Day 1: Perth to Margaret River - 273km / 170miles
Day 2: Margaret River
Day 3: Margaret River to Perth - 273km / 170miles
In addition to being one of Australia's best-known wine regions, Margaret River offers a fabulous escape for short breaks and luxury food and wine indulgences.
Situated just a few hours drive from Perth, the region offers a huge selection of world-class wineries, gourmet food and boutique accommodation making it ideal for a romantic getaway, or a weekend escape.
Day 1: Perth to Margaret River
A leisurely four-hour drive south from Perth, through the rolling farm lands of the south west hinterland, will put you on the edge of the world-famous vineyards of Margaret River.
The Capel Vale region, on the northern fringe, makes an ideal starting point for your food and wine indulgence and offers some excellent reds and whites.
Now is the time to discard your watch and relax. Settle into local time and explore some of the local wineries, before cruising into the wine heartland of Margaret River.
The Margaret River Wine Region is relatively compact and very easy to navigate.
Make your first stop the visitors centre in the main street, where you will find maps along with some tips on some of the local gourmet dining secrets.
Book in for one of the short wine appreciation courses on offer, and learn more about the local drops before heading out on your own.
Then take a drive - via a few wineries - to the local chocolate or fudge factory and stock up on some of the necessities of life. Exquisite gourmet chocolates and other treats can be purchased which are ideal as evening snacks, to accompany a smooth port or dessert wine.
Accommodation is plentiful and varied, ranging from family-style bungalows and motels, to boutique hideaways, spa-chalets and eco-resorts set among serene forests.
Take an early dinner at one of the gourmet restaurants to sample the deliciously fresh food.
Nestled between farmlands and the coast, Margaret River is spoiled with top quality farm produce, fresh seafoods, and the local specialty - Marron. This tasty little crustacean is much prized as a succulent gourmet meal, and is a prominent feature on many local menus.
Finish your day snuggling on your balcony with a premium wine while savouring the silence of the forest at night.
Overnight: Margaret River
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Day 2: Margaret River
Wake to the sound of birds and nature at your door and head into town for a hearty al fresco breakfast while you soak up the morning sunshine.
Stroll along the main street and explore a gallery or two or take a coffee down to the parklands overlooking the river to relax and enjoy the friendly ducks.
Spend the rest of the day travelling the winding country roads, or taste-testing local wines, cheeses, olive oil, venison and fruits.
A short drive to the coastal reserve at Prevelly Point is recommended. Pick up a late afternoon snack of local produce from a gourmet delicatessen and spread out to watch the rolling waves, as the setting sun warms your face.
Enjoy the enthusiastic wave-riders putting on a show just off the point, before watching the sun sink slowly into the Indian Ocean.
As the forest grows dark, drop into one of the restaurants or hotels for a meal and meet some friendly locals who will always offer their hints on the 'must do' wineries. Some of the best tips come from the people who live in the region.
Overnight: Margaret River
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Day 3: Margaret River to Perth
Sleep in a little, before heading off to explore some of the region's other attractions.
A short drive through the forest leads you to the town of Augusta and the famous lighthouse on Cape Leeuwin. This is the geographic point where the Indian and Southern oceans meet, and the rolling green hills, rocky coastal outcrops and brilliant, white lighthouse makes for stunning photographs.
Augusta is also one of the best places in the south to see migrating whales in season and there are many tours available.
Weave your way back through the tree-lined, country roads and abundant wineries, taking time to explore some of the local galleries and enjoy the wildlife.
Stop for a final indulgence at a winery restaurant, before saying goodbye and slowly making your way back home.
NOTE: While sampling the varieties and styles of different wineries is a sensational, fun way to spend a day, visitors should be aware that drivers are subject to alcohol limits which are strictly enforced. So moderation is always advised. Organised group tours to the wineries are plentiful and offer excellent value for money.
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