Whales Found in Margaret River

The most common species of whales found in the Margaret River are the Southern Right and Humpback whales. Southern Right or Baleen genus has a wide back minus the dorsal fin with a thick layer of outer skin. It has an extended curved mouth which starts above the eye. The right whale’s hide is either black or dark gray in color with sporadic patches on its abdomen. Callosities seem to be while owing to the huge colonies of whale lice called Cyamids. You can hardly distinguish the Southern Right from North Atlantic and North Pacific Right whales. However, negligible differences can be seen in the skull. The Southern Right also possesses fewer callosities on the head but more on the lower lips. Some 10,000 whales of this variety are said to be found all over the Southern Hemisphere.

Humpback whales go to the coastal waters of Australia during the warm summer months and migrate to the Antarctic for feeding purposes. It is considered one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom since these whales travel an average of 2,500 kilometers. The humpback whale is another species of the baleens. The bigger varieties are 12 to 16 meters long and weigh nearly 36,000 kilograms. This type of whale has a unique shape with extended pectoral fins and bumpy head. It is an athletic whale that slaps and breaches the water with its fins and tails. The humpback whale is very popular among whale watchers in Australia, Canada, South America, New Zealand and the United States.

If you are looking for the best Yallingup accommodation in Margaret River, you can click here. Or you can visit the Margaret River website at http://www.margaretriver.com/accommodation

Dunsborough Wine Tours

Fifty kilometres north of Margaret River and situated beside Geographe Bay lay the picturesque Dunsborough in Western Australia. A three hour drive from Perth, Dunsborough is a popular holiday destination known for its beaches and proximity to the award-winning wine cellars of Margaret River. No visit is complete without joining one of the Dunsborough wine tours conducted daily at several of the best wineries in Margaret River.

Margaret River wineries

Margaret River is blessed with a temperate climate consisting of warm summers and mild winters, temperatures that grape varieties responsible for producing the best Cabernets, Semillons, Merlots and Chardonnays love. There are more than a hundred wine producers in Margaret River and approximately 5,500 hectares under vine. Some of these wine cellars produce award winning products and open their doors to the public for some wine tasting often paired with locally produced cheeses and freshly made lunches.

Situated in rolling hills that are naturally blessed with a visually appealing and tranquil landscape, the region’s wineries are regular attractions that appeal to all types of visitors, wine sommeliers and non-wine drinkers alike. Margaret River contributes significantly to Western Australia’s wine production, thus its reputation for being one of the best wine regions in Australia.

Dunsborough wine tours

Wine tour operators provide various options for visitors, offering half day and whole day tours for couples, families, and groups. Wine tours often pick up from accommodation and include activities such as:

Visits to local wineries and micro-brewery
Sampling of excellent wines such as Cabernets, Merlots, Chardonnays and Shiraz
Visits to local cheese and chocolate companies and sampling of their products
For whole-day tours, a chance to observe wine making in progress and a relaxing lunch at a scenic winery where local produce is freshly prepared.
Friendly guides ensure that guests enjoy their wine tours and are fully informed. There are options for night tours and child-friendly wine tours to suit specific preferences. Tourists can also indulge in locally-made ice creams, fudge and chocolate and olives and fruit preserves in the area.

A luxurious day at the award winning wine cellars deserves a luxurious night at any of the inviting accommodation in Dunsborough. Guests have a choice of Dunsborough accommodation that ranges from luxurious spas, hideaway resorts, contemporary beachfront houses, and apartments. Most accommodation is situated close to the beaches, restaurants and Dunsborough attractions. After their Dunsborough wine tours, guests can soak up the vibrant arts scene in Dunsborough with live music, popular art galleries and summer markets.

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Dunsborough Accommodation and Marine Adventures

For those interested in all sorts of outdoor marine activities, such as fishing, snorkelling, diving, and swimming, Dunsborough, located on the eastern Geographe Bay shore is the perfect destination to indulge those pursuits. It is also known as an excellent settling point for exploring Margaret River. Dunsborough accommodation is widely available, and there are often great deals to make a trip affordable, allowing for more time and money to spend doing all the fun activities the area offers.

