Monday through Thursday morning was spent in Margaret River, a beautiful area packed full of things to do. We were surprised at how many times we decided to extend our visit. We spent our time at the Gracetown Caravan Park, a really nice establishment, run by a very helpful and friendly family. They showed movies several nights we were there on the lawn and lent us chairs when we didn't have any.
Monday we spent at the beach near Gracetown, there's a nice cafe called Sunsets as well that had tasty food and wifi for customers. We went into Margaret River later to book our Wednesday wine tasting. While we were there the woman we spoke to gave us an entire day itinerary for Tuesday, which we were really grateful for.
We followed her recommendations Tuesday and started the day by leaving Gracetown and heading South on Caves Rd. where the first stop was Mammoth Cave (if you're planning on doing the 3 major caves, you can buy a pass for $50 that gives you admission to all of them, $65 if you want to see the lighthouse as well.) Mammoth Cave seems to have the most history of the three, it's a self-guided audio tour through the cavern, that tells you a lot about the animals found there as well. Our second stop, Lake Cave is the most active of the three, there are plenty of formations to see, and lots of water being dripped on you. They also have the only suspended table that is open to the public in the world. This one is lead by a tour guide.
After two caves we were getting hungry, Karridale has a great tavern that does a fantastic lunch from 12-2. It's just a little ways off of the road and an easy stop on the way down to Jewel Cave. I got the special of the day chicken stuffed with 3 kinds of cheese and bacon, finished with Hollandaise sauce.
Last stop for caves was Jewel Cave, which is the largest and best-preserved one. It's only been open for a few decades so that's part of the reason.
We continued down to Augusta for a quick view of the lighthouse, but we decided against going in. On the way back up Caves Rd. We took a detour down Hamelin Bay Rd. where they have giant stingrays in the bay. They're hand fed so they swim right up to the shore, you can stand in the ocean and pet them. It was a great way to watch the sunset, that's for sure.
Wednesday was a gluttonous day, we went on a tour of the vineyards with Bushtucker Tours. We went to 2 wineries before lunch, at the second they set up our food for us. They prepared quite a feast. Cold cuts of turkey, beef, and kangaroo. Homemade bread, chutneys, pestos and more.
After lunch, there was a brewery, cheese, another vineyard, chocolate, and my favorite stop The Grove, where they make wines as well as liquors, beers, and more. Favorite drinks were the Macadamia Madness and their bourbon. We actually went back the next day for their lunch special (burger and a beer or wine for $10!)
It was a great day, and we stocked up on "the necessities" along the way.
