Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO STAY
It's not the prettiest village in the Southwest, but
Margaret River
has the advan-
tage of banks, a supermarket, and a few restaurants and shops. The blink-and-
you'll-miss-it hamlet of
Cowaramup,
11km (6
3
⁄
4
miles) north of Margaret River
township, is closer to more wineries and has a general store, a cafe, and one or
two interesting crafts shops.
Vasse
is a tiny settlement at the northern edge of
the Southwest, 36km (22
1
⁄
2
miles) north of Margaret River. Some places may
demand a minimum 2-night stay on weekends.
IN MARGARET RIVER
Basildene Manor
This lovely National Trust-classified farmhouse was built
by the local lighthouse keeper in 1912 out of local stone. Following a supremely
tasteful refurbishment in 1997 by the friendly proprietors, Garry Nielsen and Julie
Whittingham, it's now a gentrified B&B with attractive bedrooms. Some lead off
an impressive jarrah gallery overlooking the cozy “Main Hall” with its open fire.
Suites are large rooms with their own sitting areas, and eight of them added in
1999 have Jacuzzi bathrooms. A stylish, cooked breakfast is served in the pretty
conservatory overlooking the 5.5-hectare (14-acre) grounds, and your hosts point
you along a walking trail to spy on a mob of kangaroos. No smoking indoors.
Lot 100 Wallcliffe Rd. (2km/1
1
⁄
4
miles west of town), Margaret River, WA 6285.
&
08/9757 3140.
Fax 08/9757
3383. www.basildene.com.au. 17 units (all with shower only, 8 with Jacuzzis). A$229-A$334
(US$149-US$217) double. 2-night stay required on weekends. Rates include full breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Chil-
dren under 15 not permitted.
Amenities:
Same-day laundry/dry cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:
A/C, TV/VCR, nonalcoholic minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Heritage Trail Lodge
Although they're on the highway and “in” Margaret
River (within walking distance of restaurants), this cute row of salmon-pink cabin-
style rooms, built in 1997, are huddled in a serene karri forest, out of sight of
town. Inside, each spacious unit has king double or king twin beds and a fabulous
double Jacuzzi (even the room for people with disabilities), from which you can
see the forest. The rooms back onto a 35-minute bushwalk trail. Welcoming
proprietors Hugh and Maxine Beckingham serve up a delicious gourmet breakfast
of local produce including cereals, yogurt, and local jams, cheeses, and breads in
the sunny pine dining room. 'Roos even hop into the car park sometimes. No
smoking indoors.
31 Bussell Hwy. (almost .5km/
1
⁄
4
mile north of town), Margaret River, WA 6285.
&
08/9757 9595.
Fax 08/9757
9596. www.heritage-trail-lodge.com.au. 10 units (all with shower and Jacuzzi). A$210-A$259
(US$137-US$168) double. Extra person A$35 (US$23). Rates include gourmet continental breakfast. Ask about
midweek packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Children under 16 not permitted.
Amenities:
Nonsmoking rooms. In room:
A/C, TV, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
IN COWARAMUP
The Noble Grape
English cottage gardens surround this B&B, recently built
in a colonial style. Each well-maintained room is motel-like, but homey and
welcoming with a modern bathroom, heating, ceiling fans, a comfy sitting area,
and a small rear patio opening onto bird-filled trees. One caters to travelers with
disabilities, and a family room sleeps five. Although you're on the highway here,
the rooms are quiet. Hair dryers are at reception. No smoking indoors.
Lot 18, Bussell Hwy., Cowaramup, WA 6284.
&
/fax
08/9755 5538.
www.babs.com.au/noblegrape. 6 units
(all with shower only). A$99 (US$64) double. Additional person A$22 (US$14). Rates include continental
breakfast. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room: TV,
fridge, coffeemaker, no phone.
