Margaret River, Western Australia: Difference between revisions
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| postcode = 6285 |
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| stategov = [[Electoral district of Warren-Blackwood|Warren-Blackwood]] |
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'''Margaret River''' is a town in the [[South West (Western Australia)|South West]] of [[Western Australia]], located in the valley of the eponymous [[Margaret River]], {{convert|277|km|mi|0}} south of [[Perth]], the state capital. Its [[Local Government Areas of Western Australia|Local Government Area]] is the [[Shire of Augusta-Margaret River]]. |
'''Margaret River''' is a town in the [[South West (Western Australia)|South West]] of [[Western Australia]], located in the valley of the eponymous [[Margaret River]], {{convert|277|km|mi|0}} south of [[Perth]], the state capital. Its [[Local Government Areas of Western Australia|Local Government Area]] is the [[Shire of Augusta-Margaret River]]. |
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Margaret River's coast to the west of the town is a renowned surfing location |
Margaret River's coast to the west of the town is a renowned surfing location with worldwide fame for its surf breaks including, but not limited to, 'Main Break' and 'The Box'. Colloquially, the area is referred to as "Margs".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/16381257/champs-rolls-into-margs-for-pro/ |title=Champs rolls into Margs for Pro - the West Australian |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412054918/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/16381257/champs-rolls-into-margs-for-pro/ |archive-date=12 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The surrounding area is the [[Margaret River (wine region)|Margaret River |
The surrounding area is the [[Margaret River (wine region)|Margaret River wine region]] and is known for its wine production and tourism, attracting an estimated 500,000 visitors annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://svc004.wic437d.server-web.com/images/MARGS/factsheet.pdf|title=Augusta Margaret River Region - Fact Sheet|author=Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association|year=2005|access-date=1 May 2007}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The town is named after [[Margaret River|the river]], which is presumed to be named after Margaret Whicher, cousin of [[John Bussell|John Garrett Bussell]] (founder of [[Busselton, Western Australia|Busselton]]) in 1831. The name is first shown on a map of the region published in 1839. Before British settlement the area was inhabited by the [[Noongar]] people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.noongarculture.org.au/margaret-river/|title=Margaret River | Kaartdijin Noongar|website=noongarculture.org.au}}</ref> The first British settlers arrived as early as 1850, with timber logging commencing in around 1870. By 1910, the town had a hotel which also operated as a post office. |
The town is named after [[Margaret River|the river]], which is presumed to be named after Margaret Whicher, cousin of [[John Bussell|John Garrett Bussell]] (founder of [[Busselton, Western Australia|Busselton]]) in 1831. The name is first shown on a map of the region published in 1839. Before British settlement the area was inhabited by the [[Noongar]] people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.noongarculture.org.au/margaret-river/|title=Margaret River | Kaartdijin Noongar|website=noongarculture.org.au}}</ref> The first British settlers arrived as early as 1850, with timber logging commencing in around 1870. By 1910, the town had a hotel which also operated as a post office. That year the Margaret River Progress Association requested that a townsite be declared at "the Upper Margaret Bridge", because "the district is likely to be dotted with public buildings several miles apart in the near future if a townsite is not made available shortly". The inspecting district surveyor had a preference for an area near the lower bridge on [[Caves Road (Western Australia)|Caves Road]], but his preferred site was unavailable. Lots were surveyed in 1912 and the townsite was gazetted in 1913. From 1918 to 1927, the name of the townsite was officially "Margaret" but it was changed back to "Margaret River" due to local usage.<ref>{{LandInfo WA|c|M|6 November 2021}}</ref> |
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After [[World War I]], an attempt by the [[Government of Western Australia]] to attract migrants to Western Australia (known as the [[Group Settlement Scheme]]) and establish [[farm]]s in the region attracted new settlers to the town. In 1922 over 100 settlers moved into the district. |
After [[World War I]], an attempt by the [[Government of Western Australia]] to attract migrants to Western Australia (known as the [[Group Settlement Scheme]]) and establish [[farm]]s in the region attracted new settlers to the town. In 1922, over 100 settlers moved into the district. |
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In the early 1920s the Busselton to Margaret River Railway was built and in 1925 the [[Flinders Bay Branch Railway|Margaret River to Flinders Bay line]] opened. |
In the early 1920s, the Busselton to Margaret River Railway was built and, in 1925, the [[Flinders Bay Branch Railway|Margaret River to Flinders Bay line]] opened. |
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The [[ |
