People are drawn to the south west region for a variety of different reasons, whether it be for adventure, relaxation, or fine food and wine, you’ll find it all within reach.

Here’s a few tips from the farm locals on what you can do to make your holiday the best trip ever!

Mountain Biking

Margaret River has in recent years become a top destination for mountain bikers, given it’s diverse range of riding available. A short pedal from the farm along Calgardup Road will join you onto the famous Wadandi track (Rails to Trails). If you want to put some kms beneath you without any serious hills or technical challenges then this is the trail for you. Head south and you can follow it down towards the stunning karri forests with it’s own network of single track trails. You can stop for lunch or a coffee at the Boranup Cafe and check out their gallery. Riding north along the Wadandi will take you past Witchcliffe, through Margaret River, and as far as Cowaramup.

For those who want to hit some fun, flowy, purpose built single track, then the Wadandi will lead you straight through some of the state’s finest, known as ‘Compartment 10’. For more info on the ever expanding network of trails being built, drop into the Hairy Marron Bike Cafe (http://www.thehairymarron.com/) at the bottom of Margaret River town. They have coffee, bike rentals, provide servicing and bike parts, plus they love to offer advise and local knowledge.

Walk the coastline

Draw a straight line from the Birchfield Farm to the coast and you’ll hit the beautiful Redgate Beach. This stunning beach caters for surfing, fishing, children (although lookout for rips along the main beach). Walk to the far south end beyond the surf beach and you’ll find a long stretch of rocks which is a hotspot for bouldering. This beach is also a great starting point to join the Cape to Cape track, an iconic 135km coastal/bush walk that traverses the spine of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. For more info check out this site http://www.capetocapetrack.com.au/.

Hit the local

A 20 minute cycle or a 5 minute drive from the farm will get you to Witchcliffe, a tiny town consisting of a small number of vintage/ second hand shops, a cafe, a fuel station, a bakery, a ‘bottlo’ and an electric bike shop. Currently under development is the new ‘eco village’ which will expand Witchcliffe greatly, but in a way that is sustainable and self sufficient.

The Yardbyrd cafe receives a daily visit from us at the farm, serving amazing coffee and great food in a courtyard full of herbs, flowers and vegetables. The service is super friendly and their savoury muffins are totally addictive!

The red cross is a winner for hunting for second hand goodies, as is the flying wardrobe on the main street. Next door you’ll find Guy Pathe, tinkering with his custom electric bicycle builds.

Keep an eye out for notices on the ‘Druids Hall’, across from Yardbyrd. The space is used to host many different events, workshops and classes such as yoga, acupuncture, intimate concerts, fairs and markets.

Witchcliffe may be small, but it’s now becoming a destination for those wanting to escape the hustle of the main town during the busy seasons.

Explore off the beaten track

There are so many beautiful locations accessible only with a 4x4. Joeys Nose near Kilcarnup is a wonderful beach that you can drive onto and is a wonderful spot for the kids. To the south there is Boranup beach, great for fishing and surfing, accessed by a technical track through the forest. Drop your tyre pressure and head even further south around the coast and you will witness some breathtaking locations such as Black Point and Yeagarup Dunes, which hosts WAs biggest sand dune climb! Not for the faint hearted, but an experience bound to put a massive smile on your face. There are also endless 4x4 tracks through the forests surrounding the region, of course always be respectful of the native plants and wildlife, aware of local fire bans if you’re camping, and always take all of your rubbish with you.