Margaret River

We’re just on a flight home from Perth after 5 days in Margaret River. It’s 3 hours south of Perth and an area of Australia I’d been keen to see, so when a trail run popped up last year I thought I’d put the feelers out and see if Rob/Cath would be interested. They were keen and have planned a longer camping trip around the event, and we got cheap flights so it was all booked in. Not withstanding that by the time this weekend has rocked around we were both busting for a holiday.

We flew in Thurs night and hired a car, and drove to Margaret River. It’s a freeway the whole way down and smooth new roads. Friday we caught up with the crew in a funky coffee shop/bakery which I loved.  All the cafes and eateries in Margaret River are eco friendly, ie use paper straws, minimise waste and encourage reusable cups etc.

We drove part of the course and registered all set for the run the next day.

Well, the run was tougher than I expected and I pulled out half way through. Trail running is definitely not my thing!!! I was tired and my feet were fumbling and I knew I was going to roll an ankle at some point so I called it quits at one of the checkpoints. Rob and Cath ran it as a team so they finished but also found it hard. One section had to be walked as the sand was so deep you couldn’t run it. Amazing scenery though, and we were lucky with the weather, fine and pretty warm.

On Sunday we visited a brewery and winery. The weather had turned and it was wet and windy, although not that cold. Rob’s daughter, her husband and their baby were also visiting. They were all staying with Catherine’s sister who lives in Prevelly Beach, just outside Margaret River. Her and her husband (a builder) have an amazing house, again eco friendly and warm and filled with light.

The area is just full of wineries, and gourmet food. But we just visited the one brewery and winery before heading back to our little cottage at the caravan park for an afternoon nap. Elizabeth invited us to dinner so that was an enjoyable cosy, hot curry night.

Yesterday the day was fine and just perfect for some other touristy activities. The coast is filled with caves (apparently about 120 between Augusta and Busselton, although only 4 open to the public). We went to Jewel Cave and it was stunning, the photos won’t do it justice. 

And then we travelled further south about 90 minutes to a little town called Pemberton which had a tramway. It was used to transport Karri and Marri tree logs in the past when the timber mills were in operation. Apparently the Karri tree (a type of gum tree) is the third tallest tree in the world.  The tramway was okay, we’re not raving about it, but a good outing regardless. 

It stopped along the way at a small waterfall. The man is always happy if he finds water.

Another dinner at the local Tavern, the bangers and mash taking Tim’s fancy, and nice big bowls of hot steamed veggies keeping our greens up, and it was time for the holiday to nearly end.

We stopped at Kings Park in Perth on the way through today. Stunning views of the Swan River, but a big city with freeways and hustle and bustle non-the-less.

I think this is a Karri tree.

Oh just found a couple of earlier photos at Hamlin Bay. 

And I have to keep a record of a txt message conversation with the coach... for future laughs.

So now we are dreading the two and half hour time difference tomorrow morning when we wake.