TASTE of the MARGARET RIVER – Winnebago RV Club Safari

Sunday 13^th May 2012:-

Mother's Day – It was lovely to hear from and receive 'Happy Mother's Day phone calls from our three children.

The last five days we have been having fun along with other Winnebago owners on a Winnebago RV Club Safari – 'A taste of the Margaret River". The Margaret River region begins at Cape Naturaliste and extends 135 klms south to Cape Leeuwin. The coastline is spectacular and has vine-studded hinterland fringed with karri forest and limestone caves.

The evening of 8^th May Chris and I free camped at the Pine Plantation along the Ludlow Tuart Forest Drive just north of Busselton, the following day met 32 adults and two children at the Equinox Restaurant in Busselton on the foreshore of pristine Geographe Bay. A delicious lunch was enjoyed and we were introduced to our fellow travellers.

Over the five days we stayed at Eagle Vale Winery, Conto's Field Campground within the Leeuwin National Park and at the Big Valley Campsite in Rosa Glen. This campsite only a short distance from Margaret River is on a working sheep farm nestled in the hills and surrounded by forest.

Over the safari we enjoyed chauffeured Tours to Jewel Cave, where we took a guided tour of the caves and lunch. A guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and afternoon tea. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Australia's mainland and is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Visited Margaret River Farmer's Markets and indulged in a Winery and Brewery Tour with Bush Tucker Tours. Five wineries, liquor Factory, cheese outlet, chocolate outlet and brewery along with a Bush Tucker Lunch.

Spent the evenings around a large campfire and had fun with a trivia night (especially when our team won)!

Sunday Chris and I spent back tracking a few places to further explore the region and also visiting Gracetown and the Ellensbrook Historic Homestead.

Today, Monday 14^th May 2012 we headed further north along Caves Road visiting Yallingup and nearby Canal Rocks, Meelup and Eagle Bays, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and the 1837 and 1859 Historic Wonnerup House near Vasse Estuary Wetlands.

Tonight we are back camped at Pine Plantation near Busselton and tomorrow will head north and spend a few more days around Perth.