Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
These two self-guided caves are managed by the Department of Environment and Conser-
(
www.dec.wa.gov.au
;
Caves Rd; adult/child $15/8; 9am-4.15pm)
has a seasonal underground lake and
is an attractive illustration of the role of the caves in the ecosystem - a stream transports
nutrients to the creatures living in the cave, while tree roots hang overhead.
Giants Cave
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.dec.wa.gov.au
; Caves Rd; adult/child $15/8; 9.30am-3.30pm school & public holidays only)
, further south, is deeper and longer and has some steep ladders and scrambles.
Ellensbrook Homestead
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.ntwa.com.au
;
Ellensbrook Rd; adult/child $4/2; 10am-4pm Sat & Sun)
An intriguing National Trust
property 8km northwest of Margaret River, Ellensbrook (1857) was the first home of pi-
oneer settlers Alfred and Ellen Bussell. The Wardandi people welcomed them, gave them
Noongar names and led them to this sheltered but isolated site, with its supply of fresh
water.
The house is basic and more than a little ramshackle, constructed of paperbark, drift-
wood, timber, lime, dung and hair. Between 1899 and 1917, Edith Bussell, who farmed
the property alone for many years, established an Aboriginal mission here. The children
were taught to read and write, and two of them were beneficiaries of Edith's will.
A short walk leads to
Meekadarabee
('bathing place of the moon'), a beautiful grotto set
below trickling rapids and surrounded by lush bush, associated with a pair of star-crossed
indigenous lovers. The grounds are open even when the house isn't.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Boranup Gallery
OFFLINE MAP
GALLERY
9.30am-5pm)
Local arts and crafts, 22km south of Mar-
(
www.boranupgallery.com
;
7981 Caves Rd;
garet River.
Boranup Drive
This 14km diversion runs along an unsealed road through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National
Park's beautiful karri forest. Near the southern end there's a lookout offering sea views.
SCENIC DRIVE
WILDLIFE INTERACTION
Eagles Heritage
OFFLINE MAP
