Imagine for a moment that you are a kid again.

Only instead of the childhood you know now, it's one filled with chasing waves on pristine, untouched beaches, catching fish in the fresh cool waters of the local river and riding your BMX through the trails of what feels like a forest filled with giants. It could be something out of a novel, and it probably is, but for Margaret River resident and Cape to Cape Explorer Tours owner Gene Hardy, it's a page out of his life.

"It was a magical way to spend your childhood. Just the bush and no boundaries. It felt like it was endless," recalls Gene. It's this same magic that he is now recreating with his own family, wife Sunny and their two daughters. And if you're lucky enough to visit this corner of the world, Gene will gladly give you a sample of it.

"I've lived in other places all over the world, and had a good time, but this is amazing – can't believe I get to live here," beams Gene. "Margaret River has texture and diversity that gives it a look you don't see anywhere else."

After years travelling Australia and the world as a surfing journalist, Gene gave up a future in Cornwall, UK to come home to Margaret River. Realising he could make a living out of his passion for nature, he started Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, giving visitors the opportunity to share in his love for the region.

For Gene, the ultimate goal is to take care of all the practicalities of a trip so that people have the headspace to truly enjoy the beauty of the area. You know how the saying goes, "if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life".

_{Cape to Cape Track}

Work aside, Gene says the region is an incredible place to raise a family too. "It's a really special kind of place because it's so natural, there's no traffic and the people a really great. I couldn't think of anywhere better to bring up the kids." In fact, some of his favourite family activities, such as biking, diving, fishing and surfing, are also what draw so many tourists to the South West every year.

If you'd like to be one of them and get a taste for what makes Margaret River one of the most dynamic places to escape to in Western Australia, then The South West Edge road trip is an ideal place to start.

Beginning in Perth, you'll follow an ever-changing coastline through vineyards, forests, wildflowers and deserts before arriving in beautiful Margaret River 280km later. And when you do it over four days, you'll get to soak up the very best the South West has to offer.

Your first stop on the Great South West Edge road trip is Bunbury, and the sooner you get here, the sooner you can head out to meet the friendly wild dolphins at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre. And if you're an adventure seeker, you'll be spoilt for choice with hiking trails through the valleys of Collie and Wellington National Park.

_{Boranup Forest}

Rise early on day two and take the 50-minute drive to Busselton and have breakfast overlooking Geographe Bay and the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere! After stretching your legs, it's only another 25-minutes before arriving at Dunsborough and Yallingup for lunch – anyone up for exploring thousand-year-old caves?

After arriving in Margaret River, you'll have no trouble filling up day three and four with exploring the Cape to Cape Track, catching waves at the world-renowned Surfers Point near Prevelly, touring the region's renowned wine cellars and letting some of Margaret River's award-winning chefs do the cooking. There are also the giant Karri trees in Boranup, caves and much more – so embrace your inner explorer!

Looking for more inspiration? 

Learn more about what you can do in Margaret River.