Active Pursuits

Surfing lessons from four-time Western Australian professional surfing champion Josh Palmateer (tel. 08/9757 3850, or 0418/958 264 mobile; www.mrsurf.com.au) are a must! Two-hour lessons at Margaret River mouth (they will pick you up and take you to the beach) cost A$130 (US$117/£58) for an individual lesson, and A$50 (US$45/£23) per person if you join a group (daily 11am), including use of wet suits and boards. You can also have a private group, and discounts for 3-day attendance. Lessons run November through June. They also rent boards and wet suits and offer surf-guiding tours, if you are already a master of the surf universe and want to try any of the legendary breaks along the coast. Canoes and kayaks are available for hire, for paddling up the river.

Kings of the Surfing World -- Margaret River Pro is the West Australian leg of the international surfing circuit, attracting the world's top surfers. It's held at Surfer's Point, Prevelly, just 10km (6 1/4 miles) west of Margaret River town, in late March or early April. Check with the Margaret River Visitor Centre for actual dates.