Prevelly

**Gnarabup Beach, Prevelly: Where the Surf's Up and the Pies Are Flaky**

Let's be honest, Prevelly. You're not really a town, are you? You're more of a glorified carpark with a beach view, and honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way. We roll out of bed, stumble to the Prevelly Store for a coffee with "awesome coffee and a magic view," and realise we're five minutes from Gnarabup Beach, which features "prominently in the lives of Margaret River locals and clued-up visitors."

Come April, the place turns into a zoo. The Western Australia Margaret River Pro rolls into Surfers Point for 11 days of "professional surfing events." It's "one of only two Australian events on the World Surf League’s World Championship Tour." We complain about the crowds, but secretly we love watching the pros get barrelled at The Box while we stand there with our $15 food truck snack.

And here's the kicker: the "rugged" life is optional. For a dose of civilisation, you stay at Carpe Vino, nestled among "eight acres of quiet bushland." But the real magic? Mike Lane, the legend behind Pies & Ale. After "running the Gracetown general store and Prevelly general store," he decided to just make pies and pour beer. Simple. Brilliant. Every pie is "hand-pressed daily, and when they're gone, well, they're gone."

**Who'd hate it?** The wine snob who only wants to talk about tannins. Prevelly is about surfing, sand, and short walks to the beach. It's not Napa Valley, mate.

**Who'd love it?** You. If you want to wake up, surf, eat a flaky pie, and watch a sunset over the Indian Ocean without any pretence, this is your spot. It's a not-so-hidden gem, and we're fine with that.