The [[Perimeter Road]], a bypass to take traffic, including heavy vehicles, from [[Bussell Highway]], to the east of the town, and also connect to a new access road to the [[Margaret River Airport|nearby airport]], was opened in December 2018 and completed in February 2019.<ref name="Project overview">{{cite web|author1=Main Roads Western Australia|title=Project Overview: Margaret River Perimeter Road|url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/MR%20Perimeter%20Road%20newsletter.RCN-D13%5E23700085.PDF|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205030455/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/MR%20Perimeter%20Road%20newsletter.RCN-D13%5E23700085.PDF|archive-date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live|date=November 2013}}</ref><ref name=MRWA>{{cite web|author1=Main Roads Western Australia|title=Margaret River Perimeter Road|url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/planning/Pages/MargaretRiver.aspx|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205035302/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/planning/Pages/MargaretRiver.aspx|archive-date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live|date=3 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2018/12/Margaret-River-Perimeter-Road-open-in-time-for-Christmas.aspx|title=Margaret River Perimeter Road open in time for Christmas|publisher=Government of Western Australia|date=24 December 2018|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825130632/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2018/12/Margaret-River-Perimeter-Road-open-in-time-for-Christmas.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/02/Margaret-River-Perimeter-Road-reaches-practical-completion.aspx|title=Margaret River Perimeter Road reaches practical completion|publisher=Government of Western Australia|date=28 February 2019|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825130627/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/02/Margaret-River-Perimeter-Road-reaches-practical-completion.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Geography and climate== |
==Geography and climate== |
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Margaret River is located {{convert|9|km|0}} inland from the [[Indian Ocean]] at a point about halfway between [[Cape Naturaliste]] and [[Cape Leeuwin]] in Western Australia's [[South West (Western Australia)|South West]] region. |
Margaret River is located {{convert|9|km|0}} inland from the [[Indian Ocean]] at a point about halfway between [[Cape Naturaliste]] and [[Cape Leeuwin]] in Western Australia's [[South West (Western Australia)|South West]] region. |
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The climate is [[warm-summer Mediterranean]] (''Csb'' in the [[Köppen climate classification]]), with an average annual rainfall of around {{convert|1130|mm|in}}. Most rain falls between May and August, when around two days in three record measurable rainfall and around one in ten over {{convert|10|mm|in}}. On occasions, as in August 1955, the town has had measurable rain on every day of a month in this period. During the summer, the weather is warm, though there are usually [[sea breeze]]s, and frequently sunny. The dry summers, coupled with strong winds, creates an environment where there is always a high risk of [[Bushfires in Australia|bush fires]]. |
The climate is [[warm-summer Mediterranean]] (''Csb'' in the [[Köppen climate classification]]), with an average annual rainfall of around {{convert|1130|mm|in}}. Most rain falls between May and August, when around two days in three record measurable rainfall and around one in ten over {{convert|10|mm|in}}. On occasions, as in August 1955, the town has had measurable rain on every day of a month in this period. During the summer, the weather is warm, though there are usually [[sea breeze]]s, and it is frequently sunny. The dry summers, coupled with strong winds, creates an environment where there is always a high risk of [[Bushfires in Australia|bush fires]]. |
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==Wine region== |
==Wine region== |
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{{Main|Margaret River (wine region)}} |
{{Main|Margaret River (wine region)}} |
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[[Margaret River (wine region)|Margaret River]] is the foremost [[Geographical Indication]] wine region in the South West Australia Zone, with nearly {{convert|55|km2}} under vine and over 138 wineries as at 2008. The region is made up predominantly of [[boutique]]-size wine producers, although winery operations range from the smallest, crushing {{convert|3.5|t}} per year, to the largest at around {{convert|7000|t}}.<ref name="The Australian Wine Encyclopedia">{{cite book|title= The Australian Wine Encyclopedia |publisher= Hardie Grant Books |year=2009| |
[[Margaret River (wine region)|Margaret River]] is the foremost [[Geographical Indication]] wine region in the South West Australia Zone, with nearly {{convert|55|km2}} under vine and over 138 wineries as at 2008. The region is made up predominantly of [[boutique]]-size wine producers, although winery operations range from the smallest, crushing {{convert|3.5|t}} per year, to the largest at around {{convert|7000|t}}.<ref name="The Australian Wine Encyclopedia">{{cite book|title= The Australian Wine Encyclopedia |publisher= Hardie Grant Books |year=2009|isbn=978-1-74066-774-6|author= James Halliday|pages= 166–167}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">Campbell Mattinson, "Why the French hate us", Hardie Grant Books 2007</ref> The region produces just three percent of total Australian grape production, but commands over 20 percent of the Australian premium wine market. |
