Take the family camping in Margaret River and the South West

Our family camping trip in Busselton and Margaret River

The annual D'Souza camping trip kicked off again this time with five families packing up and heading to our favourite spot just a couple of hours drive from Perth. Geographe Bay is home to the most pristine calm coastline, sunsets and crystal clear beaches waiting to be discovered. There is so much to do in this area you can easily spend two weeks in the region.

 

We stay in Busselton and have enjoyed a couple of years at the Beachlands Holiday Park but this year decided to try out the Mandalay Resort just up the road as friends had enjoyed this last year.

 

This is possibly the largest park that we have ever seen, packed with plenty of facilities for the kids keeping them busy from morning to night. The facilities were incredibly modern and clean you couldn't fault it. Being located directly across the road from the beach it allowed us to get away from the campsite for a few hours each day and enjoy a bit of kayaking, fishing and walks along the beautiful bay.

Other than enjoying the facilities alone at the Mandalay Resort, just down the road 2km away is Busselton Jetty which is a must visit for anyone coming down south, whether you're staying in Busselton or passing through on your way to Margaret River.

 

The wine region starts at Georgraphe Bay with wineries such as Flametree and restaurants such as the amazing new Amelia Park Lodge (see image), then if you're ready to explore a little further up the road you'll arrive in Dunsborough home to Eagle Bay Brewery and Wise Winery.

We were told about a little gem Arimia Estate Winery just a bit further out, very family and dog friendly too, but we needed a couple of vehicles because after all there were 20 of us in our wee camping group. At first we did struggle to find anyone that could drive 5 families the 25 minutes distance each way for an affordable price, after all no one really wants to be the driver when we're spending a day wine tasting.

 

Then we found Jonathan from Bus For Hire, who is probably one of the nicest West Australian's I've met, he was unbelievably humbled to have helped us so much that he has set up his service so every passenger is ensured comfort when travelling with him. He handed each of us including the kids a small travel pack consisting of wipes, mints and lollies for the kids, then when travelling he passed around the IPad with a music selection to enjoy on the journey.

 

Jonathan didn't flinch when we said we needed in two trips each way for our group, in total this was eight journeys and do you know what he did it with a bubbly smile on his face. It was a service that I wanted to credit him for and thank him again by including a mention in my blog. ( see photo of Jonathan and Michael Braun ex Eagles Premiership Player).

 

 

Other places we visited in Margaret River during our trip....

 

Explore the Margaret River Caves
Relaxing dip and fishing in the secluded bays of Meelup Beach
Sampling the goodies at Margaret River Chocolate Factory
and Simmo’s Ice Creamery
Pizza at Swings and Roundabouts on Caves Road
Enjoying a beverage and a bite at the kid friendly Bootleg Brewery and Cheeky Monkey Brewery

 

 

Kids camping
Arimia Estate Winery Margaret River
Amelia Park Lodge Oysters
Jonathan our driver