Margaret Marks Magic
Newcastle Herald
Saturday May 19, 2001
AS seasons go, winter is a great time for a do-it-yourself eco trip to the Margaret River region of Western Australia.
With its growing winemaking industry, its internationally known surf and its memorable restaurants, this south-western area of WA is a dynamic experience for visitors. Many of its attractions are linked by an eco project known as South West Ecomuseum, which encourages self-drive tours of leading nature-based destinations.
These include the Tree Top Walk near Walpole, the Ngilgi Cave at Yallingup, the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Bunbury and the Perup Forest Ecology Centre at Boyup Brook.
The 240,000sq kilometres covered by the Ecomuseum concept take in coastal and marine environments, ancient forests, caves and wildlife.
Along with the eco touring, visitors can enjoy other attractions including food, wine, boutique and farmstay accommodation, beaches, art and craft galleries and spectacular coastal walks.
Among the many popular areas is Pemberton, where the Pemberton Tramway Company operates its steam train at weekends from May until November, providing passengers with a three-hour ride through karri and jarrah forests.
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Other attractions in the south-west include exceptional diving opportunities from the former Australian Navy warship, HMAS Swan, at Dunsborough; whale watching from Flinders Bay, Augusta, from June to September; daily dolphin eco cruises at Bunbury (plus a chance to swim with the dolphins) and a host of land-based activities from horse riding to rock climbing.
A self-drive route for a three or four-day, interest-packed tour of the Margaret River region could start at the seaside resort of Busselton then travel east to Dunsborough and the upmarket surf resort of Yallingup before heading south to Augusta via the vineyards of Caves Road.
The route then goes inland to the town of Margaret River and on to the tall-tree country around Pemberton, Nannup and Balingup.
Anyone planning a visit to Western Australia within the next few months will find plenty to interest them in the WA Tourism Commission's latest Winter Breaks brochure.
Packed with special 2001 winter deals for more than 200 accommodation properties, the brochure is a popular guide with the short-break and self-drive holiday market.
Most of the accommodation properties are in Western Australia's southern regions including the Margaret River, Pemberton and Albany.
There is also a selection from Perth and the northern area of the State.
For more information ring the Perth Visitor Centre on 1300 361 351 or visit the Web site at www.westernaustralia.net.
© 2001 Newcastle Herald
