Although the Margaret River region is known for its internationally recognised wineries, adventure lovers are also catered for when visiting this spectacular part of the world. Whether you love to get the adrenaline pumping on an abseiling expedition, can’t get enough of top sporting competitions are inspired by wild animal encounters or are happiest when hiking through nature, this West Australian region will provide plenty of sources of entertainment. If you’re keen to explore the best the area has to offer, then choose your hotel in the Margaret River and get ready for some adventure! Read on for five fantastic experiences you can try out on your next holiday.
Abseiling
While indoor climbing walls can be fun, nothing compares to being outside in nature, with the breeze on your body, climbing a cliff that looks out to stunning coastal scenery. The Margaret River region is one of Western Australia’s premier locations for adventure activities and provides plenty of wonderful spots to abseil. If you’re looking to find a natural high while holidaying in the state, then join a tour with one of the area’s adventure companies and experience the beauty of the Margaret River in a way you’ll remember forever. One of the most popular places to abseil is the caves beneath Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge – there are more than 150 in total. Tour companies head to the Boranup Forest in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park where tourists can explore walk-through caverns such as the Giants Cave or the Brides Cave, an abseil that takes visitors 40 metres down. Another popular spot for abseiling is the cliffs overlooking the sea in the Wilyabrup area. Visitors can enjoy amazing views from these cliffs that loom over the Southern Ocean; they may even get to see bottlenose dolphins surfing in the nearby break as well as seals and humpback whales at certain times of the year.
Whale Watching
To ensure you see plenty of the majestic sea creatures, you can join an organised whale-watching tour that’s run from the Margaret River. This region of Australia is one of the few places in the world where you can see both southern right whales and humpback whales interacting at the same time. Each year, these beautiful animals migrate from Antarctica to the warm, clear waters of the Margaret River region so you can watch them feed, breed and play during four months of the year (June to September). If you’d prefer to travel by yourself rather than with a tour company, there are also multiple vantage points around the region to spot whales yourself, such as the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Sporting Competitions
If you can’t get enough of adrenaline activities and love to push yourself to the limit, perhaps you may like to enrol in one of the multiple sporting competitions that are run annually in the Margaret River region. One of the most popular is the Anaconda Adventure Race. This well-established competition returns again this year in early November. There are expected to be 2,000 competitors. Entrants will throw themselves into the waters of Flinders Bay and run through the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park in an epic endurance race that includes a swim, run, kayak and a mountain bike leg.
Hiking
For anyone that loves hiking, the Margaret River region will be paradise. The area is full of scenic walking trails that showcase some of the world’s most magnificent views and landscapes. A popular hiking spot is the Cape to Cape Track, a 135-kilometre trail that features karri forests, limestone cliffs, rugged coastline and a variety of pristine beaches to admire. The Track covers the whole Margaret River coastline and takes between five to eight days to complete on average. The terrain, running from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, is mostly flat, well-maintained and clearly marked. This makes it a good trail for beginners to try out — as well as an enjoyable walk for experienced hikers.
Kayaking
The Margaret River area is also the perfect spot for paddle enthusiasts to get out on the water. Visitors to the region can explore its coastline and many rivers while also getting an up-close-and-personal view of local marine and wildlife. Tourists can enjoy a kayaking trip with one of the many tour operators in the Margaret River. There are options for all ages and fitness levels. Some of the most popular spots visited include Meelup Beach at Cape Naturaliste and Colour Patch Beach at the mouth of the Blackwood River.
About the Author: Michaela Bancroft is a travel writer who focuses on nature-based holidays.
