10 Things To Do This Winter School Holidays

Defy gravity, get lost in an Amazing Mirror Maze and grow big or small in the blink of an eye! These are just some of the extraordinary adventures at Wow Illusions in Metricup. All illusions are set up indoors, so any guests who would like to stay out of the wintery weather while having an amazing time, can do so. There’s also a big indoor café, which serves up delicious coffee, cakes, ice cream and toasted croissants for intrepid explorers. You can even have your own head served on a platter! Doors are open every day between 9.30am and 4.30pm, and there is no need to book a session time. Kids of all ages are welcome, but anyone under 16 will need to be supervised.

Discover thousands of rare and beautiful shells in this ocean wonderland, located just 600 metres from Busselton Jetty. You’ll get to discover interesting facts about shells and say hello to the fish and other sea life that live in the cave’s aquariums. Look out for dedicated school holiday events where you can meet a real-life mermaid, and there’s also a great little gift shop, filled with mermaid wares, ocean jewellery and other beautifully crafted trinkets. The Mermaid Cave also hosts regular pottery workshops, where you can learn to create your very own piece under the expert guidance of local artist, Sasha. Made by the Sea runs pottery classes for people of all ages, which makes this the perfect winter activity for little ones and grown-ups who want to discover the joy of pottery.

There’s nothing quite like escaping underground when the weather gets blustery. And it doesn’t get much better than Lake Cave. Right now, the cave’s water level is the highest it has been in decades. To get to the cave, you’ll walk stairs through a beautiful sunken forest, surrounded by magnificent karri trees. Inside the cave, a tranquil lake reflects the delicate crystal formations that are growing from the cave ceiling, as well as an awesome Suspended Table made from two giant sheets of flowstone. The water inside is actually formed by a stream, which experts say may have been flowing for tens of millions of years. The cave is open every day from 9am to 5pm, but be sure to book in with one of their incredible tours before showing up.

Need a little adrenaline in your school holidays? Head to Next Level Monkey Business in Dunsborough and give their exhilarating ropes course a go. There’s also zip lines, a 100 foot bouldering wall, night climbing sessions and other exciting activities. Special adventures have been curated to suit different age groups. Like Cheeky Chimps, which is perfect for families with kids aged four and up, who want to climb tunnels, cross net bridges and ride the mini zip-line. Grown-ups and kids over 13 can have a go on the Mega Zip, which travels 100 metres across a lake. Be sure to book in before showing up, and take a look at their website to find the right session for you.

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta is the tallest lighthouse in mainland Australia. It’s also still in action, helping seafarers safely navigate the treacherous cape since it was built in 1895. The lighthouse is the perfect spot to see whales, making their way from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Northern WA on their annual migration. The lighthouse is open every day, and tours kick off every thirty minutes. You can also check out the Interpretive Centre, which is located in the old lighthouse keepers’ cottage, and features cool interactive experiences that shed light on the history of the lighthouse and its keepers.

The legends at the Margaret River Theatre Group are performing Once Upon a Time – A Pantomime, over five shows from 7 to 15 July. The show will be performed at Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia, and tells the story of the wicked queen Evelyn, who tries to thwart the wedding of Cinderella’s daughter and Snow White’s son. The prince and his friends must save the princess and bring peace to Pantoland. But first, they’ll meet unlikely characters from different stories, who will help them along their adventure. Tickets cost $22 and can be purchased online.

The Margaret River Chocolate Company in Metricup is the perfect winter drop-in for anyone craving a chocolate hit. The café serves up delicious chocolate fondue, as well as other delectable chocolate treats and drinks. (Yes, they do savoury, but that’s not the assignment.) They also sell chocolate coated marshmallows, chocolate bars, boxed favourites and gift hampers. Or choose your individual favourites and have them boxed up to take home. Another gem serving much-craveable Foundue Fridays and Toasty Tastings by the Fire, is Bettenay Wines. Think nougat galore, hot choc and plenty of outdoor space for the kids, and Nougaretto, warming wines, and fireside chats for the grownups. If you’re on a true chocolate bender, stop in at Gabriel Chocolate in Yallingup and Temper Temper in Cowaramup to round off your ultimate chocolate adventure.

Origins Market in Busselton is a giant warehouse structure filled with eateries, makers, fresh produce, and an indoor playground. Head in for a bakery treat and a fresh coffee, then spend the morning perusing the wares of local artists. Later on, head over to the Homestead Bar for international street eats, world-class wine and craft beer. Over the July school holidays the markets will be running a full program of workshops and events for kids and people of all ages; like cookie decorating, candle making and water colour painting. You can also catch live music by incredible local artist, Jules Candy, who will be playing a solo acoustic set on Saturday 15 July.

If you’re not game enough to get wet this winter, head to the Russell Ord Gallery at Edwards Wines and marvel at the photographic works of acclaimed WA surf-photographer, Russell Ord. His big-wave pieces have garnered awards and starred on countless magazine covers since he dipped his toe into ocean photography back in the 2000’s. Drop into the gallery store and pick up a copy of Main Break, which offers up a rare snapshot into the local characters who live to surf the iconic Margaret River Main Break. When you’re done, amble next door to the Wine Cellar Door where ‘Matilda’, the resident Tiger Moth, will greet you at the door.

The Margaret River Region is home to some of the most incredible walking trails in the state. If you know where to go, you’ll find old railway bridges, winding forest pathways and beautiful river walks. The wilderness in winter is truly something to behold. Wear a waterproof jacket and proper foot ware, and you’re all set. Some of our favourite tracks in Margaret River include the Ten Mile Brook Dam Trail and the Wadandi Track. Canal Rocks in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is another great spot for a walk. Head along the timber walkway and take in the wild winter waves, which crash on the granite rocks below. Then wander over to the lookout, which is just 500 metres away from the road.