Upon setting up their new home in WA’s striking Margaret River region, Scottish couple Benji and Helen Leggate were unable to track down traditional cured Scottish bacon.
So Benji set about making his own.
Also lacking in the vicinity was a quiet spot to park RVs, away from the tourist crowds of Margaret River township and with enough room for travellers to really stretch their wings.
So Benji and Helen created that too.
Olive Hill Farm RV Campground opened late last year in Margaret River, with 10 caravan/motorhome bays, catering exclusively to grey nomads and CMCA members (no backpacker vans are welcome).
A classic rural scene – just what you need for a few days of peace and quiet.
RV RETREAT
Benji said Olive Hill Farm was purchased 10 years ago during the WA property boom, so “…we have had to work hard to make a living and diversifying has been the only way to succeed on 150 acres.”
The couple now produce beef, lamb, pork and eggs, all processed on-site at the farm in the smokery and deli, with a range of accommodation options on offer.
Alongside the 10 RV bays situated in an olive tree grove, Olive Hill Farm also has available a farmstay bed and breakfast for up to six people in a converted chalet, plus extra accommodation in the homestead – a 1921 original settler’s cottage.
Race horses and local horses also enjoy holidays at the property through an agistment arrangement.
ROOM TO MOVE
The couple enjoy sharing their farm and local produce with travellers and the only camping condition is that every RV must have its own toilet – either built-in or a Porta-Potti.
Grey water is used to irrigate the olive trees and there is a dump point on site for residents’ use.
No potable water or power is available though, to ensure this secluded campsite remains as peaceful as possible.
Sites are large (6x18m hardstand) but realistically measure more like 8x20m and easily accommodate any size of rig, with extra space available for parking trailers nearby.
Pets are also welcome, providing they are kept on a lead at all times, as Benji and Helen like to ensure their livestock is happy too.
RVers can wander among the olive groves during their stay.
WINE AND DINE
Olive Hill Farm is located just 10 minutes from Margaret River town, located midway between Augusta, Busselton and Dunsborough – one of Australia’s premier wine regions.
Each site at the campground has its own fire pit (in season) for which wood can be collected from the farm for free or purchased ready to go.
Prices are from $7.50 per night, per adult.
Margaret River is known for its excellent wines (pic by Colin Kerr).
LOCALS PICKS
There are wineries and breweries on every corner in the Cape Naturaliste region, but here are a few that visitors to the region might not know about:
- Brown Hill Estate: An amazing family winery with award-winning reds. Very affordable and value for money!
- Happs: One of the first wineries in the region, with a diverse range to choose from. A real education.
- Colonial Brewery: Great beer and food, with a great kids’ playground.
- Cape Mentelle: One of the bigger vineyards, but they sneak into this list because they make good wine suiting most palates and also host movies in the vineyard in summer.
- Moss Wood: By appointment only. They have fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon, perhaps the best in the region…
The scenic Blackwood River at Augusta (pic by Colin Kerr).
If vineyards are not your thing, there’s plenty more to do in WA’s south west. Here are a few of Benji and Helen’s recommendations:
- Fish and chips from the Colourpatch Café: A great eatery on the banks of the Blackwood River in Augusta. You can also swim, watch dolphins, or catch a feed of fish while you’re there.
- Visit one of the plentiful caves: Jewel cave or Ngilgi cave are their pick.
- Canoe up the Margaret River: Either take your own, hire at the rivermouth or go on a tour with Bushtucker Tours or Margaret River Discovery Tours.
- Busselton Jetty and foreshore: A great walk, with lots of history, amazing natural aquarium, lovely safe swimming and a stunning boardwalk.
- Jesters Flat: Horseriding for beginners to advanced riders. A great way to see the countryside
- Dirty Detours: Try a mountain bike winery tour or hit the trails on your own bike (or theirs), with a guide to show you the way.
The remains of the old jetty at Hamelin Bay (pic by Colin Kerr).
BENJI’S BEST BEACHES
- Gracetown: Protected but ironically also with good surf, regardless of the direction of the swell or wind.
- Gnarabup: Enjoy a snack at the White Elephant beach cafe and take the 1-hour return board walk to the Margaret River Mouth.
- Grannys Pool, Augusta: Very safe, works on high tide, is shallow and warm.
- Hamelin Bay: The view, fishing and stingrays are all amazing.
- Meelup Beach: Oh so picturesque and the shaded grass at the back of the beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
GETTING THERE
Margaret River is the hub of WA’s famous wine region, just 270km south of Perth. It is bordered by Dunsborough to the north, Busselton to the north-east and Augusta to the south.
STAY
Olive Hill Farm RV Campground, Bramley River Road, Margaret River
www.olivehillfarm.com.au/margaretriver-rv-campground
MORE INFO
Margaret River Visitor Centre: www.margaretriver.com
Tourism WA: www.westernaustralia.com
