One of the mob
by TheWanderingCamel
Everyone loves kangaroos and there are plenty of them living in the forests and fields around Margaret River - they are the smaller western greys here. Winter is a good time to see them, the cooler, overcast days mean they are usually more active during the day than they are in the heat of summer when they tend to lie about, well concealed, in deep shade until the early evening.
One place you often see a big mob of 'roos is in the paddocks along the Walcliffe Road but keep your eyes open everywhere. They can be hard to spot, but once you've seen one there are usually others about.
Keep an eagle eye out when driving at dusk and at night. A kangaroo jumping out in front of you can seriously damage your car and spoil your holiday.
Yalgorup National Park
by TheWanderingCamel
Lake Clifton lies within Yalgorup National Park, an area which encompasses coastal tuart forest as well as part of the lake sysytem. Wildflowers, kangaroos and birds of all sorts abound here. There are marked walk ways and nature trails.
Visitors are particularly asked not to walk on the fragile salt crust of the lake edge - a boardwalk will take you out over the thrombolites and you will get a good view of them without damaging these extraordinary structures. Scientists believe that it was formations such as these that were the first living matter on our planet and their formation was the catalyst that turned a barren world of rock and water into the living, breathing beautiful planet we live on today.
The Candy Cow
by keeweechic
Next to Margaret Riviera Shop in Cowaramup is the Candy Cow. Another popular hangout in the area. They have freshly made honeycomb which is demonstrated 1.00am Monday to Friday and you can sample much of the locally made confectionary such as fudge and nougat. They also sell local wine and produce.
Open 10.00am - 5.00pm 7 days a week. (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day).
Historic light
by TheWanderingCamel
Standing sentinel at the south-western tip of Australia, Cape Leeuwin lighthouse has played a vital role in the safe passage of ships though these dangerous waters since it was completed in 1896. Nowadays the beam comes from a 1,000 watt halogen light that casts a 1,000,000 candela light and is automatically controlled but the first light beamed from here was generated by a kerosene wick lamp revolving in a bath of mercury. This lamp, the world's largest at that time, threw 250,000 candelas of light, visible to a distance of 40km. The light was upgraded in 1925 to 780,000 candelas and was further enhanced by a radio beacon in 1955. Right up until 1982, the lighthouse was entirely manual - the lighthouse keeper climbing the 186 steps each night to tend to his lamp. Automation may have made his job redundant, but the original lantern and the lens are still in use.
These days, tourists puff and pant as they climb the circular staircase to the top but the spectacular views make the climb worthwhile. This is where the Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean and, especially in on a wild winter's day, you can really imagine the two oceans are crashing into each other. I'm fortunate enough to have a flying friend who is only too happy to go up for a spin and this is the one place we always head for - it is stunning from the air.
Guided tours throughout the day (every half hour between 9 and 4.30 in summer, 40 minute intervals in winter) give the only access to the lighthouse itself. Children under 4 are not permitted to climb the tower. The grounds are fenced but access is available for a small charge. There is a cafe, shop and visitor's centre situated in one of the original keepers' cottages by the entrance.
Cape Lavender
by keeweechic
Cape Lavender describes itself as a 'slice of heaven' - a unique blend of lavender gardens and a quality wine producing vineyard. The unique idea was created in 1999 by owner Jeff Clarke who had the vision to develop something very different in the Margaret River area. That vision has grown and produced a picturesque estate with the most wonderful aroma of lavender whether you be in the gift shop or out strolling around the grounds.
There is a trout filled lake which is surrounded by a lavender lined walk just inviting you to stroll around or just sit on the carefully positioned benches just to take it all in.
Open 10am - 5 pm 7 days a week (except Christmas eve and Christmas day)
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All we saw of Cape Naturaliste
Lady Gaw - GET OFF THAT
Gorgeous gardens
Mammoth Cave
