Reasons You Should Stay at Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge When in Margaret River
Who doesn’t look forward to some time away from the ordinary daily grind? Fortunately, Western Australia’s Margaret River region offers locals and national (as well as international tourists) unparalleled beauty and natural diversity in one location.
In this article you will discover all the reasons why you should stay at Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge when you’re in Margaret River.
Margaret River is one of Australia’s most popular places to visit, with around 1.1 million visitors in 2018. Whether you are having a weekend getaway or a lovely holiday, the innate beauty of the area and the welcoming demeanour of the locals will make you want to stay forever.
Of course, while visiting Margaret River, you need idyllic accommodations. And Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge offers chic modern elements in an eco-certified private setting. Since opening in 1998, Forest Rise has championed the cause of environmental responsibility while providing guests with the very best Margaret River has to offer.
At present, the ten secluded chalets and the main lodge allow guests to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery while still being pampered. The one and two-bedroom chalets are perfect for couples or small families. The four-bedroom lodge is ideal for larger groups. It features a luxe ensuite and three expertly appointed guest rooms, each with a private bathroom.
Even though relaxing in fabulous natural surroundings is marvellous, you will find that there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do while you are in Margaret River. When you stay at Forest Rise, you are close enough to enjoy many of our preferred attractions.
1. Enjoy Wine Tasting and Watch Famous Wines Being Made
Margaret River produces a little more than 25 per cent of Australia’s premium wines, and there are over 200 local vineyards in the vicinity. Being located in one of the nation’s largest winemaking sections has definite advantages. Forest Rise guests can easily enjoy the bounty of the region. Touring, tasting, and dining delights await you around every turn. Here are a few of our favourite local wineries.
2. Bask on Breathtaking Beaches
Flanked by the Indian and Southern Oceans, the Western Australian coastline is home to a variety of beaches with something for everyone. If you are a fishing enthusiast, a surfer, a snorkeler, or would rather just relax in the sun, one of the many beaches just a short jaunt from Margaret River will be ideal for you. The beaches near Margaret River are beyond compare. Soft white sand and crystalline water ranging from shades of turquoise and azure to indigo appeal to your senses and sense of adventure.
Here are a few stunning beaches near Forest Rise:
- Injidup Beach – Located a short drive from Forest Rise, Injidup Beach is awe-inspiring. Surfing, snorkelling, and basking in the sun are just a few delights you can enjoy.
- Injidup Natural Spa – North of Injidup Beach, you will find the hidden rock pool known as Indjiup Natural Spa. Depending on when you visit, you can experience a relaxing natural pool that is ideal for relaxing or the Indian Ocean’s chaotic swells and waterfalls forming above your head. Regardless of when you visit, it will be an unforgettable experience.
- Gnarabup Beach – One of the top beaches in the Margaret River area, Gnarabup Beach boasts the longest stretch of coastline in the vicinity. While it is ideal for swimming as the swells are not as powerful as in other areas. A magical moment awaits those who are visiting Gnarabup Beach when migrating whales swim past on the way to feeding grounds near Antarctica.
- Meelup Beach – A popular beach enjoyed by locals and tourists, Meelup Beach, offers calm waters, white sand, and the cooling shade of Jarrah trees. Meelup means ‘Place of the Moon Rising’ in the Aboriginal language. This is an apt description when you consider that this is one of a few spots in Western Australia where you can see the moon rise over the ocean and reflect on the water.
3. Explore Ancient Caves
Exploring the caves in the Forest Rise area is an exciting trip back in time to before humans resided in the region. Essentially unchanged for nearly 500,000 years, these caves offer a view of Australia seldom seen. The caves are burgeoning with stalactites and stalagmites, and other natural wonders.
- Ngilgi Cave – One of the oldest and biggest caves open to the public in Western Australia, the Ngilgi Cave is rich in Aboriginal legends.
- Giants Cave – An experience for adventurers, Giants Cave is roughly 86 metres deep. A portion of your tour takes place on rock scrambles and vertical ladder climbs. Touring Giants Cave requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Guests with mobility issues or claustrophobia should use caution before joining a tour. Upon arrival, guests are provided with helmets and torches.
- Mammoth Cave – The limestone cave is aptly named. Mammoth Cave was the final resting place for over 10,000 extinct prehistoric giant creatures.
4. Hiking Trails and Nature Walks
The Margaret River area has an astonishing collection of diverse hiking and walking trails. Just a short distance from your Forest Rise accommodations, you can hike rugged trails through wooded areas that have been around for hundreds of thousands of years. If a pleasant nature walk is what you would prefer, you can have your pick of trails with less challenging terrain than a hiking trail but every bit as impressive. You will also have your choice of coastal walkways that vary in degree of difficulty.
- Bramley National Park – The park is home to scores of endemic species of flora and fauna that you can see as you wander on one of the hiking or walking trails. Bramley National Park is also a mountain biker’s paradise. An incredible section of trails for all riding skill levels known as Bramley National Park Trail will provide excitement for all.
- Wardanup Trail – Traversing the 6.3 km of Wardanup Trail will take you through a variety of territories. Coastal rocks, dense forests, sandy beaches, and steep hillsides are just a few of the types of natural terrain you will experience. Because of the challenging aspects of the trail, it is not recommended for people with mobility problems or a low level of fitness.
- The Cape to Cape Trail – One of Western Australia’s iconic trails, the Cape to Cape Trail offers adventurers 136 km of breathtaking views and the opportunity to take one-of-a-kind photos. You can hike the entire route from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin, situated on Australia’s most south-westerly point, in roughly five to seven days. Many hikers will camp as they go. However, you can hike small sections of the trail that offer spectacular views and unique vantage points.
5. Exceptional Art Galleries
During your stay at Forest Rise, you will have the chance to see incredible works of art and the fascinating heritage of the indigenous Wardandi people. You can also see art created in the studio as well.- Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre – In addition to seeing the wonderful artwork, you can hear ancient bush stories, and learn about boomerang throwing.
- Glenellie Art Studio and Phil O’Brien – Local Artist Phil O’ Brien welcomes visitors to his gallery and art studio on weekends and enjoys conversing with guests. O’Brien is known for his bold modern paintings of weather conditions, the oceans, and Australian landscapes. O’Brien typically works on his art during gallery hours and enjoys art admirers watching him work.
