Places like Perth, Sydney and Canberra dominate the Australian tourist scene for now, but upcoming towns are giving them some competition. Perhaps a place like Busselton continues to grow in popularity with tourists and newly established locals because it is not the city and retains some country charm. Still, here in Geographe Bay people are catching on to the many benefits of these calm waters and a relatively peaceful lifestyle.

Beef and dairy cattle were among the first settlers. They joined sheep and farmers who grew crops starting almost two centuries ago. Later, wine and tourism took over. They brought with them the need for hotels and facilities, plus people who wanted to live here full time. In spite of such growth, Busselton retains much of what attracted people in the first place: sites such as Wonnerup Wetlands and the bush at Ambergate Reserve.

The sea draws people to work and play. Beach life rests just minutes from town occupations, including fishing and other business. Stop at a water front kiosk or enjoy a picnic in the bay where someone could be hauling skippy, crab, herring or squid fresh from the sea.

If you like the look of that, book a charter and drop your own line. Other popular water activities include swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. This is one of the most highly rated areas for surfing in the state. Even simply walking along the jetty, which forms an artificial reef, counts as exercise thanks to its nearly 2 kms of boardwalk. At the beach end stop in at the interpretive centre to learn more about its nearly 150 years of history. At the deep end, drop many meters for a close look at three hundred-plus species of aquatic life.

Busselton accommodation could be a chalet, villa, hotel, motel or caravan park. There is a place to stay for all budgets and even large parties with many family members. There is also plenty to do, no matter what your age. Families are clearly welcome.

This becomes apparent on first site of the beach front giant water slide. Local playgrounds and a skate park also make youngsters feel welcome. Adults might wish to burn off steam at a local indoor or outdoor pool, in the gym or at a public tennis or squash court. Golfing options include eighteen holes or family oriented play.

Australia may be young compared to European countries, but it still has a history visitors might want to learn about. This history helps fill in more of the picture started with tours of natural scenery by sea, bush, forest or wetlands. Why did people come in the first place? To farm would seem to be the answer judging by the century-and-a-half old buildings tourists can visit. These showcase antique farm and kitchen equipment, old furniture, even very old photos from the early years of this medium. Get a glimpse of school or court life. Visit the oldest stone church in Western Australia, St. Marys. A walk along the Heritage Trail will show you that, as always, Aboriginal people came first. Visit their interpretive garden while also viewing historical and contemporary sculpture.

If you like art galleries, then Busselton has a lot to offer. Media to view include flowers, traditional canvas, furniture and photography. You could also visit another kind of boutique: the winery. Margaret River Wineries produce only a small portion of what Australia makes as a whole country, focusing on fine wines.

Natural Bridge in Albany

If you are looking for a new and exciting place to bring the family for the holidays, try Albany in Western Australia. Located on the beautiful King George III Sound and surrounded by mountains, Albany has something for both the beach goers and the mountain lovers.

It is difficult to even know where to begin! Albany has tons of things to do, but probably the most unique aspect of Albany is its history in the whaling industry. Albany is home to Australia’s last working whaling station, and though the last whale was caught on November 21, 1978, visitors are now able to visit the station. Now known as Whale World, tourists can tour an actual whaling ship with reenactments of whaling days. The on-site museum is full of marine art and marine skeletons, including the largest Pygmy Blue Whale in the state!

Of course, you’ll want to see these magnificent creatures in action as well. There are many tour groups dedicated to whale watching that provide the boat and the experience so you can marvel at the whales. Keep your eyes peeled for the acrobatic Humpback Whales, which love to leap out of the sea! Also look for the rare Southern Right Whale, as there are only 3000 left in the world. But, you’ll have to look carefully because they have no dorsal fin and can evade your gaze if you’re not watching for them!

If you prefer an experience on dry land, why not head just one hour north of Albany and experience the beauty of the Stirling Range National Park. Hikers and bushwhackers of all experience levels will enjoy the area, but it is particularly ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of a challenge. Try climbing Bluff Knoll, which sits 1095 meters above sea level and takes just about four hours to climb. The view is absolutely worth the trip, especially during wildflower season (October to December) when the 1500 species bloom as if painting the hills.

After a long day of hiking, you will surely want to sit for a while and enjoy a good meal. Luckily, Albany boasts some of the best restaurants in Western Australia. Whether you are looking for fresh seafood caught just that morning or a more adventurous Asian-inspired meal, dining in Albany cannot disappoint. Try Al Fornetto Restaurante & Pizzeria for French, Italian, and Australian tastes, or try the Cobblestones Seafood Café and feel your taste buds tingle with the flavor of the sea.

Both kids and parents alike will love their trip to Albany. Between the gorgeous beaches, the rolling mountains, and the unique history, you’ll never forget your time in Albany, Western Australia.

And for the perfect place to suit your needs in Albany accommodation, visit Book it Now.

Margaret River

If you’re looking for a great place to take the whole family, consider Margaret River for your next vacation. You could easily spend weeks taking advantage of everything the area has to offer. Best of all, there’s something for everyone, young and old. The town itself is only 280 kilometers south of Perth, so it’s easily accessible from anywhere in the country.

It’s hard to know where to begin! There’s so much to do that it’s almost overwhelming-you’ll certainly want to read up on Margaret River before you get here. Perhaps the most incredible activity in Margaret River is the whale watching off the coast in the Indian Ocean. From May to September each year, thousands of whales migrate up from Antarctica. Seasoned captains take you mere yards away from these magnificent creatures- you really won’t believe it!

If you’re more of a landlubber, don’t fear. The area around Margaret River offers a ton of activities. Spend a week strolling (and drinking) your way through some of the many vineyards, widely regarded as among the finest in all of Australia. We guarantee you’ll be as impressed as with the scenery as you are with the wine! The entire Margaret River Wine Region is also famous for its wildflowers. Here’s an interesting fact for you: this area is one of only 34 internationally recognized biodiversity hotspots. This is in large part due to the many species of wildflowers that abound throughout Margaret River. The best time to view these flowers is in the height of spring, right around October.

Once you’ve seen enough of the wildflowers, head underground into one of the 150 caves in the Margaret River area. The most popular are Mammoth, Lake, and Jewel. You can even take an MP3 player on a guided tour. This is especially popular with families looking to add an element of learning to their vacation.

Surfing is also a popular pastime. Indeed, Margaret River was featured in the famous surfing documentary The Endless Summer. The waters of the Indian Ocean are warm virtually year round, and even in the winter, surfers brave the cold to catch huge waves.

As you might expect, there are a number of bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motels, as well as self-contained accommodation. You’re not likely to go hungry, either. For a midday snack in a gorgeous location, check out the Margaret River Hotel, built in 1936. Most of the vineyards in the area also offer great food, usually with wines paired by a master sommelier. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Margaret River is sure to be a hit with your whole family. Be warned: you may not want to leave!