Margaret River

[drron]

Later in the year we have a quick trip to WA.Perth,the silo trail and Margaret river.We will be lunching at Leuuwin Estate,Vasse felix and Xanadu so lokking for a couple of nights around the town of Margaret river.Any recommendations?

 

[Antoallison]

Depends what Mrs drron likes... ocean or countryside ?

Some recommendations from people who have stayed at one of the resorts and a newer one that I have not heard of ...nor am I likely to visit unfortunately $$$.

Losari Retreat .. 5 star - I have not heard of it before.

CapeLodge .. good location off the main road to lots of the wineries.

Any place around Caves Road, Yallingup is a good central area to access all the attractions.
Injidup Spa Retreat and Empire Retreat

Pullman Resort Bunker ..for ocean scenery .. I liked it but it is off the main winery trail nearer to Dunsborough ..although wonderful Wise Winery is nearby for lunch.

This last one maybe still OK .. I stayed here years ago when it was privately owned and a bit like an English country home. Big log fire as it can be pretty cold at night down south.. oh wait you like Tasmania !

Basildene Manor ..now a Grand Mercure.

Not sure about their wines, but I like lunch or afternoon tea in the pretty gardens at Aravina Estate.

Mrs drron will be hanging out to shop by then, so I suggest a visit to the nearby Yallingup Shearing Shed in Wildwood Road for some great woollen products for your next holiday in Tassie ?

 

[drron]

We live near the beach so countryside and near the vineyards as well as the forests-I will be out walking as prime time for terrestial orchids in WA.

 

[Daver6]

What time of year?

The "Margaret River" area is quite expansive. So getting to and from lunch is going to mean driving or pricey taxis (which you should book ahead of time).

 

[Antoallison]

 

[drron]

August-wildflower season.

 

[Antoallison]

We live near the beach so countryside and near the vineyards as well as the forests-I will be out walking as prime time for terrestial orchids in WA.

I put up the contact details for the Wildflower Society of WA in the other post, might be able to assist you with tracking down the orchids. Dr Stephen Hopper ( ex Kings Park and Kew Gardens) lives down Albany way now.

I know the towns of Albany and Busselton both have their Wildflower shows a bit later, in September.

 

[Daver6]

August-wildflower season.

Staying in a forest type of retreat during that time of year will be magical. Much nicer than in summer IMHO. I don't have any actual recommendations unfortunately.

 

[drron]

I put up the contact details for the Wildflower Society of WA in the other post, might be able to assist you with tracking down the orchids. Dr Stephen Hopper ( ex Kings Park and Kew Gardens) lives down Albany way now.

I know the towns of Albany and Busselton both have their Wildflower shows a bit later, in September.

It's all right I have been before in wildflower season and I know where to look for the orchids.Usually a great show.i will be looking up where the fires have been this season and that's where the best show of orchids will be.

 

[JohnM]

August-wildflower season.

I'd be surprised if you have not done your orchid homework, but be aware that August is peak wildflower season further north - especially in the Murchison River catchment (provided that transitional zone area received winter rain) - notably Kalbarri NP and the sand plains N of PERth (eg. around Eneabba-Mingenew) (WA wildflower weekend).

The seasonal transition progressively sweeps through from NE to the furthest SW and S coastal areas during August-December.

August is very early for wildflowers around Margaret River and Albany.

 

[pauly7]

Highly recommend the Eight Willows Retreat, it’s a hidden gem don’t tell too many people about it:

Self Contained Luxury Chalets - Eight Willows Retreat

Discover Margaret River's hidden gem Eight Willows retreat. An oasis of 25-self contained luxury chalets set in 75 acres of natural bushland.

www.eightwillowsretreat.com.au

 

[drron]

Terrestial orchids flower from late winter through to autumn-different varieties of course.The last time I was in WA was early August and we found a lot south from Perth so this trip is a little later.

 

[JohnM]

Highly recommend the Eight Willows Retreat, it’s a hidden gem don’t tell too many people about it:

Self Contained Luxury Chalets - Eight Willows Retreat

Discover Margaret River's hidden gem Eight Willows retreat. An oasis of 25-self contained luxury chalets set in 75 acres of natural bushland.

www.eightwillowsretreat.com.au

Certainly a good location for Vasse Felix, Cullen, Woodlands (no dining at Woodlands - but reds are good). Further from Leeuwin, Voyager and Xanadu.

 

[pauly7]

Certainly a good location for Vasse Felix, Cullen, Woodlands (no dining at Woodlands - but reds are good). Further from Leeuwin, Voyager and Xanadu.

You are always going to have to drive somewhere in MR...

 

[cove]

Don’t miss Cullen and MossWood. Their reds are my favourites.Cullen dining is pretty good.
Have stayed at Basildene, Pullman at Bunker Bay and Cape Lodge and all were pretty good. Quite a bit better than a tent at the caravan park in my student days.

 

[Daver6]

Moss Wood is by appointment only...or has that changed?

 

[SponsorSFC]

It is not all wine, there are also plenty of very good craft breweries in the South West if that interests you.

Eagle Bay, Colonial, Cheeky Mokey, Beer Farm and Black Brewing to name just a few.