Hamelin Bay Beach, WA
Hamelin Bay is probably the most remarkable spot I have ever visited! For the people among us who love exploring the sea, beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches this is definitely the place.
The reason why I was so in love with this place? The stingrays!
Around this area there are living quite some friendly stingrays and they where the biggest I’ve ever seen! It is said they swim around the bay area between 09:00 and 10:00 AM but when we where visiting this place we’ve seen them throughout the whole day. This place is also great for snorkeling and sunbathing and is for sure my number beach spot in WA.
The beach is easily accessible by car and there are benches and toilets at the carpark. For more information about Hamelin Bay Beach check: https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/beaches/hamelin-bay-beach/
Rottnest Island, WA
Rottnest island is located just offshore the city of Perth and is home to the “world’s happiest animal” named Quokka’s. A Quokka is a wallaby, a small type of kangaroo, only found in southwestern Australia.
The island is accessible by ferry and there are multiple departure points. The travel time will depend on where you leave from. Fremantle: 25 minutes, Hillarys Boat Harbour: 45 minutes, Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty: 90 minutes.
Besides the Quokka’s the island is the perfect place for exploring beautiful beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving. For more information about the island check: https://www.rottnestisland.com/
Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, WA
Located on the most south-westerly point of Australia, this place is a must see for sure. The lighthouse is the tallest on-land lighthouse in Australia and at the farthest point towards the ocean is a sign that points out that the southern ocean and the Indian ocean meet at this exact spot.
Since I am from the Netherlands I was interested in the Dutch name of the lighthouse. Cape Leeuwin was named by English navigator Matthew Flinders after the first known ship to have visited the area, the Leeuwin (“Lioness”), a Dutch vessel that charted some of the nearby coastline in 1622.
The lighthouse is perfect for a half day visited to walk up the tower and roam around the area. The location is easily accessible and the entrance fee is about 20 Australian dollars.
Location: 1 Leeuwin Road, Leeuwin, Western Australia, 6290. For more information check: https://www.margaretriverattractions.com/lighthouses/cape-leeuwin-lighthouse/
Flinders Bay, WA
When we were visiting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, I saw a postcard at the shop with such an iconic beach on it that it immediatly caught my eye. A turquoise ocean, white sandy beach and pine trees. I’d never seen pine trees on a beach like this! When I turned the card around I saw a location and quickly googled it. The beach was only 10 minutes away, let’s go!
Located between Augusta and Cape Leeuwin is the most iconic beach i’ve ever seen. A small jetty with stairs take you directly into the shallow waters of this beach. The beach is easily accessible with free parking spots and perfect for a swim and afternoon picnic. As a bonus there is also the possiblity to spot whales between May and September! Perfect to combine with a day trip to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
For more information about Flinders Bay check: https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/beaches/flinders-bay/
Busselton Jetty, WA
This jetty is known as the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere at 1,841 metres long and a must see when visiting this area. The 8 metres deep underwater observatory was my absolute highlight!
Board the train or walk the almost 2 km long jetty to the end to get to the underwater observatory. Descend 8 meters to the ocean floor via a spiral staircase and discover the fantastic underwater world of the Georgaphe bay. You will see colored tropical and subtropical corals, sponges and fish. There are eleven different windows on different levels so you can enjoy the underwater world without having to enter the water yourself.
Location: 3L Queen St, Busselton WA 6280, Australia. For more information check: https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/busselton-jetty/
Wine tasting in Margaret River
The Margaret River wine region is well known for it’s outstanding wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay Wines. A wine tasting is therefore a real must when you visit this region!
The choice for wine tastings in the Margaret River region is large and therefore choosing where to go can be difficult. We went to Mister Barval Fine Wines, which is highly recommended! Mr. Barval is located on a unique property overlooking the Calgardaup Brook and Karri forest which gives the most amazing views. While driving back through the wine fields we even spotted the biggest Emu I’ve ever seen running through the fields! Mr. Barval is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Location: 7087 Caves Rd, Margaret River WA 6285. For more information check: https://mrbarval.com/
Redgate Beach, WA
Fan of surfing? With it’s big waves and massive sand beach this is a popular beach by locals and visitors. Redgate beach is located 16 car minutes from Margaret River which makes it a great destination to spend the day.
When visiting Redgate keep in mind that the beach is unpatrolled and the conditions are known to change quickly and dangerous rips can occur. As a European I was also quite intrigued by the fact that there are regular shark spottings at this beach and people still swim and surf here! Nevertheless highly recommended.
Location: Redgate Rd, Redgate WA 6286, Australia. For more information check: https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/beaches/redgate-beach/