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Stretching some {{convert|100|km|-1}} from north to south and about {{convert|27|km}} wide in parts, the region is bounded to the east by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between [[Cape Naturaliste]] and [[Cape Leeuwin]], and to the west by the [[Indian Ocean]]. A Mediterranean-style climate, lacking extreme summer and winter temperatures, provides ideal growing conditions. The climate is described as similar to that of [[Bordeaux wine|Bordeaux]] in a dry vintage.<ref name="The Australian Wine Encyclopedia"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
Stretching some {{convert|100|km|-1}} from north to south and about {{convert|27|km}} wide in parts, the region is bounded to the east by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between [[Cape Naturaliste]] and [[Cape Leeuwin]], and to the west by the [[Indian Ocean]]. A Mediterranean-style climate, lacking extreme summer and winter temperatures, provides ideal growing conditions. The climate is described as similar to that of [[Bordeaux wine|Bordeaux]] in a dry vintage.<ref name="The Australian Wine Encyclopedia"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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Humidity levels are ideal during the growing period and the combination of climate, soil and viticulture practices leads to consistently high quality fruit of intense flavour. Consequently, annual vintage results continue to exceed expectations and reinforce Margaret River's reputation as one of the premium wine-producing regions of the world.<ref name=" Margaret River wine region1">{{cite web|url=http://www.margaretriverwine.org.au/aboutregion.php |
Humidity levels are ideal during the growing period and the combination of climate, soil and viticulture practices leads to consistently high quality fruit of intense flavour. Consequently, annual vintage results continue to exceed expectations and reinforce Margaret River's reputation as one of the premium wine-producing regions of the world.<ref name=" Margaret River wine region1">{{cite web|url=http://www.margaretriverwine.org.au/aboutregion.php|title=Margaret River wine region|access-date=7 September 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914033947/http://www.margaretriverwine.org.au/aboutregion.php|archive-date=14 September 2009}}</ref><ref>The Australian and New Zealand wine industry directory, 27th Annual edition, 2009, Winetitles.</ref> |
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The principal [[grape]] varieties in the region are fairly evenly split between red and white; [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], [[Chardonnay]], [[Sauvignon blanc]], [[Syrah|Shiraz]], [[Merlot]], [[Chenin blanc]] and [[Verdelho]].<ref name="The Australian Wine Encyclopedia"/><ref>Oz Clarke, 'Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guides', Harcourt 1 November 2002</ref> |
The principal [[grape]] varieties in the region are fairly evenly split between red and white; [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], [[Chardonnay]], [[Sauvignon blanc]], [[Syrah|Shiraz]], [[Merlot]], [[Chenin blanc]] and [[Verdelho]].<ref name="The Australian Wine Encyclopedia"/><ref>Oz Clarke, 'Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guides', Harcourt 1 November 2002</ref> |
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Several hundred caves are located near Margaret River, all of them within [[Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park]]. Six of these are open to the public.<ref>M. Bright, ''1001 Natural Wonders You Must See Before You Die'', Quintet Publishing, London 2005</ref> |
Several hundred caves are located near Margaret River, all of them within [[Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park]]. Six of these are open to the public.<ref>M. Bright, ''1001 Natural Wonders You Must See Before You Die'', Quintet Publishing, London 2005</ref> |
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One of |
One of these caves is the multi-chambered [[Mammoth Cave (Western Australia)|Mammoth Cave]], which lies {{convert|21|km}} south of the town and contains fossils dating back over 35,000 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.funtours.com.au/perth/margaretriver-daytour.shtml|work=Margaret River Bus Tour|title=Bus Tour Margaret River. Eagles Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour from Perth|access-date=8 February 2009|archive-date=5 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405054957/http://www.funtours.com.au/perth/margaretriver-daytour.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> The cave was first discovered by European settlers in 1850 and has been open to the public since 1904. The cave can be explored by a self-guided audio tour, and is one of the few caves in Australia offering partial disabled access.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wilmap.com.au/wa/watowns/margaret_river.html|work=Margaret River|title=Margaret River WA 6285|access-date=10 December 2017}}</ref> |
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The other five caves open to the public in the area are Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, [[Ngilgi Cave]], Calgardup Cave and Giants Cave. Many other caves can be accessed with a permit by experienced cavers. |
The other five caves open to the public in the area are Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, [[Ngilgi Cave]], Calgardup Cave and Giants Cave. Many other caves can be accessed with a permit by experienced cavers. |
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==Surfing breaks== |
==Surfing breaks== |
