Things to do
The Cape to Cape MTB is set up with the traveller in mind. Every day we set time aside for riders and their support crew to indulge in a variety of tourist activities in the region, so we encourage you to bring friends and family to the event.
Western Australia’s South West is renowned for its wide range of tourist attractions and the Margaret River region certainly has more than its share. Visitors to the region can enjoy a smorgasbord of fine food and wine, world-class surfing and swimming beaches, majestic karri forests and an abundance of outdoor activities that make the most of the spectacular natural scenery.
Read on for our top tips of things to do or contact the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association on +61 8 9780 5911 or email welcome@margaretriver.com or visit www.margaretriver.com.
Mountain biking, of course!
Set to an iconic backdrop of world famous surf beaches, private farmlands, wineries, rocky outcrops and national forest, the Margaret River region is an ideal place to go mountain bike riding. If you want to practice your MTB skills on the local trails prior to the Cape to Cape MTB or if your support crew feel like they are missing out on all the adventurous fun, book in for a mountain bike or walking tour with local legend Mike “Brookesy”at Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours or the crew at Dirty Detours.
Walk a section of the Cape to Cape track
The Cape to Cape Walk Track runs for 135 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between the lighthouse of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west of WA. Designed to bring people in close contact with the environment, the track mainly follows the coast, alternating spectacular sweeping cliff-top views with stretches of pristine beach. There are several inland loops, which take in some lovely sheltered woodland sections as well as the magnificent Boranup karri forest.
Indulge at a winery or sample a local brew
The internationally renowned Margaret River region is home to more than 220 wine producers, 100 cellar doors and produces more than 25 per cent of Australia’s premium wine. Stroll through vineyards with a glass of local wine, or dine at one of the many winery restaurants, where local chefs celebrate the local produce. Favourite’s include Aravina Estate, Cullen, Wills Domain, Leeuwin Estate, Knee Deep, Vasse Felix and Voyager Estate.
An emergence of award-winning Margaret River boutique breweries are becoming internationally recognised for their range of brews, from traditional pale ales and pilsners, through to ginger or chocolate flavoured beers. Our fave is of course Colonial Brewing Company, which plays host to our stage's 2 and 3 venues! Be sure to try our favourite, the only Australian IPA.
Sample a local favourite at one of Margaret River’s many breweries, including Margaret River Distilling Co, Eagle Bay Brewing Co, Cowaramup Brewing Company, Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery, and the most recently opened Young Henrys Brewery.
Keep the family busy
If you are needing to keep the kids entertained for a few hours while your rider completes the stage then why not take the family to Amaze’n Margaret River, the Naturaliste Reptile Park, Busselton Jetty & Underwater Observatory or head underground on an adventure of magical cave systems Lake, Mammoth and Jewel. Keen to get out into the fresh air, well known for unique for its proximity to the coast and the tall pale-barked karri trees Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is a great place for a picnic or camp out.
Get the adrenaline pumping
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and are looking to explore the Margaret River region then why not book in with Eco Adventures Quad Bike Tours. Get a guided tour through the spectacular bush that our South West has to offer, all while being in the safe hands of the Eco Adventures staff. Or if you feel like getting off the ground the Wilyabrup sea cliffs rate as one of the premier abseiling and rock climbing sites in the South West region. Perfect for adrenalin junkies, various programs introduce participants to the basic principles of abseiling including all safety aspects.
Embrace the waters
Margaret River is the undisputed surf capital of WA. It is home to a huge array of challenging and powerful waves, with more than 75 major breaks located between Cape Leeuwin in Augusta to Cape Naturaliste in Yallingup. Or if you’re not game for surf Yallingup Lagoon provides the perfect sheltered swimming area. The reef-enclosed lagoon is ideal for swimming, fishing and snorkelling and offers the perfect access to the long soft white sandy beach which extends south.
Head up the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
On the most south-westerly tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, stands the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. One of the last in the world to remain manually operated, at 39-metres Cape Leeuwin is also mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse.
Plan your WA holiday
There’s plenty for visitors to see and experience while in Western Australia. Visit www.westernaustralia.com to plan an extraordinary holiday to WA.
