Overcast and cool again this morning as we bid farewell to Beth and our pleasant little B& B and headed into Margaret River for a wander and a coffee. An appealing touristy town with a great choice of cafes, restaurants and shops. Before we visited a few wineries this morning we decided to drive the short distance across to Prevelly, Gnarabup and the mouth of the Margaret River. Was initially hard to comprehend that this lush and extensive wine growing region is so close to such a rugged and truly picturesque coastline that is dotted with renowned surf breaks! Unreal! Summertime must see theses areas bursting at the seams.....picnic and recreational facilities and parking seem to be being constructed and upgraded at a great rate.
Our first winery visit, staying south of Margaret River, was Cape Mentelle - impressive tasting rooms, gallery and grounds that host an outdoor cinema in the summer. Next was Xanadu, again substantial grounds with modern cellar door and restaurant. Beautiful! Then Voyager Estate, like the Margaret River region in general, is relatively young only having been established in 1996. But, despite this Voyager looks as if in as been transported from an English village complete with immaculate ornate gardens and roses! The lovely white washed building house the elaborate cellar door, tasting rooms and restaurant. Our final and much anticipated visit due to recommendations and consequentially our impending 2pm lunch booking, was Leeuwin Estate. It certainly didn't disappoint! Lunch was superb on the terrace overlooking the extensively manicured grounds! Squid, bugs, pork belly and beef! All sensational as was the wine and service! Such a treat!
We only had a short, less than 50km drive, to Augusta so stopped to do a self guided tour of Mammoth Cave enroute. One of several caves in this area. Really awesome and grateful for the many stairs and walk to work off that lunch!
Was after 5pm when we arrived at the Georgiana Molloy Motel and after a tentative start at locating our room etc (not really Fawlty Towers?!) got some washing done and relaxed. By 730pm when we felt like a snack unfortunately the little hamlet of Augusta, being Monday night of a long weekend, had closed for the night!! Our only option was a bowl of soup at the pub - and proved more than adequate!