MARGARET RIVER REGION
& PEMBERTON
WA'S SOUTH WEST
COVID ADVENTURES 2020
Since we first moved to Perth over 20 years ago, we have visited the Margaret River Region many times. Prior to children we frequented the winery's, brewery's, ate at the various outstanding restaurants and felt guilty about visiting the chocolate factories or ice-creameries. However, the children hated spending hours driving up and down Caves Road, so we changed the way we visited the region and have for the past few years really enjoyed the beach, surf and hiking culture of the region. Now that our brood has disbanded, we have taken to visiting the south west with friends and enjoying a combination of activities.
The Cape to Cape Walk Track is a 123km walk trail which starts and finishes at the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The track takes hikers from smooth, wide tracks to narrow rocky paths and in some cases along the soft sandy beaches. In parts it can be quite tough and without the correct walking shoes, water and stamina, it can become quite treacherous. However, it is accessible from various carparks and vantage points, so hikers can complete sections of the track at different intervals.
Over the past couple of years, we have been slowly completing the track on separate visits referring to our well used copy of the Cape to Cape Track Guidebook. In order to do this, we have needed two cars so we have transport at the beginning and end of our walk.
On a recent visit, we discovered a copy of Walking Round in Circles written by the same authors as the Guidebook. The book has heaps of round trips incorporating the Cape to Cape Track and perfect if you only have one car, but still want to get out and explore.
There are so many fabulous places to stay in the region. Airbnb's, apartments, resorts, chalets, the list is endless and we have stayed at a variety of places. This trip we stayed with friends at one of our favourites - the Canal Rocks Beachfront Apartments.
There are often artists exhibitions and food and wine festivals planned for the southwest, so be sure to check the Margaret River Region website for "whats on" events. The weekend we visited the Margaret River Region Open Studios was on, so the area was a buzz with art lovers.
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| The Studio Gallery & Bistro Artwork: Henryk Szydlowski |
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| JahRoc Galleries Artist: Lauren Wilhelm |
PEMBERTON
After lunch at the Cowaramup Brewery we said goodbye to our friends and headed east towards Pemberton via Nannup and Manjimup. The timber town of Manjimup was also where the Pink Lady Apple was first created and the town was once a lucrative exporter of tobacco, marri flooring, apples and spring water. Today, Manjimup is the leading Australian-mainland producer of black truffles and every June the Truffle Kerfuffle long weekend takes place at Fonty's Pool.
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| Cowaramup Brewery |
Ryan's Rest is a tiny house located on the Ryan Potato farm backing onto the Donnelly State Forest between Pemberton and Qinninup. It is the dream of Jo Ryan who, with the help of Simon Joiner of Tiny Homes Perth, has created a getaway masterpiece situated with views over the dam. The eco-friendly accommodation can sleep four, however it is better suited to couples or two friends who require separate sleeping arrangements. The tranquillity and surrounds are mesmerising making it more than a "stop in" stay.
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| Even the No 2 loo has a view! |
There is so much to do around the area. Pemberton is home to the fire lookout climbing trees - Gloucester Tree, Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree and the Diamond Tree. There are also heaps of walks, so be sure to visit the Pemberton visitors centre for a map of all the trails on offer.
The Pemberton Tramway Co. is a privately operated tourist railway. The tram departs twice daily throughout the year and is a great way to see the magnificence of the towering Karri and Marri trees.
Pemberton is also the home of Art, Glass and Sculpture Artist Peter Kovacsy. Peter makes sculptures for both interior and exterior locations using cast glass, metal and timber. His work is on display at his Studio Gallery in Pemberton and Peter is more than happy to show you through his workshop and discuss his works. Be sure to call ahead to make sure he is open.
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| Peter Kovacsy Art Glass & Sculpture Gallery |
In 1946 the Quinninup timber mill was said to be the biggest in the WA and the township had a population of over 250 people. In 1982 the mill closed and today many of the original families still farm in the area. The Quinninup Tavern is a long time character of the town and after burning down in 2017, is now reopen.
I thought when we visited Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley we'd seen them all, however Quinninup has its own contribution on the site behind the Quinninup Tavern. Take a wander down the path to witness the Gnome takeover.
Our long weekend over, we headed back to Perth via Bridgetown, Balingup and Donnybrook. All beautiful towns we will definitely plan to visit on our future wander out yonder.
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