Just back from a lovely four night stay in Margaret River.

The weather was lovely, the flies not-too-bothersome, the food and wine delicious.

For the first time, we opted to stay in the township of Margaret River, choosing easy access to cafes and restaurants over our usual preference of hay bales, frogs and kangaroos.

We've had more than our share of disappointing accommodation in the MR region, but this time we got it right. Our unit at Vintages was just what we needed - private, quiet and spotless; the outstanding service an unexpected bonus.

Photos here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/melnq8...7648754705877/

Hi, Melnq8

What a restful-looking place. Just the sort of area I would like to stay. What are the lizards, please? The kookaburras are cheeky birds, aren't they, and I love their song in the mornings.

Hi dotty -

I'm not sure what kind of lizard...there are just so many here, I can't keep up

lovely pics as ever, mel. the food looks good too!

Great photos, beautiful places - would love to go back again. Our 11 days were not enough, sadly. Your food photos make me hungry. Stop it!

Oh, I was surprised to learn that the kookaburra is not native to southwest WA, and in fact are considered somewhat of a pest, competing with the locals for food.

Hi Ralph -

Yeah, the kookaburra is yet another imposter. They fascinate me - one landed on our patio railing the other day and I see (or hear them) on a daily basis in our neighborhood park.

They're not nice birds. Not only do they compete with the locals for food, they eat the young of the locals.

What is kookaburra? would anybody explain please ?

It's a bird K_P14 and the subject of a children's song.

Here's what they look & and sound like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0ZbykXlg6Q

Mel - we used to sing that song at guides; i had no idea what one looked like then!

I learned the song as a kid too annhig, probably in Brownies or Girl Scouts, yet I had no clue what one was or sounded like until my first visit to OZ.

I smile every time I hear one laughing.