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The Margaret River area has acquired a range of synonyms for the collection of surf breaks nearby, with some 75 breaks along {{convert|130|km}} of coastline.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.margaretriver.com/activities/surfing/|title=Surfing Margaret River | Surfing Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta}}</ref><ref>Blair, Larry and Horan, Cheyne ''Wave Finder Australia'' (3rd edition) {{ISBN|0-9581726-6-8}} give the name ''Margarets Area'' to the Cape Naturaliste to Boranup Sandpatch area and identify over 30 named breaks</ref> Usually significant surfing competitions concentrate their locale to ''Margarets Main Break'' (aka Surfers Point) which breaks in the vicinity of Prevelly at the mouth of Margaret River.<ref name="auto"/> |
The Margaret River area has acquired a range of synonyms for the collection of surf breaks nearby, with some 75 breaks along {{convert|130|km}} of coastline.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.margaretriver.com/activities/surfing/|title=Surfing Margaret River | Surfing Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta|access-date=17 September 2019|archive-date=5 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705140440/https://www.margaretriver.com/activities/surfing/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Blair, Larry and Horan, Cheyne ''Wave Finder Australia'' (3rd edition) {{ISBN|0-9581726-6-8}} give the name ''Margarets Area'' to the Cape Naturaliste to Boranup Sandpatch area and identify over 30 named breaks</ref> Usually significant surfing competitions concentrate their locale to ''Margarets Main Break'' (aka Surfers Point) which breaks in the vicinity of Prevelly at the mouth of Margaret River.<ref name="auto"/> |
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The actual range of [[Surfing locations in South West Western Australia|surf breaks]] range from the eastern side of [[Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia|Cape Naturaliste]] down to just south of Cape Hamelin, and despite web sites and online sources calling the whole Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin region the ''Margaret River'' surfing area, conditions and break types vary along the coast. |
The actual range of [[Surfing locations in South West Western Australia|surf breaks]] range from the eastern side of [[Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia|Cape Naturaliste]] down to just south of Cape Hamelin, and despite web sites and online sources calling the whole Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin region the ''Margaret River'' surfing area, conditions and break types vary along the coast. |
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The [[Cowaramup Bombora]] ("Cow Bombie") [[big wave surfing|big wave]] [[surf break]] {{convert|2|km}} offshore produces one of the biggest waves in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysurf.tv/exclusive/video/biggest-wave-ever-ridden-australia |title= |
The [[Cowaramup Bombora]] ("Cow Bombie") [[big wave surfing|big wave]] [[surf break]] {{convert|2|km}} offshore produces one of the biggest waves in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysurf.tv/exclusive/video/biggest-wave-ever-ridden-australia |title=The Biggest Wave Ever Ridden in Australia? | mySURF.tv |access-date=2016-01-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108131742/http://www.mysurf.tv/exclusive/video/biggest-wave-ever-ridden-australia |archive-date=8 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YtYkzD1pEY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-YtYkzD1pEY| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Storm Surfers - Near-Death Wipeout at Cow Bombie|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surfinglife.com.au/bigwaveawards/news/14936-winners-announced-at-the-oakley-big-wave-awards |title=Winners Announced at the Oakley Big Wave Awards! |access-date=2016-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302161914/http://www.surfinglife.com.au/bigwaveawards/news/14936-winners-announced-at-the-oakley-big-wave-awards |archive-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |
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==Education== |
==Education== |
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The town contains four primary schools, Margaret River Primary School, Rapids Landing Primary School, Margaret River Montessori School, and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, and one high school, [[Margaret River Senior High School]]. |
The town contains four primary schools, Margaret River Primary School, Rapids Landing Primary School, Margaret River Montessori School, and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, and one high school, [[Margaret River Senior High School]]. All schools are located within the town itself except for Rapids Landing Primary School, which is located in the suburb of Rapids Landing. |
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== Cultural events == |
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The WSL [[Margaret River Pro]] is held annually in May attracting professional surfers from across the globe. The [[CinefestOZ]] film festival stages several events across the region in late August each year.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 October 2018 |title=The Festival |url=https://cinefestoz.com/about/the-festival/ |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=CinefestOZ Film Festival}}</ref> |
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==In the media== |
==In the media== |
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Arte-TV produced an episode of ''Nouveaux paradis'' about Margaret River. The 2008 documentary shows interviews with (amongst others) tourist officials, surfers, and dolphin watchers.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1261281/] ''Les Nouveaux paradis, L'Australie, de la mer à la vigne'' on IMDB.</ref> |
