Holiday houses in Gracetown

Situated around three hours south of Perth in Western Australia, Gracetown is a coastal town that makes for a relaxing holiday escape. As it’s only a 20-minute drive from the Margaret River, it’s also often used as a base for people wanting to explore the wineries, restaurants, boutiques, and gourmet produce of the region. However, Gracetown is most renowned for its variety of surf breaks, including a big wave at the outer North Point and the less challenging break at Huzzas. Depending on the conditions, there are usually waves to suit all levels of experience and ability, and neighbouring beaches are also popular surfing spots all year round.

Nearby Cowaramup Bay offers white sands and a sheltered bay for child-friendly swimming, and is also a popular spot for fishing. The popular coastal walk, the Cape to Cape Trek, passes through Gracetown and is an ideal way to admire the coastline and potentially spot migrating humpback whales in winter.

Due to the quality of its surf, Gracetown attracts visitors throughout the year. The most popular season is summer, which brings long, hot, sunny days and idyllic beach weather. Average temperatures in summer range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Autumn is cooler, but delivers clear skies and light winds — an ideal time for visiting wineries or hiking along the coastline. Autumn temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius, and the water is still warm enough for swimming. Spring can be windy and chilly, with average temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius, but you’re most likely to see whales during this time. Winter is quiet with fewer travelers, with daily temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius. This is an ideal time for long, uninterrupted walks, or simply curling up under a blanket and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Cape to Cape Track

This renowned and very scenic walk spans 123 kilometres between two lighthouses — from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. It offers beautiful coastal scenery from start to finish, as well as caves and impressive rock formations. It’s also a chance to see diverse wildflowers and spot whales and dolphins. Parts of the track have boardwalks or are paved, and it’s possible to dip in and out of the walk for small sections if you’re not keen on the full distance.

The Margaret River

The Margaret River region is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions and attracts visitors year-round. However, the Margaret River is not just about wine-tasting. There is also an impressive selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and local providores to visit, and the region hosts a range of cultural, artistic, and musical events throughout the year.

Surfing

The quality surf is undoubtedly one of Gracetown's most popular attractions. While there are some world-class left hand breaks over the reef at the back of the bay, and big open barrels at North Point, less experienced surfers can also enjoy the more protected waves in a spot known as Huzzas.