A South West marron producer has expanded its operations to create a new regional food and tourism destination, supported by a state’s government grant.
The Capel Marron Farm, which opened today, now offers a pond to plate dining experience, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh marron alongside South West and Western Australian produce while overlooking the farm’s ponds.
The expanded venue combines casual dining with visitor experiences that highlight Western Australian marron, strengthening the farm’s role as both a food producer and tourism attraction.
The expansion was supported by a $147,280 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant through Round 5 of the WA government program.
“There are many RED Grant success stories across Western Australia, and this project is another example of how the program is helping local businesses turn ideas into reality,” said regional development minister Stephen Dawson.
An interactive discovery centre is scheduled to open in coming months and will feature viewing tanks, a walking plank and close encounter experiences, adding to the destination’s appeal for locals and visitors.
The farm will also host functions and provide a space for marron farmers to meet and connect, supporting collaboration and industry development across the region.
“The Capel Marron Farm is set to become a food and tourism destination for the South West, offering visitors a pond to plate dining experience built around local produce,” said south west minister Don Punch.
The farm operates a hatchery that supplies juvenile marron and feed to local producers before purchasing mature marron for sale into domestic and international markets. Its marron is supplied to restaurants, including venues in Melbourne, alongside other species produced at the farm such as Murray cod and silver perch.
“With more people visiting the area, local businesses stand to benefit, strengthening the local economy and reinforcing the South West as a place to live, work and visit,” said Collie Preston MLA Jodie Hanns.