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 and the SOUTH WEST inspiring trip ideas from travellers and locals

CAPE ROAD TRIP CRUSADE RUNDOWN Discover the south west's Make tracks from Perth River iconic cape to cape walk to Margaret River Welcome to MARGARET RIVER and the 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.

Injidup Beach

The Gloucester Tree C O N T E N T S

Wills Domain, Margaret River 04 Check out

05 Stories & experiences

Cape crusade: The cape to cape track P6 Feast al fresco in the forests P8

Five adventure getaways in Busselton Jetty Margaret River P10 Margaret River's ten of the best for foodies P13 17 Journeys

7 Margaret River discoveries you can pack into a weekend P17

Perth and Margaret River in 5 days P20 23 Itinerary Best of the south west

Boranup Forest About the AUTHORS Ute Junker

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. Ella Liascos 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.

Max Brearley 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.

Sean Blocksidge 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.

Virginia Willcock 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.

2 6 CHECK OUT

Surf, swim and snorkel. 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 Boojidup Beach swimming spots at Dunsborough, Denmark and Albany.

You’ve never dined like this. 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.

Manjimup Truffle and Wine Co.

Indigenous Culture. 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 Koomal Dreaming talent including painters, sculptors, furniture makers, jewellery designers and hand-blown glass artists. Tall timbers. 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!

The Gloucester Tree

A sense of adventure. 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. 4 The Cape to Cape Track S STORexIpEer&iences Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals

CAPE CRUSADE: THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK

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The Cape to Cape Track

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.

6 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

Sugarloaf Rock 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 Margaret River is famed for its wine, the National Trust preserves a piece of history – built by the Bussell making of which relies heavily upon its maritime family over decades, it’s said that everyone from convicts to deserting seamen and local Noongar people worked on its climate. And while the local produce is construction. undoubtedly a draw, it’s ultimately the diverse landscape, coastal lifestyle, and an ability to experience it daily that pulls people here. Hamelin Bay

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 Contos Beach 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. SECTION FOUR – CONTOS BEACH TO HAMELIN BAY RECOMMENDED GUIDED TOURS: Contos Beach to Hamelin Bay takes you from heath-covered clifftops into the towering timbers of Boranup Forest. When you • Margaret River Discovery Company reach the remains of Hamelin Bay’s wooden jetty, watch out for • Cape to Cape Explorer Tours the friendly giant stingrays that glide within inches of the shore. • Walk into Luxury SECTION FIVE – COSY CORNER SECTION ONE – CAPE BLOWHOLES TO CAPE LEEUWIN NATURALISTE TO WYADUP STEPS LIGHTHOUSE Section one starts at Cape Naturaliste and heads south, A final push from Cosy Corner Blowholes to Cape Leeuwin taking you from the lighthouse to Wyadup Steps by icons of Lighthouse finishes the walk and while the waterwheel, just short the coastline, Sugarloaf Rock and Canal Rocks. You can of the lighthouse is the supposed end to the walk, it seems only break the walk into these manageable sections, many right to make your way to the lighthouse itself. Here at the most favouring five, and heeding advice from local tour guide southwesterly tip of Australia, the Indian and Southern Oceans Sean Blocksidge to not treat it as a race. As Sean says, meet. However you walk it, and however long it takes, it’s unlikely “Give yourself time to stop and smell the wildflowers.” to be an experience you’ll ever forget.

7 Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals

FEAST AL FRESCO IN THE FORESTS

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Taste Great Southern

GO BEYOND MARGARET RIVER AND ENJOY A LOCAVORE LUNCH IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S SOUTHERN FORESTS.

8 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 Southern Forests of karri and tingle trees. COUNTRY WELCOME Slow down and take your time. In the towns of the Southern Forests, there’s no need to rush. National ANZAC Centre

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 EAT LOCAL also an easy drive from some of the area’s award- Supercharged by endless sunny days, the fruitful soils winning wineries. of the Southern Forests offer up a rich bounty.

