Thurs 2nd September, 2010 - Day 97 Margaret River

This was the day for our trip south. We set off at about 9am and headed along the Caves Road which runs parallel to the highway, closer to the coast.

The first stop was Redgate Beach which was a very small hamlet right beside the ocean. The views were as good as any along the coast.

Back to Caves Road, we soon arrived at Lake Cave. This cave which was one of about five in this area. This cave had been recommended to us by Smiler & Pat.

The entry to the cave was by wooden steps, which descended into a huge cavern type hole in the ground, which had been formed when the ground above this cavern, which was once a cave, collapsed leaving a huge gaping void.

After our tour guide had given us a preliminary talk under an overhang in the cavern, we descended underground into the cave proper.

I thought I was all caved out, after visiting Jenolan, Wellington & caves in Tasmania. I was wrong, this proved to be up there with all the others & as it was the first river cave we had been in, was magnificent.

The tour guide gave us a spectacular light show while we were seated at the end of the cave. He lit different sections separately & then gave us the lights out, which left us 'IN THE DARK'!

All up we descended over 300 steps to reach the floor of the cave.

Back on Caves Road we visited Hamelin Bay Caravan Park which was in a natural setting off the main road. Being winter, the park was deserted. During summer we guessed the park would be overflowing.

Another stop off the Caves Road was Cosy Corner, where we got as cosy as possible beside the Patrol, devouring our pre-packed morning tea.

Next stop was on a deviation from the main road. It was a lookout above the Augusta golf course. Although it was a very overcast day, the views over the green fields were lovely.

After joining the Bussell Highway, it was only a short drive to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the tallest on the Australian mainland & provides a warning for the many ships that use this area, which is one of the most dangerous coasts in the world. This is also the place where the Indian & Great Southern Oceans meet.

Grandee & I did a tour of the lighthouse. Our tour guide was originally from Dubbo. Before ascending the hundreds of steps to the top, we were asked what stories we would like to be told. We decided on ghost stories & were promptly told of sightings of a local ghost that had been seen by our guide, VERY SPOOKY!!!.

The views from the outside railed platform were very impressive. I kept my vertigo & also my fear of heights under control.

On leaving the lighthouse we motored back along the Bussell Highway to Augusta where we purchased pies from the local bakery. We ate our very late lunch in the Patrol.

Next on our tour was a winery. And what a winery it was. Millions of dollars must have been spent on building this magnificent structure and surrounding spectacular gardens. These gardens alone must cost millions to maintain. The winery is Voyager Estate.

After Grandee & I had strolled through the hedged gardens we went inside where we purchased some wine, as you do.

After leaving the winery we returned to Margaret River. I purchased a pizza from the local Eagle Boys. We ate the pizza in the van while watching TV. It had been a big day for us oldies.

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