Margaret River Nature Tours

Margaret River Nature Tours will show you the beautiful natural history of the South West, concentrating on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park (Cape to Cape) which coincides with Your Margaret River Wine Region.

Discover the underlying geology that has created the spectacular landforms and ideal soils that produce all the wonderful food and produce that you can enjoy here.
Our ancient geological history has also created incredible diversity in plants and animals. The Nature Tour will bring you to examples of the unique plants of the South West, many with exquisite wildflowers.

The ancient Leeuwin Complex (1.5-0.5Ma) is not as old as the Yilgarn and comprises granitised meta-sediments and gneissic granites. Permian, Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments of the Perth Basin are exposed at a few localities and an Early Cretaceous basalt flow can be seen that heralded the separation of India from Australia. Early Tertiary tropical climates produced a deeply weathered terrane, resulting in thick laterites (gravels) and etching out of joints in the granitic gneisses of the ancient complex. Ice Age sea level changes and desert climates resulted in sand dunes then covering most of the terrain. Those sand dunes closest to the coast were rich in shell fragments that dissolved and re-cemented the dunes into calcarenites. Many spectacular caves then formed in these cemented dunes.

The many different rock types (granites, sandy Mesozoic sediments, laterites and sand dunes) are all very low in nutrients. Their soils are also very poor and mostly very thin. The plants of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge have had to adapt not only to these poor soils, but rapidly changing climates during the ice ages that went from cold and dry during the maxima to hot summers and wet winters during the inter-glacials, such as now. The nutrient and climate stresses have resulted in one of the major bio-diversity hot spots in the world.

Spring is the best time to see wildflowers and most of them are endemic to the region. But because of the diversity, there is all year an abundance of flowers to examine and photograph. With an abundant and diverse flora, there is also a diverse and abundant fauna, particularly insects. There once were many small mammals in the forests but these have been decimated by feral domestic cats so seeing wildlife is not so easy. But there is no shortage of kangaroos. Birdlife is also abundant and you will no doubt see many during the tour.

Each tour is individually structured to cater for each person’s interests and to create a memorable experience. With only 2-4 people on each tour and with so many options, everybody’s tastes will be catered to. There are many photo opportunities where we can stop as long as is necessary to get the shots you want.
Apart for geological exposures and botanical spectacles, we will pass by many attractions that can be visited if you wish including wineries, breweries, cheese, chocolate and nougat factories is just a small sample.

The full day tours are run daily in our luxury SUV, starting at 10am and finish about 4pm. Book online now. The gathering point is the Margaret River Bed and Breakfast but there are options to be picked up and dropped off at the Margaret River Visitor Centre in the town or at your accommodation. The Margaret River Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region and central to all attractions.

Starting from the Margaret River Bed and Breakfast in a luxury AWD, the tour will take you north along Caves Road stopping to examine geological features at places such as Gracetown, Moses Rock, Willyabrup Cliffs and Canal Rocks. Depending on interest Cape Naturaliste can also be visited. There are many famous wineries as well as boutique vineyards and breweries where we can stop and enjoy free tastings. You will learn about the origin of the different soils and climates that result in unique terroir that can produce some of Australia’s finest wines.

Returning to the Margaret River Bed and Breakfast for a fabulous lunch, the tour will then head south down Caves Road, examining the geology of cave formation, then a drive through the majestic Boranup Forest to look at the giant Karri trees and the undergrowth vegetation. Hamelin Bay is scenically spectacular and includes some fine examples of coastal morphology. A bonus is bay is a reserve for stingrays and there is a flock of stingrays that patrol the beach and that can be hand fed. Time and interest permitting the tour can also visit the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste with many exposures and features to be seen there as well.

You can book online now or call or email. Bookings are made through the secure Margaret River Bed and Breakfast booking engine. You can also check availability from the booking engine.

Your Tour Guides

Dirk has worked as a specialist geologist studying the microscopic remains of fossil plants in rocks from throughout the world. He has travelled and worked extensively throughout SE Asia and Australia but now lives in Margaret River where he helps his partner Pam run the Margaret River Bed and Breakfast.

Dirk grew up in Perth on a five acre block on the banks of the Canning River. Living by a river and spending many days playing in it started Dirk’s fascination with natural history so he studied Geology, Botany and Environmental Management. He has also had a long history with the Margaret River Region, camping as a child with his parents at the Prevelly Camping Grounds, cave exploring in the Boranup Forest as a teenager, holidaying with his family during school holidays in rental houses and finally building and managing a B&B in the heart of Margaret River for more than 9 years. He has discovered some of the beautiful places where you can experience the special nature of the region. But he also knows the places where you can discover the best in wine, beer and good food.

Let Dirk guide you as you explore and learn in a fun filled day of excitement.
Note that other experienced tour guides are available to conduct the tours should Dirk be unavailable.