Renew your love of life with a spring break in the Margaret River, a scenic four hours drive south of Perth. From September to November, sunshine, wildflowers and the chance to spot migrating whales are all part of the Margaret River’s mood-lifting magic. Add food, wine and natural splendour and you have the formula for holiday happiness. Lunch in vineyards fringed by Karri forests, explore stunning underground caves and swim or surf from beaches you can call your own. Swim with dolphins in Bunbury or dive off Busselton’s historic timber jetty. Watch whales from Dunsborough and explore the dramatic, rocky coastline near Yallingup.
Driving south from Perth is a great way to see Western Australia’s south-west corner. The South West, Beaches and Goldfields drive allows for many uplifting detours on the way to Margaret River, but you can also take a direct bus. Take in some invigorating sea air in Bunbury, which sits on the peninsula intersection of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet. Have fish and chips on the pier, dive the wreck of a pirate boat and catch crabs and fish from the ocean. At nearby Busselton, walk along the southern hemisphere’s longest timber jetty and peer at coral and fish in the observatory at the end. Walk and picnic amongst 400-year-old trees in the nearby Ludlow Tuart Forest.
Stop in nearby Dunsborough, at the northern entrance to the Margaret River region. Each beach here is more beautiful than the last. Swim in Meelup or snorkel in sheltered Bunker Bay. Share the water with Western Australia’s jet-set in Eagle Bay. Dive the HMAS Swan, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest accessible wreck. Then drive to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse and spot southern right and humpback whales playing in Geographe Bay. Surf, fish and swim in relaxed Yallingup, just ten minutes away. From here, you can trek the rugged coastline of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Walk through jarrah, marri and karri forests carpeted with colourful wildflowers. Look out for purple tassles, sunny-yellow cowslips and the blue lady orchids, that only flaunt their vivid petals in the sun. The park is also home to a network of underground karst caves. See fossils in Mammoth Caves, mirrored underwater lakes in Lake Cave and straw stalactites in Jewel Cave.
By the time you hit the Margaret River wineries, your senses will be well and truly activated. Taste local wine at the cellar doors and local brew at the boutique breweries. Try regional produce such as cheeses, jam, condiments, and olives. Indulge in fresh seafood, local marron or local venison and beef. Of course Margaret River is also a world-class surfing destination and you can ride the powerful waves of Surfers Point, Three Bears and Redgate. For less fierce exertion, surf or snorkel with stingrays on Boranup Beach, near Hamelin Bay.
In spring, remember how to live life to the fullest in the lush Margaret River.
