Margaret River is one of the state’s premier spots for adventure, with canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and surfing activities all in the area. If you’re after a natural high, abseil and rock-climb your way to some unforgettable experiences.
The caves beneath Leeuwin Naturalist Ridge and the sea cliffs of Wilyabrup are where you’ll find most of the action. There are two main companies offering abseiling and rock climbing experiences in the area – Outdoor Discoveries, which runs half and full day trips from Margaret River, and Adventure Out, which offers weekend camping tours departing Perth.
Abseiling and caving trips visit Boranup Forest, just south of Margaret River. Caves in this area range from walk-through caverns with spectacular formations, to tight squeezes guaranteed to get you dirty.
On a half-day Outdoor Discoveries trip, the abseiling action begins with an introduction to the sport above ground to help develop your confidence before you abseil deep into the depths of the cave.
Brides Cave is next – the only way in is to abseil 40m down. You’ll see amazing flowstone formations by torchlight and climb out using a caving ladder.
The full-day trip includes a more challenging 60m abseil down a narrow solution pipe to the entry (solution pipe entries are small holes in the ground) of Giants Cave. A walk through the cave takes you up close to glittering formations that can be seen only by torchlight.
Adventure Out offers abseiling in these caves, as well as Calgardup, Mill and Dingo Caves, depending on the degree of adventure and challenge you’re seeking
Both companies also offer abseiling or rock climbing trips to one of the premier adventure sites in the south, Wilyabrup sea cliffs.
Half-day tours introduce the basics of abseiling and include all safety aspects. You’ll start at the small cliffs and then gradually move towards larger rock faces culminating, in a 40m abseil at Steel Wall.
For an unbeatable adrenalin injection take a full-day tour, where you’ll forward abseil, jump out and also try an introduction to rock climbing.
Indoor climbing gyms may be fun but nothing compares to being outside on a cliff face, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.
Bottle nose dolphins are regularly spotted surfing the nearby break and it’s not uncommon to see seals and humpback whales during the season.
Both companies run their tours on demand. They’ll customise the trip to suit your level of fitness and desire for adventure, so they’re suitable for everyone.
With all tours you need to wear comfortable clothing and good quality walking shoes. Contact Adventure Out for a full list of must-haves on 08 9472 3919 or Outdoor Discoveries on 0407 084 945.
Merribrook Retreat also offers rock climbing and abseiling excursions as part of their accommodation packages. Contact them for more info on 08 9755 5599.
What’s Hot
Blue Spirit: Launching in November this new company offers a retreat including surfing lessons, sea kayaking, abseiling, yoga, massage, wine tours, food and accommodation. 08 9757 9284
Scoota Style Margaret River: A new business in Margaret River offering Red Devil scooters for hire for a few hours, daily, weekly – or join an escorted sunset tour. 08 9757 9567
Q Wines: One of the newest Margaret River wineries with a wine sensory garden where you can explore plants associated with the aromas and flavours of Q Wines. 08 9755 2869
Margaret River Providore: This new food experience allows you to see produce being grown, watch it being transformed into products in the kitchen and sample the end result. 08 9755 6355
Vatini: Margaret River’s new hot spot – a sleek bar and lounge offering snacks and drinks. 08 9758 8877