Western Australia, often overshadowed by other regions of the country, is home to some of the most exquisite landscapes, distinctive wines, and innovative culinary experiences in the world. While the area is known for its bustling wineries and laid-back coastal lifestyle, its allure lies deeper in its diverse range of activities, making it a must-visit for adventurous foodies and nature lovers alike.
One of the first stops on a road trip through this part of Australia is Margaret River, located just south of Perth. The region is celebrated for its world-class wineries, but it’s also home to rugged coastlines, wildflower-strewn hills, and a vibrant culinary scene. I recently had the pleasure of exploring this area, and I was struck by its combination of natural beauty and sophisticated leisure.
While in Margaret River, I met Hamish Gibson, a passionate naturalist who took me on a hike along the famous Cape-to-Cape Track. This trail stretches from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. As we walked, Gibson shared captivating stories about the region’s biodiversity, explaining how the land itself holds clues to a distant past. “This is a chunk of India,” he said, pointing to the granite beneath our feet, a fragment that once belonged to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana before it collided with Australia millions of years ago. His tales of geology, ocean currents, and biodiversity left me in awe of the land’s deep history.
But Margaret River is more than just scenic views and fascinating geology. It offers a mix of luxurious and offbeat experiences, including some unforgettable meals. At Cherubino Wines, I had a seafood lunch served by an enthusiastic staff member who seemed straight out of a music video. Nearby, at Vasse Felix, the region’s oldest winery, I tasted a robust Cabernet that perfectly complemented the coastal setting.
The food scene in Margaret River doesn’t only cater to the traditional wine-lover’s palate. While many fine-dining establishments dot the area, the region is also home to quirky, unconventional restaurants that embrace the spirit of local culture. For example, Ben Jacob’s Lagoon Yallingup restaurant offers a casual yet elevated dining experience with sweeping views of the coast. The food, like a chili-crab omelette I had one morning, was as perfect as the setting, making it impossible to leave without a sense of contentment.
Beyond the vineyards and gourmet meals, Western Australia’s diverse landscapes provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration. Just south of Margaret River, in Bremer Bay, I took a boat ride to spot orcas off the continental shelf. The waters here teem with marine life, and the area’s remote beauty offers an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife watching. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the nearby Cape Le Grand National Park provides the chance to see white sharks patrolling the shores of pristine, kangaroo-filled beaches.
Further inland, the road trip led me to Albany, where I discovered a hidden gem — a French-Vietnamese bistro called Liberté. The unique fusion of flavors from these two distant cultures was a pleasant surprise, showing that Western Australia’s culinary scene is as diverse and inventive as its landscapes.
The journey continued through the Great Southern Forest, where giant eucalyptus trees like the karri and tingle towered overhead. The Gloucester Tree, a giant karri tree in Gloucester National Park, provided an opportunity for daring visitors to climb its 153-rung ladder, an exhilarating experience for those who don’t mind a little vertigo. Alternatively, for those seeking a more serene adventure, the Valley of the Giants offers a treetop walk that lets visitors appreciate the grandeur of these ancient trees from above.
In Western Australia, the pace is slower, and the experiences feel more personal and intimate. While the larger cities like Perth offer bustling urban life, the South West Edge — encompassing Margaret River, Bremer Bay, and beyond — delivers a world of natural beauty, creative wines, and innovative cuisine. It’s a region that may not be on everyone’s radar, but for those seeking a unique, authentic Australian experience, it’s undoubtedly a hidden gem worth discovering.
