I have spent the last 5 days in the south-west of Western Australia, away from my computer and with internet access limited to my phone. Mr Bite's family go away over summer most years, booking a large house to accommodate adults and children and dog between Christmas and New Year.
Last year was the first year I joined them; this year I went again.
The south-west corner of WA is an area known, I suspect, by every Western Australian. It is renowned for beaches, forests and wineries, and is the most appealing option if you want to drive out of Perth and reach somewhere nice within a few hours. If you head west from Perth you are in the ocean, and if you head north or east you will hit heat. In summer, south is the best direction by far. Dunsborough and Margaret River are the biggest towns in the upper south-west region, located about 45 minutes away from each other and 3 - 4 hours south of Perth. We stayed just outside of Dunsborough on this trip.
I will confess to finding relaxed holidays a bit of a challenge. I like to
do things, you see, and minimal structure and relaxed messiness are not a good match for my personality. This year, it was also very hot. Although Dunsborough is about 5'C cooler than Perth itself, it still hit maximums of about 36'C each day we were away (97'F). I hope you will forgive me for pointing out that 36'C every day for 5 days is really rather hot. The fact that it was hotter in Perth was some consolation, but only some.
With the above said, a bit of relaxed messiness is probably good for me every now and then. Once I have adjusted to lazy days and sand everywhere, I do have fun. I am also grateful to be included in Mr Bite's family holiday at all, and Mr Bite and I tend to add outings on to those we do with his family, to help my 'doing' nature cope.
And so, here are some of the images from our relaxed days down south, the final days for 2012. I hope you enjoy them regardless of your own temperature, and irrespective of your proximity to sand.
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Many forests, and many trails
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| Also many animals, big and small |
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| Beaches and sun galore |
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| Opportunities for camera playing |
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| 3.5 books read (I am still reading Bad Pharma, which is actually Mr B's) |
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| Chocolate heaven at the Margaret River Chocolate Company |
Whilst I didn't snap many photos of food, I will note that if you are staying in Dunsborough or Margaret River you will have no difficulty finding good food, whatever your food preferences or requirements are. From my perspective, there were many vegan and vegetarian options available and particular mentions go to...
- Peko Peko cafe at 59 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough. Peko Peko is home to fresh sushi, rice paper rolls, Asian-themed salads and noodle dishes, and even vegan cookies. I had a vegan Thai noodle salad for dinner on our first night, a veggie rice paper roll pack for lunch another day, and a carob, buckwheat and dried fruit and nut cookie for a snack.
- Thai Papaya at Naturaliste Shopping Centre, Dunsborough. This Thai restaurant made an amazing vegetarian stir fry with vegetables, tofu and cashews.
- Squid Lips Fish and Chips at 55 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough. In addition to winning awards for their fish and chips, Squid Lips makes a range of salads - something that wins awards from me. I had their grilled vegetable and couscous salad when others had fish and chips, and they also offer Greek salads, Asian noodle salads, and coleslaw.
On that note, I would like to wish you a very happy New Year and a sparkling 2013. I look forward to sharing the next year with you, and hope you enjoy whatever celebrations (or non-celebrations, if you are like me and prefer sleep to midnight revelling!) you have planned for tonight.
Are you fond of laid-back holidays, or are you like me and feel a bit twitchy when structure is abandoned?
Not hot here in Tassie at all but it's photos like the beach shots that remind me so much of Albany W.A. where we used to live, cheers for sharing your holiday shots :)
ReplyDeleteWe were rather wishing we had gone to Albany - it is so much cooler there! And Tasmanian weather has been a cause of envy, along with most of the rest of Australia actually ;) Happy New Year in your cool Tassie climate!
DeleteThat is such a wonderful place!
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg - we are very fortunate to have the area so close.
DeleteHappy 2013 to you and Mr Bite! I hope your year ahead is as exciting and fantastic as the one you've just had (though hopefully with fewer 36 degree days!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Theresa!
DeleteWhat a great place for a holiday but yes, that is rather hot! I have to say I've never been to WA - what a disgrace! I would love to visit Perth and of course the famous Margaret River. What a lovely idea to book a house and everyone's invited, even the dog! Happy New Year, Kari xx
ReplyDeleteYou have to visit Charlie - but do it outside of summer ;) The inclusion of the dog is really nice, and she definitely enjoys being involved! Happy New Year to you too, and hopefully you will make it across this way at some point.
DeleteLove the photographs, especially the beachy ones. I have never heard of Dunsborough before. I like to mix my holidays up, but if it is too relaxed for too long, I get twitchy too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's not just me ;) And thank you - I'm glad you like the photos.
DeleteHappy New Year! Here's to an even more wonderful 2013 for you, if that's possible. Oh, and yes, even I will admit that 40+ is too hot ;)
ReplyDeleteTeehee ;) I'm not sure if a year could be more wonderful than this one, but thank you so much nonetheless!
DeleteI am not good at laid back holidays but like you I find them good for me - I have briefly been to that part of WA and would love to return and do more - I remember the caves at margaret river which must be wonderfully cool in such hot temperatures (see I like doing!). Sounds like great fun to go away with another family (well interesting at least)
ReplyDeleteThe caves are one of my favourite down south activities, and we really should have done them this year given the heat. Once you've done them a few times they do start to be a bit repetitive though, and unfortunately with small children and a dog were not hugely practical! It's nice to think that you've visited the area and hopefully you'll get a chance to return at some stage; it is a good spot for people who like to 'do' on their relaxed holidays ;)
DeleteWhat a fabulous post. So Beautiful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have had similar challenges with going away with the man's family over the years. Trying to find a large enough house to accommodate adults, children and dogs over busy periods isn't an easy task. Dunsborough looks like a gorgeous spot and it sounds like you had a lovely break.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel - dogs do make it a bit tricky but they are so happy when they get to go!
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