This Aussie wine region is outstanding, even if you don’t drink

Seven wonders within Margaret River, WA

From giant wombats and friendly stingrays to natural spas and family-friendly wineries, we explore seven wonders of Margaret River.

1. Go underwater

Think of it as snorkelling without getting wet. The Busselton Underwater Observatory lies eight metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean, with its 11 viewing windows letting you into a marine world where more than 300 species flit and interact. Perhaps more remarkable is the observatory’s location at the end of the Busselton Jetty, a 1.8 kilometre wooden colossus that’s so long, you can ride a train to the end of it. See busseltonjetty.com.au

2. See a giant wombat jaw

Each of the region’s prodigious haul of caves has something different to offer. Lake Cave has an underground lake, Ngilgi Cave has an interactive walk focusing on local Indigenous culture and Jewel Cave has arguably the most impressive decorations. But Mammoth Cave (pictured) has the biggest chamber, a hugely impressive array of ancient megafauna fossils and a 50,000-year-old jawbone embedded in the wall. It belonged to a zygomaturus – otherwise known as a giant wombat. And that wins. See capesfoundation.org.au

3. Crane your neck

Mammoth Cave lies within the Boranup Karri Forest, a vertiginous swathe of green between the towns of Margaret River and Augusta. The drive along Caves Road is one of humbling beauty – you’re surrounded by some of the tallest trees on the planet, packed in tight and soaring more than 60 metres upwards. There are several spots to pull over for photos, although you’re going to need portrait mode. See exploreparks.dcba.wa.gov.au

4. Sip at family-friendly wineries

Margaret River has several prestige wineries with opulent dining options – Vasse Felix is the best-known. But the region is seriously underrated for its collection of family-friendly wineries where the grown-ups can enjoy a tasting while the kids burn off some energy. Lenton Brae in Wilyabrup is a fine example. Parents can plough through the samples – the mourvedre is a pleasant surprise – while kids play giant Jenga, table tennis and swingball then charge around the expansive lawn with the owner’s marvellously friendly dogs. See lentonbrae.com

5. Soak in a spa

Clambering over the chunky, scorched red rocks to get to Injidup Natural Spa is an integral part of the fun. And, once you get into the water, you realise that “rock pool” is a totally inadequate description for this dramatic coastal hangout. The ocean swells break through a gap in the rocks, creating a Jacuzzi-like wash of white water. On a rough day, it’s frankly dangerous, but otherwise, it’s a joy that no artificial spa pool can compete with.

6. Tackle the Cape to Cape Track

The Injidup Natural Spa is one of many delight-provoking coastal formations along the Cape to Cape Walk, a 130 kilometre walk between the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. It has justifiably become one of Australia’s top multi-day walks, but those without five to seven spare days can get a taster on the easy-going northern section. The 3.4 kilometre stretch from Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock is gentle, Grade 1 and wheelchair-friendly, while packing in an outrageous amount of stellar coastal scenery. See trailswa.com.au

7. Paddle with stingrays

One of several dazzling beaches along the Cape to Cape Track, Hamelin Bay in the south of the region contains the photogenic remains of the old timber trade jetty. But you don’t look at the ruins for long once you spot the action in the shallows.

Here, stingrays mooch around, completely at ease with the adoring humans rolling their jeans up to paddle near them. They have done for years – they originally came for scraps left by fishermen – although what was once a solid gold local secret has now escaped containment. See exploreparks.dcba.wa.gov.au

The writer was a guest of Tourism Western Australia. See westernaustralia.com