Margaret River is located on the south west coast of the State, south of Busselton and Dunsborough. The town is situated in an area known for its dairy and cattle industry. The timber and tourist industries are other mainstays of the area.


Historic Attractions

The Old Settlement Craft Village lies on the banks of the Margaret River and is based on the Group Settlement Farms of the 1920s. Buildings that can be viewed are a Group House dating from 1924 assorted farm buildings and displays of machinery used during this era.

Ellensbrook Homestead has been restored by the National Trust and can be inspected by visitors to the area. The home was the residence of Alfred and Ellen Bussel and their family - the first pioneer family to settle in the area.

St Thomas More Catholic Church was constructed by the community from local earth and timber. A feature of this engaging church is the ornate stain glass windows which adorn the building.

The Greek Chapel on Wallcliffe road was built to commemorate the Greek, Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers who were killed fighting on Greek soil during the Second World War.

Natural Attractions

Mammoth Cave is an ideal place to go to view fossil remains which date from of 35,000 years ago. The Cave itself was first explored in 1850 and consequently opened to the public in 1904. A wide variety of prehistoric fauna remains can be seen in the cave.

Lake Cave is a further 3 kilometres south of Mammoth Cave and is an intricately decorated example of the reaction, both chemical and physical between water and limestone. A network of underground streams and pools add to the beauty of this cave which was first discovered in 1867 by Fanny Bussell.

The Margaret River Estuary provides wonderful views of the river as it gracefully meanders its way to the Indian Ocean. Good fishing can be had at Gracetown and Calgardup beach at nearby Redgate. It was from Calgardup that Grace Bussell and Sam Isaacs rode out to rescue the survivors of the wrecked "Georgette" in 1876.

Prevelly Park south of the Margaret River estuary is an extremely popular surfing venue. Great views of the surf and the surfers can be had from here. Rotary Park to the north of the town has plenty of shady spots to relax in. Also scattered throughout the Park are a selection of relics from the timber industry.

Boranup Forest proves a picturesque scenic drive through some of the most wonderful Karri forest in the State.

Eagles Heritage is a wildlife rehabilitation centre for one of the country's largest collections of birds of prey.

Other Attractions

Fonti's Dairy Factory is open for tastings every weekday from 10am to 3pm. Here visitors an indulge in some delicious speciality cheese and yoghurt products.

Adinfern Farm allows visitors to view a wide range of farm animals, watch demonstrations such as sheep shearing, browse through local arts and crafts products and enjoy a picnic or BBQ on site. The Farm is open daily on weekdays and during school and public holidays.

Margaret River Marron Farm invites visitors to view the freshwater crayfish they breed on the premises in addition to enjoying a picnic or a refreshing swim.

Pick your own raspberries, strawberries, loganberries and boysenberries or taste the homemade jams and wines produced by the Berry Farm on Bessell Road.

Bellview Shell Musuem is home to one of the best shell collections in Australia.

Boranup Galleries display fine collections of locally made furniture and art. Quinda Crafts also display a wide range of crafts and art products.

Other Activities

A range of tours of the local area can be embarked on. Harley Tours and Scenic Air Tours (097 - 57 2911) allow visitors to view the surrounds from the back of a Harley or from the air. A horse drawn holiday is another unique way of seeing Margaret River and surrounds. Contact Vardo Horse Drawn Holidays at 097 - 57 7510.

A variety of events take place in Margaret River and include surf classics, concerts and wine festivals attract a large number of visitors at various times of the year.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes