the Primary School. Since 1998, with the release of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge Statement of Planning Policy, the town has been identified as an important part of the settlement hierarchy of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Region, with potential to become a village of 3,000 persons with surrounding enclaves of 50 persons.
The town is becoming an attractive residential alternative to Margaret River and provides for more balanced growth of the Shire. The current community within Cowaramup is a mixture of the agricultural community and those working in this industry and further business that services the community and outlying agricultural areas.
There is also a significant focus toward tourism in Cowaramup. It’s a vibrant community that includes a number of people involved in artistic enterprises. In May 2004 the Shire commenced preparation of the Cowaramup Village Strategy. In the face of change, an important objective of the Strategy was to establish, together with the community, a vision for Cowaramup, and identify actions to bring about the vision.
At the centre of the Margaret River Wine Region lies the quaint village of Cowaramup
Must Visit ‘Down South’ Destination
Once a sleepy and undiscovered, the town now bustles with excitement and activity. With the local Cowaramup Cows strolling the streets and posing for photographs, the village has become a must visit destination for all those venturing ‘down south’.
With wonderful organic wines, some of the best meats and vegetables on offer to unique giftware, local artworks, delicious fudge, local produce, handcrafted soaps and fantastic foodie treats… conveniently all in the one location, you can understand why this little village has become so popular.
In the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region
Originally a timber town in the 1930’s it offers easy access to the surrounding wineries, beaches, surf and bush. Beef, sheep, dairy and viticulture industries all thrive in the area. Visitors are welcome to gain an insight into the workings of each industry.
Tasting of the local wines, cheeses and fudge is a highly recommended activity, and you can also taste organically grown olive oil. There are a large number of well known boutique wineries surrounding Cowaramup just waiting to be explored.