Crystal Wonderland, Lake Cave, Margaret River WA

There are a number of caves in the South East region and we found Mammoth cave first, however, Graeme is not a fan of caves at all and if I wanted to descend into this for me, formidable entrance in the ground I would have to do it alone, as it is self-guided, albeit with an audio guide. I might be a country girl, but I am a chicken at heart. 

We then travelled Caves road between Margaret River and Augusta and we found Lake Cave, I was not disappointed.

The entrance to the cave is spectacular, formed in a huge circular crater called a doline, and giant Karri trees stand guard as we descend down over 300 steps to the bottom of the crater, a good level of fitness is required. 

An underground stream flowing through the cave has formed a lake. The drip of the water, creates an eerie feeling. Our guide turns on the spotlights to light up different sections as we move through. 

With crystal straws sparkling in the lights and reflecting in the lake, it is like looking at a crystal wonderland. The suspended table, a spectacular crystal decoration weighing several tonnes, hangs from the ceiling. It is believed to be the only one in the world. The table was formed when the column touched water and in later time the water level dropped.

Gnaramup Beach walk to Margaret River Mouth

Suffering from severe bushfires in 2011 the Prevelly and Gnaramup Beach headlands have been replanted with native wildflowers and shrubs and rejuvenated with walkways and rest stops. Each morning we would grab the joggers and hats and camera and head out for our daily walk, from Prevelly Beach to Gnaramup Beach and the mouth  of the Margaret River. 

The ocean roaring beside us and the tranquility of the bushland and fauna creating a beautiful, relaxed  contrast. The galahs and birds perched on the railings of the boardwalk, screeching and flying off, only to settle again after we passed.

The early morning surfers were out and the joggers maintaining fitness before heading off to work, were always nod hello and the tourists at a more leisurely pace, like us, enjoying the moment, before heading back to the Margaret River Beach Resort for breakfast

Scaveaola

Exclusive Lunch Fraser Gallop Winery, Margaret River

Lunch at Fraser Gallop at Wilyabrup is at the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region was the start of a wonderful journey enjoying red wine. I fell in love with their Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon and it is still my favourite red. A boutique winery that showcases Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

Their winemaker Kate Walker, spent time with us explaining their vineyard practices and also the winemaking process.

I think this was the first time I forgot to take photos of what we were eating. Our lunch was set up in with the barrels on a very elegant, highly polished timber table and our guide from Margaret River Discovery Tours had organised a lunch of local produce, condiments, cheese, smoked trout, and cold meats. With each course we tasted our wine, from a fresh Parterre Chardonnay and my favourite Fraser Gallop Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fantastic

Canoeing in paradise, Margaret River WA

A beautiful way to get some exercise, relax and enjoy the scenery, the birds and nature

Where the Margaret River meets the Indian Ocean

The quiet calm waters of the Margaret River, melt into the roaring Indian Ocean

Margaret River Discover Tour and Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs

Our tour started with a trip back out to Prevelly Beach and a morning coffee at White Elephant Cafe. Just to kick things off!!

With a wealth of knowledge of both white settlement and aboriginal ancestry, Sean our Margaret River Adventure Discovery tour guide took us to a beautiful spot on the river where the local aborigine tribe would meet and camp. It was easy to see why this spot was chosen, it was pretty, tranquil and in the heat of summer, lovely and cool.

Sean, had brought with him, some local home baked bread, which smelled delicious and was nice and crusty and he gave us a taste of three different types of honey from the local trees. One which stood out for me, was the honey from Agonis Flexuosa, the peppermint willow and you could actually taste the mint in the honey.

Canoeing Margaret River http://wanderingwoollies.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/canoeing-margaret-river.html

Fraser Gallop Winery http://wanderingwoollies.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/exclusive-lunch-fraser-gallop-winery.html

Lunch at Fraser Gallop at Wilyabrup is at the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region 

After Lunch we travel in Sean's Landrover and head into the scrub and four wheel drivie towards the Wilyabrup seacliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. The track at times disappears into vast areas of deep sand and we are priviledged to see birds and grass trees as well as reptiles and kangaroos.

Overlooking the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs to the Indian Ocean. We are not lucky enough to spot whales today. 

Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs

A shingle back lizard