Our Margaret River Family Trip for Throwback Thursday

It happened a while ago, but I thought people would still find it interesting, so here’s my contribution to Throwback Thursday: a brief rundown of our trip to ‘Margs.’

While in Western Australia we took a 3-hour road trip from Perth to Margaret River to spend some family time in the sunshine and great outdoors.  The photo mosaic reflects pretty accurately how we spent our time, that is, mostly in caves.  They were beautiful viewing and an excellent escape from the heat. I underestimated how many steps there were for one of the caves and was embarrassingly a bit puffed after the climb. The children seemed to be fine though, which only made it more embarrassing.

The Margaret River region is most famous for it’s surf and wine. And for good reason, they’re amazing in this part of the world.  Just remember, like I wrote about in my post about Perth, visit the beaches earlier in the day because later in the day can be too windy. Many of the larger wineries have restaurants attached and large manicured gardens surrounding.  This can be great when touring around with children, have a feed and a good runaround.

There is an information centre in the Margaret River township that is very helpful and their website is similarly useful.  There are many options for accommodation, from budget to luxury.  With many activities suitable to families including farm experiences like fruit picking, mazes to run through and free tastings at the chocolate factory and the dairy company.  It’s a very popular destination, so it pays to book in advance and expect ‘tourist prices’ at the attractions.

We really enjoyed being out of a city environment and we were also lucky with the weather.  It reminded me how refreshing it can be to experience proper wide open space and fresh air.  Hopefully my vow to do it more is going to come true on our current trip around Europe.

Click on an image to view a larger version and enter the slideshow.

2 kids + carry on only = madness? My tips for traveling with carry on luggage only Part 1

This is our current line up of bags waiting to be tested on our next trip.
This is our current line up of bags waiting to be tested on our next trip.

Not so long ago we took a two week holiday to the tropics taking carry on luggage only.  Mainly because I am obsessed with the concept, but also because of the obvious benefits.  At the time our children were 3 and 5 years old.  Here are five tips if you’d like to do the same. Like so much in life, preparation is key.  I’m yet to score a perfect ten in my packing, but these tips are how I plan on getting closer. Continue reading “2 kids + carry on only = madness? My tips for traveling with carry on luggage only Part 1”

Product Review: Trunki Children’s Ride-on Suitcase

My local library had a little display of travel books on my last visit that got me to thinking that many people are beginning to plan their Christmas and Summer travel.  So I thought I’d begin a bit of a series I’ve been planning about travel, mainly travel with kids.  Here’s the first post. Continue reading “Product Review: Trunki Children’s Ride-on Suitcase”