
Margaret River – Top 10 things to do
14/01/2016Top quality wine, world-class surf and international events have put the Margaret River Region on the map, but it’s the rest of the offering which keeps both Australian and overseas visitors coming back.
The Mediterranean climate, which makes the region ideal for growing grapes and fine wine, is also well suited to growing other produce. The region in overflowing with locally-grown fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood and a whole host of providores selling anything from fudge and homemade ice cream to olive oil, tapenades and chutneys. All of this is fringed by some of the most pristine coastline in the world. The picture perfect, calm waters of Geographe Bay entice families and sunbathers, while the dramatic west-facing coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin attracts surfers, kite boarders and those who love some action on the water. Top that off with an extensive underground cave network, migrating whales, stunning wildflowers and it becomes obvious why this region really does have so much on offer.
1. Enjoy a few hours of indulgence over a long lunch at a winery restaurant
2. Give surfing a go – or stand up paddle boarding
3. Walk or train to the end of the Busselton Jetty, and meet the fish under the jetty at the Underwater Observatory
4. Browse the beautiful clothing boutiques of Dunsborough and Margaret River
5. Picnic or camp among the karri trees in Boranup forest
6. Do a cellar door hop and taste the region’s premium produce on a winery or brewery tour
7. Head underground on an adventure tour of the magical caves systems
8. Walk a section of the Cape-to- Cape track (or all of it, if you’re game!)
9. Head up the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and see where the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean meet
10. Watch the sun set over the ocean at Yallingup, the place of love
BUSSELTON:
The holiday resort town of Busselton lies sheltered along the shore of Geographe Bay and the safe swimming beaches and amenities make it the perfect base for families. Numerous caravan parks located directly behind the beach also make Busselton a great stop-off for travellers with caravans, campers or tents.
The newly refurbished Busselton Foreshore is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon view of the bay and Busselton Jetty.
DUNSBOROUGH:
Dunsborough is the epicentre for all things cool and classy in the southwest. Stunning homewares and clothing boutiques sit beside al-fresco cafés and bakeries serving all-day brunch and coffee. Local shop owners have a talent for sourcing beautiful clothes, jewellery and goods from up-and-coming designers from Australia and beyond. For art lovers, there are galleries showcasing fine handcrafted pottery, woodwork, sculptures and photography.
YALLINGUP:
Yallingup is an ideal spot for surfers and couples to stay and wake up every morning to an unforgettable ocean view. Yallingup means ‘place of love’ in the local Aboriginal dialect. Spend one evening watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean from here and it’s not hard to see how the town got its name. Nearby Smiths Beach and Injidup offer a number of great surf breaks for a majority of swell conditions.
MARGARET RIVER:
While Margaret River is synonymous internationally with quality wine (20% of Australia’s premium wine exports come from this region), the Margaret River region’s appeal is spreading to include a far wider range of experiences. Margaret River started to thrive in the 1960s when both viticulture and surfing took off and in just 40 years has been catapulted onto the global stage by its premium wine and world-class surf.
AUGUSTA:
Augusta was the third European settlement in Western Australia. Founded in 1830 and named after Princess Augusta, the daughter of King George III of England. The nearby Cape Leeuwin acquired its name from Dutch sailors who sighted the cape in 1622 and coined it ‘Landt van de Leeuwin’ or Land of the Lioness. The surrounding coastline provides many scenic lookouts from which to marvel at the ocean’s beauty and power.