Margaret River/ Perth

*Injidup Spa Retreat– An SLH hotel (Small Luxury Hotels of the world)–These SLH hotels are usually our favorite experiences because the service and rooms are 5 star but with a boutique feel.  It is perfect for a family, there are only 10 villas all overlooking the Indian ocean and actually ON the cape to cape hiking trail so one can go straight from your room to start the trail or go down to the beach. Each villa has its own plunge pool overlooking the ocean with a grill outside, a kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms and 2 bath. They give you a breakfast hamper that lasts 3 days for breakfast with amazing items…….It has been one of our favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed in!!!

*Cape Lodge– This was our second choice after hours of research.  They have a famous restaurant, are closer to downtown and are part of the 5 Star Alliance; however, being next to the ocean and experiencing the private villa with a pool, we definitely made a better choice.

SIGHTS:

*Wine Tasting– We loved the boutique wineries over the large well known ones–the ones below were our favorite and we went with Top Drop tours:

• Juniper Estate (Loved all wines here, especially their 2014 Tempranillo)
• Heydon Estate (Have to buy the 2011 Chardonnay-Willow and their 2009 Cabernet-Grace)
• Cape Naturaliste (their 2013 Shiraz is amazing)
• Mosswood (private tasting reservation)
• W.G. Grace
• Pierro

*Cape to Cape Hike – A stunning 135 km path along the Indian Ocean.  The views are beautiful and the wildlife is incredible!  One can see whales, unique birds, deer, snakes, etc..  You can choose to do just a piece of it and can start from the Injidup Spa Hotel.

*Farmers Market– This market is only open on saturday mornings from 8-12 and is in downtown Margaret River which is about a 20 minute drive from the hotel.  We bought
amazing steaks, fresh produce and of course pastries for dessert. We cooked the steaks on the grill at the villa and made a delicious dinner!

*Lake Cave Tour – An underground cavern made up of limestone, one can walk on walkways surrounded by water and illuminated by lights.  This cave has tours that run every hour from 9:30-3:30 and it is around a 30min. drive from downtown Margaret River.  There is no need for a reservation, you can pay once you arrive for entry and a tour.

*Trail Biking– Rent mountain bikes from the Hairy Marron in downtown margaret river. There is a cafe there for breakfast or lunch and some beautiful trails next to it that you can go trail riding. Really cool way to spend 2 hours!!  They have a variety of bikes and helmets, even ones for kids.  There are also a variety of trails to choose from.

FOOD:

*Lamonts at Smiths Beach– Really good food -try their Trio Red wine, their tomato feta salad and don’t miss the Pavlova!

*Studio Bistro--great food and wine!! Order their Pierro red wine and the squid-Spectacular!

*Morries Anytime-a relaxed spot perfect for brunch!

*Vasse Felix– We honestly didn’t care for the large wineries; however, we had lunch at Vasse Felix on the veranda overlooking the vineyard and it was quite an experience!

*The Grove– A brewery that is kid friendly!

PERTH

HOTEL:

*Parmelia Hilton– We stayed here after doing some research, liking the location and reading good reviews on Tripadvisor.  I wouldn’t say it is a 5 star hotel, more like a 4 star;however, you can’t beat the location.  It is in the center of town and walking distance to Hay Street and to Kings Park!

*Cottesloe Beach Hotel– If you want to stay near the beach, this art-deco hotel is beachfront with a great bar!

 

SIGHTS:

*Hay Street– This is such a great street full of amazing boutiques, coffee shops and life.  It is bustling with people coming and going and a great place to people watch and feel the Perth vibe.  You can walk here from the Hilton.

*Kings Park/ Botanical Gardens– This massive beautiful park houses a glass bridge, botanical gardens, playgrounds, cafes, a war memorial and some of the best views of the city.  Don’t miss the gallery shop called Aspects of Kings park, they have wonderful souvenirs.  Also have brunch at the Botanical Cafe in the park, great food.

*Claremont Quarter- If you want to do some shopping, this mall is between downtown and the beach and has some fabulous shops: Seed, Witchery, Country Road, Morrison, etc..

FOOD/DRINK:

*Cottesloe Beach Hotel-This is a great place on the beach to have a sunset drink at their Verandah Bar!!

*The Shorehouse– 5 minute drive from Cottesloe Beach Hotel is this restaurant.  The food, the drinks, the crowd, the decor, are all top notch !  This place has such a good vibe and the oysters are amazing!!!