Explore the foods & wines of Margaret River traveling the wild coast of Western Australia
Photography - IRJALIINA PAAVONPERA
“A short distance south of Perth in Western Australia, Margaret River is a region renowned for its supreme vineyards, wild and windswept coastline, and thriving organic food culture.”
Arrive at Perth International Airport from any origin, take in the spectacular city culture and sights along the Swan River for a few days, then head south by car for a three-hour drive preparing you perfectly for what will soon become the big chill.
Along the way stop often to take in the first glimpses of what becomes more by mile, the wild west landscape.
If your plans are to stay at an Airbnb at Margaret River, be sure to stop at Bunbury Farmers’ Market to stock up on a healthy variety of great local and organic produce and other specialty foods.
Further south, stop at Busselton and walk the Pier. It’s steeped in history and at first glance it will fill you with a sense of nostalgia for the Western Australia culture – calm summer simplicity, warm dry air, sunshine that doesn’t quit, and blues of the Indian Ocean that are hard to beat worldwide.
Entering the Margaret River region in summer, you will be awestruck with the quintessential wild Western Australia landscape presenting in its prime.
Winding tree canopied roads will take you to more than 150 world class wineries with Cellar Doors all competing for unsurpassed ambience. From Cabernet Sauvignons, to Roses to Sauvignon Blancs to Botrytis Rieslings, to name a few, the tastings will only serve to inspire more indulgence. Many of the wineries offer delectable menus for memorable lunch experiences looking out across lush vineyards in perfect WA air.
Bustling weekend farmer’s markets offer organic treats such as chutneys, coffees, cheese and artisans’ wares. Margaret River town features an eclectic range of specialty boutique shops, while neighboring townships have all kinds of interesting miscellaneous at local General Stores.
The coast of Margaret River is equally exciting on the palate. This far southwest corner of Western Australia is renowned for The Cape to Cape Walk Track, which meanders along the entire length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge against the backdrop of its National Park. The trails offer 123 kilometres (76 miles) of sensational coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs, amazing flora and fauna in sheltered forests, abundant bird life, limestone caves and tunnels, and white sand pristine beaches.
In the Australian spring season, a favourite for many who make the journey is the wildflowers. The wildflower collection in Western Australia is the largest on Earth with many rare species, peaking in September, October and November.
A favourite stop on the Cape to Cape for many who admire raw nature is Willyabrup Beach where windswept trees against barren sea create a sense of pure timelessness. There you can also admire beautiful seashells, driftwoods and sea sponges, basking in the sun recovering from their wild sea tumble.
Many of the region’s beaches are a dreamland for surfing enthusiasts. Grab a favourite brew and watch the experts. Some of the smaller beaches such as Meelup, Yallingup and Gnarabup offer gentler seas some days more than others, making them perfect for relaxing hours of swimming, picnicking and catching up on literary interests.
After delicious days of wild landscape, specialty foods and award-winning wines, catch ‘magic time’ when the sun is setting and the wild kangaroos play hide and seek among the trees which lean into the barren landscape creating stark and striking images. The coast of Western Australia is known for these Karri trees and many others which grow in a horizontal position because of the prevailing westerly breeze.
For all these reasons and more, Margaret River is worth your visit and will be long remembered.