The many activities in Dunsborough

Dunsborough became a town in 1877. However, until the mid-1950s, it only had a few beach shacks. From then on, it started developing into a vibrant beach town, and it has become a favourite holiday destination, especially for families.

Dunsborough has a wide variety of offerings. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and forests, but it also boasts many different shops. Supermarkets, specialty shops, a chemist, and a famous bakery are all part of the unique local atmosphere. There are also renowned wineries and breweries, many of which have won awards over the years.

The beaches, trails, and secret coves of the area are all very accessible. They are a short walk or drive away from town and offer a vast opportunity to experience all sorts of marine settings. Meelup beach, Eagle Bay, and Bunker Bay are all very close to Dunsborough and are some of Australia’s best swimming beaches.

Marine life attractions near Dunsborough

Along with the swimming beaches, there is also a dive wreck located just off of the Dunsborough coast. It is one of the most accessible in the southern hemisphere.

The HMAS Swan was a 113 metre long Australian navy destroyer. In December 1997, it was decommissioned and scuttled, allowing for exploration by divers. It has become one of the most popular diving sites in Australia, and it also is one of the largest ships in the southern hemisphere that was sunk to become a dive wreck. The site is 21 metres high and 13 metres wide along with its 113 metre length.

Along with becoming a popular dive site, it has become the home to a wide variety of marine life. Bulls eye, King George whiting, bream, and Samson fish all inhabit the HMAS Swan. There are also blue devil fish and sweep, to name a few more.

There are diving tours available year-round, weather permitting. The tours accommodate varying degrees of diving experience. It is recommended to go between May and November, as those months usually offer the best experience.

Dunsborough Accommodation Spots

The accommodation available in Dunsborough is appealing to all budget levels. There are luxury destinations, as well as mid-range to low-range options. These include hotels, bed and breakfasts, and caravan parks.

Some accommodations are located in the heart of the town, while others are located on the beaches such as Bunker Bay and Geographe Bay. There is something for everyone ranging from motels, to cottages, to eco retreats, and the more luxurious resorts and spas.

Whatever the desire of you and your travelling companions, Dunsborough accommodation will surely have what you are looking for within your price range. This one modest beach shack town has developed into a vibrant, bustling holiday spot loved by many.

If you are looking for picturesque yet affordable Dunsborough accommodation, click on http://www.margaretriver.com/regions/2. Or you can visit Margaret river website at http://www.margaretriver.com

Enjoying the Quiet Life in Margaret River Sanctuaries

Margaret River has always been a preferred hideaway for tourists who demand complete privacy and calm. Facilities abound for guests relishing the comforts and relaxation of Margaret River bed and breakfast. This is definitely the place to stay after a day of touring the vineyards and woodlands or simply basking in the beautiful beaches.

Visitors can also choose from an assortment of bed and breakfast accommodations which lie next to fine-dining restaurants or commercial shops and in close proximity to some of the best picturesque sights. Start the day with a buffet meal or gourmet breakfast before embarking on woodland strolls or going around town.

Try the Heritage Trail Lodge while spending your weekend in any Margaret River bed and breakfast. This is situated in the focal point of Karri Forest which is merely 10 minutes away for m the heart of the town. The lodge has a couple of heritage spa suites together with five forest view and three luxury spa accommodations with unique themes.

Another prominent destination haven is the Margaret River Guest House which was renovated two years ago. This Margaret River retreat was constructed in 1928 and has been utilized as a B&B facility dating back to 1969. However, certain rooms are only meant for adults and not for children below 12 years old.

Rosewood Guesthouse, a lovely Margaret River bed and breakfast, is given very high ratings by aaatourism.com.au. It garnered a prestigious tourism award in 2007 (Western Australia) for its beautiful adornments made up of draperies, mirrors and art pieces in all deluxe King rooms.

