Diamond Head Road

Follow the yellow brick road…

Having grown up in one of the most beautiful places on earth, I try not to set my expectations too high when we travel.

This wasn't the case for Margaret River though - Australia's version of Napa Valley with a little Santa Cruz and Provence thrown in the mix - my expectations were very high and "Margs" as the Aussies' call her did not disappoint.

We decided to take a break from the Bali heat and visit during Western Australia's off season which is our summer, their winter -and not even the hail, cold rain or frigid wind could dampen our spirit - an unusual cold snap for the area that definitely fulfilled my desire to wear fleece and get cozy by a fireplace.

Dramatic white sand beaches, idyllic rivers with bridges and walking paths, acre upon acre of pristine forest and to top it all off - over a hundred wineries within an hour's drive; one more beautiful then the next surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see, local breweries with the freshest beer on the planet and lively Aussie family ambiance and restaurants that serve only the most incredible fare produced right there in the shire - cheese, cream, butter, eggs, pastry, fish, chocolate, jam - you name it, Margaret River makes it. 

For breakfast head to the eclectic Margaret River Bakery - I became addicted to the freshly baked scones topped with Devonshire Cream and local strawberry jam and served with a flat white, an Aussie version of a cappuccino topped with a creamier foam, of course.