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Margaret River – Western Australia’s Premier Destination
Monday, August 01st, 2011 /

Visitors to Australia are typically greeted with a g’day mate and a warm smile. Australians are known for their warm and friendly demeanor and legendary hospitality. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Western Australian region of Margaret River.

Margaret River

Margaret River Wines
Margaret River is famous for the outstanding wines produced throughout the region. Today there are more than 200 vineyards and 60 wineries in the area that is known as Willyabrup Valley, one of the finest environments on earth for wine growing. Although only around 40 years old, the Margaret River wine industry has already been recognized as one of the world’s finest, producing award winning Sauvignon, Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz wines and produces the majority of premium wines in Australia.

Margaret River Wines

Culture and Cuisine
Along with its winelands, the Margaret River region also boasts pristine beaches, lush forests and a climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The natural beauty of the area is complimented by a thriving arts and cultural scene. The rich culture of the native Aboriginal people is found alongside the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the art community as well as the free-spirited surfing crowd, creating the wonderfully diverse charm that is unique to the Margaret River area.

Connoisseurs of gastronomy will be right at home in Margaret River as well! Even the most discriminating diners will be delighted with the variety of fine dining establishments in the region. Throughout Margaret River are many award winning restaurants featuring some of the finest chefs found down under.

Margaret River culture personifies the personality and charm of the friendly, laid back lifestyle that characterizes Western Australia.

World-Class Surfing
Margaret River is synonymous with some of the best surfing on earth. Each year, thousands from around the globe gather along the beautiful coastline to challenge the outstanding waves and breaks that make this destination a favorite for surfers of all ability levels. There are two world-class surfing events held in the region annually: the Margaret River Masters and the Margaret River Classic. These events showcase the best surfers in the world as they compete in these World Qualifying Series events. Throughout the rest of the year there are several smaller competitions held in the area. You can also decide on a beautiful Margaret River cruise vacation if you’re up for it.

Natural Attractions
Margaret River is home to some truly breathtaking scenery and natural wonders that should not be missed. The Shire of Augusta offers the ideal place to experience Australia’s natural beauty at its finest. Pristine beaches where the Blackwood River meets the ocean offer the perfect location for diving, water sports, fishing or just lounging on the beach. For the more adventurous, the extensive system of underground caves that lie beneath the area offer some spectacular exploration opportunities. Many are closed to the public but near Yallingup and Cape Leeuwin are some excellent caves that are open and waiting to be explored.

One of the jewels of the Margaret River region is the Jarrah-Karri Forest. Located near Pemberton, the Valley of the Giants, as the forest is called, is home to many giant eucalyptus trees that include the karri and the jarrah. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor in the spring time, various shrubs and flowering vines add to the allure. Native marsupials including the Tammar Wallaby, the Numbat and the Quokka along with many colorful bird species make their home in this beautiful location.

Author Bio: Zac is a travel writer working for various Australian travel companies. For a perfect vacation he recommends cruises like Princess Cruises or sailing down Margaret River during sunset.

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Albany: Western Australia’s Coastal Getaway Spot
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011 /

Albany is a Western Australian coastal town 259 miles (418km) from the Perth. A port city formerly frequented by whaling ships, Albany, first discovered in 1791 by Captain Vancouver and settled in 1827, is the oldest settlement in West Australia. It was originally a convict camp and military outpost, serving as protection from the perceived threat of the French, who had ambitions to colonize Western Australia in the early 19th century.

Albany

Today, Albany’s primary industry is tourism. The city’s rich and colourful history remains on display in its architecture and historical sites. This, combined with the area’s natural beauty makes Albany one of Western Australia’s premier tourist destinations.

One of the best ways to see many of the best of the more than 50 historical sites in Albany is to take the Amity Trail. It is an easy 30 minute self-guided tour and is a great introduction to this fascinating city. Also not to be missed is the replica of the Brig Amity, the ship that brought the first settlers and convicts into Albany.

While the whaling industry shut down in 1979, the whale watching industry is in full swing. You can often easily spot whales from the shore, but for a more exciting and close-up view of magnificent Southern Right and Humpback whales, you will want to take a whale watching cruise. While you’re at it, you will want to visit Whale World, a fascinating exhibit located at the site of Australia’s last whaling station.

Albany’s rugged coastline and sheltered white sand beaches make it a favourite with holiday makers in landlocked Perth. The Gap, a narrow, rectangular inlet flanked by 20 foot cliffs is a dizzying experience, especially when big waves sweep in and crash against the rocks. The nearby Natural Bridge is also an amazing sight. Another coastal attraction you won’t want to miss is the ruins of the Old Forts Lighthouse on King Point.

One of the more popular scenic walks in Albany is the Middleton Beach Boardwalk. Only about 2 miles or 3 kilometres long, it offers spectacular scenery and a chance to clear your lungs with the fresh ocean air. More adventurous explorers head for the rugged coastline in Torndirrup National Park.

"Salmon Holes" in Torndirrup National Park

The original aboriginal name for the Albany region was Kinjarling, meaning “place of water.” It was an apt name, because rainfall is high during the winter months between June and September. During the summer, gentle rains keep the air fresh and the landscape green on an average of one out of four days. The climate in Albany is best described as Mediterranean.

Now that tourism has become Albany’s major industry, there is no shortage of Albany accommodation options to choose from. They run the gamut from comfortable budget accommodations to luxurious resorts. With a population of under 30,000 spread out over a wide area, Albany is a great place to stay. Everything is at your fingertips, but the city has a wide-open, spacious feel. To get the most out of your vacation in Albany, plan on staying awhile. There is just too much you will want to see to try to cram it all in in a day or two.

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