As we rolled into Margaret River we knew we'd be here for a few days at least so we quickly left town and headed out to the famous surfing beach, Prevelly. It certainly didn't disappoint and there was a fair share of windsurfers and what I can only describe as Parachute Surfing; those things absolutley fly! Of course it was blowing a gale so that helps hey?
We checked out a caravan park back in town and not only was it packed but the spaces were so small we couldn't fit our camper trailer on the site they tagged for us; it was ridiculous. We headed 5 minutes out to a Big 4 called Tauton Holiday Park and it was magic. It's built around a farm so there's animals about (donkeys, camels, sheep, cattle, chooks and ducks) and one site would be equal to 4 to 6 sites back in town. Tourists tend to drive past it on their way into town so it was maybe a quarter full. What a difference from 5 minutes away and the best caravan park we have been to on this trip. We used this as our base and we visited the beautiful Busselton Jetty. At just under 2km long it's the 2nd longest wooden jetty in the world. At the end is the Underwater Observatory 8 meters down that was spectacular,with coral and heaps of different fish; a must see if you're over this way.
The following day we headed to Bunbury to the Dolphin Discovery Centre. After getting there at 8 in the morning, we waited 4 fours and no dolphins turned up! It turns out that was the third day in a row that they were a no show and this is generally a good time of year for them. Bugger. Had a walk in town and were amused by the talking toilet. It locks you in, talks to you, plays nice music so you can concentrate on the business at hand and then unlocks the door after 10 minutes if you haven't alreay done so. The moment you place your hands under the automatic tap, the toilet flushes by itself, the soap ejects automatically, the dryer does and even the dunny paper rolls out for you. I think it even thanks you (could be making that one up). Heaven in Bunbury...
After this it was shopping in Margaret River and then a drive around some local attractions. We didn't have time to visit the 90 wineries in the area (that is just amazing, it's not a big area) but our first stop was the Yahava Koffee Works. The aroma in this place was amazing and the Nicaraguan? coffee we had was delicious. Then we visited the Margaret River Chocolate Company and after sampling a lot of the free stuff ("divine" in Sharyn's words) we bought some 'takeaway'. Last and CERTAINLY least, the Bootleg Brewery. The place looked good, there were heaps of people drinking, the beer and sticker cost $9 so it must be good but the reality was a very ordinary beer, no better than a $3 pot of Carlton Draught. Looking around at all these people drinking heaps of this expensive beer I realised it was another case of the Experor's New Clothes. To be seen in the 'right' place means a lot to some people obviously. I thought of a few words for these poor souls but as I'm aware of some young readers of this site I have to hold myself back!
On leaving Margaret River we again visited the Dolphin Centre and again we had no luck. It was 5 days with no show now and I guess we'll have to wait for Monkey Mia before getting close to some. Next stop, Perth.
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