Nearby Things to Do
The Margaret River Wine Region The Margaret River Wine Region covers an area spanning about 40km's (East/West) by 100kms (North/South). There are six main towns to the Margaret River Wine Region Augusta Busselton Cowaramup Dunsborough Margaret River Yallingup (Yallingup means "Place of Love")
Some of the main attractions of the region are listed below. Augusta Town About 90kms south of Windmills Break, the town of Augusta lies on the south-western tip of Australia where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is located at Augusta. A small and thriving community, Augusta is popular for tourists with caravans and boats. Augusta is the third oldest settlement in W.A., the first white settlers having arrived in 1830. The town was named after Princess Augusta, the daughter of George III of England. Well worth a visit and great for seasonal whale watching.
Beaches Yallingup is located at the northern end of the Margaret River Wine region. Several of the most popular beaches (all close to Windmills Break Hotel) include: Bunker Bay and Eagle Bay (just North of Dunsborough) Injidip Beach Meelup Beach (close to Dunsborough) Smith's Beach (Yallingup) Windmills Beach Yallingup Beach (world renowned and also has a great and very safe lagoon)
Busselton Town Sheltered on the sweeping shores of Geographe Bay lies Busselton, gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region. Named after a prominent pioneering family the town also offers much insight into the regions cultural heritage with attractions like Wonnerup House, the Old Courthouse Gallery, the Old Butter Factory, Pioneer Cemetery and St Mary’s Church. Busselton Jetty Stretching 1.8 kilometres across Geographe Bay, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It is appreciated for its spectacular Underwater Observatory, Jetty Train and myriad of recreational uses. The Busselton Jetty re-opened on Sunday 6 February 2011 after completing a $27 million refurbishment. New features include interpretive nodes and fish cleaning bays. Swimming and diving platforms, rain shelters and heritage sculptures are also present. Most importantly, visitors can board the jetty train to travel 1.7 kilometres to view the spectacular Underwater Observatory. The Underwater Observatory provides visitors with the opportunity to view amazing marine life as they descend 8 metres to the ocean floor via a spiral staircase. There are eleven viewing windows at various levels within the chamber allowing visitors to view Geographe Bay's amazing underwater garden. Described as Australia's greatest artificial reef, the Busselton Jetty is host to an awe inspiring forest of vividly coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Provision of a lift within the Observatory ensures that this amazing experience is available to all. More details on Busselton Jetty HERE
Cape to Cape Walk (135kms long but many smaller sections) The Cape to Cape Walk Track runs for 135 km along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west of Western Australia. It features spectacular coastal and forest scenery, a fascinating geology and history, and wonderful wildflowers in spring. Click HERE for more details. Because of its numerous access points, this walk trail offers many alternative walk options ranging from stroll of an hour of two to hikes of several days, while the entire Cape to Cape Track makes a superb 5 – 7 day challenge. You can choose to camp out along the Track, or make use of the wide variety of excellent accommodation available in this popular Margaret River holiday region. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and the beautiful Geographe Bay coastline reward visitors to the top balcony of the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.E Easier than most lighthouses to climb, the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the Geographe Bay and Margaret River Wine region. Built from limestone quarried from nearby Bunker Bay, at its highest point the lighthouse is 123 metres above sea level. Numerous walking trails lead from the Lighthouse around the stunning bays and beaches of the Cape, providing amazing views over the ocean and of the local wildflowers. A platform and shelter provides magnificent whale watching during the annual migratory periods, from September to December - a special experience not to be missed! Drinks, snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase at the Maritime Museum. More details and History of the Lighthouse from HERE
Cowaramup Town A small inland town about 5 minutes north of Margaret River Town and located on the main highway. Cowaramup has a few gourmet shops specializing in a wide range of delicacies and set amongst picturesque, rolling farmland.
Diving Dunsborough is home to one of the largest accessible dive wrecks in the Southern hemisphere. The former HMAS Swan, a 113 metre long decommissioned naval destroyer, was scuttled in December 1997. The Swan has now become a popular dive site; being one of the largest ships in the southern hemisphere to be sunk as a dive wreck. Measuring 113m length, 21 meters in height and 13 meters wide, she is truly a spectacular site. Since the sinking, an abundance of marine life has taken advantage of the Swan as their new home. Large schools of Bulls eye inhabit many rooms, with King George whiting and brim swimming around the hull. The inquisitive Samson fish gives divers an added bonus when looking around the wreck, along with blue devil fish and sweep. The list seems to be endless. Diving tours, for novice to experienced divers, are available most months of the year, subject to weather conditions. The best time of year to dive the HMAS Swan is between the months of November to May. Click HERE for more details.
Dunsborough Town Originally the location of a whaling station and the odd beach shack, Dunsborough has now become one of the most popular family holiday destinations on the West Australian coast. From vibrant boutique clothing stores to trendy eateries and everything in between. Located on the calm shores of Geographe Bay, Dunsborough is a highly desired base to enjoy the many local activities and attractions.
Fishing and Charter Boats Legend Charters offers both Fishing and Whale Watching options Naturaliste Charters also offer Fishing and Whale Watching options.
Dunsborough Lakes 18 hole Golf Course is located just 4kms from Windmills Break Margaret River Country Golf Course (also 18 holes) is located about 40kms from Windmills Break
Margaret River Town The inland town of Margaret River is a traditional country town offering top-notch wining and dining, the creature comforts do not have to be left behind to enjoy the stunning, picturesque landscape characteristic of the south west. Many gourmet shops line the main street of the town.
Ngilgi Cave Located in Yallingup just off Caves Road and adjacent to Windmills Break Hotel. The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name. Explore the cave and experience stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations. Visit an interpretive area detailing Ngilgi Cave's interesting history. A cafe, playground, barbecue facilities and walk trails make Ngilgi Cave a fun place to visit for the entire family.
Restaurants Click HERE for our links to many local Restaurants.
Tours Click HERE for details of some great hosted Tours of the Region.
Simmo's Ice Cream Great local Ice Cream just 5 minutes from Windmills Break. Simmo's is open all year round and if you like Ice Cream then don't miss this. Click HERE for details.
Whale Watching The south-west region of Western Australia enjoys one of the world's longest whale watching seasons. The annual migration begins when whales leave the chilly Antarctic waters to mate and breed in the warmer waters off the West Australian coast. Their first port of call is Flingers Bay in Augusta where you will see Humpback and Southern Right whales from June to August. This is one of the few places in the world where you will see Southern Right and Humpback whales interacting. The first whales to arrive are the pregnant females (who mated last season), followed by young male and females, then those who are partner picking, and finally the Southern Right Whales. Humpbacks are renowned for their acrobatics, particularly during courtship when groups of males gather and engage in breaching, spyhopping, lob-tailing, tail-slapping and more in a bid to impress the female. Legend Charters offers both Fishing and Whale Watching options Naturaliste Charters also offer Fishing and Whale Watching options.
Wineries Click HERE for our links to many local Wineries
Yallingup Town Located at the northern end of the region Yallingup has bred many of the region's and world's greatest surfers. Home to a relaxed local community, Yallingup, an aboriginal word meaning "Place of Love", is a small town nestled in amongst the trees along the coast. The town itself is relatively untouched by the mass tourism visiting the region and one can still enjoy the coastline and local beaches without the crowds characteristic of the city beaches. Yallingup Beach also has a sheltered lagoon with calm waters and safe swimming. Probably one of the best beaches in the entire region. CLICK HERE for a live Surf Camera at Yallingup and Margaret River Beaches | |
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