South West WA – Travels with Ali

Margaret River Meanderings

Leaving Albany around 11 am we made our way to Margaret River where we were meeting up with some friends for the night. The journey was approximately 4 hours, so with a stop for lunch we hoped to be there by 4. We had a quick lunch in Manjimup and then we were back on the road again.
This time the Chauffeur wanted a rest, the nerve on him! Anyway I did take over the wheel and having never driven the Mercedes before I was a bit nervous, but as we had the road to ourselves and it was long and straight I thought I might be able to manage it. I didn’t take into account the fact that I’m the one who map reads but the Chauffeur likes to follow the sun! Maybe he was Christoper Columbus in his other life. So needless to say we did take a wrong turn, adding another half an hour or more onto our journey. I did miss a turning and managed to do a U-turn, narrowly missing a curb while quickly checking nothing was coming the other way.

By the time we arrived it was 4.30 pm, after checking in, we had a quick meander to the river.

We were staying in the heart of Margaret River, very close to the main drag and all the restaurants and cafes.

For dinner that night we ate at Morries Restaurant, a very lively and busy place a few minutes walk up the street from our accommodation.

Enjoying cocktails and wine with good friends

We shared a few plates of delicious food and also a few more glasses of wine.

The next morning after a fitful night, due to the wind, rain and gum nuts falling onto the corrugated iron roof, we headed off to the cafe nearby for breakfast.

**Putting the world to rights, once again!**

A walk up and down the main street before heading back to Perth was all we had time for, but enough time for me to take photos of the stunning murals along the way.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”
African Proverb

Both of these beautiful dog portraits are by an artist known as “Hope Perth”, also known as Brendan. There are many of his wonderful works of art throughout WA.

Another by Hope Perth

Artists Ian Mutch and Jack Bromell, along with Wadandi Elder and award-winning artist Sandra Hill, created the mural to represent Wadandi Country and the local flora and fauna.
Artists

“Nothing Behind Me, Everything Ahead Of Me, As Is Ever So On The Road.” – Jack Kerouac

Thanks for joining me on this mini road trip, we had the best time, especially when good friends join us too.

A Mid-Week Winter Break in the South-West of WA, Australia

Around this time every year we normally take a short break “down south” as they say here. I booked last minute and definitely after the school holidays. Our first stop was going to be Pemberton, the Karri Valley Resort, Beedelup.
Leaving the house at 11 am as planned, a miracle of sorts, we stopped for lunch on the way at St. Aiden’s Winery, in the Ferguson Valley. Deciding on a mixed cheese and meat platter to share was a good choice as it meant I could have a dessert! Rice pudding on the menu is always a winner with me.

The drive to Pemberton from Perth is around 4 hours, with our lunch stop we were looking to arrive at 4.30 pm. As Anthony is always the chauffeur it means I can enjoy the ride, the trouble is any length of time in a car makes me fall asleep. I’m really not much company!

Arriving at 4.30 pm as planned we checked into reception and picked up our key. It was a strange set up with the reception being on the other side of the road to the resort. As we drove back onto the road and off to the resort we saw kangaroos, emus and alpacas roaming freely around. We had a wonderful chalet overlooking the lake. There was a restaurant right next to our chalet and we were planning on having dinner there that night.

Views from our chalet

From around the resort

Inside the restaurant

**Duck confit with puy lentils and asparagus**

The Lakeside Restaurant was huge with plenty of seating. The service was excellent and the food delicious. Anthony asked if the duck was local and our waitress looked quite horrified and said she didn’t think so, “our ducks are too cute” she said.

After a restless night due to the noise from above, we had a fairly early breakfast in the restaurant. I think the children upstairs were jumping off the bed and every time they landed our bed shook! Checking out at 10 am we walked back along the road to have a better look at all the wildlife.

I took so many photos of this kangaroo, creeping closer and closer. I was slightly worried that he might box my ears but he was quite happy to pose for me.

Alpacas and pigs

This was a great resort for families as there was lots to do for kids. There were designated feeding times for the animals and also an archery range. A playground and small beach and kayaks and canoes to paddle around the lake.

Off to our next destination now – Albany. Stay along for the ride!

Castle Rock Beach, Dunsborough

One afternoon during our stay in Dunsborough, Anthony and I set out for a short drive to Castle Rock Beach. I had seen it on the map and had never been before and wanted to see what was there.

We found a beautiful calm cove with perfect swimming waters. It was surrounded by large craggy red rocks. We walked along the footpath along to the rock that I suppose looks like a castle!