Margaret River, WA, Travel Information

Coastal Pleasures & Gourmet Trails

The climate and scenery of WA’s South West region make it very attractive to visitors who love the great beaches and coastal attractions, as well as the world-class wineries and gourmet treats of the Margaret River.

Margaret River accommodation & guesthouses

Whale watching, giant karri forests and wild flowers – which are exceptional in both variety and sheer numbers – are also high on the list of reasons to visit the Margaret River region. There is, of course, plenty for visitors to Western Australia to see and do in Perth; and while Fremantle is popular for its historic buildings, street cafes, markets, the Western Australian Maritime Museum and the Fremantle Museum and Arts Centre, the trip south towards Albany holds immeasurable pleasures any traveller would be hard-pressed to find in a city environment.

Mandurah, 72 kilometres south of Perth, is known for its waterways, seafood, spectacular beaches and a viewing platform over the World Heritage-listed Thrombolites at Lake Clifton. With a Performing Arts Centre, boardwalk precinct and award-winning Ocean Marina, Mandurah makes an attractive stop on the way south. Just two and a half hours south of Perth, Busselton on spectacular Geographe Bay has more than 30 kilometres of beaches and many water-based activities.

The two kilometre Busselton Jetty – which visitors can experience by foot or by train – is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. With the opening of the Underwater Observatory eight metres below sea level, the jetty has become one of Australia’s most unique eco-tourism sites. A great way for people of all ages to experience the amazing underwater world, the observatory is designed to accommodate up to 40 people at a time. With 11 windows, all at various levels within a 9.5 metre diameter observation chamber, visitors are able to view the amazing corals and fish existing beneath the jetty. A lift within the observatory also enables wheelchair access.

The historic town of Margaret River, the commercial hub for the winemaking region, boasts a wine trail leading to famous names such as Vasse-Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Fermoy and many others with cellar-door facilities. Pick up a wine-trail guide from the visitor centre to help find your way around and allow plenty of time for discovering other attractions along the way.

You’ll find mouth-watering fresh produce and local arts and crafts at every turn in the Margaret River wine region: distinctive, full-bodied wines; olive oils; premium cheeses; delicious handmade chocolates and ice-cream. Local specialities such as these can be enjoyed whenever you visit the area, but they are specially showcased each year at the Margaret River Wine Region Festival, which is scheduled to take place from 18 to 21 November 2004.

As well as being internationally recognised for its top-class wine and gourmet food, and its dramatic surf and coastline, the Margaret River area also boasts amazing limestone caves and exotic wildlife, making a name for itself in eco-tourism. Whale watching trips are a drawcard between May and September. Travelling further south west, Manjimup marks the gateway to the giant karri forests, with the Karri Forest Discovery Centre in Pemberton providing visitors with interesting facts and figures about these towering trees. Walpole is home to the famous Valley Of The Giants Tree Top Walk, 40 metres above the forest floor; while the tallest karri tree, at over 60 metres, is the Gloucester tree. Finally, the dramatic and incredibly beautiful coastline from Denmark to Albany has many little bays and beaches to explore.

Albany itself is a popular dive centre with an interesting whaling history, which visitors can find out about at the local museum. Margaret River Wine Region Festival According to the festival organisers, there will be more than 45 events and community celebrations, including celebrity-chef cooking classes; the delightful Sailing-With-Semillon lunches; premium wine and fine-food tastings; winery, vineyard and cellar tours; winemaker feasts; first-time arts and crafts exhibitions; and even touring Australian bands. Featured artists will include Caroline Juniper with collectable screen-prints, and celebrated local painter/sketcher/cartoonist Paul Rigby with a new exhibition of originals. An exhibition of innovative outdoor sculptures made from wine barrels can be viewed at Harmans Ridge Estate. The festival culminates in Cowaramup with an exciting fusion of tastings, events and entertainment featuring 65 wineries. For more information, call (08) 9757 9990 or email info@mrwinefest.org.au.