The region is bounding ahead with exciting new ventures and experiences being announced all year long. We have put our thinking caps on to create a short list of the new experiences available to visitors to our beautiful part of the world.
1. New (or rejigged) Cafes
To those of us who have lived here for 20 + years it is a constant source of amazement at the number of cafes a town of this size can support. Coffee appears to be the modern fuel sustaining life for most of us in the new millennium. This year has seen the refurbishment of the White Elephant cafe – a beachside favourite at the lovely Gnarabup Beach. Great for an early summer’s morning overlooking the stand up paddlers and Boatramp surfbreak on a bigger swell.
New to this year is Sidekick Cafe (opp. the carpark entrance to the Tavern). The name reflects its geographical proximity and shared ownership of the Rob and Karen Gough’s Tavern. A funky central vibe. Great bagels!
Also new is Riversmith at the crossroads in the centre of town. Having just opened at the time this is published it’s a bit early to see what form it will eventually take but the coffee is very good and the number of staff indicate bigger things for the future. They stock provisions and also have a liquor license.
AND THE AWARD GOES TO….. THE HAIRY MARRON
not just for a great name but also for creating a tranquil oasis, close enough to walk from town centre, overlooking the Margaret River. Paul from Blue Ginger Fine Foods and Cafe and his mate Andy are the driving force behind this venture. Mountain biking is the focus here (sold, serviced and rented) but don’t be put off if that’s not your thing, the coffee is great and food includes muffins, wraps, paninis and cakes. Congrats from all of us for preserving the heritage of the Old Settlement site and creating a worthwhile addition to the Margaret River experience. An amazing ambience for a central location!
2. Augusta Marina
A trip further south is recommended to view this magnificent facility if only to wonder in awe at the massive amounts of beautiful blue granite stone of which it is constructed. Already popular as a fishing spot with locals the beauty of its construction is to be applauded.
3. Contos Campground Refurbishment
The much anticipated overhaul of this facility has delivered its promise. Beautiful new camping sites together with al fresco dining facilities and electric bbqs make this a campers dream in a fantastic location.
4. Temper Temper Chocolate
No need to travel all the way up north for a chocolate fix anymore. Located in the complex on the corner of Rosa Brook Rd and Bussell Hwy (2km south of town) these guys can satisfy all your cravings for organic and Fair-trade sourced cocoa products. Also serving light snacks and coffee.
5. Surfer’s Point Viewing Platform
Finally completed amongst continuing controversy the end result is a fantastic tribute to the surfing history of Margaret River. Cleverly banked lawns provide an excellent panorama of the famed surf break easily catering for hundreds. Highly recommended as a sunset viewing platform with a cold beer or wine as surfers try for that last wave of the day!
6. Jewel Cave
Extensive new lighting and staircases have transformed this underground fairytale into a must see venue. Access is now easier than ever and the lighting ingeniously highlights the amazing natural formations.
7. Cafe Boranup
Located at the Boranup Gallery site this cafe has had numerous owners over the years but its current incarnation has locals wanting to keep this secret to themselves. Cindy’s creative use of locally sourced ingredients produce a breakfast or lunch experience which perfectly complements the ambience of the deck amongst the Karri trees. The gallery next door is always worth a visit to froth over the artisan quality products.
8. Wander Through Witchcliffe
A slow evolution is transpiring in this sleepy hamlet 8 kms south of town. It began with The Flying Wardrobe, a funky second hand shop selling everything from yesteryear and 2nd hand books and now expanded to feature electric bicycle sales! Just around the corner is definitely worth the amble to Bob and Phyllis Fox’s Margaret River Candle Co., which only tells half the story as Bob’s skill as a craftsman is evident in his clever use of old wine barrels to fashion beautiful and functional artworks.
Cookie Galore relocated to Witchcliffe recently to offer a tempting assortment of cookies, cakes and coffee. Lime Beach Revisited is the passion of the inimitable Francine Chappell. Her modern and colourful rendering of items so diverse they defy description will make you want to add some of her creativity to your home.
9. Margaret River Juice Company
Located at the top of the main street in Margaret River, next to the Fudge Factory is the town’s healthiest eatery. Raw food is the go here but don’t think you would be missing out on any flavour or satisfaction as their offerings will blow you away! Salads, smoothies, juices and much more will tempt. Rated on Trip Advisor for value!
10. EcoAdventures Margaret River
You just knew it was coming didn’t you! An adventure for the whole family. The world first electric quadbike (ATV) experience has now featured on Today Tonight, Getaway and Qantas InFlight Magazine. We are thrilled with the great response from our guests. Receiving over one hundred and twenty 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor in our first 18 months has been wonderful. Mostly we host couples and family groups from Australia and overseas, but we always knew they would love the experience! However we have realised our ultimate vision– we have made the forest accessible to many who previously found it difficult.
We have taken:
– the young: as young as 4y.o.
– the experienced: 86 years of age is the current record.
– those fighting battles: of Parkinson’s, autism, chemotherapy, organ transplants, arthritis and other conditions.
– Family groups: One of our greatest sources of satisfaction is showcasing the forest to extended family groups that include 3 generations of the family.
Our 18 km. route encounters a variety of terrain (all easily negotiated on the awesome electric quads) and explores some hidden wonders seen by only the lucky few.
The tour duration of 1.5 hrs. is a perfect highlight to your day in Margaret River.
Please book in advance, to avoid disappointment in peak periods, using our live online booking manager on this website. Please feel free to give Lee a call for further info on 0498654588 (+61498654588 international)
Explore your world and let us help you discover the magnificent Boranup Forest of Margaret River!