Margaret River (South West, Western Australia)

PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER AUSTRALIA by Lonely Planet

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• published: 10 Mar 2011
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Explore Perth to Margaret River Australia Put Margaret River at the top of your list of places to visit What do Bali, Byron Bay and Margaret River WA have in common? All three of these places were first found by surfers and then became major tourist destinations in their own right. During the 1970s, a new generation of Australian surfers got itchy feet and started to explore the world, looking for the perfect wave. They found among the best waves on the planet right here at home at Margaret River. Located around 270 km (168 miles) from Perth on a wide peninsula that juts out into the Indian Ocean, Margaret River is subjected to all of the swells that are created by fierce storms far away at sea. These waves take shape as they approach the rugged coastline, creating some of the best surfing breaks on the planet. Because of this, for many years, Margaret River has played host to countless regional, national and international surfing contests. While surfing may have been what introduced Margaret River into the public spotlight, it is the other attractions in Margaret River that have expanded its appeal towards the broader tourist market. The locals have always been hands on types who prefer home made to store bought. That's why when you visit a restaurant or cafe in Margaret River, you are going to be treated to hand made gourmet delights and locally produced beers and wines. If you are traveling to the Margaret River region, you are going to appreciate having so many great restaurants and cafes to choose from, because you'll want a hearty meal at the end of a day's exploration of the area. Some visitors to the region actually walk there from Perth over the famed Bibbulmun Track, a hiking trail that extends for a total distance of 965 kilometers (600 miles). Whilst you might not want to join the ranks of the end-to-enders' who take the six to eight weeks required to do the whole journey, you will definitely want to at least spend a day on the Bibbulmun Track around Margaret River. Flinders Bay at Augusta, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Margaret River, is where the great whales come to nest between June and September. Many tourists come to Margaret River just for the chance to view these magnificent animals close up. Flinders Bay is famous for being among a handful of spots on earth where both Humpback whales and Southern Right whales nest during the same time. Then obviously there's the surfing. Probably the top known spot for surfing along the 43 kilometers of surfing beaches in Margaret River is the aptly named Surfer's Point. The waves that slam into this point may be surfed at nearly any size, making it an ideal venue for international surfing events. Surfers in the know also head for adventure at Rottnest Island, 16 kilometers from the coast or the challenging waves of Yallingup Reef. If Western Australia is part of your travel plans, put Margaret River on the top of your list of spots to visit. Why don't you go ahead and pre-book a Margaret accommodation? You will be glad you did. Just be make sure to give yourself more time in your Margaret River accommodation, because once you get there, you'll definitely want to stay awhile and explore.