After Perth, after Fremantle, after Rottnest Island and Penguin Island, Emmett and I made our way down the coast to the lovely Margaret River area. We originally anticipated only spending two nights/three days there but we were so enamored by the area, that we spent an extra day and night. Beaches, forests, cliffs, KANGAROOS!!, stunning scenery wherever you are, Margaret River is the Napa Valley of Western Australia.
But it wasn't just the wine and the scenery that compelled us to stay another night, it was our accommodations! We stayed at Burnside Bungalows which is set on 15 hectares of organic farmland. Lara and Jamie, our hosts, grow avocados, macadamias, capers, grapes for wine and olives for olive oil. The only herbicide/pesticide they use are chickens, geese, guinea fowl, and pigs, which are also their fertilizer! They have a huge vegetable and herb garden, which all guests are free to take from. I "shopped" twice a day...in the morning for breakfast and the evening for dinner. The bungalows were incredibly comfortable with a great kitchen and living area and a huge patio overlooking a lush yard with lots of flowers, birds, trees, and wildlife.
When not enjoying our time at the bungalow, we explored the Margaret River area and saw right whales and dolphins, watched a boogieboard competition, hiked a portion of the Cape to Cape Track, walked beaches (and had wine and lunch on them), visited a lighthouse, walked through karri forests, took scenic drives, fed chickens, and had happy hour with the local kangaroos. Don't believe all this is possible in such a short amount of time? Check out the photos and videos below for proof that it is!
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