Surrounded on virtually all sides by national park, Manjimup Farmers' Market is the place to pick up Manjimup makes for a great green retreat. Work up everything, from freshly-baked sourdough loaves to an appetite by bushwalking or with a spot of trout heirloom vegetables, local olive oil and Pink Lady fishing, then feast on the area’s farm-fresh produce. 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. Albany

SPECTACULAR SETTINGS 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.

The National ANZAC Centre 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 LIFE’S A PICNIC fire lookouts. It’s always picnic o’clock in the Southern Forests. Blazing carpets of colour fill the Southern Forests Grab a blanket and basketful of goodies, and check from September to November, when the area’s out these hidden treasures. Greens Pool, near wildflowers spring to life. While the vivid red and Denmark, is a perfect curve of pure white sand, green of kangaroo paws and the magnificent purple of sheltered by rocks and lapped by clear green water – native wisteria are eye-catching, keep an eye peeled this protected cove is picnic heaven. After lunch, take for more delicate blooms, including many species of a dip, explore the rock pools, or enjoy the gentle stroll wild orchid. to Elephant Rocks. 9 Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals

FIVE ADVENTURE GETAWAYS IN MARGARET RIVER

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Lake Cave, Margaret River

BEST EXPLORED WHEN BALANCING INDULGENCE WITH ADVENTURE; HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO BALANCE YOUR MIND, BODY AND PALATE IN MARGARET RIVER.

1 0 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.

CAVING AND ABSEILING The Lake Cave + Mammoth Cave. 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. Tree Top Walk Abseiling the Sea Cliffs. Above ground, The Margaret River Climbing Co takes you CANOEING THE abseiling at the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge from 10, to 40 meters down the sea cliffs depending on your skill and confidence level. BLACKWOOD RIVER Climbing from the age of 11, Mick Dempsey or one of his staff The Margaret River region is also home to host the climb, leading guests through scenic Boranup, where the Blackwood River, the longest continual you’ll abseil into crystal chambers up to 70 meters below the river in Western Australia. To sightsee from forest floor, before ascending slowly back into daylight. 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.

Boranup Forest

Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge

Giant's Cave SURFING Smiths Point. Those travelling without a surfboard, or prior The variety of Smiths beach break with both a left and right surfing experience can hire a board, or take hand wave, as well as a left hand point break, makes for a great lessons with Margaret River Surf School. intermediate surf spot. For beginners, Yallingup Surf School With waves breaking for all levels, the breaks runs lessons for people of all ages and abilities, supplying warm below are chosen for their levels and wetsuits and soft boards for learners. proximity to outstanding wineries. The unique maritime influence on the vineyards of Margaret River is a huge defining factor on Injidup. the wines, which you’ll taste at each winery Locally known as ‘Carparks,’ the sizeable swell at Injidup in varying degrees. carpark, means it’s best reserved for advanced surfers. Ideal when the waves reach six foot or head height, it’s relatively Smiths Beach straight forward to surf despite the size.

Margaret River

Redgate Beach MOUNTAIN BIKE THROUGH BORANUP FOREST

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.

HIKE THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK

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. The Cape to Cape Track 1 2 Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals

MARGARET RIVER’S TEN OF THE BEST FOR FOODIES

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Leeuwin Estate

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.

1 3 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.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape

AN ORGANIC FARMSTAY AT BURNSIDE ORGANIC FARM TAKE A COOKING CLASS 1 Lara and Jamie McCall are living the dream of many a city dweller. On the family’s organic AT WILDWOOD VALLEY farm they grow grapes, make wine, raise pigs, Carlo and Sioban Baldini, mix Carlo’s Tuscan grow organic veggies and avocados, as well as 2 heritage with Sioban’s experience cooking at award winning capers. A stay in one of the world famous Rockpool, and Longrain, for property’s bungalows gives guests a chance to cooking classes at their Yallingup property. tour the farm, pick veggies and dream of life in From using a wood oven to crafting Thai dishes, Margaret River. their diverse classes (from December to March) make the best use of the region’s produce.

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, 3 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.

