Is Margaret River Adventure Sport Capital of WA?
We think so, thanks to the Cape to Cape MTB, Tour of Margaret River, X Adventure Dunsborough and some awesome new MTB trails. Busselton has a plethora of exciting events centred around her famous jetty too – the Ironman, half ironman, Busselton Jetty Swim and Festival of Paddle.
Not to mention various marathons and fun runs through scenic vineyards and farms – some have kids courses too.
So what action-packed, adrenalin-inducing adventure sports are on offer in the south west?
October 7: Grapest 5k Run featuring the 1km Wine Walk
1k Wine Walk? That sounds like me! “Ask not what wine has done for you, but rather what you will do for wine” is the motto of the day. The event is at Xanadu Winery, very close to Quality Inn Margaret River, and you’ll enjoy an off-road run or walk through picturesque wine country, tasting some of the region’s finest drops.
We’re a proud partner of the event, so call us for best rates on accommodation.
www.centauroutdoorevents.com.au
October 19-22: Cape to Cape MTB
This is an awesome way to see the beautiful Cape to Cape region, as you ride singletrail over beaches, past vineyards, through forests and national parks. Stop along the way at breweries, wineries and other awesome Margaret River icons, finishing at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
New Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking has gone from a minority spot to big business in a pretty short period of time, and the Margaret River region is the cornerstone of a plan to turn WA’s south west into Australia’s MTB mecca.
Meelup mountain bike trails near Dunsborough reopened in winter 2017 after some pretty big trail upgrades.
New trails in the Bramley National Park opened in early 2017 and have had outstanding feedback.
Check out this comprehensive roundup of mountain bike trails in the Margaret River region.
October 22: Tom Cullity Trail Run (Heydon Estate)
Fancy a jog through Margaret River’s picturesque first vineyards (and some of our finest)? It’s the 50th year anniversary of the Margaret River wine region; 50 years since the first vines were planted at Vasse Felix by Dr Tom Cullity. This inaugural Tom Cullity Trail run takes place not on roads, but through the middle of vineyards, including that first planting. Run through vines, around dams, across fields, from vineyard to vineyard, along farm access tracks, never the public road, always the vineyards.
mrtrailrunners.org.au/tomcullity
October 28: Tour de Gracetown
It’s a road cycling event – not a race – through some of the loveliest scenery in the south west. Choose a 110km course starting and finishing in the seaside hamlet of Gracetown, taking in tree-lined roads and the famous Caves Road. Alternatively, do the 55km course from Gracetown heading south along Caves Road, through Witchcliffe to Rosa Brook.
November 4-5: Augusta Adventure Fest
The largest adventure race in the world – and its fun for the whole family, even the kids can get involved! It’s the 12th year, and the race attracts 3,500 competitors and over 10,000 spectators to the beautiful landscapes of Augusta and Flinders Bay. There’s a long race or short race for adults combining an ocean paddle, run, ocean swim and mountain bike ride, plus ‘Junior Survivor’ obstacle course for kids. Compete in a team or solo – and be sure to drink in that fabulous view!
rapidascent.com.au/AugustaAdventureFest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_306VHaFlg
November 8-12: Tour of Margaret River (Augusta to Yallingup)
There’s no other race on the Word Cycling Calendar quite like the Tour of Margaret River! Join pro cyclists Robbie McEwen and Matthew Keenan on a scenic zip around the south west. It’s an amateur road cycling event with teams of 6 riders, that this year heads out onto the winding and undulating roads of the greater Blackwood Valley. Riders will travel from Mowen Road, Margaret River to Nannup, Greenbushes and Balingup.
December 2-3: Yallingup Malibu Surf Classic
I’ve put this one in because it’s so quintessentially Yallingup. Let’s hope Huey, the surf god, grants us fantastic waves for this longboarding event, so the surfers can put on an awesome show. Grab a coffee from Shaana Café, enjoy the sunshine and the view.
https://www.surfingaustralia.com/states/wa
December 2-3: Sunsmart Busselton IRONMAN
This flat, fast race on the shores of Geographe Bay, Busselton, attracts triathletes from all around the world. It’s a qualifier for the Ironman World Championships, hence attracting world-class athletes to our sunny shores. In fact, the 2016 event was voted Athlete’s Choice, for the best overall swim, bet host city experience and likelihood of returning. Nice work, Busso! Whether you’re keen to compete or just watch all the action from the beach, it’s an exciting race to watch and be part of.
December 9: Dunsborough Rodeo Fest
A relative newcomer to the adventurous south west! Billed as the toughest sport on dirt, a ring-side spot at the rodeo is an exciting ticket for mum, dad and the kids alike. Gasp as some of Australia’s best cowboys and cowgirls take on bulls, saddle bronc, bare back and barrel racing (sounds exciting!) The kids can have their faces painted, grab a pony ride or try their skills on the mechanical bull. There’s live music, food and drinks too. Giddy up!
Quality Inn is your perfect base for a Margaret River adventure
Quality Inn Margaret River accommodation is perfectly suited to groups, clubs and associations coming down for awesome adventure sport events.
We offer affordable accommodation and make group bookings easy.
We’ve got storage so you know your valuable bike is safe, a place to wash down your bike, board or other equipment, and you can park right outside your room.
We make it easy to organise a group booking; we’ll give you a great special rate, and guests can pay for their rooms individually. As we say, “the answer is yes – what is the question?”
Let us organise food and catering – early breakfasts, carb-loading dinners, huge packed lunches with morning tea and afternoon tea designed for athletes who need extra calories.
The hotel is located on Walcliffe Road, an easy 15 minute walk from the centre of Margaret River town. We’re perfectly positioned for any of the Margaret River cycling events, the Tom Cullity Trail Run, Augusta Adventure Fest and many more adventure sport activities.
Call us on 08 9757 2633 or email reservations@staymargaretriver.com.au or book online for the very best rates.
We look forward to welcoming you, your team mates and cheer squad soon!
Coming up in 2018
- February 10-11: Sunsmart Busselton Jetty Swim
- March 10: Sandalford Margaret River Half Marathon
- April 21: X Adventure Dunsborough
- April: Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
- May 4-6: Ironman 70.3 Busselton
