‘We have some specials to taste’ is possibly the most rewarding sentence one can hear when stepping into a winery. And these western aussies make some seriously good wine! I spent two long days discovering the Margaret River region planning to visit one or two wineries, but as the taste of things to come, it more than whets the appetite. Just make sure you go there with a person who can resist all this goodness and is happy to drive.
Here are some of my favourites
- Amelia park wines – the first (warm-up) stop if you’re arriving from the north
- Woodlands wines – lovely winery that surprises you with some real gems
- Cullen wines – a vineyard with stunning garden, atmosphere and a lovely restaurant
- McHenry Hohnen cellar door – again, lovely atmosphere
- Voyager Estate – luxurious way to end ones wine tour
When you already are in the Margaret River region, here’s a few recommendations you should definitely try to fit in.
A few kilometers down from Yallingup is Smiths beach, which would be a good spot to catch some morning sun. By continuing driving further down, one can find a proper gem, Injidup Natural Spa. Getting there requires little effort, as one needs to climb the rocks, but I promise – it’s definitely worth it. When the midday sun is starting to burn, Mammoth Cave is the place to seek for a shade. It’s one of the largest in the area, offers fantastic views and is very well maintained.
Margaret River region is also good for whale watching, which is seasonal and takes place from June to early December. One can enjoy the show of splashing whales from ashore or get up close on a cruise departing from Dunsborough, Augusta and Busselton. Furthermore, there are a few companies in the area that offer swimming experience with dolphins. And who could say ‘no’ for that 🙂
Nosey Nomad 