About the South West

The South West of Western Australia ('down south' to Perth locals) is one of the most idyllic places on earth. With a Mediterranean climate, vast tracts of unspoilt forests and beaches and breathtakingly rugged coastlines it is a mecca for tourists from all over the world. Within this paradise sits the Margaret River Wine Region, a microcosm of everything that makes the south west such a wonderful place but with the added attraction of some of the world's best wines for you to try.

How To Find Us

Willy Bay Resort is located in the southwest of Western Australia; a leisurely three hour drive south of Perth. The Resort is situated on Metricup Road, 15 mins north of Margaret River and 20 mins south of Busselton and Dunsborough. Metricup Road runs off the Bussell Highway (the main road into Margaret River) and also connects to Caves Road.

Climate

The region is blessed with a perfect Mediterranean maritime climate, with the classic four seasons. Shorts, sandals, bathers and a t-shirt are de rigueur in summer and you will need to rug up in winter. A jacket for evenings is desirable at all times as even summer evenings can get cool.

History

Margaret River (the town and the river) was named after Margaret Wyche. The area was settled as early as the 1850’s, becoming a centre for timber cutting from the 1870’s. The town of Margaret River really became established after World War I with the establishment of The Group Settlement Scheme. This was an attempt to attract migrants to Western Australia and open up good rural land and establish a dairy industry. This attracted over 100 settlers to the district between 1921 to 1930. This scheme although visionary, was doomed to fail for various reasons and many farms were either abandoned or amalgamated. The 1960’s saw the beginnings of the current commercial industry that, more than anything, has put Margaret River on the world map. Its climate of lower summer temperatures, higher rainfall, minimum frost and hail risk and much lower ripening period cloudiness make it ideal for viticulture. The first vineyard, Vasse Felix, was established by Dr Tom Cullity in 1967 with a further 46 vineyards being established during the following 25 years as the demand for table wines in Australia steadily increased. By the mid 1990’s, Margaret River wines held 20% of the premium Australian wine market despite producing only 0.56% of Australian Wine.

Activities

• Wineries - We are surrounded by world-class wineries, many with cellar doors allowing you to taste before you buy. Make sure you decide on who is driving before the fun starts or try an organised winery tour. Many tour companies will pick you up and drop you back to the resort and our resort managers would be only to happy to organise bookings for you.

• Food - There is a fantastic selection of restaurants/cafes dotted throughout the region, many attached to winery cellar doors. Our chalet compendiums include sample menu’s and contact details for many venues.

• Bushwalking - There are many beautiful walks in the region. The Cape to Cape walk has breathtaking scenery as do many of the walks throughout the forest. The Boranup Karri forest is particularly spectacular.

• Beaches - You will be totally spoiled for choice with our beautiful beaches; from family-friendly beaches to some of the best surf breaks in the world.

• Fishing – Bring your rod and reel or hire some from local businesses in Dunsborough or Margaret River and see just how big that one was that got away.

• Surfing - Some of the best surf in the world is found in the region. Talk to the locals to find the best break or enrol in surf lessons so you can find your wave mojo.

• Diving - Excellent visibility, a multitude of reefs and fish galore make skin or scuba diving a memorable event. You could dive a different reef twice a day for a month and not even dent the number of choices left.

• Caving - Many spectacular public caves are available to see and for the serious spelunker, there are non-public caves to find!

• Shopping - Explore the larger town sites or check out the smaller ones for trendy boutiques, fabulous artwork, local produce and tasteful souvenirs.