Surfing is one of the most popular pastimes in the Margaret River region. While some people enjoy relaxing at restaurants and tasting this area's fine wine, others like fuelling their holiday with jam-packed adventure. Doing a beach crawl in search of the perfect wave is a great way to see this fabulous coastline.
Kick off your surfing holiday at Cape Naturaliste, about three hours south of Perth. The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse lets you scope out the rugged coastline, breathe in some salty air and enjoy the views of the Indian Ocean. You can even take a tour of the lighthouse for $7 and learn about its history. Being the last manned lighthouse in Western Australia, its story is long and interesting.
Once you've checked out the surf from a high vantage point, jump in the car and start your drive. Yallingup is the first spot you'll come across, and as you cruise into town, you'll feel its relaxed vibe. The town's inhabited by surfers and fishermen, especially in May and June, which are the best months for salmon fishing.
The great appeal of Yallingup is its location. The dunes creep up on to the hills, the beaches are edged with wildflowers and the granite foreshore sets a sharp contrast to the white beaches. It is easy to imagine why some of the residents of this tiny new settlement believe they're living in paradise!
Die-hard surfers practically live on the beach, spending the day at sea and the night in their 4WD vehicles, waiting impatiently for the sun to break beyond the horizon.
While the surfers enjoy Yallingup's beach, art-lovers can check out Gunyulgup Gallery and Lamont's Restaurant.
Drive further down the coast and you'll come to two infamous surfing breaks, Guillotines and Gallows. It won't be long before you realise how they got their name. The waves are tough, even ferocious at times, but surfers will love them.
The last stop on this surf 'n' drive holiday is Southpoint Beach, with more great breaks and the perfect end to an absolutely gnarly surfing holiday.
The facts:
Caves House in Yallingup is a great place to chill after a day in the surf. Rooms with a Jacuzzi bath start at $145 per double per night.
Caves House
Tel: 08 9755 2131
Cape Naturualiste Lighthouse is open every day of the week. Tours cost $7 for adults and $3 for kids.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Tel: 08 9755 3955
Thrifty has cars for hire from $47 a day.
Thrifty
Tel: 1300 367 227
