i n s p i r i n g t r i p i d e a s f r o m t r a v e l l e r s a n d l o c a l s
E S S E N T I A L G U I D E - P U B L I S H E D J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9
MARGARET RIVER
CAPE CRUSADE
Discover the south west's iconic cape to cape walk
ROAD TRIP RUNDOWN
Make tracks from Perth River to Margaret River
a n d t h e SOUTH WEST
If you’re craving an escape to nature, laced with gourmet
food and wine of course, then pack a bag and head south
of Perth to Margaret River and the South West. Here you’ll
find hundreds of wine producers, exciting breweries,
distilleries and cideries surrounded by spectacular scenery.
The quality of the area’s produce is matched by the beauty
of its forests, caves and pristine ocean. Here, towering
karri trees sprawl to the edge of dramatic limestone cliffs
that fall to isolated beaches and world-class surf breaks.
So get ready to rove from one great experience to another
with a vino in hand and a belly filled with local delights.
Welcome to
MARGARET
Injidup Beach
The Gloucester Tree
RIVER and the SOUTH WEST
C O N T E N T S
04Check out
05Stories
& experiencesCape crusade: The cape to cape
track P6
Feast al fresco in the forests P8
17Journeys
23Itinerary
Five adventure getaways in
Margaret River P10
Margaret River's ten of the
best for foodies P13
Perth and Margaret River
in 5 days P20
7 Margaret River discoveries you can
pack into a weekend P17
Best of the south west
Busselton Jetty
Wills Domain, Margaret River
Boranup Forest
2 6
Ute Junker worked as a magazine editor and TV and digital producer before
running away to become a travel writer. She now gets to pursue her passions –
including food, history, art, architecture and wildlife, across the globe. And is
more than happy to travel a long way for a coral reef, fine French champagne, or
a bathtub with a view.
Ute JunkerAUTHORS
Ella Liascos is a travel, wellness writer and yoga
teacher from the port town of Fremantle Western
Australia, writing about travel, health, wellness
and sustainability for a range of online and print
publications.
Ella Liascos
Max Brearley is a food writer based in the south west of Western
Australia. His passion for a good yarn and great produce has led him
to forage for native foods, follow abalone from ocean to plate and dig
for black truffles in the towering Southern Forests. Writing for The
Australian, The Guardian, Halliday and Conde Nast Traveller the next
farm gate or kitchen door exploit is never far away.
Max Brearley
Sean Blocksidge runs a tour company in Margaret River based on doing the things
that he loves. He’s been living in Margaret River for 13 years now, five of which
managing a winery before starting his tour operation.
Sean Blocksidge
Virginia Willcock is the chief winemaker at Vasse Felix winery,
where she turns beautiful Margaret River grapes into delectable,
award-winning wine. Living in Margaret River’s town centre
keeps her at the heart of everything that’s happening in the
region.
Virginia Willcock
About the
CHECK OUT
The South West is famous for its spectacular coastline and inviting
beaches. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s best surfers who
flock to Surfers Point for the annual Margaret River Pro. Or for
more tranquil conditions, you’ll find some of Australia’s top
swimming spots at Dunsborough, Denmark and Albany.
Surf, swim and snorkel.
Discover the customs and history of the Noongar
people, the South West’s first inhabitants, through
Aboriginal tours and centres across the region.
You’ll also find exceptional South West artistic
talent including painters, sculptors, furniture makers,
jewellery designers and hand-blown glass artists.
Indigenous Culture.
Home to six distinct wine regions, the South West serves up some of
Australia’s best ‘paddock to plate’ dining experiences all year round.
Enjoy local marron, trout, venison, chocolates, cheeses, cherries,
boutique beers and crisp ciders, as well as the rare black truffle.
You’ve never dined like this.
Consider yourself a thrill seeker? Climb to the towering heights of
the resident tingle trees in the Valley of the Giants, suspended
40m above the forest floor. Or go one-step further (or more) and
climb a trio of karri trees in Pemberton, up to 75m high!
Tall timbers.
Throw on your hiking boots and explore along the spectacular
coastal Cape to Cape Track, the bushland Bibbulmun Track, or out
to the Porongurup Range’s Granite Skywalk. Alternatively, take off
on two wheels along the Munda Biddi off-road cycling experience
and other world-class singletrack and mountain biking trails.