LET THE RESTAURANT COME TO YOU: FOOD BY THE CHEF MEET THE FARMYARD 4 George Cooper, is a young British chef who now calls WINEMAKERS AT Margaret River home. With Food by the Chef he brings the restaurant to you; sourcing the best of the region's 5 GLENARTY ROAD ingredients and putting his own unique spin on a dining Ben McDonald’s family has farmed at experience. Trained at some the UK’s best Michelin the southern end of the region for restaurants, he’s a regular collaborator with local wineries generations, from dairy to sheep and and events like the annual Gourmet Escape. 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 Amelia Park 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 Burnside Organic Farm this holistic wine experience.

1 4 Stories to inspire you by travellers and locals

DISCOVER 50,000 YEARS OF FOOD HERITAGE Margaret River Farmers' Markets Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming takes you on a cultural journey that 6 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.

VISIT THE ANNUAL GOURMET ESCAPE 7 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 MIX CONSERVATION WITH like Gather & Feast (held by Margaret River culinary students). AWARD-WINNING WINES 8 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.

BUILD YOUR OWN PICNIC AT MARGARET RIVER’S 9 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.

Koomal Dreaming

FIND MARGARET RIVER’S BIGGEST WINE LIST IN ITS MOST ICONIC PUB

10 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. Settlers Tavern journeys Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan

7 MARGARET RIVER DISCOVERIES YOU CAN PACK INTO A WEEKEND

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Wills Domain

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.

1 7 Margaret River The Cape to Cape Track

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.

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. Surround yourself in nature 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 Hamelin Bay 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. Find the places the locals go 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!

1 8 Choose your level of adventure Find fantastic food and wine For the more adventurous I would recommend going for a It’s impossible to choose one favourite place to eat. I do mountain-bike ride with Dirty Detours or Dirt Skills, cliff think the Settlers Tavern is the best country pub in WA. climbing with Mick Dempsey from Margaret River Climbing, They have great wine and craft beers, and great acts in a or on a coasteering tour with Margaret River Adventure very intimate venue. I also like Miki’s Open Kitchen, Company. Hiring a bike is the best way to get around, so Morries, Swings (& Roundabouts) Taphouse, Leeuwin head to the Hairy Marron bike cafe. You’re right at the trail estate, Olio Bello and Elkamo to name a few. 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.

Olio Bello

Morries Margaret River

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. 5 Have a long, lazy lunch at the Leeuwin Estate winery. Go for a walk on the Cape to Cape Track, and 2 climb up to Conto’s cliffs for spectacular views. Hire a bike from the Hairy Marron and go for a 6 ride on one of the many tracks in the forest. 3 Travel deep underground at Jewel Cave. Enjoy an Ils Pilsner or two with a bowl of mussels at From May to August watch beautiful whales from the 7 the Brewhouse microbrewery and craft beer pub. 4 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse as they migrate north.

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PERTH AND MARGARET RIVER IN 5 DAYS

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Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

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.

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Boranup Forest

CAPE TO CAPE TRACK Sidekick Cafe

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 SURFERS POINT and camping options. With the luxury version you stop for fancy lunches and dinners and stay in fancy hotels. You can’t beat Surfers Point in Prevelly at sunset. No matter which option you choose, you’ll see gorgeous Depending on the surf conditions, there will be kite coastlines from the north of the cape to the south. surfers, windsurfers or just plain amazing surfers out there on one of the most stunning breaks in the world. If you don’t have five days to spend on an extended tour, It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a drink and watch some you can still book a half or full-day tour. There’s also a world-class sport for free. 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 First thing in the morning is pretty good, too, if you’re an learn about the wonderful diversity of our coastal area. early bird.

EATING AND DRINKING

Of course, most people come to It’s one of Australia’s top-100 Margaret River for the wine, so restaurants, and serves up you’ll want to dedicate a full day to stunning, local Margaret River a tasting tour. (Either make your produce in a delicate but complex own or visit the Visitor Centre for way that goes so beautifully with recommendations). There are very our wines. few places in the world where you have local wineries of incredibly Everywhere you go in Margaret high quality that will give you a River you’re surrounded by natural taste of everything they produce. beauty. People come down here The wine here really is of a and I’ve often heard them world-class standard. wondering aloud if there could really be anywhere in the world this Don’t miss a chance to dine at beautiful. If you don’t believe me, Vasse Felix – and I’m not just you’ll just have to come and check saying that because I work there. it out for yourself.

