…most people who visit Margaret River – frequent visitors included – have never set foot in, laid eyes on, or paddled a canoe, in some of the area’s choicest places.
Perhaps the most amazing case in point is the section of the actual Margaret River pictured above, and immediately below.
Access to this part of the river is easy.
Literally a couple of minutes drive inland from the town’s tourist-clogged main street, you can serenely canoe or kayak on calm water, through native forest.
You will have an excellent chance of seeing and hearing some of the world’s rarest cockatoos, and you will certainly see and hear various other native birds.
Very probably, you will be the only people present on this section of the river!
Also “a million miles away”, but likewise close by and easily reached, is a hardly-visited spot on the seaward side of the Margaret River township.
This spot was spiritually, culturally and nutritionally significant to humans for many thousands of years before Europeans “discovered” this region.
I am told that this is where eels used to be caught.
In this young millennium, Margaret River is renowned worldwide for its wines and surf.
Presumably, the big surf was there for millions of years before surfers rode it.
Margaret River’s first vineyards were planted in the 1960s.
“Margs” is only a little more than three hours drive from Perth.
Perth residents who go “down south” – as many do on weekends and on holidays – are mostly going somewhere within 30 minutes drive of Margaret River’s main street.
If Margaret River’s “premium” wines and “elite” winery restaurants are their passion, various Wilyabrup Valley venues will be “on their radar”.
Arguably, Wilyabrup is Australia’s Bordeaux.
However, the very existence of the Wilyabrup Cliffs is unknown to most tourists.
As you can see, on “our” winter afternoon the cliffs-proper were not basking in the “right” light, photographically speaking.
(click here to discover more about them, and to see what they look like when the sun is obliging)
The section of coast that includes the Wilyabrup Cliffs has no 2WD access to it, and no road of any kind runs along it.
Pampered vines and diners are a very few kilometres away, but this stretch of coast is seen only by those who are willing to walk more than a few steps away from their vehicle.
That said, the walking is easy, and even without a 4WD vehicle to get you “out to the coast” an easy day walk would take you to it, along it, and back to your 2WD.
All photos above were taken on a very enjoyable one day tour that also included a “just us, plus winemaker and wine” lunch at a superb Wilyabrup winery.
This blog is 100% independent and non-monetised, and said tour operator has no knowledge of this post.
Click here to see his site.
Even if you only visit wineries and “attractions” when visiting Margaret River, you will be rewarded if you raise your eyes from your glass….
Very nice Doug, makes me want to go there again.