This town is known for its surfing and caves, but perhaps most renowned for wine production. With nearly 140 wineries, Margaret River is home to a beautiful countryside overflowing with vineyards and botique-sized wineries. This region produces a wide array of wines, both red and white, to satisfy the tastes of ANY wine lover - Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin Blanc and Verdelho!
I joined a few new friends one morning for a full day exploring the beautiful Margaret River region! We jumped on the road and first drove to Jewel Cave, home to one of the longest straw stalactites (a drop-like mineral hanging from the ceiling) in the world! We climbed stares and ducked deep into the earth's surface, finally arriving in the massive and spectacular cabin of the cave. We passed the afternoon tasting and nibbling on regional treats and delicacies. We sipped delicious wine, sampled chocolate and cheese, visited a local brewery, and finally dug our sample spoons into jars full of local fruits, nuts and seeds!
Margaret River town is very small, with only one main road running along side a few restaurants, wine shops, cafes and hotels. The beach is a short drive outside of town. With no public transportation available, backpackers and locals alike hitch rides to and from the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean. People are friendly and most locals live to surf! The beaches are fantastic and the water a bit chilly. I spent several evenings on the beach with friends, local wine and cheese in hand, and a setting sun on the horizon before us.
