Cowaramup (Margaret River) and south

We based ourselves in Cowaramup, a short drive north of Margaret River for a week. Managed to secure a great deal - powered site for$20/night - bargain! Even though we had been to Margaret River before, it was 18 years ago and we barely scratched the surface. The area is very lush and green with many wineries and other agricultural type products (olive oil, coffee and chocolate). A lot of artists live here too.

Cowaramup is a quirky little town with several gift/trinket shops and lolly shops. It is a hard name to pronounce (cowara = type of parrot, and up = place of), so it is often referred to as "Cow Town". There are lots of cow sculptures around the town and several years ago the town was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the most people dressed up in a cow onesie. I think there were over 1300 people - hilarious!

We spent a day exploring the Southern coastline down to Cape Leeuwin at the most south western spot of mainland Australia and where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. The lighthouse museum was very interesting and it is obvious a lot of money has been spent to attract tourists to the area.

We also checked out the famous surf break at Margaret River (Prevelly) as well as Hamelin Beach where stingrays are often seen at the shore line, but not today. The washed up seaweed absolutely stunk here too.

We also did a full day wine and food tour which was very enjoyable. There was only Brad and I, plus a young German couple and we started with coffee tasting, followed by two separate wineries, lunch at another winery, an olive oil place where they make skin care products as well as infused oils and vinegars and other condiments, finishing off by sampling chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. It was a very enjoyable day.

The Northern and NW area were also explored but I have included it in a separate footprint.Read more