At the countryside, one of the more fashionable boutique hotels is the Loaring Place B&B and Art Gallery. The partitions in the lounge are decorated with works of art courtesy of prominent Australian artists. On the other hand, Bridgewater is a studio bungalow overlooking Margaret River and the Pevely vineyards.

Margaret River: Renowned Retreat for Tourists

Margaret River is also well-known as a haven in the southwest region of Western Australia. Margaret River retreat is for nature lovers, physical fitness buffs and couples looking forward to a serene but romantic vacation. It is the perfect hideaway for those who wish some respite from the humdrum activities of urban life.

You can opt for Chandeliers on Abbey at the core of the wine district. It has gained prominence as a private adult sanctuary with plush chalets. These cottage-style homes boast of interior health spa; king-size beds; bedrooms with marble floorings; home theatre system; and, gourmet kitchen. It has an exclusive entrance for guests who wish to have all the privacy while on vacation. This place has a nine-hole golf course as well as two venues – Chandeliers Art Barn and June’s Garden – for weddings and other social events.

Another popular Margaret River retreat is Yelverton Brook, an icon of ecological sustainability. The villas are furnished with solar panels and inverter ducted air-conditioning system for regulated temperature and energy-efficiency. The eco destination can be found at the heart of the 100-acre Conservation Sanctuary, home for the rare mammals called Brush-Tailed Bettongs.

Likewise, Margaret River has its own version of the Garden of Eden. The entire property is relatively big. It totals 160 acres and serves as natural habitat for different forms of flora and fauna and enchanting flower areas. This Margaret River retreat has 10 holiday homes for private guests situated by the side of a lagoon and several meters away from the Indian Ocean’s shoreline. You can avail of Spa treatments and health massage during the day with each cottage containing a spa bath good enough for six persons.

The Boranup forest refuge brings you closer to the elusive kangaroos and emus considered as the biggest native birds in Australia. There are also spa cabins in this retreat adjacent to wine cellars and some of the spectacular caves in Margaret River.

Dunsborough Accommodations and Margaret River

Dunsborough lies at the tip of Margaret River along Geographe Bay. It used to be a small whaling facility with a handful of beach huts for overnight travellers. The upsurge of tourism in Australia has transformed this area into a well-known family vacation area. Scenic beaches and shopping hubs have sprung up during the last few years. Visitors have also cited Dunsborough accommodation as one of the reasons for Margaret River’s transformation into a principal tourism hub in the country.

Dunsborough is definitely a place to unwind. It promises to be a special weekend treat for adults as well as kids. You can go whale-watching for a change on board the special charter boats or go scuba-diving in the calm waters of Geographe Bay. Bunker and Eagle Coves are ideal for snorkelling and swimming. You can proceed by boat or take the trail down to these inlets. Tourists can also explore the walking trails surrounding Cape Naturaliste.

You can choose any Dunsborough accommodation while staying in Margaret River. Dunsborough Holiday Homes is a good choice. It is just three minutes away from the town proper and the beach front and 10 minutes trek to Yallingup. The place is known for the colorful birds and kangaroos as well as verdant forests. Another ideal place to stay is the Bay Village Resort and Spa which is more than two hours drive from the southern portion of Perth. It is a peaceful town by the sea in the famous southwest recreational area of Western Australia. The accommodations are clean and comfortable and perfect for families or couples. It is also very close to the wine cellars and breweries in the Margaret River region. It has also become renowned for the tranquil beaches, barbecue areas, picnic grounds, premier shopping outlets, and children’s activity areas.

Dunsborough Wine Tours for Couples

The Dunsborough wine region is a popular destination for those visiting the south west part of Western Australia, and it, along with the Margaret River wine breweries nearby, produces some of the country’s finest wine. There are numerous dunsborough wine tours being held around the region, which provide an ideal way for a couple to spend the day (or half a day) while visiting this beautiful part of WA.