Trip ideas and journeys to help you plan

The Margaret River region offers an exciting mix of adventurous and indulgent experiences. MARGARET RIVER TOWN Next, head into Margaret River town. The great thing The selection of beaches here really is about Margaret River town is that it is halfway from phenomenal – no matter what conditions are the top and bottom of the Margaret River Cape (Cape like on the day, one of them will be just perfect. Naturaliste at the top near Dunsborough or Cape I wish I could name all the ones you should Leeuwin in the south). It is about 30 minutes to reach visit – every beach is beautiful, but some of either cape from town. In town itself, everything is central so you can walk around the boutiques, studios them are more mind-blowing than others. and eateries.

My favourite thing to do is to spend the night It’s best to book accommodation close to Margaret enjoying our region’s amazing wines and then River town if you are wanting to be out-and-about at go for a swim in the morning. There is no night as most of the evening entertainment and dining fresher, cleaner, more beautiful ocean in the is located there. world – it makes you feel five years younger the moment you dive in. 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

YALLINGUP Margaret River 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 Injidup Spa Retreat 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.

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BEST OF THE SOUTH WEST

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DISCOVER WHY WA’S SOUTH WEST IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS ON EARTH.

The Gap

Mile End Glamping

2 3 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. DAY 1 Morning: Perth to Bunbury

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. Afternoon: Bunbury to Busselton and Dunsboruough

City Beach, Perth 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. DAY 2 Morning: Dunsborough

In September and December witness the migration of Busselton Jetty the humpback and southern right whales.

If visiting in January to April, enjoy stunning beaches such as Meelup Beach and Bunker Bay. Afternoon: Dunsborough to Margaret River 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.

Cullen Winery

2 7 DAY 3 Morning: Margaret River Forests and Caves Have breakfast in Margaret River, then browse the high street. Or head up to Surfers Point — a Caves Road 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 DAY 4 guided tour of Jewel Cave, and the wild depths of Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave. Morning: Augusta Afternoon: Margaret River to Pemberton to Augusta Spot whales in Flinders Bay, then head to Pemberton A 15 minute drive south brings you to Cape Leeuwin. for as taste of local wines and produce. Tour Australia’s largest lighthouse and look out for Afternoon: Pemberton migrating whales between June and September. Venture up Pemberton's climbing trees for great views. The largest, known as the Gloucester Tree, stands at 61 metres. DAY 5 Nearby, the forests and waterways of Beedelup and Warren national parks offer great opportunities for a walk or cycle. Morning: Pemberton to Walpole The Gloucester Tree 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. Afternoon: Walpole to Denmark 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. Elephant Rocks

2 5 DAY 6 Morning: Denmark

Have a riverside feast of local wines, arts, delicious produce and breathtaking panoramas in Denmark.

Afternoon: Denmark Boston Brewing Co. to Albany 50 minutes east of Denmark, through Albany, is the cliffs of Torndirrup National Park — a top whale watching spot from July to October. DAY 7 Return to Albany and take your pick from the hospitality options among the town’s heritage buildings. Morning: 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. Albany Afternoon: Albany View the entire coast in all its rugged beauty on a scenic helicopter flight over The Gap and Natural Bridge.

DAY 8 Head up Mount Romance for one the oldest industries in Western Australia – the branch-to-bottle processing of Morning: Albany to Kojonup sandalwood. 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. Afternoon: Kojonup to Perth

From here, it’s a three-hour drive through the vast open The Natural Bridge 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.

2 6 DISCOVER

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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 let us a free tours and accommodation booking service.

The Centre is open: 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, INSPIRE 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday and 11.00am to 4.30pm Sunday.

Location: 55 William Street, (corner of you Hay Street), Perth,Western Australia, 6000 Telephone: 1800 812 808 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wavisitorcentre.com.au