Winter in Margaret River: A Seasonal Paradise like Nowhere Else
If you are visiting Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge for the first time, or you are a returning guest, your expectations for a winter holiday in paradise will definitely be fulfilled.
In most parts of the world, winter is a time for hibernation. While that may be true for most parts of the world, that is not how winter happens here in Margaret River.
Yes, the temperature is cooler than in the summer months, but there are indoor and outdoor attractions that offer winter tourists a once-in-a-life experience. For our guests that prefer to stay on the Forest Rise retreat property, there are invigorating walking, biking, and hiking activities where you can take advantage of the brisk, clean winter air.
The night skyline of twinkling stars is magnificent, especially when watched while lounging around your own private indoor log heater with your special mate, sipping one of our famous local wines, and nibbling on an appetiser tray created by professional in-house chefs.
We offer the following suggestions for both magical daytime and evening enjoyment that includes Margaret River attractions and Forest Rise luxuries. Have a question? We are happy to assist you with information, directions, reservations, or in any other way that will make your winter holiday an absolute success. Please contact us for more information.
Daytime Outings
Forest Rise is uniquely situated in a geographical region surrounded by all forms of water. This means you have the opportunity to select and explore a variety of river, ocean, lake, and stream adventures. We have selected two popular adventures for your consideration.
1. Margaret River Canoe Tour
Because no motor craft are allowed, the canoe tour is achieved using the original method of people-powered paddle method. The Margaret River Canoe Tour is a locally owned and operated venture. All equipment is provided and you will receive professional instructions before the tour starts.
There are canoes that will accommodate two people for a romantic upstream tour of the river valley, and there are canoes that will accommodate groups of up to five people. Children must be at least 4-years old to ride in the canoes.
You will glide past Australian wildlife and kangaroo habitats, cliff formations, and original pioneer and aboriginal sites. The tour includes a bountiful Bushtucker lunch that highlights exotic Western Australia wild food samplings and local beverages.
The canoe tour and lunch begins at 9:40 AM and ends at 1 PM daily. Reservations are encouraged and can be made on their website at https://bushtuckertours.com/tours/cave-canoe-tour/.
Getting There
The easiest way to join the tour group is to be at the Margaret River Visitors Centre by 9:30 AM for transportation to the departure point at the Margaret River mouth of the Prevelly Beach. You will be returned to the Visitors Centre at the end of the tour.
The Visitors Centre is located at 100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA 6285. The distance is 28.5 km and the travel time is approximately 25 minutes from Forest Rise.
2. Underwater Observatory
Although not strictly in the Margaret River region, you can get up close and personal with the sea life beneath the bay at the Busselton Jetty (without ever getting wet). You get a guided tour as you go beneath the waves to see the beautiful water inhabits of the Geographe Bay.
The observatory is situated 8 metres underwater on the ocean floor. There are 60 stairs leading down to the enclosed observatory, and there is also a lift available for those with mobility problems. The spacious area can accommodate 44 people at a time.
The Busselton Jetty is 1.8 km in length, and is the longest wooden jetty in the western world. It stretches out over the serene, crystal clear blue waters of the Geographe Bay and ends at the underwater observatory. While you can walk the length of the jetty, the best way to reach the observatory while taking in the beautiful sites along the bay is to take the Jetty train.
Tickets are available at the Interpretive Centre at the jetty entrance. Tickets are required for entry into the observatory, and there are combination train and observatory tickets available, with reservations recommended. You can book a tour at the Busselton Jetty website at https://www.busseltonjetty.com.au/.
The Interpretive Centre is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM; the Jetty Train operates hourly from 10 AM to 3 PM; and the Underwater Observatory is open daily from 10 AM to 2 PM. The combined round-trip train ride and visit to the observatory is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Getting There
The Busselton Jetty is located 3L Queen Street, Beach Front, Busselton, WA 6280. The distance is 27.7 km and the travel time is approximately 25 minutes from Forest Rise.
Daytime Ventures at Forest Rise
If your winter holiday means staying Chalet close for total relaxation, you are in the right place. You can kick back and relax on your private patio, breath the fresh crisp air, and watch the occasional wildlife stroll by.
You and your loved one(s) can leisurely walk amongst the ancient forest trees or use the provided trail bikes for a ride around the property. Order a gourmet hamper for a romantic lunch at the gazebo by our serene lake. Whatever your stay-at-home desire is, we will endeavour to make it a reality.
Evening Leisure at Forest Rise
Forest Rise offers a winter wonderland of evening pleasures. As the chilly night air descends downward, you can stay toasty warm in your private paradise. Your evening can start with a relaxing massage that our staff can arrange for you.
Then the two of you can relax in the bathroom spa, sipping some of our locally awarded wine or champagne, as you watch the daylight fade into the night through the skylight ceiling while listening to some outstanding soft mood music.
After you are dried off, wrap yourselves in the fluffy robes provided in your closet and cozy up in front of the log fire as you dine on a pre-ordered gourmet dinner prepared by our world-class chefs. Romantic memories are made of evenings like these when Forest Rise is your winter retreat.
Capturing the majestic aura of Forest Rise in the winter and putting that mystical atmosphere into words is like trying to describe the attraction that draws two people together. It is nearly impossible to define, but you know when it happens.
That is the beauty of Forest Rise. If there is a luxury not available at our 5-star resort, it probably doesn’t exist. Plan your winter escape and make your reservations today for a holiday getaway paradise like nowhere else.