Travel to Margaret River, Australia

Just a couple of hours' drive south of Perth in Western Australia, is one of the most beautiful and scenic wine regions I have ever visited.

Close to pristine, sandy beaches, surrounded by rolling farmlands, national parks, and a huge number of wineries in a warm and summery climate, with friendly locals, this is the perfect vacation spot for families, surfers, nature and wine lovers.

The many beaches along the coast are pristine and often deserted! A variety of sandy and rocky beaches are loved by families, surfers and fishermen. Clamber over the rocks, bake in the sun, or enjoy the crystal clear, turquoise waters.

Western Australia is known for its wildflowers in spring, and the coast is no exception. An internationally renowned hotspot for biodiversity, this region is home to more than 150 types of orchids and 2,500 different wildflowers - a flower photographer's paradise!

Tip: Look out for whales and dolphins - they are often seen cavorting in the waters further out from the coast.

• Where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse has been battered by powerful waves and stormy weather since 1895.
  
• The Foul Bay Lighthouse was moved to the mainland from Hamelin Island in 1967.
• The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, featured on an Australian Stamp in 2002, was built in 1902.

The 135km Cape-to-Cape hiking trail runs from Cape Naturaliste in the north, to Cape Leeuwin in the south. It runs past cliffs, caves and beaches as it winds through large swathes of national parks along the coast with a few inner loops through native karri forests.

Small sections of the hike are perfect for half day hikes, and the entire distance can be covered in 5-7 days. Many local tour and service companies offer support, transport and accommodation.

Three large limestone caves in a complex karst system, buried under native forests and national parks are open to the public. Caveworks runs group tours throughout the year (except on Christmas Day).

It's not just all about wine in the Margaret River region, although that is the main draw-card. In many cellars you will find galleries, featuring artisan crafts and gourmet produce from the region. A few have their own facilities, show rooms and restaurants.

• Gunyulgup Galleries - 120+ artists with an ever-changing display of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery and textines.
• Tunbridge Gallery - showcasing aboriginal arts and crafts.
• Margaret River Chocolate Company - free tastings and sales of a stunning variety of chocolates. They really are mad about chocolate!
• Margaret River Dairy Company - great cheeses and free tastings. Their range of cheddars are simply delicious!

Of course, one of the main attractions in a wine growing region is its wine tours. With more than 60 wineries and boutique breweries around Margaret River, you won't be able to visit them all in one day!

A number of companies provide group as well as customized or individual half or full day tours.

• Taste the South Tours - my personal favorite, the tours were wonderful and service first-class! The fantastic hosts provide all inclusive group and individual winery, brewery and gourmet food tours where you can pick your own itinerary. Taste the South also offers romantic and relaxing night tours, and tours catering for families with younger kids.
• Margaret River Discovery Company - small group winery tours in addition to camping and canoe tours through the beautiful national parks surrounding Margaret River. Also provides a guided 135km coastal hiking tour along the cape.
• Bushtucker Tours - offers winery, brewery, cave and canoe tours, with a premium tour including local sights and beaches.

Margaret River sightseeing map

This fantastic tourist map of the Margaret River region is also available from the Margaret River Tourist Information Center.

The wines of Margaret River are extremely varied, from dry to sweet, both red wines and whites, still and sparkling.

Below are some of my own tasting notes of the wines I considered to be stand-out in quality, in plain English.

I'm sure you will find a wine you love in this selection!

What are your favorite wines and wine regions?

If you have been to Margaret River, what did you think? What did you do?

Let us know in the comments below!