A sense of adventure.
4
Boojidup Beach
Manjimup Truffle and Wine Co.
Koomal Dreaming
The Gloucester Tree
The Cape to Cape Track
STORIES&experiences
CAPE CRUSADE: THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK
Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals
M A X B R E A R L E Y
W R I T T E N B Y
6
WALKING THE CAPE TO CAPE ISN’T JUST AN INTRODUCTION TO THE
MARGARET RIVER REGION, BUT AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT MAKES THINGS TICK DOWN
HERE IN THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
The Cape to Cape Track
Margaret River is famed for its wine, the
making of which relies heavily upon its maritime
climate. And while the local produce is
undoubtedly a draw, it’s ultimately the diverse
landscape, coastal lifestyle, and an ability to
experience it daily that pulls people here.
7
At 135km the Cape to Cape has the advantage over
other longer distance walks in Western Australia. It offers
a challenge that can be completed end to end in less
than a week, or like the locals, you can choose to break
it into sections.
The Cape to Cape isn’t a passive experience. It’s one
that will awaken the senses from start to finish.
Depending on the season the flora and fauna will vary,
from land to ocean. Spotting whales off the coast
between June and December isn’t uncommon, or
experiencing wildflowers from August to October.
An expert guide doesn’t just take care of the logistics,
but gives you insight into the landscape, the biodiversity
and its history. If self-guided is the way for you, a copy of
The Cape to Cape Track Guidebook (by Jane Scott and
Ray Forma) is the definitive guide to the walk.
RECOMMENDED
GUIDED TOURS:
• Margaret River Discovery Company
• Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
• Walk into Luxury
SECTION ONE – CAPE
NATURALISTE TO WYADUP STEPS
Section one starts at Cape Naturaliste and heads south,
taking you from the lighthouse to Wyadup Steps by icons of
the coastline, Sugarloaf Rock and Canal Rocks. You can
break the walk into these manageable sections, many
favouring five, and heeding advice from local tour guide
Sean Blocksidge to not treat it as a race. As Sean says,
“Give yourself time to stop and smell the wildflowers.”
SECTION TWO – QUININUP CLIFFTOP
SEAT TO WILYABRUP CLIFFS
From the Quininup Clifftop Seat to Wilyabrup Cliffs, you’ll walk a
mixture of limestone and granite, which takes in the beauty of
Quininup Falls, just north of Moses Rock.
SECTION THREE – MEEKADARABEE
FALLS TO THE RIVER MOUTH OF
MARGARET RIVER
Between Meekadarabee Falls and the river mouth of the Margaret
River, it’s worth considering the rich indigenous history of the
region and influence of European settlers. Meekadarabee means
‘bathing place of the moon’, while at Ellensbrook Homestead the
National Trust preserves a piece of history – built by the Bussell
family over decades, it’s said that everyone from convicts to
deserting seamen and local Noongar people worked on its
construction.
SECTION FOUR – CONTOS BEACH TO
HAMELIN BAY
Contos Beach to Hamelin Bay takes you from heath-covered
clifftops into the towering timbers of Boranup Forest. When you
reach the remains of Hamelin Bay’s wooden jetty, watch out for
the friendly giant stingrays that glide within inches of the shore.
SECTION FIVE – COSY CORNER
BLOWHOLES TO CAPE LEEUWIN
LIGHTHOUSE
A final push from Cosy Corner Blowholes to Cape Leeuwin
Lighthouse finishes the walk and while the waterwheel, just short
of the lighthouse is the supposed end to the walk, it seems only
right to make your way to the lighthouse itself. Here at the most
southwesterly tip of Australia, the Indian and Southern Oceans
meet. However you walk it, and however long it takes, it’s unlikely
to be an experience you’ll ever forget.
Sugarloaf Rock
Hamelin Bay
Contos Beach
FEAST AL FRESCO IN THE FORESTS
Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals
8
GO BEYOND MARGARET RIVER AND ENJOY A LOCAVORE LUNCH IN
WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S SOUTHERN FORESTS.
