MARGARET RIVER
THIS THRIVING WINE REGION IS A GREAT PLACE TO PUT DOWN ROOTS.
WITH WORLD-CLASS WINES, famous surf beaches, towering forests, restaurants and regional produce galore, and a Mediterranean climate, there’s a lot to like about Margaret River — which is the name of the town, the river and the renowned wine region. The township of Margaret River is about 270 kilometres south-west of Perth and 50 kilometres south-west of Busselton. The region takes in the towns of Cowaramup, Gracetown, Karridale, Augusta and Yallingup. Margaret River is within the traditional lands of the Wardandi Noongar people. European settlement began in the 1830s, and in the late 1880s the forests of giant karri trees brought timber millers to the region. After World War I, new settlers established dairy farms and other agricultural enterprises through the Group Settlement Scheme. The first vineyards were planted in the 1960s and there are now about 200 wineries, which attract thousands of visitors each year. Besides viticulture and wine production, sheep, dairy and beef cattle, horticulture and tourism are the major industries. Employment is also strong in the construction, retail, manufacturing and hospitality industries, as well as in education, health and administrative work. The town of Margaret River is well served with restaurants, cafés, galleries and good shopping, and the region is popular with those seeking a sea or tree change. “There’s no pollution, and we have the cleanest beaches with the whitest sand and the bluest water you can imagine,” says Morena Bamber, a property consultant with local real estate agency Stocker Preston. “Another thing people find very appealing is that Margaret River’s got a small-town feel about it. If you get into trouble, there’s always a neighbour to give you a hand.” For more information, visit margaretriver.com