Today’s tidbit: “Through spontaneity we are re-formed into ourselves.” ― Viola Spolin

Last week I shared the first rainy day of an impromptu overnight trip to Margaret River. The following morning the sun was out and we drove through the tall karri forests and explored one of the many caves. Before heading back to Perth in the afternoon we stopped at the most south westerly tip of Australia, and climbed to the top of historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Wonderful little trip!

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

 

The Margaret River region offers visitors some of the most unique and stunning cave experiences in Australia. Along the spine of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge and beneath soaring karri forest lie more than 150 caves.

{Karri tree} The landscape south was very different from up north, which was very flat. “The karri tree, which grows in the forests of South-West Western Australia, is the third tallest tree in the world, reaching heights of ninety metres”. Read more.

 

{Jewel Cave Augusta} There were so many choices when it came to caves in this region, but we decided to explore the Jewel Cave since it’s the biggest show cave in WA.

“Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia, with four massive chambers. It is also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in the world. In 2011, Jewel Cave was awarded a gold medal in the “Tourist Attractions” category at the WA Tourism Awards, as well as a silver in the Eco Tourism Category. Jewel Cave is an underground wonderland – be stunned by the dazzling visual display of nature at its finest and most meticulous work. Admire creations that have taken thousands and thousands of years to mould while meandering beneath the surface with one winding intricate masterpiece of mother nature after another.” Read more.

 

 

{Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse} After the caves we drove to the lighthouse, where we had a late morning  snack (delicious cappuccino + gluten free cookie) and then took the audio tour as we wandered to the lighthouse, where we walked up the stairs to the top lookout.

“Historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet – 8 kilometres west of Augusta. With a stunning blue backdrop of the ocean meeting the sky the lighthouse appears to glow in white splendour during summer, whilst during winter the awesome force of the fierce Southern Ocean and powerful Indian Ocean crashing against the Cape makes your visit a unique, awesome and contrasting experience year round.” Read more.

Views from the top.

While we were at the top of the lighthouse the guide told us the story below when he found out I was from Washington, D.C. I couldn’t tell if he was joking so when we got back to the office we asked another guide and he dug up this article in a big binder of newspaper clippings. So neat.

 

Stumbled upon a field of yellow on the drive back to Perth. How beautiful is this?!

Ended the day back in Perth, enjoying dinner in the flat (gluten free pasta creation + swordfish, salad and wine). Yum.

There really is so much to do in Margaret River. This impromptu trip was a great taste of the region but I hope to go back for longer! Who wants to visit?

Check back next week as I share my LAST blog post from my trip to WA.