BUSSELTON
Where? Beach end of Queen Street, Busselton WA 6280
Reservations: (+61 8) 9754 0900
We arrive at the Busselton Jetty and meet our guide at Railway House for a private tour of the Jetty and the Underwater Observatory. A representative from City of Busselton joins in to showcase an outline on the foreshore and jetty zone developments. Boasting 30 kilometres of white sandy beaches, Busselton, Geographe Bay is a marine playground notable for the diversity it offers. The serene waters are impeccable for fishing, water skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing. Extending almost 2 km out over the protected waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage listed Busselton Jetty is the longest timber jetty (pier) in the Southern Hemisphere! I am awe inspired by the forest of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical marine life. More than 300 species of marine life have been recorded beneath the Busselton Jetty. It isn’t a wonder why it is one of Western Australia’s most popular eco-tourism attractions.
CULLEN WINES
Where? 4323 Caves Road, Cowaramup WA 6284
Reservations: (+61 8) 9755 5277
As for us, vintage season, and there is a lot of activity happening in the vineyard, but Vanya takes us all right to the vineyard for tastings…couldn’t be better. Interestingly, in 1966, when Diana and Kevin Cullen planted a trial acre of vines, the encouraging results led to the couple planting 18 acres of vines on their sheep and cattle farm in 1971. Cullen Wines, while remaining family owned, has since evolved now making quality wine from bio-dynamically grown grapes. The building’s unique construction from granite and timber blends harmoniously with the surroundings and provides a relaxing place to enjoy a glass of wine, lunch or a coffee. All food in the restaurant is prepared using fresh, bio-dynamic and organic produce and is sourced from their own garden and select local producers.
Glamping |
GLAMPING AT OLIO BELLO
Where? 36 Armstrong Road, Cowaramup WA 6284
Reservations: (+61 8) 9755 9771
Committed to the environment and world-class hospitality, Olio Bello is one of Australia's finest producers of extra virgin olive oil. Their award winning organic, estate-pressed extra virgin olive oil is made from handpicked and pressed premium quality olives, which are handpicked and pressed the same day to ensure the highest quality oil. After a dekko and tasting of the olive oil I check into one of the six luxurious safari-style glamping bungalows, nestled around the lake on the 320 acre farm, providing the perfect escape from day to day hustle and bustle. Here time stands still and nature takes centre stage. Surrounded by undulating natural landscape, abundant wildlife and more than 8000 olive trees, it’s all about getting back to basics, without having to rough it!
DINNER AT MIKI’S OPEN KITCHEN
Where? 131 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
Reservations: (+61 8) 9758 7673
It’s dinner time and we are hungry so we head to town, crossing by a picturesque forest and park down the river. During the day the town is bustling and at night it comes alive with a totally different scene of fantastic foodie restaurants, wine bars and pubs with live music. The Margaret River surf is about 10 minutes away from the centre of town. Miki’s Open Kitchen in Margaret River features just that - an open kitchen where guests can enjoy the show of Miki and his team preparing authentic Japanese tempura dishes. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, owner and Chef Mikihito Nagai constantly changes the menu to develop original and innovative tempura that delights the taste buds. We go for the degustation menu which is superla-tive and perhaps my favourite meal in Western Australia.
CAPE TO CAPE EXPLORER TOURS
Where? Unit 1/24 Auger Way, Margaret River WA 6285
Reservations: info@capetocapetours. com.au
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours is a prized, Margaret River company focusing on creating unforgettable experiences on Western Australia’s premier long distance coastal hike, the Cape to Cape Track. I meet my guide Janita Cottman at Lake Cave entrance for a private guided walk on the Cape to Cape Track. Janita transfers us by coach to Contos Campground where we commence our walk on the Cape to Cape Track to Contos clifftop overlooking Contos Beach. Here we stop by to take in the views and enjoy morning tea, before we head back. We then drive through Boranup Forrest with a stop and exploration at Brides Cave.
Limestone caves in Western Australia |
LAKE CAVE & CAVEWORKS ECO CENTRE
Where? Lake Cave, Caves Road, Forest Grove WA 6286
Reservations: (+61 8) 9757 7411
Cave Works, Lake Cave's interpretative centre is designed to help visitors learn about the formation and history of caves within the region, throughout Australia and around the world. Located directly below Cave Works, Lake Cave is a stunning pristine chamber deep beneath the earth. I descend a staircase in time, gazing up at towering karri trees from a primeval lost world, before entering one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Western Australia….totally awe inspiring!
LEEUWIN ESTATE
Where? Stevens Road, Margaret River WA 6285
Reservations: (+61 8) 9759 0000
One of the five founding wineries of Margaret River Leeuwin Estate produces wines that rank with the finest in the world, regularly appearing in Wine Spectator's annual top 100 wines and as Decanter’s highly recommended wines. Family owned and operated, Leeuwin welcomed us for a walk through the art gallery showcasing the collection of contemporary Australian Art from its labels followed by lunch at their an award winning restaurant replete with wine tastings. Leeuwin Estate is also the venue for the
Gourmet Village during the Margaret River Gourmet Escape food and wine festival staged each November.
VASSE VIRGIN MARGARET RIVER
Where? 135 Puzey Road, Wilyabrup, Margaret River Western Australia 6284
Reservations: (+61 8) 9757 2999
Our last stop is Vasse Virgin for checking out hand crafted raw soap bars using a traditional cold process method, Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil and only the finest quality natural ingredients to produce luxurious products that one’s body will savour. It is fun to see the creation process, learn the benefits of natural products, experience the feel of olive oil skin care and its therapeutic benefits.
Beer & lunch at Caves Road |
BEER AND LUNCH AT CAVES ROAD COLLECTION
Where? 3517 Caves Road, Wilyabrup WA 6280
Reservations: (+61 8 9755 6500)
A 45-minute drive later we are here! Incredible craft beers, boutique gin and some of Margaret River’s best wine varieties…that’s what the team delivers in the imaginative playground called Caves Road Collective. Home to Black Brewing Co., Dune Distilling, Ground to Cloud Wines and their house restaurant, all delivered by fervent staff. Before we choose our beer, we go for a brief brewery tour and explanation from the brewers of the brewing process and an overview of typical beers of the region. The tour is followed by beer tastings and a lunch of share-plates to sample the new autumn menu featuring local seasonal produce. Truly a wonderful place to get a quintessential taste of the region!
PULLMAN BUNKER BAY RESORT & SPA
Where? Lot 29 Farm Break Lane, Bunker Bay, Cape Naturaliste WA 6281
Reservations: (+61 8) 9756 8284
Nestled on the stunning, secluded beach of Bunker Bay in the world it also houses an award winning restaurant, Other Side of the Moon offering alfresco dining showcasing local produce and wines. For breakfast we head to the Bunkers Beach House, replete with boardwalk access to the Indian Ocean. Before heading back to Perth the next day, we stop by to view the striking coastal scenery in the area around Sugarloaf Rock.
