Getting the whole family together is one of those ideas that sounds simple until you actually try to pick dates, juggle different budgets, and keep everyone happy. The good news is that once you’ve found the right venue, most of the stress drops away. Chambré Estate is made for gatherings like this. It feels tucked away and peaceful, but you’re still close to Margaret River town, beaches, and wineries, so there’s plenty to do when people want to head out and explore.
Why Choose Chambré Estate for Your Family Reunion
A family reunion works best when everyone can be together, but still has space to breathe. Chambré Estate gives you that balance. Accommodation is on-site, so you are not coordinating multiple bookings across town, and everyone can drift between the Lodge, their suite or cabin, and the outdoor spaces naturally. That’s usually where the best reunion moments happen.
It also suits mixed ages. Kids have room to roam, older family members can stay comfortable without feeling like they have to be “on” all day, and the group can come together for shared meals without turning every moment into a scheduled activity.
Plan Your Reunion Without the Headache
Start Early, Then Keep It Simple
If you can, start planning six to twelve months ahead, especially if you’re aiming for school holidays or peak season. It gives everyone time to sort out leave, flights, and budgets, and it means you can lock in the dates that suit your core group.
A tip that saves a lot of back-and-forth is to send three date options to the family and ask people to vote. Once you have the winner, book it, then work around it.
Nominate Two Organisers, Not One
Reunions go smoother when one person isn’t carrying everything. A simple approach is:
- One person handles the logistics with Chambré Estate
- One person keeps the family group updated and collects preferences
Then nominate a “rep” per household for dietary needs and rooming details. It cuts down the chaos and keeps communication less stressful.
Build an Itinerary That Feels Relaxed
The best reunions usually have one anchor plan each day, plus plenty of free time. Here’s an easy structure that works well in Margaret River.
A Sample 3-Day Family Reunion Itinerary
A thoughtful itinerary can make the difference between a reunion that feels rushed and one that unfolds effortlessly. The goal is not to fill every hour, but to create a gentle rhythm that brings everyone together while still allowing space to relax.
Day One: Arrival and Settling In
Plan for relaxed afternoon arrivals so guests can unpack, stretch their legs, and start easing into the slower pace of the estate. Many families find it helpful to keep the first evening intentionally simple. A round of welcome drinks in the Lodge gives everyone a chance to reconnect after travelling, and it naturally sets a warm tone for the days ahead.
For dinner, consider something low-effort but communal, such as a catered drop-off meal, generous grazing tables, or a shared self-catered spread. There is no need to overthink this first night. People are usually tired from travel, and the best conversations often happen when there is nothing structured demanding attention.
Day Two: The Main Gathering
Start the morning slowly with a shared breakfast. This tends to become one of the most memorable parts of a reunion, as people drift in and out, coffee cups in hand, catching up properly.
Mid-morning is a smart time to organise a group photo while energy is still high and everyone is present. After that, allow the day to open up. Some family members may want to head to the coast, others might enjoy a winery visit, while early risers often appreciate a relaxed café stop or a wander through the local markets. Giving people permission to choose their own pace keeps the reunion from feeling overly scheduled.
By late afternoon, encourage everyone to regroup at the estate. This natural pause before the evening helps the gathering feel cohesive again. Dinner is the perfect opportunity to create a sense of occasion. Many families opt for a private chef or a beautifully catered long-table meal so no one is tied to the kitchen.
If you are visiting in the cooler months, lighting the fire pit can turn the evening into something quietly memorable. In warmer weather, a simple dessert spread or after-dinner drinks often keep the conversation flowing well into the night.
Day Three: A Gentle Goodbye
The final morning is best kept unhurried. Let people wake naturally, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and take one last stroll around the property. These slower departures help everyone hold onto that feeling of connection a little longer.
Before guests begin heading off, a casual farewell lunch works beautifully. Picnic-style platters or an easy catered spread allow for those final conversations without the pressure of a formal sit-down meal.
When planned this way, a reunion feels balanced. There is enough shared time to reconnect meaningfully, yet plenty of breathing room so no one feels locked into a schedule. Often, it is this relaxed structure that guests remember most fondly.
Catering Ideas That Work Well for Family Groups
Food can either make a reunion feel easy or become the biggest stress point. The good news is that Chambré Estate’s Lodge kitchen gives you options, so you can choose what suits your family.
Here are a few approaches that work particularly well for groups:
1. Catered Drop-Off Meals
Perfect for night one or the final day. It keeps things simple, everyone still eats together, and no one spends their reunion stuck in the kitchen.
2. Shared Grazing Tables
These work beautifully for a welcome afternoon or casual dinner, especially if your family has lots of different tastes and dietary needs. People can nibble, chat, and come and go without it feeling formal.
3. Private Chef for the Main Dinner
If you want one “special” meal, this is usually the one. A private chef dinner makes the night feel like an event without anyone doing the work. It also suits mixed generations because the food can be tailored.
4. Family-Style Self-Catering
If your family loves cooking and has signature dishes, this can be lovely. The trick is to plan it like a roster so it stays fun:
- One household handles breakfast supplies
- One household handles a salad or sides
- Someone organises dessert
- Keep the main dish simple so it doesn’t turn into a full-time job
Preserve Your Family’s Story
Create a Living Archive
Family reunions offer a precious opportunity to capture the wisdom and experiences of your eldest members. Set aside time for recorded interviews where grandparents and great-aunts can share their memories. The Lodge, with its intimate atmosphere and comfortable seating, provides an ideal setting for these conversations.
Document the Gathering
Designate a family photographer or hire a professional to capture candid moments throughout your stay. The natural beauty of Chambré Estate provides a stunning backdrop for both formal portraits and spontaneous snapshots.
If you’re ready to bring your family together at Chambré Estate, contact our team to discuss your reunion plans and discover how we can help create an experience your family will treasure for generations.
Related posts: