Heading for this inspiring region just over three hours south Perth, for just a weekend or longer stay, you pass along sandy beaches including, Koombana Bay, at Bunbury WA's second city, and home to curious dolphins. A long wooden jetty at Busselton shelters myriads of colourful fish and further along the sheltered sweep of Geographe Bay Dunsborough acts as the gateway to the world renown wine region.
Contrasting rugged coastline with spectacular coves rings the Indian Ocean from Cape Naturalist in the North to Cape Leeuwin in the south. Visit Augusta on the mouth of the Blackwood River - where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Explore Caves Road and visit Yallingup with spectacular coastal views, then meander through sheltered vineyards offering excellent tasting and restaurants, or experience some of the galleries full of local artworks and crafts. Take a break at a surf beach, fish or enjoy the Karri forest sheltering wonderful wildflowers in the spring and hiding intriguing limestone caves ready to explore.
The bustling township of Margaret River is the hub of the region. Astride the river itself and the Bussell Highway, this lively town offers many restaurants, galleries with local wares and a farmers' market. Vineyards, olive groves and orchards surround Margaret River, each with its own ambience. The locals are happy to share their secrets with you, be it whale watching, diving or just a quiet place.