We travelled with our 7 year old Kidsetter to the one and only Margaret River in Western Australia.
First stop the Margaret River Chocolate Company. A delightful display of wall to wall chocolate with every flavour and combination possible. Overwhelmed by choice, we taste tested various ones which helped us decide on our final selection. A fun open window where our Kidsetter could watch the chocolate being made behind the scenes. Our Kidsetter was bemused by the Quokka’s made of chocolate !
We had anticipated having a lunch at Cullen Wines, one of our favourite wineries. We arrived to discover they have changed their set up. They have moved away from relaxed dining to a formal setting and need to book in advance. Still attracting many Kidsetters as the environment is perfect for them.
Open sparse areas for them to run around in, colourful bean bags to collapse in and a wonderful children’s sensory garden. Our Kidsetter rarely sit stills so I was amazed to find him immersed in the natural surroundings sitting quietly in a bean bag pondering the world. One of those times in your life you wanted time to stand still to fully appreciate all that was unfolding.
We drove to Sugar Loaf rock within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. For well over 40,000 years the Capes have provided for local Noongar Wardani people. Beneath the magnificent waves at Sugar Loaf Rock holds home to the most diverse temperate marine environments in Australia. Here warm, tropical waters from the Leeuwin Current mingle with the cool Capes Current resulting in a great diversity of marine life, including many species unique to this area. Massive gneiss boulders lay scattered over the sea floor.
Our Kidsetter went ‘off road,’ pretending he was a mountain goat climbing and exploring the rocky crevices in search for mysterious sea creatures such as colourful sea squirts, sponges and corals. The thick carpet of seaweed also provides great hiding places for fish such as Western King Wrasse, Dusky Morwong and Scalyfin. Pounding waves off the Indian Ocean have sculptured a network of canals into the headland, forming a patchwork of rocky islands. This unusual pattern of coastal erosion is controlled by an intersecting system of joints, fractures and faults within the gneiss. It allows the water to deeply penetrate the rock, eroding it to form linear-shaped canals.
Next, we visited Ngilgi Cave. I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by our guide. Hoping for some geology insights as to how the cave was formed or to share the fascinating Aboriginal Dreamtime Story of the good spirit Ngilgi for our Kidsetter to absorb. Our Kidsetter had to hear the story from me instead.
This being said, our Kidsetter had an absolute ball !
Getting ready to enter the Ngilgi Cave
Our Kidsetter enjoyed discovering new chambers and formations at every turn. Especially the ‘Fairy Cave’, ‘Cupid’s Corner’ and his ultimate favourite the ‘Tunnel of Doom’ – a dimly lit kid sized tunnel set up within the cave. He loved using his imagination making shapes out of the various stalactites.
Next, it was time to cool off in the rolling waves of Meelup Beach. The protected bay offers ideal swimming conditions. Beautiful white sand and clear turquoise water. We played games of ‘tag’ in the picture-perfect waters.
After laughing our ‘heads off’ and working up an appetite, it was time to have something to eat. We had collected some take away pies from Dunsborough on the way through to Meelup Beach. We set up at the picnic tables under leafy gum trees on large grassy areas. Meelup is surrounded by beautiful natural bush land.
A perfect way to end a perfect day.
