Cruising From Cape to Cape

 

The Margaret River or Geographe Bay region can be explored in a couple of days by driving from Cape Leeuwin in the south up to Cape Naturaliste to the north. Cruising from Cape to Cape in a campervan is ideal or otherwise take more time and base yourself in the centre of the region at Margaret River.

This was my second visit to Margaret River as I had explored the area on a five day campervan holiday back in 2007. Second time around there were plenty more treasures to reveal in this region. It  has this elusive charm and there is so much diversity of things to do and see in Margaret River that makes it a must see destination.

There is the surfing culture of coastal towns like Yallingup and Prevelly; the exquisite selection of world class wines and farm fresh produce all ripe for the picking; the artists at work in their studios spread out through the region; the abundance of day spas where you can slow down, unwind and get pampered; and large amount of nature and adventure playgrounds where you can get your pulse racing.

This was our three day itinerary:

Augusta

We started at the most south westerly tip of Western Australia at the scenic town of Augusta and the nearby Cape Leeuwin, that was named by Dutch explorers in 1622. A visit to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Southern and Indian Oceans collide, is paramount where you can take the very informative audio tour or pay extra for a personal tour guide.

On your return into town stop by Flinders Bay, a beautiful beach with adjoining parklands. We were fortunate enough to stay here at the Flinders Bay Caravan Park, located on the beachfront with lovely roomy, shady and private campsites.

Walk or cycle along the great pathways along the shore of the Blackwood River or take a boat cruise from the jetty and cruise along the river taking in the sights.

Head north on Caves Road and detour off the road to the pretty coastal town of Hamelin Bay with a pristine beach where you can say hello to the friendly Stingrays.

Continue along Caves Road through the amazing Karri forests of Boranup.

Explore the incredible Lake Cave, with a large freshwater lake at the bottom, or Mammoth Cave.

Margaret River

Visit the premier surfing destination of Margaret River and view the surfers catching some powerful reef breaks from Surfers Point at Prevelly, around 10 kms west of town. While you are there, see the mouth of Margaret River.

On our second day of cruising Cape to Cape it was time to relax and rewind, after a busy day of touring, at the once chilled out surfie town of Margaret River. The pretty little town has now evolved into the hub of the world famous wine region. There are many choices of Margaret River Accommodation from caravan parks, cabins, beach houses, backpackers, swish resort hotels to quaint little bed & breakfasts. Book your accommodation HERE.

The town also boasts a large selection of places to wine and dine, as it does have the best quality local food made from scratch. We stayed at a Caravan Park right in town called Margaret River Tourist Park.

On day three, ensure you have a hearty breakfast to line your stomach, because the wineries tour begins! You can take one of the many group tours that take you to a selection of wineries, breweries and farm fresh produce outlets, or you can do your own tour.

Drive along Caves Road and turn into the many and varied vineyards and cellar doors along the way.  Here are a select few:

Yallingup

Yallingup, meaning ‘place of love’, is popular with couples and is a mecca for wine, food and art. But it is also renowned for having some great surf breaks such as Yallingup Beach, Smiths Beach and Injidup Beach.

Enjoy a coffee and a freshly baked treat at the Yallingup Gugelhupf Bakery.

Dunsborough

Almost at the end of our three day tour, we checked out the trendy town of Dunsborough with streets lined with boutiques stores and interesting sidewalk eateries. A visit to the nearby secluded and calm waters of Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay on Geographe Bay are also worth the short drive.

Continue out along Cape Naturaliste Road to Cape Naturaliste which is the end of our Cape to Cape journey. Here you will find a lighthouse set high on the cape amongst an abundance of coastal flora.  Climb the lighthouse for breathtaking views or walk part of the Cape to Cape Track.

Cape to Cape Trail

If you would like to get off the beaten track and experience the great outdoors and beauty of this region, then the Cape to Cape walking trail could be more your style. Stretching 140 Kms from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, the track showcases the stunning coastline and was judged as one of Australia’s Top 10 walks. There are many group tours available to take the headache out of arranging accommodation and carrying luggage.

What can I say?  The Cape to Cape region encompassed all the things that I hold dear. World class wines, farm fresh food, picturesque wineries with superb rose gardens, a huge selection of restaurants, health retreats and spas, pristine beaches, huge surf breaks and picture postcard green valleys stretching for ever. I was in heaven!

If you’re looking for more information on this region check out Zigazag