My week in Margaret River

My week away in Margaret River was a mini adventure, just with lots of work! Driving down there was long and challenging; almost four hours south of Perth by car with part of the route covering roads set in bush land, lucky I had Micky on board to coach and direct me on the way down! As well as being very rusty and not the most confident person behind the wheel, I was most worried about encounters with kangaroos on the journey down as I had been warned by colleagues that it isn’t uncommon for kangaroos to hop out onto the roads in front of passing cars and the Margaret River region is full of them. We made it down in one piece though and I can now say that that was the longest journey I have ever driven (270 kilometres) and fastest too, hitting 110k per hour a lot the way.

Over the course of the week, I met with lots of SCOOP Traveller  clients - mostly wineries this week. Some of the estates I visited were beautiful set in the most stunning natural scenery, many with acres upon acres of neatly lined vineyards and gardens. I also visited a chocolate factory/shop and a giant hedge maze. My accommodation was arranged at some serviced apartments in central Margaret River called Darby Park which were nice and spacious and just a two minute walk from the main high street on Bussell Highway so Micky and I would take a tour around the charming little shops on the main street after work. The weather was still cheerful  as we approach winter (mid twenties) with a little rain at times.

Amongst the clients I met with were a couple of fellow Brits who had emigrated to Perth/WA years ago and it was really interesting to hear their stories of when they emigrated and what it was like and their Australian journeys since. The English lady from Woody Nook Wines had even invited Micky and I to go cycling with them in Perth! I managed to get at least one out of two clients renewed into the next edition of the magazine which was a good result as the market is tough right now and the industry is in its quieter season.

A funny tale of drama to tell you from my meeting with Marri Wood Park: I met with Lisa, the owner of this organic winery who was a friendly, chatty lady. We had our meeting outside on her lawn and we were discussing the magazine when a gaggle of geese wander on over approaching our table and walking under it close to my feet wedged in my open-toed shoes – ewww! It just so happened that they also farm their own organic produce too! So up I jumped from my seat! People who know me, know that me and animals, (ALL animals) don’t mix! Then two of her dogs come barking over too and then she picks two of the geese up from the ground and sits them on her lap like they’re two adorable little twin babies – OMG! I’m trying to keep a professional demeanour and remain seated continuing to talk business whilst these farm animals surround me. I know Aussies are renowned for their laid-back nature, but this is taking their behaviour to another level! Anyway, an hour later I’m still there sipping on a peppermint tea and talking about living in various places around the world so I suppose I accomplished something else this week too! I don’t think I’ve quite had a business meeting like this before. All in all, an interesting week in a lovely part of Western Australia...

Woody Nook

Voyager Estate

The Geese

Queen of Spades