Get out and explore the great outdoors this winter.
‘Tis the season of hidden adventures.
The buzzing holiday crowds are gone, the landscape is a lush and verdant green, and brooks, creeks, rivers, and waterfalls are running high. Winter is a time when you can experience the region’s natural beauty at its peak, and for those hardy enough to brave the elements, these adventure tours are the best way to immerse yourself in winter glory.
Ecoadventures’ unique electric quad-bike tour is one of the ultimate ways to experience the ancient beauty of the Forest Grove Trails. These converted electric quad bikes are the first of their kind in the world and are sustainable and highly efficient with no heath, noise, or emissions. They are that silent; you can hear the forest, but the forest can’t hear you.
The bikes are also equipped with an iPad mini that brings prehistoric mega-fauna to life. Take an 18-kilometre trip through a Jurassic Park-like scene on a 21st-century vehicle.
All year round being out on the water is a fantastic experience in the Margaret River Region, but during winter and spring, there is the added bonus of getting to see whales. Departing twice daily from Augusta between June to August, local whale-watching tours include experienced commentators who can educate you on the whales and their migratory patterns.
If you’re keen to come back for the whales in springtime, whale-watching tours are available in Dunsborough and Busselton from September to December.
Born the son of a local forest ranger, Hank Durlik knows many of Margaret River’s abundant secrets. At Margaret River Exposed, his Black Point Discovery tour is designed to share the region’s hidden and most photogenic gems with a lucky few. This off-road adventure tour explores the wild southern coast and old-growth forests, all from the luxury of Hank’s four-wheel drive.
Throw in an amazing local produce gourmet picnic lunch and a stopover at a local boutique winery, and you’ve got a ticket to sample some of nature’s finest.
Touring by horse has got to be the most serene and immersive way of experiencing the Margaret River Region’s natural glory. At The Horse Resort, an expansive bush property, you can soak in the trickling of creeks and brooks and swaying grass, all to the entrancing beat and sway of horse steps.
The Horse Resort is about teaching horsemanship, which is built upon the founding principles of kindness and understanding. The guided ride through the lovely paddocks and bush trails of the property is safe and well-controlled, but also a ton of fun with the freedom to ride at your capability level.
Another great option is Jesters Flat, who offer a range of tour options from short beginner bush rides right through to multi-day treks through different parts of the region.
If you prefer a different kind of saddle for your outdoor adventures, On Track Mountain Biking has got you covered. They’ll take you to the hidden gem trails that only the locals know about. Their local expert trail guides are also experienced skill instructors so they know where to take you to maximize the stoke for any skill level, plus you can pick up a few extra skills along the way to take back with you to your home trails. Take your pick of shuttled tours to all the trails in the greater southwest region, from Margs to Meelup, Collie to Nannup, and beyond. Speak to them about customised tours as well.
Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours is also a fantastic option for trail lovers. In their customised tours, they’ll share over 30 years of mountain biking and trail walking experience with you.
Do you like the idea of taking in the beauty of the region’s beauty from a bike saddle but are looking for a more relaxed version? Check out both providers’ e-bike offerings.
If there is anyone attuned to all the moods and seasons of the region, it’s local Wadandi man, Josh Whiteland. Josh’s ancestors have occupied this place for around 60,000 years, and at Koomal Dreaming, Josh draws on millennia of historical and traditional knowledge to create a deep connection and lasting memories in his guests.
These Aboriginal interpretive experiences along the spectacular capes and coastline show visitors what the seasons mean to the Wadandi people, and how integral it is to the prosperity of the land and its peoples. Learn through stories the interconnected ecology of the plants, the sea, the animals, the fish, and the rivers, and why the past is ever present to this land’s traditional custodians.
In recognition of his extraordinary offering, Josh was honoured with the Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism Award this year.
Are you looking for a ride from Perth to the beautiful Margaret River Region and beyond? You might as well pack the journey full of adventures! Untamed Escapes has been operating adventure tours starting from Perth for 20 years.
How about their 6-Day Margaret River & Esperance Camping Adventure? It’s an incredible way to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and boundless adventures. Experience superb hikes, engage in Indigenous culture, taste wine in Margaret River, and wander the ancient forests of Walpole. Participate in a meaningful wildlife conservation activity, marvel at Wave Rock, and camp for two nights at the stunning Cape Le Grand National Park, too.
If you’re always up for an adventure, but tours are not your thing, Margaret River Discovery Co provides a unique, small tour experience in the Margaret River region. This is the “tour for people who don’t do tours”.
Limited to six guests, travelling in a luxury 4WD, hosted by award-winning Golden Guide – Sean Blocksidge, canoeing the pristine Margaret River, hiking the iconic Cape to Cape Track, exclusive behind-the-scenes winery experiences, and a thrilling 4WD adventure, are just a few of the experiences guests enjoy.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, MRDCo has been rated by Tripadvisor users as the #1 tour in the Margaret River for 16 consecutive years and is currently the #1 experience in Western Australia.
