Day 0 & Day 9 - Margaret River
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Come early or stay after your Ride in Margaret River - where locals will make you feel at home
Welcome to the Augusta-Margaret River Region
The iconic region of Augusta-Margaret River is Western Australia’s premier tourism destination.
An enticing blend of spectacular natural wonders, a renowned surfing history, productive farmland and interspersed with famous vineyards, this exquisite area is a favourite among travellers from around the world.
It’s been a busy month for the towns of Margaret River and Augusta as they prepare for the imminent arrival of Great Escapade riders! As a special incentive to stay on after the ride (or come back with friends and family) the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association has put together a special E-Passport packed with amazing deals for accommodation, attractions, restaurants, wine, tours and more! Click here to grab your own E-Passport!
Make sure you are in town at least the day before the ride Friday the 27th of March as there is lots going on. Once you arrive in town, don’t forget to visit the friendly staff at the Margaret River Visitor Centre who will arm you with everything you need to know about the region and assist with any accommodation or tour booking enquiries. Special tours will be running from Glouster Park including a bus to the spectacular beaches and caves. From 3 – 8pm you can get into the swing of things at the “Taste of the Region” festival where you can explore the foods and wines of the region and be entertained at the same time! The main street shops will also be open till 8pm and if you want to kick on the local pubs will stay open till late.
If you would like to send anything to Margaret River prior, during or after the ride please address to: Great Escapade Bike Ride, Locked Bag 2 MARGARET RIVER WA 6285 and you can collect your posted items from the Margaret River Post Office on Willmott Street during office hours.
During the ride don’t forget to save some energy for the last night in Augusta where you can let your hair down and savour the best of what this picturesque town has to offer!
Located in the far southern end of Western Australia, thirty years ago the region comprised little more than struggling dairy farms. Today it’s a surfing, wine growing mecca with a tapestry of culture and sophistication all its own.
Check out the surfing at the Drug Aware Pro Margaret River
Here is an offer from the Event Director of the Drug Aware Pro Margaret River:
I would like to offer your members/riders the opportunity if they come down to the Drug Aware Pro Margaret River site on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to go into the VIP area at no additional charge. The Ride Participants will need to show their Ride Passport to the security on the VIP gate. The VIP price is $50 per person but, if they pay their $8 at the admission gate, then they can get into the VIP area for free. Also if they would like to purchase any of the special event merchandise they’ll receive a 15% discount.
Tim Thirsk, Event Director: Drug Aware Pro Margaret River
Margaret River
Margaret River is a relaxed, colourful and vibrant town where locals are more than happy to make you feel at home.
The town was formally gazetted in 1913 and in the early days was a changing post for coach horses making the journey from Karridale to Busselton.
Music, art and culture feature highly in Margaret River life. Scrumptiou
s food and a great selection of wine, some internationally acclaimed, combine to give you the perfect holiday which you can enjoy at your own pace.
Surfing and wine making have placed Margaret River on the world map as a must see destination. It’s the diversity which makes our town intriguing. We know once you have experienced a stay here you’ll be keen to come and visit us again.
Things to see and do
- The Margaret River region is famous for its caves, hence the name of its popular tourist drive - Caves Road. There are over 100 caves that lie beneath the forest floor of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge. These caves are some of the youngest caves in the world and belong to a complex series of Karst systems which are formed by the flow of water underground. Mammoth, Lake and Jewel Caves are open to the public daily offering guided/self guided tours to help you discover their unique stories and stunning crystalline formations. Cave CaveWorks interpretative centre allows you an educative experience on cave formation.
- Historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. With a stunning blue backdrop of the ocean meeting the sky the lighthouse appears to glow in white splendor during summer, whilst during winter the awesome force of the fierce Southern Ocean and powerful Indian Ocean crashing against the Cape makes a visit to the Cape a unique, awesome and contrasting experience year round. Guided tours are conducted daily at the Lighthouse. A visitor centre, café and retail shop are contained within the Lighthouse precinct. Enjoy a light lunch or cappuccino in one of the heritage cottages overlooking Flinder’s Bay.
- The Margaret River Discovery Company will immerse you in the stunning Margaret River region on a gourmet eco wine tour, designed to reveal why Margaret River produces some of the world's best wines. A scenic, luxury 4WD wine tour that takes you behind the tourist facade, away from the masses and introduces you to people and places you won't find on your own. A wine tour that discovers the best of Margaret River. Personalised touring at its best.
- Get Wet:You can hire surfboards to test the waves or just relax and sunbathe at the variety of beautiful beaches on our coastline. Stay dry if you prefer and watch some of the best surfers show off their talent at Surfers Point, Prevelly. It’s exhilarating to watch even from the shore. Walk along South Point in Gracetown to capture the true beauty of an incredible bay. Canoe the Margaret River.
- Ride out to historic Ellensbrook homestead and take the short walk to the beautiful Meekadarabee waterfall. Alternatively, visit the town of Witchcliffe to the south of Margaret River or take a ride through the forest to the town of Cowaramup, to the north of Margaret River, to enjoy lunch, a cappuccino and browse the local shops.
- Get on your bike or take a tour to outlying art and craft galleries which reflect the true colours and creativity of our region. There are bike and walking trails throughout the area and exploring is one of the best ways to get to know the place. There are many walking and biking trails in the area that travel through the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.
- Visit the Wineries. There are some 200 vineyards in the region and more than 78wonderful wineries. Go wine tasting, talk to the wine makers, walk amongst thevines or have a picnic in true Margaret River style. Why not try some of the local gourmet delights such as cheeses, berries and olive oils.
- The Bushtucker River Tours departing daily. Enjoy flat water canoeing in Canadian canoes, paddling up-stream to visit a number of sites along the riverbank. You will then explore the bush, walking along the ridge to a cave within the cliff-face. The Bushtucker lunch gives you the opportunity to taste a variety of bush tucker (and includes gourmet food), and learn about the medicinal properties of plants found within the area. A great experience is completed with historical tales concerning original settlers and indigenous tribes. Cost $80 adult and $30/child (3 to 14 years). Their surcharge is $5 per person for a pick up and drop off. Telephone: Lucy on 08 9757 9084
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The Bushtucker Wine Tours depart daily from Margaret River, Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup. The tour includes visiting four wineries and one brewery, Margaret River Chocolate Company and Margaret River Dairy Company. Lunch is provided by Bushtucker Tours. Telephone: Lucy on 08 9757 9084
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