We’re on the Forrest Highway when a white bolt of lightening shoots down from blue sky.
The flash is enough to shock my head off the car window, and the loud noise knocks my heart a few beats. An isolated storm darkens the road, sprinkles the windscreen and just like that- it’s over. The sun shines again.
I’m on my way to Margaret River in WA – where all is pretty, yummy and where extraordinary things happen when you least expect.
South East of WA= Dry forest. Blue sky. White clouds.
Three hours from Perth, Margaret River is your Byron Bay-esque escape from the big city, with enough activities and attractions to fill more than a weekend.
I know we’re getting close when we see flickers of vineyard poke through the native Jarrah Scrub. That and the signs of course; Yallingup, Cowarmup, Gnarabup. This region is famous for it’s ‘up’s, which means ‘place of’ in Aboriginal language.
So, you wanna stay, eat and play in Margaret River? Here are my tips:
Stay:
If you’d prefer to spend all your money on food and wine and are after an affordable hotel close to town, The Quality Inn Margaret River is your best bet.
The rooms are clean, comfortable and excellent for families, who in their spare time can cool off in the pool, or kick butt with some putt putt.
The gardens here are also pretty special.
More Margaret River accommodation here.
Eat:
In Margies, there’s a long-lunch culture that you just have to embrace. Most people drive out one of the wineries, (or visit a few) to spend the afternoon. And they truly are spectacular, think big, elaborate estates with elegant hedges, fountains and rainbow gardens.
Here you can drink all the wines!
Just some of the wineries here include:
Cullen Wines – A winery that is super famous for its biodynamic approach to wine making. Not sure what biodynamic winemaking is? It takes organic farming to the next level, connecting with the environment and bringing an element of hocus-pocus into the way grapes are grown and turned into wine. Definitely one for the tour itinerary.
Windows Estate Winery – A small winery that offers tastings and lunches by its lovely lake. The wine making and bottling is done on site and it’s one of five wineries in region that are still hand pressing.
And the best news? They are about to build a fromaggerie! Hello wine and cheese heaven! So guys… can I come work here?
Cheers! Enjoying Windows Estate Wines
Cape Mentelle Winery – This winery is a powerhouse of fun during summer, great for movie, music nights, afternoon tastings and winery tours.
Leeuwin Estate – The big guy! Home of the Margaret River Gourmet Escape Village, which you can read about here.
If you’re not eating out at one of the wineries in the region, the main street in town is where you’ll find cute restaurants and cafes. Places like Morries, Muster and the Settlers Inn Tavern do some killer breakfasts and lunches.
Committing carbacide with a Veggie Burger at Settlers Inn.
Thanks @MorriesAnytime in Margaret River for brekkie. Is this the cutest place or what?! #MustDoWA -LML Mitzi pic.twitter.com/42A1u6Uy1Q
— lastminute.com.au (@lastminute_au) November 25, 2013
Main street, Margaret River.
If you’re doing it the self contained way, it’s here where you’ll find a supermarket and health food stores.
Make sure you pop into the Margaret River Fudge Factory. OMFudge, it’s amazing.
| Hot Tip: Don’t have a car? It’s here where you can also hire bikes, catch taxis and find coach buses. |
Play:
So, how do you cool off in Margaret River? Head to the beach!
Prevelly Beach.
Prevelly Beach is the closest, just 7km west of town. There’s also Smith’s Beach in Yallingup, Castle Rock Beach (a good whale watching spot) and Gnarabup Beach.
You can even take a Cave Tour…
Or a get out on a Canoe Tour.
Margaret River canoe pro, right here.
Not a water baby? Grab a map from the Visitor Centre in town and choose a walking track. Find more things to do in Margaret River here.