Week fifteen:  Busselton/Dunsborough/Margaret River region

Welcome to Winter in the South-West...cold, windy and wet!  We have had a very wet past few days, but have managed to see a few sights in the area.  Unfortunately it means we have missed experiencing the  revamped Busselton Jetty train ride and underwater observatory, but as we always say - that just gives us another reason to come back!

We arrived Friday afternoon at the amazing Mandalay Caravan Park, which we had been told by many, many people not to miss...I think the words 'best caravan park in Australia' had been mentioned!  We were not disappointed:  amazing ameneties (even a courtesy blow dryer, and heated floor tiles in the shower area!), lovely level sites with nice flat shadecloth slab floor, and plenty to do for the kids with a jumping pillow, several playgrounds, a games room and an indoor heated pool. We enjoyed the facilities in what we knew was going to be the last of the good weather...as Saturday was to bring wind and rain.

And indeed it did, but as it didn't seem to be phasing the locals we determined to get out and about.  We headed for Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, with a stop on the way at the gorgeous Dunsborough shops area.   We had been here BC (Before Children) and stopped in once again at the Christian Fletcher Gallery - such inspirational landscapes!  We parked at the beach and admired a very brave kite surfer...well, we say brave but to him it was probably perfect weather for it!

Then it was on to the Lighthouse and a tour.  The boys have seen quite a few lighthouses in our travels so far, so it was great to have the opportunity to actually go up into one and stand at the top.  Standing was quite challenging as it was quite windy.  We were hoping to spot some whales but it was way too choppy out there.  Hopefully we will see some further south. 



Blown away at the top of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse


We continued to explore the Dunsborough area then headed back to the Caravan Park for drinks and great company with the gorgeous young family next door:  Aaron, Hayley and the cute as a button Oden. 
Sunday brought the best weather we would have and we headed for the Margaret River area.  First, a short drive into Yalingup to admire the beautiful coastline.  By this time Matt had fallen asleep (he had been a  bit under the weather with a cold so we felt he needed a big sleep). This made it difficult to stop at many places, so we drove around sightseeing then wound up at Cape Grace winery, which we had stopped at back in 2003.  Tony and the boys enjoyed the birds and the kid's toys while I had some delicious wine...and of course just had to buy a bottle! 

Next we felt we needed to hit some child friendly places so headed for the Margaret River Nuts and Grains Factory (very disappointing, but the boys had a quick play on the playground), then the Margaret River Chocolate Factory (fabulous for all of us!) and finally the Cheese Factory where we found some delicious yoghurt.  We then checked out Prevelly Park: another gorgeous coastline and where the Margaret River meets the ocean.  All day we had been avoiding the rain, and it was beginning to set in again so it was time to head back to Bussleton and the caravan park. 



Monday...we pretty much didn't leave the caravan.  It was so wet and windy it wasn't worth it.  So the boys enjoyed a day in with ABC Kids and Mary Poppins and we got a few inside jobs done.  I suppose we can't complain as we had perfect weather up north; and we have always said that the South-West will be covered quickly as we knew the weather would be a bit ordinary. 

Today has been much better weather and we have enjoyed touring around the Margaret River region once again.  We spent quite a bit of time in the Gracetown area - more gorgeous coastline, especially when enjoyed from the warmth of the car!  We could not get enough of watching the amazing waves.  We even saw some crazy people...sorry, surfers...having a go at those huge waves.  Incredible!

Then we headed over slightly south of Margaret River to The Berry Farm.  This was recommended by Hayley and thank you very much because it was lovely.  We enjoyed some hot drinks, milkshakes (the boys) and some yummy scones, then the boys played on the playground and we got the chance to taste some goodies.  We were particularly taken with one of their wine labels: 

which we feel beautifully personifies what we have seen so far both in the Swan Valley and here - a focus on delicious produce and wine, nestled amongst gorgeous flora and fauna.  And we do love those gorgeous blue birds!



The boys enjoyed the environment at The Berry Farm, too.

Finally, as it had been a mostly rain free day we thought we would check out the Busselton Jetty while we could.  The train and Observatory were still out of action, but Tony got a few good photos of the Jetty itself.  It is a very beautiful Jetty.  

Tomorrow we leave for Denmark, which is between Walpole and Albany.  There is plenty to do in the area so we are hoping the finer weather will continue.