Margaret River WA 6285 (Pop 3 700)

Margaret River is a chic SW WA tourist town on the river of the same name. Located 275 km s of Perth, it is known for it excellent wineries, beautiful coastal scenery and beaches and incredible cave formations.  European settlement began about 1850s with timber cutting an important industry from 1870s.  The town was probably named after early settler, Margaret Wyche and really only began to develop in 1920s with the Group Settlement Scheme which attracted migrants from Europe. Town Square markets every Sun (summer) and every 2^nd Sun (rest of year). Margaret River Masters (surfing) (Mar/Apr) and Margaret River Wine Region Festival (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Rotary Park, Bussell Hwy a pretty riverside park with picnic areas and ‘Kate’ an historic steam engine (1889) on display. Old Settlement Historical Museum, Bussell Hwy interesting Group Settlement displays together with farm buildings & machinery and one of Australia’s best old camera collections. Open (9am-5pm) daily. St Thomas More Catholic Church, Mitchell St displays interesting and contemporary architecture and is built of rammed earth with beautiful leadlight and stained glass windows. Margaret River Heritage Trails begin from Rotary Park and comprise River Walk (2km), Karri Walk (1.5 km) and Bridge Walk (3 km) taking in many species of native flora & fauna. Wineries & Vineyards abundant in this area and can best be researched and located via the Wine Tourism Showroom, Bussell Hwy.

Nearby:
Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP (approx. 20 km s-w) a magnificent park spanning the coast from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leewin for 120 km and featuring rugged cliffs, rocky headlands and excellent surfing & swimming beaches.  The 3 W’s are found here: walking trails (numerous & scenic), whales (humpback & southern right) and wildflowers (endless varieties).  Additionally there is the Boranup Karri Forest and Boranup Lookout giving sweeping coastal views. Rock formations (Canal Rocks) and limestone caves (Calgardup, Giants, Jewel, Lake, Mammoth and Ngilgi) are spectacular. There are also some lovely sheltered bays (Kilcamup, Cowaramup, Prevelly) and good camping and picnic areas within the park. Prevelly Park (12 km west) excellent surfing conditions. Ellensbrook Homestead (15 km n-w)(1857) original home of early pioneers, the Bussells. Meekadarabee Waterfall (nearby) rich in Aboriginal history.

Accommodation: 
Margaret River has 5 motels, 3 hotels, 1 resort, about 10 B&B, holiday apartments/cottages and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Bussell Hwy. Tel (08) 9757 2911.

Airport:
Busselton Regional Airport (BQB), Vasse Hwy, Yalyalup. Tel (08) 9781 0444. (54 km n-e).

Hospital:
Margaret River Hospital, Farrelly St. Tel (08) 9757 0400.