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TRAVEL
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February15
W
ith three children under
the age of four, I’m
expecting my holidays
to be somewhat farcical
for the next few years. Anything
remotely involving culture is out, as
is a city break; and, call me spoilt,
but I feel there’s only so many times
you can drag your brood through
Denpasar airport without feeling
somewhat jaded. So what’s doing,
then? Margaret River, dear friends,
Margaret River.
Firstly, it’s a doddle to get there
from Singers. Hit the play button on
Frozen
three times and you’ll be in
the Western Australian capital, Perth;
then hire a car at the airport and point
it south, and in three hours you’ll find
yourselves slap-bang in a land where
sipping sauv blanc before noon is
totally acceptable – encouraged,
even.
Secondly, the mild Mediterranean
climate means you can build
sandcastles, scoff fudge, trail whales
and pat farm animals almost year-
round. We went in early September,
when spring temperatures in their
teens had me dusting off my old
London Uggs; but summer is said to
be just as swell.
Thirdly, the clever folk at the wineries
and breweries there know that a well-
positioned playground means happy
children, happy parents.
Aravina Estate, Margaret River