U T E J U N K E R
W R I T T E N B Y
Taste Great Southern
Slow down and take your time. In the towns of the
Southern Forests, there’s no need to rush.
If you are keen to explore the area’s white-sand
beaches and sheltered inlets, Denmark makes a great
base. Wine buffs take note, this former timber town is
also an easy drive from some of the area’s award-
winning wineries.
Surrounded on virtually all sides by national park,
Manjimup makes for a great green retreat. Work up
an appetite by bushwalking or with a spot of trout
fishing, then feast on the area’s farm-fresh produce.
Fancy a feast of fine food and wine in scenic
surrounds? Then head to Margaret River.
Thanks to fertile soils and a Mediterranean
climate, this verdant area 3 hours south of
Perth is heaven for foodies. The gourmet
delights don’t stop there: with more fabulous
produce on offer in the adjoining Southern
Forests region, famous for its soaring forests
of karri and tingle trees.
9
COUNTRY WELCOME
There’s something magical about these great
southern landscapes. Reed-fringed wetlands and
coastal cliffs with dramatic views are just some of the
scenery that awaits.
Know this, when we talk about tall tree forests, we’re
talking TALL. Around here centuries-old karri trees
and tingle trees soar as high as 70m. Gaze up at
them in awe, or for a different perspective, venture up
one of Pemberton’s climbing trees, originally used as
fire lookouts.
Blazing carpets of colour fill the Southern Forests
from September to November, when the area’s
wildflowers spring to life. While the vivid red and
green of kangaroo paws and the magnificent purple of
native wisteria are eye-catching, keep an eye peeled
for more delicate blooms, including many species of
wild orchid.
SPECTACULAR SETTINGS
It’s always picnic o’clock in the Southern Forests.
Grab a blanket and basketful of goodies, and check
out these hidden treasures. Greens Pool, near
Denmark, is a perfect curve of pure white sand,
sheltered by rocks and lapped by clear green water –
this protected cove is picnic heaven. After lunch, take
a dip, explore the rock pools, or enjoy the gentle stroll
to Elephant Rocks.
LIFE’S A PICNIC
Supercharged by endless sunny days, the fruitful soils
of the Southern Forests offer up a rich bounty.
Manjimup Farmers' Market is the place to pick up
everything, from freshly-baked sourdough loaves to
heirloom vegetables, local olive oil and Pink Lady
apples, which were first bred right here in Manjimup.
Good food deserves good wine, so drop in at
acclaimed cellar doors such as Salitage Wines and
Lost Lake Wines to sample their cool-climate wines.
For a true taste of the Southern Forests, give local
delicacies such as freshwater trout or marron a try. If
you are visiting between June and September, you
will be able to feast on another local treat, fragrant
black truffles.
EAT LOCAL
Southern Forests
National ANZAC Centre
Albany
The National ANZAC Centre
FIVE ADVENTURE GETAWAYS IN MARGARET RIVER
Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals
1 0
BEST EXPLORED WHEN BALANCING INDULGENCE WITH ADVENTURE; HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO
BALANCE YOUR MIND, BODY AND PALATE IN MARGARET RIVER.
E L L A L I A S C O S
W R I T T E N B Y
Lake Cave, Margaret River
Located inside a large sunken forest, the majestic Lake Cave
boasts incredible stalactites that almost touch the tranquil lake
inside. The cave is preserved through offering guided tours only,
beginning with a long descent down a 350-rung staircase. It’s
worth pausing once, or twice to look up at the towering karri
trees as you lower further into the hollow.
Nearby, Mammoth Cave is one of the only caves that contains
fossils, like the jawbone of a 50,000-year-old giant marsupial and
others that you’ll learn about during the self-guided audio tour.
For a more stripped back experience, head to Giant's Cave and
explore from the walkway with the head torches provided.
The Lake Cave + Mammoth Cave.
Above ground, The Margaret River Climbing Co takes you
abseiling at the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge from 10, to 40 meters
down the sea cliffs depending on your skill and confidence level.
Climbing from the age of 11, Mick Dempsey or one of his staff
host the climb, leading guests through scenic Boranup, where
you’ll abseil into crystal chambers up to 70 meters below the
forest floor, before ascending slowly back into daylight.
