Jewel Cave and Surfing Margaret River
In my attempt to do something new and adventurism while in Australia, I decided to head south, about 37km past Margaret River because the area is known for having over 150 limestone caves in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge of the Margaret River Region. 
The drive south of Perth to Margaret River was approx. 3 hours, and during the drive, you’ll see the vast openness of Western Australia. The drive starts out with a more barren, dry landscape, and then turns into a more lush forested area as you pass several State forests, and National parks nearby, including Karri forest, which is where Jewel Cave is located.
Jewel Cave
This cave is not accessibly friendly. There are long, narrow tunnels and many stairs, so if you have any questions or concerns about this, or any other inquiries, I suggest you contact the staff.
For those who are able to do this trek, it is very cool! The cave has many giant formations and not a lot of natural light. You start the tour by descending down a long, narrow tunnel before it opens up to a giant cavern.
Jewel Cave has a moist, musky smell in the air that is heavy when you are first exposed to it. I adjusted to it quickly, and enjoyed taking in the many stalactites and helictites that are stretched and suspended across the ceiling. Also the roots from the trees located above the cave on the surface; looked like veins running through the cave. Such a cool sense that the natural world is alive. Here’s a fun fact, I learned on the tour that when it comes to a tourist caves around the world, Jewel Cave has one of the longest straw stalactites found, at 580 cm!
The following are some photos I took while on tour, although they do not do much to expose the sheer awesomeness of the cave itself.
Jewel Cave is truly a worthy trek for those who are curious about the natural world! Because the stalactites and helictites are so fragile, and once damaged, goes beyond repair, please, please, please take care of your movements while in the cave. Watch any backpack or other item(s) you may be holding. You don’t want to knock into anything, or drop something over the platforms.
Ralph Waldo Emerson. The Poet 1844
Surfing Margaret River
Margaret River Mouth
After visiting Jewel Cave, I headed back to Margaret River. I really wanted to try my first attempt at surfing, and I heard from Western Australia locals that there was a particular instructor there named Josh Palmateer, who runs a surf academy out of Margaret River. Prior to deciding that I would attempt surfing, I never heard much about Margaret River’s surfing other than it has “good surf.” Little did I know, it plays host to World Surf League competitions.
Going over the basics
I met Josh Palmateer for a one-on-one lesson. He took me through all the surf techniques (such as paddling, positioning yourself on the surf board, catching a wave, and standing up) and water safety (learning about rip currents, or rips, and what to do if caught in one). He was simply amazing, and made the whole experience so immensely enjoyable. He was very encouraging, and as a bonus, on my fourth attempt at catching a wave, I managed to stand up!
All I can hear is the encouragement of “up, up, up!”
It was my goal to find out why Western Australia doesn’t seem to be as much of a tourist destination compared to Australia’s east coast states (Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland). The truth is, I don’t have a solid answer. Sure the East Coast has the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, more well-known beaches, as well as many iconic places and attractions. However, I discovered Western Australia has beautiful weather, sunny blue skies, and phenomenal beaches. You can swim with sharks, see the annual whale migration, visit wineries, and participate in heaps of other activities. Margaret River itself has a lot to offer its visitors.
Overall, I enjoyed my time here so immensely, and do not believe you’d regret planning a visit to this beautiful part of the world! There was so much that I was not able to see or do (especially the marine based activities and sights), so I will have to pay Western Australia another visit in the near future! But for now, this is it from Western Australia. I am now heading to South Australia for the last part of my trip. Thanks for reading, and be sure to catch me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
