Margaret River: 277km (173 miles) S of Perth
For most Australians, the phrase "Margaret River" is synonymous with great wine. U.S.-based Wine Market Report gave it the award for "Wine Tourism Region of the World" in 2006. The report commented that "many consider [Margaret Valley] to be the most remote wine region on the planet," but it's a mere 3 1/2 hours' drive from Perth. It is also a region "where every prospect pleases."
Forty years ago, this was a quiet backwater, a simple countryside of dairy farms and forest, with a few insiders aware of some great surfing spots. A survey then found that the climate was remarkably similar to that of Bordeaux, and the first vineyards were planted. The area now has about 100 wineries and, while they produce only about 1% of Australia's wine output, they turn out around 15% of the country's "premium" wines. There's a growing selection of quality lodges and B&Bs, galleries, gourmet food outlets, and superb restaurants. Many craftspeople have set up here, together with producers of venison, cheese, chocolate, and olive oil. Statuesque forests of tall but graceful karri trees (the world's third-tallest species) create beautiful dappled drives; the west coast has spectacular surf breaks and cliffs perfect for abseiling (rappelling) and rock climbing; the northern coast has wonderfully peaceful safe beaches; and there's a honeycomb of limestone caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Whales pass by June through December, wildflowers line the roads August through October, and wild birds, kangaroos, and shingle-backed lizards are everywhere.
The Margaret River region isn't very large, so is easy to get around. It reaches 120km (75 miles) from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin on the southwest tip of Australia, both with attendant lighthouses. If you like hiking, pack your boots, because there are plenty of trails, from a 15-minute stroll around Margaret River township or an hour's stroll along the Dunsborough beaches to a 6-day Cape-to-Cape trek along the western shore.
The main settlements are Dunsborough in the north, Margaret River Township in the center, and Augusta in the south. Busselton is the gateway to the region, though not really part of it.
