Owner and operator of Margaret River Discovery Co Sean Blocksridge shares favourite things and some insider tips for Margaret River.
In 2010, Sean won Western Australian Guide of the Year and his tours have been rated the number one thing to do in Australia on the Tripadvisor website for the past two years.
So many people, myself included, rave about Margaret River and what a great place it is to visit. To truly understand why, and experience that it is far more than great wine and fantastic food, book into a tour with Sean. Doing his tour, which I’ve done a couple of times, has left indelible memories and it’s made me fall more in love with this pocket of the planet. His tours are popular, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
I asked Sean some questions about his favourite things in Margaret River.
Sean Blockridge canoeing along the Margaret River. CREDIT: Sean Blocksridge
Q&A with Sean Blocksridge
There’s no doubt about it that the South West is special. What is it about Margaret River that you love? Name your top three things.
- The sense of community that you only get living in a small regional town
- The focus on being healthy that so many people have here
- And culturally, no other town in Australia gets as spoilt as we do with things like opera, ballet, Melbourne Comedy Festival, concerts and events. Margaret River delivers it all, it really does.
What do you think surprises most visitors to the region?
Visitors come here for the wine, but are always really surprised by the region’s natural beauty. I hear it every day.
What is your favourite wine varietal?
Chardonnay Chardonnay Chardonnay
What your favourite winery?
So many good ones, hard to limit it to one. Fraser Gallop is one of my favourites. I’m really liking Juniper Estate and Edwards – they fly under the radar and produce outstanding wine that’s reasonably priced.
What your favourite place for a winery lunch?
- Leeuwin Estate always seems to be my first choice but so many other goodies!
- Cullen on a Sunday, sitting back, reading The Australian with a glass of Semillion
- Voyager Estate for a decadent degustation
- Wills Domain – it’s the name on everyone’s lips at the moment
What’s your favourite place for coffee?
I’m loyal to a few cafes – the Hairy Marron, Side Kick Café and White Elephant Beach Café are all regulars
What is your favourite place for a special occasion meal out?
Cape Lodge, every time
Where is your favourite place to get away from crowds?
One thing I love about Margaret River is that I can drive five minutes in any direction and get away from crowds. Mountain biking the Carters Road trails is a daily favourite – such an epic trail, I can ride for hours hardly ever see anyone, it’s magic.
Do you have a favourite secret spot?
There’s a few – the natural spa at Injidup, the Upper Margaret River, and disappearing into Boranup Forest.
The stunning natural spa at Injidup. The waves come into the rock pool to create a spa-like experience. CREDIT: Sean Blocksridge
What is the best bargain in Margaret River?
Settlers Tavern – they consistently pump out great food and have good beer and it doesn’t cost the earth. And take away fish and chips in Augusta – sitting by the water, it’s a lovely way to spend an evening – and a bargain.
What is something no one knows about Margaret River that you wish everyone knew?
That Margaret River offers more, so much more, than just wine. The fabulous river for starters, the iconic Cape to Cape Track that’s world class, and the amazing mountain biking.
What is your favourite time of year in Margaret River?
I love every season, I really do. Spring is really special with whales and wildflowers everywhere, and there’s no flies. Referring to the previous question, I wish that people knew that Margaret River isn’t just a summer destination.
Why did you sign up to become a volunteer fire fighter?
I volunteered to contribute to the community in where I live. About ten per cent of the population volunteer whether it’s meals on wheels, ambulance, fire fighter or something else. It comes back to a sense of community. It’s not just about fighting flames – it’s hard yakka, but I also get a lot out of it.
How do you spend a day off in Margaret River?
Funny enough, exactly how I spend my working day – canoeing, hiking, four-wheel driving, and mountain biking. You could say I’ve made my life work and work my life (lucky bastard!).
Thanks for chatting with me Sean!
Sean is also a talented photographer and I recommend Following him on Instagram @discovermargaretriver and on Facebook here to get your daily Margaret River fix.
FACT FILE
Margaret River Discovery Co
Sean Blocksridge
discover@margaretriverdiscovery.com.au
+61 439 910 064
Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post, rather I interviewed Sean for a media story and liked what he had to say to much that I wanted to share it with you. And I love his tour!