Abseiling the Sea Cliffs.
CAVING AND ABSEILING
The Margaret River region is also home to
the Blackwood River, the longest continual
river in Western Australia. To sightsee from
a different angle, Surf ‘n’ Dirt Adventure
Tours take canoe tours down the
Blackwood River after a mountain bike and
picnic in the forest, ending the day with a
visit to some nearby boutique wineries.
Margaret River combines dramatic sea cliffs that drop into windswept coastlines, with the stark beauty
of Cape Leeuwin, winding rivers, and towering Karri forests. Surrounded by water on three sides, it
attracts surfers seeking world-class waves and thrill seekers on the lookout for their next adventure.
CANOEING THE
BLACKWOOD RIVER
Tree Top Walk
Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge
Giant's Cave
Boranup Forest
1 2
The variety of Smiths beach break with both a left and right
hand wave, as well as a left hand point break, makes for a great
intermediate surf spot. For beginners, Yallingup Surf School
runs lessons for people of all ages and abilities, supplying warm
wetsuits and soft boards for learners.
Smiths Point.
Locally known as ‘Carparks,’ the sizeable swell at Injidup
carpark, means it’s best reserved for advanced surfers. Ideal
when the waves reach six foot or head height, it’s relatively
straight forward to surf despite the size.
Injidup.
Those travelling without a surfboard, or prior
surfing experience can hire a board, or take
lessons with Margaret River Surf School.
With waves breaking for all levels, the breaks
below are chosen for their levels and
proximity to outstanding wineries. The
unique maritime influence on the vineyards of
Margaret River is a huge defining factor on
the wines, which you’ll taste at each winery
in varying degrees.
SURFING
Alternative to walking, you can follow old logging routes in Boranup Forest with a mountain bike, hurdling over light
obstacles on a beginner or intermediate ride offered by local company; Dirty Detours. For something more
adventurous, they run advanced tours along a technical singletrack through the forest. For those that want to hire a
bike and explore the trails in their own time, Lifecycle Bikes in Margaret River offer an extensive range of models for
hire, along with local information about trails.
MOUNTAIN BIKE THROUGH BORANUP FOREST
One of the region’s first wineries opened by
Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix offer an amazing ‘Cape
to Vine’ Tour, taking you along some highlights
of the famous Cape to Cape track before
retreating to the estate for a well-deserved three
course set menu paired with wines.
With floating glass fire pits and doorways to
private tasting rooms lodged on the side of a
hill, it’s worth a visit just to soak in the structural
beauty of the winery itself. The tour starts early
morning and finishes with a walk through the
vineyard to learn about the unique geology and
climate that defines their wines. By the
afternoon, you’re gifted with a bottle for the
road home.
HIKE THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK
Redgate Beach
Margaret River
Smiths Beach
The Cape to Cape Track
MARGARET RIVER’S TEN OF THE BEST FOR FOODIES
Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals
1 3
FOOD DISCOVERY IS ON THE MENU IN MARGARET RIVER; HERE’S MAX BREARLEY'S
FOODIE 10 OF THE BEST TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STAY.
M A X B R E A R L E Y
W R I T T E N B Y
Leeuwin Estate
1 4
AN ORGANIC FARMSTAY AT
BURNSIDE ORGANIC FARM
From cellar door discoveries, to winery
restaurants, producers with a passion for
produce and hands-on experiences,
Margaret River has it all. To understand the
effect of its Mediterranean, maritime climate
and get to grips with its laid-back lifestyle
you need to taste the wine, talk to the
makers and dine like a local.
Lara and Jamie McCall are living the dream of
many a city dweller. On the family’s organic
farm they grow grapes, make wine, raise pigs,
grow organic veggies and avocados, as well as
award winning capers. A stay in one of the
property’s bungalows gives guests a chance to
tour the farm, pick veggies and dream of life in
Margaret River.
1 TAKE A COOKING CLASS
AT WILDWOOD VALLEY
Carlo and Sioban Baldini, mix Carlo’s Tuscan
heritage with Sioban’s experience cooking at
world famous Rockpool, and Longrain, for
cooking classes at their Yallingup property.
