SOUTH WEST
The Margaret River region is a superb blend of good living and stunning nature just three and a half hours' drive south of Perth. Visitors to the area, one of Western Australia's most popular destinations, should be prepared to indulge in the gastronomic delights of worldclass wineries and gourmet vineyard restaurants.
Responsible for producing less than one percent of Australia's wine but over 15 percent of Australia's premium wine, the 60 or so wineries in the region open for cellar door sales and tastings offer the visitor an impressive selection. Boutique beer breweries, exquisite cheese product, jam and condiment producers, a marron (freshwater crayfish) farm, olive groves and even chocolate and fudge factories enhance the gourmet experiences.
Couple this with an immense array of art and craft galleries, and the area offers visitors a fabulous opportunity to experience the work of local producers and artists. Dining out in the Margaret River area is a gastronomical delight. Many acclaimed chefs have been drawn to the area by the high quality fresh local produce and the worldclass wines of the region. There is an abundance of different styles of cuisine with every taste catered for.
Wine and food aside, the area is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions including a myriad of underground caves (open for public tours), pristine white beaches, pockets of beautiful forest and a multitude of bush and coastal walk trails. The rugged coastline is an example of nature at its finest and ocean views can be enjoyed from many lookout points.
Other activities include canoeing along the Margaret River, adventure activities such as abseiling and rock climbing, whale watching off Augusta and great fishing in the ocean and river. Massive surf has long been a major draw for the area and watching the local surfers take on the ocean is a spectacular sight. Every year the world class surfing competition, The Salomon Masters Margaret River Classic, gets the town buzzing with excitement and visitors.
A regional centre, Albany is a thriving multicultural city with many attractions. Albany has a dramatic granite coastline and is surrounded by magnificent scenery and pristine white beaches. With some of the most spectacular coastline and sheltered waterways in the world, the area is ideal for a coastal holiday. It is easy to see why Albany is one of Western Australia's top tourist destinations, with such an extensive range of natural beauty, historical charm, unique arts and crafts and a wealth of activities.
Albany is known for its natural attractions including those that are situated along the rugged coastline of the Torndirrup National Park. The two major highlights are the Gap with a 24-metre drop to the water and the Natural Bridge, a granite formation in the shape of a bridge.
During the months of July through to October Southern Right and Humpback Whales arrive in King George Sound to frolic and play. Whale watching has become a major pastime in Albany since the whaling industry ceased in 1978. Whales can be viewed from the shore or visitors can get closer by taking one of the whale watching cruises available daily during the season.
Albany boasts approximately fifty buildings of historical charm, most being used as museums, art and craft galleries or restaurants. Albany is important in West Australian history as it was the first European settlement in the State. The area was discovered by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and later settled by Europeans in 1826. It was the first colony settled in Western Australia and has many historical buildings.