Margaret River Tours

Margaret River tours provide two winery tours, a half day tour and a full day tour. On the half day tour visitors can see four local wineries and enjoy samples of their excellent wines, as well as samples of locally produced cheese and chocolate, with an afternoon vineyard platter. The half day tours start at 1pm and end at 5pm in time to head back to town and enjoy your evening.

The full day Wine and Dine tour starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm, and provides the opportunity to see wine making in progress, and enjoy a taste of some of the region’s best wines. During the tour six of the region’s wineries will be selected for visiting (from Stella Bella, Cape Mentelle, Voyager, Leeuwin, Vasse Felix and Pierro & Moss Brothers). Lunch is enjoyed at the Voyager Estate Restaurant, and there’s also the opportunity for chocolate and cheese tasting, as well as the afternoon’s vineyard platter.

Cella d’Or Winery Tours

Cellar d’Or Winery Tours are also a fantastic option for those visiting the Dunsborough or Margaret River region. They offer the convenience of pick up and drop off at your accommodation, and take you to see five of the finest wineries in the region, as well as lunch and beer tasting at a local micro brewery. On your tour you’ll visit not just the local wineries, but you’ll also visit a renowned venue for chocolate and cheese tasting, and will see the Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory in action. Every guest is given a souvenir glass and a personal wine tasting record and pen which can be kept as a memento of the tour.

Bushtucker River and Margaret Wine Tours

Bushtucker River and Wine tours offer a variety of tours throughout the Dunsborough and Margaret River wine regions also. One of the most popular tours, and winner of three state awards for both service and value for money, the Bushtucker Wineries & Breweries Tour offers pick up from your accommodation at 10.30am, from where you’ll visit several local attractions, with samplings and up to 40 free tastings at four local wineries, a brewery, and the local chocolate and cheese companies. Lunch is served at one of the region’s most scenic wineries. These tours depart from either Margaret River, Dunsborough or Bussleton.

If you’re visiting the south west part of Western Australia, you’ll find numerous opportunities to tour through the region, and taking a Margaret wine tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the sights and experience some of the region’s best wines, beers and local cuisine.

Fabulous Attractions at Margaret River

Tourists clamouring to visit this remarkable destination in Western Australia will surely be thrilled with its natural enticements. When you join Margaret river tours, you can witness the unspoilt splendour such as the lush woodlands, immaculate beaches and mystifying caves. All told, these reveal the natural beauty of Margaret River.

One place that will clearly catch your fancy is the celebrated Lake Cave which is a distant 25 kilometres south of this region. Go down 350 steps and behold the enormous sinkhole which used to be the biggest underground catacomb. It looks like a prehistoric cave adorned with stunning limestone precipices and a pensive lake that reflects delicate rock formations. It was uncovered in 1867. Until now, it remains undisturbed except for the dripping water from the stalactite structures and the popular “Suspended Table”. This heavy calcite mineral weighs more than five metric tons and appears to dangle dangerously form the cave’s ceiling.

Meanwhile, Calgardup cave looks every bit astonishing due to the water that covers the bottom of the two caverns. Elevated stands have already been constructed s visitors can lighten up after a tiring trek inside the cave. If you opt for Margaret river tours, you can also see Mammoth and Jewel caves which are can be easily reached and bedecked with alluring rock formations. These caves are open daily throughout the year except on December 25. Experienced guides are willing to take you along simply to make sure that you enjoy every bit of your tour inside these caves. Margaret river tours will also take you to bio-diversity areas which boast of more than 150 varieties of orchids and 2,500 types of wildflowers which unfortunately are under threat. The months of September to November are described as wildflower season in Margaret River. However, the month of October is the best time to see these floral blooms in full development.

3 Caves Margaret River Visitors Should See

Taken from MargaretRiver.com

With more than 150 natural caves, Margaret River is an excellent choice for adventurers looking to go cave exploring. The region lies below a massive historic karri forest along the spine of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge providing a beautiful nature-experience for visitors. In addition to the caves, Margaret River also hosts world-famous wine and surfing.

