Until the relatively recent opening of a discreet and
luxurious hotel resort, the surroundings were almost completely uninhabited –
leaving nature alone to thrive. Bunker Bay beach was a well-kept secret, a
family tradition for the few who knew of its existence. Although word has got
out, the place remains sufficiently remote to thwart throngs of holidaymakers.
On the eastern side of Cape Naturaliste, beachgoers
are sheltered from chilly winds and ocean swells, although there is just the
right amount of rolling surf at one end to make this a popular spot for wave
catchers of all kinds. It’s a particularly good place for kids (of all ages) to
play with their boogie boards as the conditions are, more often than not, quite
gentle. A little further up the coast, towards the tip of the cape where
Geographe Bay meets the Indian Ocean, is Shelly Cove – a beach that didn’t get
its name for its silky soft sand. Pretty shells and sea glass speckle the
shoreline that lies low beneath atmospheric limestone cliffs. The waters here
can be turbulent, but when ocean swells are at a minimum, it’s a great place
for snorkelling.
Thanks to the resort, Bunker Bay is now a fantastic
place to stay when exploring the Margaret River region. Ask someone what Margaret
River means to them, and the first answer will most likely be ‘wine’. Since an
American viticulturist visited Western Australia in the 1950s, reporting that
grapes could be an interesting way to boost the state’s economy, the region has
heavily invested in vineyards. Today, 20% of Australia’s finest wines are
produced here, with about 100 cellar doors open to the public for tastings and
tours. But there is more to Margaret River than Shiraz and Chardonnay.
For many visitors, the endless coastline and dense
forests are their playground. They come to ‘Margs’, as the locals fondly call
it, to catch a wave at one of 50 incredible surf spots, or to see the region
from another angle as they crawl through caves and abseil off cliffs. For a
bird’s-eye view, a seaplane tour is de rigueur, while adrenaline seekers can
skim the treetops hooked to a zip line. A visit around the wineries in a
chopper is also a luxurious way to spend a day discovering some of Mother
Nature’s finest work from above, while savouring Margaret River’s best vintages
along the way.
The cellars are also great places for gourmet dining.
The untouched environment and regional microclimate have long attracted farmers
looking to raise their cattle in the greenest pastures or grow their crops in the
fertile soil. This means that locally produced, fresh farm produce features on
practically all the menus of restaurants in the region. Bunker Bay itself is
home to one of the most popular restaurants on Cape Naturaliste, Other Side of
the Moon – a place that combines the very best of local charm: sweeping views
of the beautiful bay, contemporary Australian cuisine and award-winning local
wines.
Another advantage of
the region is that it never takes you long to get from point A to point B.
Whether shopping for souvenirs in the nearby town of Dunsborough, or strolling
through Yallingup’s art galleries, visitors can savour each moment, knowing
there will still be time for a trip to the most beautiful beach in the world
back in Bunker Bay at day’s end.