Arte-TV produced an episode of ''Nouveaux paradis'' about Margaret River. The 2008 documentary shows interviews with (amongst others) tourist officials, surfers, and dolphin watchers.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1261281/] ''Les Nouveaux paradis, L'Australie, de la mer à la vigne'' on IMDB.</ref> |
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Margaret River was also visited in the 1966 documentary film ''[[The Endless Summer]]'' |
Margaret River was also visited in the 1966 documentary film ''[[The Endless Summer]]''. In 2013, many locals featured in the film ''[[Drift (2013 Australian film)|Drift]]'', starring [[Sam Worthington]], as well as many surfing scenes being shot on location at local surf breaks such as Grunters and Main Break.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/drift-fans-to-ride-tourism-wave-in-margaret-river/story-fnhocxo3-1226634161801|title=Drift fans to ride tourism wave in Margaret River|newspaper=Perth Now|author=Trevor Paddenburg|date=2 May 2013|access-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504170927/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/drift-fans-to-ride-tourism-wave-in-margaret-river/story-fnhocxo3-1226634161801|archive-date=4 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/drift-fans-to-ride-tourism-wave-in-margaret-river/story-fnhocxo3-1226634161801|title=Drift Locations|access-date=17 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504170927/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/drift-fans-to-ride-tourism-wave-in-margaret-river/story-fnhocxo3-1226634161801|archive-date=4 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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== Politics == |
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Within the federal [[Division of Forrest]], the Margaret River polling booth has tended to lean more strongly towards the [[Australian Labor Party|Labor Party]] in two-party preferred terms against the [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal Party]]. Margaret River has seen a steady and significant growth in the vote for the [[Australian Greens]], with the party winning the booth at the most recent federal election in 2019 based on a primary vote of 36.3%, compared to the Liberals' 34.34% and Labor's 20.15%.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Australian Electoral Commission|first=Canberra|date=|title=Polling place results|url=https://results.aec.gov.au/24310/Website/HousePollingPlaceFirstPrefs-24310-7709.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Australian Electoral Commission|language=en-AU}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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[[Category:Surfing locations in South West Western Australia]] |
[[Category:Surfing locations in South West Western Australia]] |
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[[Category:Wine regions of Western Australia]] |
[[Category:Wine regions of Western Australia]] |
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[[Category:Shire of Augusta–Margaret River]] |
Revision as of 13:02, 30 September 2023
Margaret River Western Australia | |
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Town centre | |
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Coordinates | 33°57′18″S 115°04′30″E / 33.95500°S 115.07500°E |
Population | 7,430 (UCL 2021)[1] |
Established | 1913 |
Postcode(s) | 6285 |
Elevation | 100 m (328 ft)[2] |
Area | 61.3 km2 (23.7 sq mi) |
Standort | |
LGA(s) | Shire of Augusta-Margaret River |
State electorate(s) | Warren-Blackwood |
Federal division(s) | Forrest |
Margaret River is a town in the South West of Western Australia, located in the valley of the eponymous Margaret River, 277 kilometres (172 mi) south of Perth, the state capital. Its Local Government Area is the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.
Margaret River's coast to the west of the town is a renowned surfing location with worldwide fame for its surf breaks including, but not limited to, 'Main Break' and 'The Box'. Colloquially, the area is referred to as "Margs".[3]
The surrounding area is the Margaret River wine region and is known for its wine production and tourism, attracting an estimated 500,000 visitors annually.[4]
History
The town is named after the river, which is presumed to be named after Margaret Whicher, cousin of John Garrett Bussell (founder of Busselton) in 1831. The name is first shown on a map of the region published in 1839. Before British settlement the area was inhabited by the Noongar people.[5] The first British settlers arrived as early as 1850, with timber logging commencing in around 1870. By 1910, the town had a hotel which also operated as a post office. That year the Margaret River Progress Association requested that a townsite be declared at "the Upper Margaret Bridge", because "the district is likely to be dotted with public buildings several miles apart in the near future if a townsite is not made available shortly". The inspecting district surveyor had a preference for an area near the lower bridge on Caves Road, but his preferred site was unavailable. Lots were surveyed in 1912 and the townsite was gazetted in 1913. From 1918 to 1927, the name of the townsite was officially "Margaret" but it was changed back to "Margaret River" due to local usage.[6]
After World War I, an attempt by the Government of Western Australia to attract migrants to Western Australia (known as the Group Settlement Scheme) and establish farms in the region attracted new settlers to the town. In 1922, over 100 settlers moved into the district.