The caves Margaret River has to offer:

Three show caves, Mammoth, Jewel, and Lake, are operated by the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association with guided or self-guided tours open to the public every day but Christmas.

Lake Cave: Lake Cave, Margaret River, Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridges only cave with a permanent lake, is home to the, suspended table, a several ton piece of calcite suspended over a lake that appears to float in mid-air. Suspended table is one of the only formations of its kind in the world. This cave is a great choice for children or travellers who are new to cave exploration.

Mammoth Cave: Mammoth Cave is handicapped accessible, at least to the first chamber, and by far the easiest accessed of the three caves. Tours are self-guided and come with an MP3 audio tour visitors can listen to as they view the cave. Mammoth Cave is famous for its rare, ancient plant and animal fossils.

Jewel Cave: Jewel Cave is the largest cave Margaret River has to offer. It is the home to a 580-centimetre straw stalactite, one of the largest in the world that is available for public tours. Jewel cave has four main chambers, one of which contains the Jewel Cave Preservation Centre featuring a cafe with shopping and dining. Jewel Cave is low-light with a soft-glow for viewing rock formations offering visitors a feeling of being under the ocean without the water.

CaveWorks Eco Centre and Research: The CaveWork Centre allows visitors to learn more about cave formation, the caves present in the area, view replicas of caves, and observe professional cave researchers at work. There is even a life-like cave replica for children to explore.

All guided options for tours are provided by experts who can share fascinating facts and history of the caves while ensuring the safety of everyone present. Guide experts are also first-aid certified with on-going training.

The caves Margaret River has to offer are unique and provide a holiday experience those of all ages can enjoy to create memories that last a lifetime.

6 Things to Do in Margaret River

Whether you’re looking to view the grandeur of nature, enjoy fine dining, unique shopping, sample world-renowned wine or just relax, there is no shortage of wonderful things to do in Margaret River. In fact, the list of possibilities is extensive enough you could stay for months and not check off every option. Here is just a brief sampling of the many things you could put on your travel agenda this trip.

Cave exploration: The Margaret River region is home to over 150 natural caves. The three most popular options include Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Jewel Cave. Each gorgeous natural wonder has its own interesting history and can be viewed self-guided or by tour. If that interesting back story is of interest to you, you may want to consider the guided version. Your guide will be able to not only lead you safely through the caves, but also share fascinating stories and factual information along the way.

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: Standing 39 metres high and 56 metres above sea level, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a historical landmark ocean lovers shouldn’t miss. The lighthouse is located where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet on the western point of the most southern region of Australia.

Wineries: While a less historic attraction on the list of things to do in Margaret River, the regions over 150 wineries are world renown. The first grape vine was planted in Margaret River a mere 45 year ago, however, since then the fantastic growing conditions for the area have lend to the production of delicious chardonnays, cabernet sauvignons, other cabernets, shirazs, and sauvignon semillon blancs. Many of the wineries are open to the public for tours as well as wine tasting.

Breweries: If wine just isn’t your style, Margaret River also houses several breweries. Margaret river breweries are famous for producing unique and creative local blends in numerous styles that beer lovers have to visit just to try.

Surfing: The Margaret River region has an impressive 130 kilometers of surf-able, and rather popular, beaches from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste making enjoying the beach makes a great addition to the list of things to do in Margaret River, especially if you’re a surfer. A world-wide surf completion, The Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River, is even held each year around March or April.

Galleries: For the art lovers of the traveling world, Margaret River also has numerous art galleries and dealers which include the work of talented painters, wood and metal workers, glass blowers, jewelers, and other artisan goods. You’re sure to find the perfect memento to take home from your visit.

This is only a short sampling of things to do in Margaret River, as for what else you can see, you’ll have to come see for yourself!

Go visit MargaretRiver.com for more information and tips on things to do Margaret River.