From using a wood oven to crafting Thai dishes,
their diverse classes (from December to March)
make the best use of the region’s produce.
2
LET THE RESTAURANT COME TO
YOU: FOOD BY THE CHEF
George Cooper, is a young British chef who now calls
Margaret River home. With Food by the Chef he brings the
restaurant to you; sourcing the best of the region's
ingredients and putting his own unique spin on a dining
experience. Trained at some the UK’s best Michelin
restaurants, he’s a regular collaborator with local wineries
and events like the annual Gourmet Escape.
4 MEET THE FARMYARD
WINEMAKERS AT
GLENARTY ROAD
Ben McDonald’s family has farmed at
the southern end of the region for
generations, from dairy to sheep and
now with a mix of livestock, vines and
other produce. McDonald planted vines
over 20 years ago, and today he boasts
not only a thriving vineyard but also a
converted farm shed come cellar door
that doubles as an informal eatery. Take
a walk around the property, for a
progressive tasting while you look over
and walk through the vines. Food
reared and grown on the property from
grass fed lamb to veggies is all part of
this holistic wine experience.
5
WINE AND DINE AT AMELIA PARK RESTAURANT
Amongst the newest restaurants in the region, Amelia Park Restaurant has a local ethos at its
heart. Blair and Renee Allen previously owners of local favourite Piari & Co in Dunsborough,
have quickly propelled the laidback yet fine diner into the hearts of locals. Using the best local
producers, from Amelia Park lamb, to marron and truffle from the Southern Forests.
3
Margaret River Gourmet Escape
Amelia Park
Burnside Organic Farm
Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals
DISCOVER 50,000 YEARS OF FOOD HERITAGE
Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming takes you on a cultural journey that
spans 50,000 years, incorporating an element of his food heritage. While
many chefs in the region are incorporating native ingredients from marron
and abalone to coastal herbs, Josh provides an experience with context.
6VISIT THE ANNUAL
GOURMET ESCAPE
Gourmet Escape shines a global spotlight on
Margaret River each November. A stellar line-
up of world culinary talent line up alongside the
best of Western Australia. An unmissable food
and wine experience. The region is also home
to Cabin Fever, Truffle Kerfuffle (in the nearby
Southern Forests) and a host of smaller events
like Gather & Feast (held by Margaret River
culinary students).
7
MIX CONSERVATION WITH
AWARD-WINNING WINES
AT PASSEL ESTATE
For the uninitiated, a passel is a family of
possums. At one of the region’s newest
wineries there’s a message of conservation, as
well as quality wine. Over 10 hectares of native
bushland has been reserved as a sanctuary for
the endangered Western Ringtail Possums.
The perfect mix of Margaret River’s greatest
assets: environment and premium wine.
8
BUILD YOUR OWN PICNIC
AT MARGARET RIVER’S
FARMERS’ MARKET
A true food icon of the region this is where locals do their
Saturday morning shop, and where visitors can grab cold
meats, cheese, vegetables, fruit, bread, and more. A great
place to stock up for a picnic on the coast.
9
FIND MARGARET RIVER’S BIGGEST WINE
LIST IN ITS MOST ICONIC PUB
If you really want to drink like a local, you do it at Settlers Tavern.
Awarded as having one of Australia’s best wine lists this is where the
region’s winemakers head to. While they’ve got a wine focused
reputation, owners Rob and Karen Gough also run Margaret River
Ale Company. All bases covered.
10
Margaret River Farmers' Markets
Koomal Dreaming
Settlers Tavern
journeys
7 MARGARET RIVER DISCOVERIES YOU CAN PACK INTO A WEEKEND
Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan
1 7
IF YOU’RE TIGHT ON TIME, MARGARET RIVER’S COMPACT SIZE MEANS YOU CAN PACK IN MORE
DISCOVERIES PER MILE. HERE ARE SEVEN TO GET YOU STARTED.
S E A N B L O C K S I D G E
W R I T T E N B Y
Wills Domain
The big thing visitors don’t realise is that Margaret River
offers much more than our world-class wine and food. The
outdoor activities are now just as significant, not to mention
the diverse arts and crafts scene. These are some of my
favourite things to do that can be packed into a weekend
escape to Margaret River.
