Five reasons to fall in love with Margaret River

From acclaimed wineries to breathtaking beaches and even a giant hedge maze, Margaret River has plenty to offer every type of traveller. For those on a budget there are hundreds of free natural attractions such as hiking the Cape to Cape walking track, wildflower spotting in Boranup Forest and plenty of surfing spots on the west coast. Those enjoying a romantic weekend away might like to instead head to one of the many markets before an afternoon of whale watching and later a degustation dinner at one of the area’s many fine dining restaurants.

Cave ‘n’ Canoe Bushtucker Tour (pictured) Combining an active day of swimming, canoeing and caving while learning the history of our first native inhabitants, the Bushtucker tour also includes a special lunch of exotic tastes from all over Western Australia, as well as locally made pestos, chutneys, dips and baked breads. For a truly Australian experience, it also includes bushtucker meats like emu, kangaroo, crocodile and wild turkey, however if these don’t get your mouthwatering there is a well catered vegetarian menu. All up, the lunch includes 20 unique tastings. Visit bushtuckertours.com to book.

Amaze’n Hedge Maze Lose yourself inside the winding challenge that is Amaze’n. As well as the giant ½ hectare hedge maze, the grounds also boast an 18 hole mini golf course and a café set in the botanical gardens. Having just undergone an impressive makeover, the gardens offer the perfect place to rest for an afternoon picnic and BBQs are also available to use on site.

Margaret River Cellar Door and Tasting Room at Berry Farm Not just a berry farm, the gorgeous venue offers a kids playground and a cottage café serving many delicious treats including the classic Devonshire tea. The cellar door is brimming with mouthwatering seasonal preserves, with jams, sauces, syrups and vinegars all produced on the farm and tastings of the 40 gourmet products are held every day. The restaurant also serves finely crafted wines to complement all of the meals on their menu, and what better way to wait for the food settle than by relaxing amongst the lavenders and roses in the cottage garden. More info at theberryfarm.com.au

Busselton Jetty About a 40 minute drive north of Margaret River center is the longest timer-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Stretching 1.8kms, construction started in 1865 and it has since survived fires, cyclones, storms and demolition plans. A ‘jetty train’ takes you on the journey across Geographe Bay, where you can visit the eight metre deep underwater observatory, rated No.1 top aquarium in the South Pacific on Trip Advisor. There you can view over 300 individual marine species. You may even get lucky and glimpse a pod of dolphins playing in the bay. Tour bookings are essential.

Wardan Aboriginal Culture Centre About half an hour north of the centre of Margaret River, visitors can experience a range of cultural tours at the Wardan Aboriginal Culture Centre. Boomerang and spear throwing classes, bush story trails, stone toolmaking workshops, artefacts and the Six Season interactive display all offer visitors a greater understanding of the historical, social and environmental issues affecting Indigenous Australians. Bookings are essential and visitors are urged to call in advance.

RUTH BIRCH

DriveNow Team

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