There are other attractions in this part of Western Australia beside wineries. And we thought we should take a closer look at some of them.
Our day started with us going to the local Margaret River Farmers’ Markets. One of the cellar door people from the day before had told us about the markets and that his wife had a dessert caravan there right across from a fisherman who sold his line-caught fish.
Mick was very interested in that. He bought a whole harlequin fish for dinner, which he cooked beautifully on the BBQ, and we purchased a coffee and some treats from the dessert caravan for morning tea. Yummy.
The biggest thrill for Mick though was when he recognised a rather eccentric looking elderly chap strolling through the markets wearing a red beret and matching bright red socks. It was Ian Parmenter – quite a famous Australian chef. I just didn’t feel right about stalking him for a photo op however I did Google him!
After the markets, Mick and I travelled to Augusta, making a stop at Mammoth Cave on the way. There are lots of caves in this part of WA, but we chose this one because it has a self-guided tour. We thought that would make it easier to walk through. That was our first error.
At least we could meander through the cave at our own pace and not worry about other visitors getting frustrated by an old rugby-player, who has ruined knees, and his old wife.
Mammoth Cave is huge – hence its title. The first part of the walk was pretty easy, and Mick and I were pretty confident we could easily manage this. As we got further into the cave there were quite a few stairs – but the sites were so interesting we didn’t even notice we were walking both up and down dozens of stairs.
Tens of thousands of fossils have been found in this one cave, including some extinct mega fauna dating back to 46,000 years old.
The hard work came as we exited the cave. We read the sign that told us there was 160 stairs we’d need to climb before coming out on the opposite side of the road that we’d entered.
We then walked through the Marri trail which led us eventually back to the entrance. It was beautiful, but had we known beforehand we possibly would have chosen an easier option to get back to where we started.
Cave exploring is obviously for younger folk.
Next stop – Cape Leeuwin – to see the lighthouse. Unfortunately it was a massive construction site as the lighthouse is undergoing restoration work, the biggest since it was constructed in 1895.
Mick was keen to see where the Southern Ocean met the Indian Ocean. He hoped he might spot some whales going past but I think we were there at the wrong time of the year.
We returned to Augusta to have lunch at the local fish and chip shop, where we were not disappointed. Best fish ever! Mick had the local shark.
Of course, as we had time, and as we were just driving past on our way back to Margaret River, we stopped at a winery – Cape Mentelle. We had heard good things about this place.
We had a very good wine tasting experience here and purchased a few bottles of their Cabernet Sauvignon – which we had sent home to Qld so we can ‘cellar’ them.
As if!!
Jane and Mick's Holiday Adventures 