Margaret River

Margaret River (Margs), located approximately 10 miles from the Indian Ocean is the heart of two not often associated industries. It is the home of wine and surfing. The mediterranean climate makes the region a fabulous wine producing location and the winter storms far out at sea bring world class giant waves for the surfers. It is a bit like if you combined Napa and and Santa Cruz California. The tourism industry is also fully geared to cater to both passions.

Our first day in Margs Rebecca and I went on a wine tasting tour with Bushtucker Tours. We went to four wineries (Howard Park/Mad Fish, Brookland Valley, Knotting Hill, and Howling Wolves), a cheese factory, a chocolate factory, and a brewery (Bootleg Brewery). The day long outing also included a gourmet lunch. We tasted 40 wines and I finished off the day with a pint of Raging Bull at the brewery that came in at a whopping 7.1% alcohol.

The day had everything you could ask for: sunshine, good company, good alcohol, good food, and a driver, which allowed us to drink as much as we liked knowing that we would be dropped off right back at our hostel. Perfect! I couldn't have asked for more.

I was keen to try a little surfing, but the waves did not cooperate, and the water is REALLY cold. At least for a boy from Hawaii, that is. Instead, we also explored a bit of the coastline.