We are heading to Perth in October for the Mandurah Boat Show and then have a couple of weeks holidays. We want to tour the Margaret River region and have a few wines and was wondering if anyone could recommend things to see and do in the region. We were also thinking of staying overnight on Rottnest Island would you recommend this and if so where is the best place to stay.
We want to visit Fremantle and stay in that area for a couple of nights as well. Any and all recommendations will be appreciated.

Take a look at one or two of the Margaret River pages here on VT - you'll find lots of suggestions, descriptions, etc of things to do in the region. October's the perfect time though it's not warm enough to swim. Apart from the wineries in MR, there's the Boranup Forest, Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, several caves, galleries, beautiful beaches to walk along, good restaurants. If you ride, a hack through the bush and along the beach is great. You'll hit the peak wildflower season. With a couple of weeks, you could extend your south-west stay and make a loop across to Walpole and Denmark to Albany then back to Perth. The south coast is spectacular and this would take you through the great forests.

Staying overnight at Rottnest is the best way to appreciate the island. Stay at The Lodge.

What sort of accommodation are you looking for in Fremantle? Hotel? B&B? Will you have a car?

I can't recommend where to stay at Rottnest as I didn't do the overnite option, but if you have the opportunity, you must do it! What an amazing place. Hire a bike and enjoy the secluded beaches.

Enjoy

Hi guys. I can't add any more to what Leyla said except that you'll love it here and especially the wildflowers. Don't forget to keep your camera ready to stop on the side of the road for great pix. Rotto is wonderful! We usually buy an all day bus ticket when we go......yes Michael...I'm too lazy to cycle haha.

And if you would like to meet up with a few locals while you are here, perhaps at Freo, then I'm sure I can arrange something for you :o)

Cheers, Ann.

Thanks Ann it would be great to catch up while we are over there although we might not have as much time as we originally thought. We are having a boat built in Auckland and it was supposed to get to Brisbane by the 23rd Sept. I was then going to cruise it up to the Whitsundays before heading to Perth. The shipping company have now bumped it to the next ship which doesn't arrive until the 5th Oct. We will have to do the boat show at Mandurah and then cut the holiday short so that I can get it up to the Whitsundays to start work.

Wow, working in the Whitsundays!....I'd like to hear all about that! :o) Well flick me an email if you want to catch up or if you want my phone number just in case, ok? Cheers :o)