A Margaret River local for 13 years, five of which
managing a winery, Sean Blocksidge saw an
opportunity to offer small, high-end, gourmet tours.
The difference was that his tours added a personal
touch for visitors, based on the things that he as a
local loves to do 'down south'. Since 2008, Sean’s
Margaret River Discovery Co. Tours have
consistently ranked number one on TripAdvisor.
1 8
There’s no shortage of outdoor and nature-based activities
because we have the bush, forest, ocean and river on our
doorstep, which is pretty unique. There’s also a thriving arts
and crafts scene. That’s the big thing I find visitors don’t
always know before they get here – that Margaret River is
so much more than the wonderful wine and fantastic food.
Surround yourself in nature
When friends come down I always take them out on the
river. If you want to connect with nature and really get
away from it all, then paddling a canoe along the lower
parts of Margaret River is the best. You can spot eagles
and mullets, and you get the best view of the beautiful
limestone cliffs. You also can’t beat breakfast at the White
Elephant Cafe at Gnarabup, a hike to Kilcarnup, and
sunset at Surfers Point.
Hamelin Bay is one of the hidden gems of Western
Australia. The stingrays have been visiting the beach for
decades and offer a great opportunity to interact with
marine life. Yes they are real stingrays. Yes you need to
be careful not to stand on them. And yes it is an
AWESOME experience!
Find the places the locals go
The Cape to Cape TrackMargaret River
Hamelin Bay
1 9
For the more adventurous I would recommend going for a
mountain-bike ride with Dirty Detours or Dirt Skills, cliff
climbing with Mick Dempsey from Margaret River Climbing,
or on a coasteering tour with Margaret River Adventure
Company. Hiring a bike is the best way to get around, so
head to the Hairy Marron bike cafe. You’re right at the trail
head, so you can hire your bike then get right onto the
tracks through the forest. There’s no shortage of outdoor
and nature-based activities because we have the bush,
forest, ocean and river on our doorstep, which is pretty
unique. There’s also a thriving arts and crafts scene. That’s
the big thing I find visitors don’t always know before they
get here – that Margaret River is so much more than the
wonderful wine and fantastic food.
Choose your level of adventure Find fantastic food and wine
Sean’s 7 Margaret River discoveries that you can pack into a weekend.
1 Get into a canoe and go for a paddle on the river.
2 Go for a walk on the Cape to Cape Track, and
climb up to Conto’s cliffs for spectacular views.
3 Travel deep underground at Jewel Cave.
4 From May to August watch beautiful whales from the
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse as they migrate north.
5 Have a long, lazy lunch at the Leeuwin Estate winery.
6 Hire a bike from the Hairy Marron and go for a
ride on one of the many tracks in the forest.
7 Enjoy an Ils Pilsner or two with a bowl of mussels at
the Brewhouse microbrewery and craft beer pub.
It’s impossible to choose one favourite place to eat. I do
think the Settlers Tavern is the best country pub in WA.
They have great wine and craft beers, and great acts in a
very intimate venue. I also like Miki’s Open Kitchen,
Morries, Swings (& Roundabouts) Taphouse, Leeuwin
estate, Olio Bello and Elkamo to name a few.
Olio Bello
Margaret RiverMorries
Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan
PERTH AND MARGARET RIVER IN 5 DAYS
2 0
IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT VISITING THE MARGARET RIVER REGION FOR FIVE DAYS (OR MORE) –
AND IF YOU’RE NOT, YOU SHOULD BE – HERE ARE MY FAVOURITE PLACES YOU SHOULDN’T MISS.
V I R G I N I A
W I L L C O C K
W R I T T E N B Y
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan
If you’re looking for adventure, bring your camping gear
and walk the Cape to Cape Track. Guided tours are
available with Cape to Cape Tours, who offer both luxury
and camping options. With the luxury version you stop
for fancy lunches and dinners and stay in fancy hotels.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll see gorgeous
coastlines from the north of the cape to the south.
If you don’t have five days to spend on an extended tour,
you can still book a half or full-day tour. There’s also a
Cape to Vine tour offered at Vasse Felix so you can get
the most of nature, wine and food in a full-day tour and
learn about the wonderful diversity of our coastal area.
