Have an amazing time in Western Australia's South West
The start of 2020 has not been kind to Australia, and it has taken a toll on tourism all over the country. We're encouraged to holiday at home this year, exploring the natural wonders and supporting the small businesses in our own backyard. Many of our loyal clientele are from Perth, and a Busselton getaway makes perfect sense. It's a short 2.5 hour drive, there's so much to see and do, and it can be an affordable way to rest and relax. Holidaying here supports the economy and gives you an appreciation for your own backyard. Busselton and the entire Margaret River region is open and ready to welcome travellers with arms wide open. Here are three businesses and three outdoor experiences to add to your itinerary to inspire your visit.
Next Level Monkey Business
Awesome for families with young children
Travelling with kids? A fantastic way to ditch the devices and reconnect with each other is to spend time in nature. And what kid doesn't love climbing trees and running through the forest? Next Level Monkey Business is an adventure park featuring ropes courses and flying foxes that will challenge and thrill even the bravest souls. There are low-level courses designed for ages 4 and up, and courses for older kids and adults to embrace their inner monkey. Have serious adrenaline junkies onboard? Consider the Night Climbs and swings through the darkness (available for ages 13 and older). We've had plenty of guests raving about how much they loved it.
While you're there... visit Big Rock Reserve
Some of the best things in life are free... like climbing Big Rock Reserve for an amazing Geographe Bay view! Almost opposite Next Level Monkey Biz is Yungarra Drive. Turn left onto Jones Rd then Big Rock Place. Park at the cul-de-sac and follow the short walk trail that leads to the rock. It's a wonderfully big granite outcrop high on a hill, surrounded by natural bushland. Superb panoramic views of the bay. Free and fabulous!
Where: Big Rock Reserve, off Big Rock Place, Quedjinup.
Swings & Roundabouts
Awesome for wine lovers and foodies
Is it really a trip to Margaret River if you don't visit a winery? The beauty of a holiday here is the abundance of excellent wine and the amazing properties welcoming you to try before you buy at their cellar doors. A drive along Caves Road simply must include a stop at Swings & Roundabouts in Yallingup. A recent renovation has transformed this favourite winery restaurant into a wow-worthy stop to linger over gourmet food and some of the region's best wine, particularly chardonnay. And let's not forget the panoramic views of the countryside and vineyards. Book ahead and ask for the famous swing seats; actual swings at a table, with amazing vineyard views. Can't get enough of Swings and Roundabouts? When in Margaret River town, pop in for a casual dinner at Taphouse and enjoy their wine on tap with yummy wood-fired pizza. And if you're travelling with people who don't drink wine, don't worry; they have creative cocktails and craft beer too.
While you're there... walk Yallingup Beach
Just a few minutes from Swings and Roundabouts is the glorious Yallingup Beach. The lagoon is protected by a reef, making it perfect for a swim or snorkel. The northern end of the beach is a dog exercise zone, so if you've just treated Fido to a Swings and Roundabouts outing, work off the indulgence with a walk along this magnificent stretch of sand. Fancy a detour? Walk through Yallingup town, down the "ghost trail" (we've long forgotten why it's called that) through the Caves House Gardens. Throw a tennis ball for your dog, let the kids explore the beautiful heritage gardens. If you're visiting without a dog, continue through the national park to Ngilgi Cave, just a short walk away.
Meelup Farmhouse
Awesome for contemporary cuisine in the country
Perth residents may be familiar with cafes Little h and The Little Bay and will be delighted to know that owners Liz and Mark Ahearn have opened a restaurant near Dunsborough's beautiful Meelup Beach. Meelup Farmhouse's style is country meets the coast: timber and wicker furnishings, bright white walls, lots of foliage, and wide open spaces to relax while inhaling fresh air. Grazing the grounds are free-range-egg-producing chickens and a very happy highland cow named Lizzie who paces the fence line waiting for patrons to come over and say hello. Chef Dean Williams is in the kitchen creating scrumptious share plates of Fremantle octopus, Eagle Bay olives, Yallingup Wood-fired sour dough, Mount Barker free-range chicken, pulled lamb, and unique flavours atop pizzas. If brunch is more your style, think avocado on rye, homestyle bircher muesli, and pancakes for the kids. Couples looking for a romantic option can enjoy a stocked picnic basket on a secluded square of paddock under the trees.
Meelup Farmhouse certainly gives travellers another reason to holiday here in WA.
While you're there... visit Point Piquet
From Meelup Farmhouse, continue driving along the Meelup-Eagle Bay Road. Stop in at Castle Rock Bay, climb the famous rock. Drive on to Meelup, past magnificent Australian bushland, rich in grass trees and eucalypts. Continue on to Point Piquet, a rocky point that juts out into the bay. It's a great spot for land-based whale watching in spring, and just for soaking up the natural beauty the rest of the year. There are countless beaches along this strip, some you'll need to walk across rocks to reach. The colour of the water must be seen to be believed. This is nature at its finest!
Have you booked your Busselton accommodation yet? Browse our self-contained beachside accommodation and camping/caravan sites.