In the early 1920s, the Busselton to Margaret River Railway was built and, in 1925, the Margaret River to Flinders Bay line opened.
The Perimeter Road, a bypass to take traffic, including heavy vehicles, from Bussell Highway, to the east of the town, and also connect to a new access road to the nearby airport, was opened in December 2018 and completed in February 2019.[7][8][9][10]
Geography and climate
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Margaret River is located 9 kilometres (6 mi) inland from the Indian Ocean at a point about halfway between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia's South West region.
The climate is warm-summer Mediterranean (Csb in the Köppen climate classification), with an average annual rainfall of around 1,130 millimetres (44 in). Most rain falls between May and August, when around two days in three record measurable rainfall and around one in ten over 10 millimetres (0.39 in). On occasions, as in August 1955, the town has had measurable rain on every day of a month in this period. During the summer, the weather is warm, though there are usually sea breezes, and it is frequently sunny. The dry summers, coupled with strong winds, creates an environment where there is always a high risk of bush fires.
Wine region
Margaret River is the foremost Geographical Indication wine region in the South West Australia Zone, with nearly 55 square kilometres (21 sq mi) under vine and over 138 wineries as at 2008. The region is made up predominantly of boutique-size wine producers, although winery operations range from the smallest, crushing 3.5 tonnes (3.4 long tons; 3.9 short tons) per year, to the largest at around 7,000 tonnes (6,900 long tons; 7,700 short tons).[11][12] The region produces just three percent of total Australian grape production, but commands over 20 percent of the Australian premium wine market.
Stretching some 100 kilometres (60 mi) from north to south and about 27 kilometres (17 mi) wide in parts, the region is bounded to the east by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, and to the west by the Indian Ocean. A Mediterranean-style climate, lacking extreme summer and winter temperatures, provides ideal growing conditions. The climate is described as similar to that of Bordeaux in a dry vintage.[11][12]
Humidity levels are ideal during the growing period and the combination of climate, soil and viticulture practices leads to consistently high quality fruit of intense flavour. Consequently, annual vintage results continue to exceed expectations and reinforce Margaret River's reputation as one of the premium wine-producing regions of the world.[13][14]
The principal grape varieties in the region are fairly evenly split between red and white; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin blanc and Verdelho.[11][15]
Caves
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Mammoth_Cave_Western_Australia.jpg/220px-Mammoth_Cave_Western_Australia.jpg)
Several hundred caves are located near Margaret River, all of them within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Six of these are open to the public.[16]
One of these caves is the multi-chambered Mammoth Cave, which lies 21 kilometres (13 mi) south of the town and contains fossils dating back over 35,000 years.[17] The cave was first discovered by European settlers in 1850 and has been open to the public since 1904. The cave can be explored by a self-guided audio tour, and is one of the few caves in Australia offering partial disabled access.[18]
The other five caves open to the public in the area are Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, Ngilgi Cave, Calgardup Cave and Giants Cave. Many other caves can be accessed with a permit by experienced cavers.
Surfing breaks
The Margaret River area has acquired a range of synonyms for the collection of surf breaks nearby, with some 75 breaks along 130 kilometres (81 mi) of coastline.[19][20] Usually significant surfing competitions concentrate their locale to Margarets Main Break (aka Surfers Point) which breaks in the vicinity of Prevelly at the mouth of Margaret River.[19]
The actual range of surf breaks range from the eastern side of Cape Naturaliste down to just south of Cape Hamelin, and despite web sites and online sources calling the whole Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin region the Margaret River surfing area, conditions and break types vary along the coast.