CAPE TO CAPE TRACK
You can’t beat Surfers Point in Prevelly at sunset.
Depending on the surf conditions, there will be kite
surfers, windsurfers or just plain amazing surfers out
there on one of the most stunning breaks in the world.
It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a drink and watch some
world-class sport for free.
First thing in the morning is pretty good, too, if you’re an
early bird.
SURFERS POINT
Of course, most people come to
Margaret River for the wine, so
you’ll want to dedicate a full day to
a tasting tour. (Either make your
own or visit the Visitor Centre for
recommendations). There are very
few places in the world where you
have local wineries of incredibly
high quality that will give you a
taste of everything they produce.
The wine here really is of a
world-class standard.
Don’t miss a chance to dine at
Vasse Felix – and I’m not just
saying that because I work there.
EATING AND DRINKINGIt’s one of Australia’s top-100
restaurants, and serves up
stunning, local Margaret River
produce in a delicate but complex
way that goes so beautifully with
our wines.
Everywhere you go in Margaret
River you’re surrounded by natural
beauty. People come down here
and I’ve often heard them
wondering aloud if there could
really be anywhere in the world this
beautiful. If you don’t believe me,
you’ll just have to come and check
it out for yourself.
Boranup Forest
Sidekick Cafe
Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan
2 4
The Margaret River region offers an exciting
mix of adventurous and indulgent experiences.
The selection of beaches here really is
phenomenal – no matter what conditions are
like on the day, one of them will be just perfect.
I wish I could name all the ones you should
visit – every beach is beautiful, but some of
them are more mind-blowing than others.
My favourite thing to do is to spend the night
enjoying our region’s amazing wines and then
go for a swim in the morning. There is no
fresher, cleaner, more beautiful ocean in the
world – it makes you feel five years younger
the moment you dive in.
For your first couple of nights, or for a bit of luxury, you
could stop off at the award-winning Cape Lodge country
estate or Injidup Spa Retreat, which are around half an
hour north of Margaret River town close to Yallingup.
Spend a couple of days visiting the local wineries around
Cowaramup and treating yourself to decadent wine
lunches.
You also have to go to Smiths Beach for a swim,
because it’s just… there’s no way to describe it. It’s
ridiculous how lovely it is.
YALLINGUP
MARGARET RIVER TOWNNext, head into Margaret River town. The great thing
about Margaret River town is that it is halfway from
the top and bottom of the Margaret River Cape (Cape
Naturaliste at the top near Dunsborough or Cape
Leeuwin in the south). It is about 30 minutes to reach
either cape from town. In town itself, everything is
central so you can walk around the boutiques, studios
and eateries.
It’s best to book accommodation close to Margaret
River town if you are wanting to be out-and-about at
night as most of the evening entertainment and dining
is located there.
You must go to the Settlers Tavern for great beers,
wine and casual food. If you’re looking for a high-end
dining experience, book into Miki’s – it’s a small place
with a great atmosphere and awesome Japanese
food. At cocktail hour, you can’t go past Morries.
You can also hire a mountain bike from the Hairy
Marron on Bussell Highway, just outside Margaret
River town, and go for a ride through the beautiful
natural forest – there are so many tracks you can
choose from. It’s a great way to get some exercise
between the amazing eating and drinking you’ll do
while you’re here. You can also book a guided action
tour through Dirty Detours, or go for a short bushwalk
to the viewing platform.
Yallingup Beach
Injidup Spa Retreat
Margaret River
BEST OF THE SOUTH WEST
T O U R I S M W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
W R I T T E N B Y
Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan
2 3
DISCOVER WHY WA’S SOUTH WEST IS
ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE HOLIDAY
DESTINATIONS ON EARTH.
The Gap
Mile End Glamping
In just eight days from Perth to Margaret River, and then Denmark and Albany, you’ll come to
understand why Lonely Planet recently nominated this as one of the world’s top 10 regions to visit.
2 7
Grab an ocean-side breakfast in Perth, then head two
hours south to the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre,
where you can swim with wild bottlenose dolphins.
Morning: Perth to Bunbury
DAY 1
Walk the Busselton Jetty, or ride the train and tour
the underwater observatory — Australia’s greatest
artificial reef.
