Responsible for producing almost 15% of Australia’s wines, of which a significant number are premium labels, the Margaret River region is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Australia, with patch-work scenery of emerald-green pastures and neat rows of vines.
Boutique breweries, dairy products, jams and condiment producers, a marron (freshwater crayfish) farm, olive groves and even chocolate and fudge factories add to the gourmet experience. The local towns are also scenic and have a good collection of local craft and art galleries as well as antique and bric-a-brac shops that are fun to browse.
In contrast to its domesticated hinterland, the nearby coastline is rugged, wild and known for some of the best surf breaks in the country. The limestone coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin is marked with rocky headlands, spectacular coastal cliffs, battered and moulded by the unfetterered force of the Indian Ocean. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park has a spectacular coastal walk, interspersed with numerous limestone caves and inland from the coast are stands of tall jarrah, marri and karri forests – some of the tallest trees in the world grow here.