The Cowaramup Bombora ("Cow Bombie") big wave surf break 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) offshore produces one of the biggest waves in Australia.[21][22][23]
Bildung
The town contains four primary schools, Margaret River Primary School, Rapids Landing Primary School, Margaret River Montessori School, and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, and one high school, Margaret River Senior High School. All schools are located within the town itself except for Rapids Landing Primary School, which is located in the suburb of Rapids Landing.
Cultural events
The WSL Margaret River Pro is held annually in May attracting professional surfers from across the globe. The CinefestOZ film festival stages several events across the region in late August each year.[24]
In the media
Arte-TV produced an episode of Nouveaux paradis about Margaret River. The 2008 documentary shows interviews with (amongst others) tourist officials, surfers, and dolphin watchers.[25] Margaret River was also visited in the 1966 documentary film The Endless Summer. In 2013, many locals featured in the film Drift, starring Sam Worthington, as well as many surfing scenes being shot on location at local surf breaks such as Grunters and Main Break.[26][27]
See also
References
Notes
- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Margaret River (urban centre and locality)". Australian Census 2021.
- ^ "Elevation of Margaret River WA, Australia". Elevation.maplogs. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Champs rolls into Margs for Pro - the West Australian". Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^ Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (2005). "Augusta Margaret River Region - Fact Sheet" (PDF). Retrieved 1 May 2007.
- ^ "Margaret River | Kaartdijin Noongar". noongarculture.org.au.
- ^ "History of country town names – M". Western Australian Land Information Authority. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ Main Roads Western Australia (November 2013). "Project Overview: Margaret River Perimeter Road" (PDF). Government of Western Australia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ Main Roads Western Australia (3 December 2014). "Margaret River Perimeter Road". Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ "Margaret River Perimeter Road open in time for Christmas". Government of Western Australia. 24 December 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- ^ "Margaret River Perimeter Road reaches practical completion". Government of Western Australia. 28 February 2019. Archived from the original on 25 August 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- ^ a b c James Halliday (2009). The Australian Wine Encyclopedia. Hardie Grant Books. pp. 166–167. ISBN 978-1-74066-774-6.
- ^ a b Campbell Mattinson, "Why the French hate us", Hardie Grant Books 2007
- ^ "Margaret River wine region". Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
- ^ The Australian and New Zealand wine industry directory, 27th Annual edition, 2009, Winetitles.
- ^ Oz Clarke, 'Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guides', Harcourt 1 November 2002
- ^ M. Bright, 1001 Natural Wonders You Must See Before You Die, Quintet Publishing, London 2005
- ^ "Bus Tour Margaret River. Eagles Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour from Perth". Margaret River Bus Tour. Archived from the original on 5 April 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ "Margaret River WA 6285". Margaret River. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ a b "Surfing Margaret River | Surfing Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta". Archived from the original on 5 July 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ Blair, Larry and Horan, Cheyne Wave Finder Australia (3rd edition) ISBN 0-9581726-6-8 give the name Margarets Area to the Cape Naturaliste to Boranup Sandpatch area and identify over 30 named breaks
- ^ "The Biggest Wave Ever Ridden in Australia? | mySURF.tv". Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
- ^ "Storm Surfers - Near-Death Wipeout at Cow Bombie". Archived from the original on 11 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Winners Announced at the Oakley Big Wave Awards!". Archived from the original on 2 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
- ^ "The Festival". CinefestOZ Film Festival. 25 October 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
- ^ [1] Les Nouveaux paradis, L'Australie, de la mer à la vigne on IMDB.
- ^ Trevor Paddenburg (2 May 2013). "Drift fans to ride tourism wave in Margaret River". Perth Now. Archived from the original on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ "Drift Locations". Archived from the original on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
Bibliography
- Burton, L.C. (1996). Barefoot in the Creek: A Group Settlement Childhood in Margaret River. Nedlands, W.A.: University of Western Australia Press. ISBN 1875560831.
- Cresswell, Gail J. (2003). The Light of Leeuwin: The Augusta-Margaret River Shire History (new ed.). Margaret River, W.A.: Augusta-Margaret River Shire History Group. ISBN 0731694449.
- Cullen, Shelley; Rigby, Peter (1999). Margaret River style. Fremantle, WA: Fremantle Arts Centre Press. ISBN 1863682856.
- Wiltshire, Trea (2000). Margaret River. Australian Wine Regions series. Singapore: R. Ian Lloyd Productions. ISBN 9810426747.
- Zekulich, Michael (2000). Wine Western Australia (all new ed.). Perth: St George Books. ISBN 0867780614.