From here, it’s a 25 minute drive to Dunsborough.
Afternoon: Bunbury to Busselton and Dunsboruough
In September and December witness the migration of
the humpback and southern right whales.
If visiting in January to April, enjoy stunning beaches
such as Meelup Beach and Bunker Bay.
Morning: Dunsborough
DAY 2
Continue south on Caves Road for fine wineries,
breweries, and gourmet produce stores.
Hand-pick ingredients to cook, or dine on creations
from award-winning chefs. See the Australian Good
Food Guide for inspiration.
Afternoon: Dunsborough to Margaret River
City Beach, Perth
Cullen Winery
Busselton Jetty
2 5
Have breakfast in Margaret River, then browse
the high street. Or head up to Surfers Point — a
top spot to watch local pros.
Continue south on Caves Road for the Karri trees
of Boranup Forest. Enjoy a picnic under these
majestic 60-metre timber giants.
See the world’s longest straw stalactites on a
guided tour of Jewel Cave, and the wild depths of
Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave.
Morning: Margaret River Forests and Caves
DAY 3
A 15 minute drive south brings you to Cape Leeuwin.
Tour Australia’s largest lighthouse and look out for
migrating whales between June and September.
Afternoon: Margaret River to Augusta
Spot whales in Flinders Bay, then head to Pemberton
for as taste of local wines and produce.
Morning: Augusta to Pemberton
DAY 4
Venture up Pemberton's climbing trees for great views.
The largest, known as the Gloucester Tree, stands at
61 metres.
Nearby, the forests and waterways of Beedelup and
Warren national parks offer great opportunities for a
walk or cycle.
Afternoon: Pemberton
Follow the Vasse and South Western Highway to
Walpole, and the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
This first of its kind walkway leads you to breathtaking
views of 400-year-old tingle tree giants.
Morning: Pemberton to Walpole
DAY 5
A 40-minute drive east brings you to William Bay National
Park. Swim and snorkel in Greens Pool and take a scenic
walk to meet some bathing rock giants at Elephant Rocks.
Along the 20-minute drive into Denmark, pick up some
treats and take a table at one of Denmark’s restaurants.
Afternoon: Walpole to Denmark
Caves Road
The Gloucester Tree
Elephant Rocks
2 6
Have a riverside feast of local wines, arts,
delicious produce and breathtaking panoramas in
Denmark.
Morning: Denmark
DAY 6
50 minutes east of Denmark, through Albany, is the
cliffs of Torndirrup National Park — a top whale
watching spot from July to October.
Return to Albany and take your pick from the hospitality
options among the town’s heritage buildings.
Afternoon: Denmark to Albany
Explore where the first European settlers set foot in
Western Australia and the wharf from which the first
ANZACs departed. Then discover Albany’s rich history
by visiting the many museums.
On weekends, indulge in the region’s fresh flavours at
the iconic Farmers' Markets.
Morning: Albany
DAY 7
View the entire coast in all its rugged beauty on a scenic
helicopter flight over The Gap and Natural Bridge.
Head up Mount Romance for one the oldest industries in
Western Australia – the branch-to-bottle processing of
sandalwood.
Afternoon: Albany
A one-hour-forty-minute drive north takes you from
Albany back to Kojonup.
Stop at the Kodj Gallery, which features local and
regional art. Or experience the tradition of billy tea and
damper on a guided tour and enjoy lunch at the café,
overlooking the Australian rose maze.
Morning: Albany to Kojonup
DAY 8
From here, it’s a three-hour drive through the vast open
spaces of the Wheatbelt to Perth. Stop for a break in the
country town of Williams at its iconic woolshed, for lunch
sourced from the surrounding farms.
Afternoon: Kojonup to Perth
Boston Brewing Co.
Albany
The Natural Bridge
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The Western Australian Visitor Centre is
located in the centre of Perth. It is a one-stop
shop for travel information, souvenirs, and offers
a free tours and accommodation booking service.
The Centre is open:
9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday,
9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday
and 11.00am to 4.30pm Sunday.
Location: 55 William Street, (corner of
Hay Street), Perth,Western Australia, 6000
Telephone: 1800 812 808
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wavisitorcentre.com.au
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