7 Reasons Why Spring is a Great Time to Visit Margaret River
Spring brings an exhilarating freshness, a desire to throw off the remnants of winter, and to bask in the renewed beauty of the great outdoors. And where else but Margaret River can one go to experience all of these wonders? Margaret River has become “the” place to visit, where there is something exciting happening for every member of the family. With so many sites to see, activities to do, wines and craft beers to sip, and exotic native cuisines to taste, you just might need a little quiet time to relax and regroup for your next adventure.
There are endless reasons that draw visitors to Margaret River from across Australia and from around the globe. Based on the feedback that we have received from our guests at Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge, we have selected the top 7 reasons why spring is a great time to visit Margaret River.
In addition to letting our staff at Forest Rise help you plan your trip while you are staying with us, the Visitors Centre in Margaret River has an abundance of brochures, maps, itineraries, and guided tour information. They are open year-round except for being closed on Christmas day.
1.) Nature
The scent of newly emerging leaves, the fragrance of blossoming wildflowers, the alluring chirps of local birds, and the majestic sights of our native trees. There are hiking and walking trails outside your Forest Rise chalet, and we also provide bikes for your convenience. An upfront and personal trek through the surrounding forest is just perfect for all members of the family.
During your walking and hiking tours throughout the Karri Forest, you’ll see and be able to touch the ancient Karri trees (that can exceed 90 metres in height). You will also have the pleasure of seeing the regal presence of marri, tinglewood, and jarrah trees.
A not-to-be-missed wildlife experience is a trip to the Raptor Wildlife Centre where you will be thrilled with the eagle flying displays. You’ll also have the advantage of seeing some of the most prestigious raptors on earth that include owls, falcons, and hawks. This centre also has an outstanding wildflower trail that takes about 1 hour to fully appreciate and take in the breathtaking scents and colours. The wildlife centre is closed on Fridays, but you can contact them on their website at www.eaglesheritage.com.au.
2.) History and Native Culture
As one of the oldest inhabited regions on earth, Margaret River is awash in Aboriginal culture that includes prehistoric legends, traditions, charms, medicines, and native languages. There are daily Cape Cultural Tour excursions that begin at two different ancient cave locations. You will learn how the current entrance to the prehistoric cave in Yallingup was formed hundreds of years ago, during a battle between the ancient good spirit of Ngilgi and the evil spirit of Wolgine. You can arrange for a cultural tour by visiting their website at https://capeculturaltours.com.au.
3.) Water Adventures
Spring is the optimum time for whale watching as these giant beauties return to the warm waters of Margaret River. If you are lucky, you’ll get to experience an up close and personal view of some of the world’s most dynamic mammals. No special tours are needed to watch the whales, but most of the viewing locations do charge an entrance fee. A number of Margaret River, whale watching, boat tours are available daily.
If you are looking to spend an afternoon bathing in the sun, swimming in the ocean, water skiing, snorkeling, fishing, or any other water aquatics, the shoreline of Margaret River is awash in public and private beaches. A short drive, bike ride, or hike along the ocean front areas will let you select the best location for your outdoor adventure. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels.
4.) Art in All Forms
This is an area where Margaret River outshines the surrounding communities. With the ever expanding art colonies, there will always be something new to see and enjoy. From ancient art to art-deco, there will be a shop or stall open throughout the town centre. Other popular attractions during spring in Margaret River are the live music concerts, outdoor dining and movie shows under the stars, handcrafted housewares, clothing featuring local fabrics, jewellery designers, crystal stemware, ceramics, wood carving, furniture making, and oil paintings. Food stalls, coffee shops, and delightful handcrafted beer pubs are in abundance for when you need to take a short break from your shopping and art appreciation strolls.
5.) Culinary Delights
Margaret River is home to some of the continent’s highly acclaimed chocolate factories. You can venture into a chocolate shop and actually create your chocolate designs and flavour mixtures. As Christmas gifts, these superb handmade chocolates will amaze and delight your family and friends. Whether you are thinking about casual or elegant dining, sampling native creations that feature local foods, venturing outdoors to indulge in on a deluxe food lover’s field trip, a wine and food pairing outing, or a craft beer and food pairing tasting experience, you will find gourmet menus around every corner.
Always leave room for dessert. The Margaret River region is home to a number of highly skilled, multi-award winning chefs, ice cream makers, and bakers. Not only are their creations lovely to look at, you mouth will know that you are on a holiday with each morsel.
6.) Romantic Getaway
When you are planning a romantic getaway is for a weekend, mid-week, or longer, nothing compares to the privacy, serenity, and beauty of the Margaret River scenic landscape. You can enjoy the seclusion of your own Chalet at Forest Rise, and we are ready to help you plan an amorous dinner for two. If you prefer a candlelight dining experience at one of our top rated restaurants while enjoying some of the most palette pleasing wines from a Margaret River vineyard and the sampling of some taste bud tempting pastries crafted by the area’s top bakers.
An alternative to idyllic, sentimental night time dining is to surprise your loved one with a daytime regional dining extravaganza that includes side stops at some of the area’s most prestigious attractions. Your perfect adventure includes a private, chauffeured tour in a luxury vehicle. The day’s schedule begins at 8:30 in the morning and continues until 5 in the evening. You can arrange for your romantic day trip by contacting Margaret River Chauffeurs at their website, http://www.mrchauffeurs.com.au/.
7.) World Class Wineries
It is nearly impossible to imagine a reason to visit Margaret River in the springtime without mentioning our world class, 4 and 5 star awarded wineries. While there are more than 95 wineries, the one winery that rises to the top of the must-visit locations in Margaret River is the Vasse Felix Vineyard. This was the first winery in Margaret River and has remained a local and international favourite. The Vasse Felix estate is open to the public 361 days a year, but they are closed on Good Friday, and on December 12, 25, and 26. For enquiries about wine tours, dining facilities (where they’ll show you how to pair great wine with great food), and cellar door sales, you can contact them on their website at https://www.vassefelix.com.au/Contact-Us.