Located south of Perth in western Australia, Margaret River may be a small town but its reputation as a surfing mecca is trespasses national boundaries. Although this town is internationally known for its beaches and surf breaks, it has also grown a reputation for housing world-class craft breweries, boutiques and surrounding wineries.
Spanning paradisiac coastal scenery, sheltered forests, pristine beaches, vineyards and impressive ancient caves, there's no shortage of things to do in Margaret River. Whether you are into hiking, canoeing, or potholing, this small town in the valley of the eponymous Margaret River caters to every type of adventurer.
Stretching 120 km from lighthouses Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste (photo), Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park boasts an extensive network of caves and the highest visiting numbers of any national park in Western Australia. The rugged coastline features granite formations, Sugarloaf Rock, Canal Rocks, and top-class beaches with famous surf breaks, including Supertubes, Yallingup beach and Smiths Beach.
One of the best ways to tour the forest and National Park is on an electric quad bikes. EcoAdventures is one company that offers this experience. Even if you've never jumped on a quad bike before, these are safe and easy to operate. Riding a quad bike through the forest allows you to take in the view along the way and soak in the fresh air while cruising through the Boranup Forest and along the river. This is a unique experience as the area is home to local plant life that can be found nowhere else on Earth.
EcoAdventures' quad bikes are also designed to have a minimal environmental impact, which is always a plus for travellers concerned with sustainability. Their website claims “we have spent thousands of hours, over a number of years, designing a purpose built vehicle which will traverse our precious environment easily and safely whilst having the most minimal impact possible.” Moreover, the bikes are tuned in with the natural environment. Accordingly, they are “incredibly quiet and totally emission-free, this forest experience is unique to EcoAdventures Margaret River.”
The bikes are also efficient. “The EcoBike has achieved new heights in efficiency for electric powered 4WD All Terrain Vehicles with a range of up to 100km.”
The bikes also have a system that allows the traveller to make the most of their experience. According to their website, “Another world first innovation is the Apple iPad mini nestling securely in its pouch on every EcoBike which assists us in bringing to life the brief presentations at each location.”
Another way to make the most of the region is by booking with The Margaret River Discovery Company. This tour operator guides you to experience “the true grandeur,” grandeur, history and ecological diversity of the South West. According to their website, “The Margaret River Discovery Company offers personalised tours, hosted by expert local guide Sean Blocksidge and his luxury 4WD on a wine and scenic tour that takes you behind the tourist facade, away from the masses to discover people and places you won't find on your own.
“Our aim is to give you the most memorable wine touring experience you'll ever have and, in the process, really experience the richness and diversity of its unique corner of the world. The best way to describe the touring is experiential. Instead of seeing the world through a tinted hire car window we'll go places and do things so you don't just see Margaret River - you live it.”
Their expert local guide Sean Blocksidge used to manage a five star hotel and prior becoming a guide, he became an expert on Margaret River winery and national tourism. The Margaret River Discovery Company has allowed Sean to exploit his love for the outdoors, good food and great wine. “Sean enjoys sharing his local knowledge, special contacts and hidden locations as guests explore the Margaret River region in four wheel drive luxury.”
The tour operator has received great reviews by different magazines, particularly Luxury Travel Magazine, which has described a day of exploring Margaret River Discovery Company as follows: “Sean's objective is to offer his guests a truly unique insight into the aspects of the region and he achieves this effortlessly through his professional and authentic approach. He has created tours that are exceptionally well-designed with a real difference… the unexpected aspects along the way make for an outstanding day.”
One of the highlights of this tour operator is that it offers a personalised touring in a luxury Landrover 4WD Discovery. “Loving the Margaret River region makes us want to preserve it,” they claim on their website, “and the Margaret River Discovery Company is proud to be an environmental leader.”
As a responsible local tour operator, the Margaret River Discovery Company use a fuel efficient turbo diesel vehicle and offset their emissions with tree planting. They also boast a top-class vehicle, the Landrover Discovery 4, which is the most awarded 4WD in the world. “The Discovery 4 is the only vehicle in its class that can truly claim to seat six passengers in absolute comfort. All leather seating in arranged stadium style to provide every guest panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.”