spotlight on sean blocksidge | margaret river.
Name: Sean Blocksidge
Age: 45
Star sign: Aries
Hometown: Perth
Where do you live now? Margaret River
And how long have you lived in the region? 14 years
Describe yourself in 3 words or less: Lucky.
Describe the Margaret River region in 3 words or less: Wine paradise.
What do you do here? Tour guide. To be honest its not really work. More like getting a bunch of mates together and having a bit of fun.
What does a normal day entail for you? I call it ‘the tour for people who don’t do tours’. Canoeing, hiking, 4WDing and wine tasting. Yeah not really work!
What makes Margaret River so special? This is the most consistent wine producing region on the planet. Year after year of amazing vintages. Surrounded by spectacular coastline, towering forests and a thriving arts and culture scene. Plus some of Australia’s best restaurants. Like I said, wine paradise.
Favourite (non) tour? The Discovery Tour for the best all-round experience. You should also check the mountain bike tours and cave tours.
Best place for coffee? Sooooo many goodies. Blue Ginger, Sidekick, White Elephant are three of my top favs.
Best place to watch the sun go down? Surfers Point or the Margaret River Mouth.
Favourite place to surf? Anywhere without sharks ;)
Favourite place to hike? The Cape Track is an epic 7 day hike but my absolute favourite bit is the Contos Cliff section.
Favourite vineyard? Just one? Not possible. Fraser Gallop Estate, Juniper Estate, Vasse Felix, Cape Grace, McHenry Hohnen, Cape Mentelle and Leeuwin Estate for the best lunch experience.
Favourite local wine? Chardonnay. From everyone! Love tasting the regional differences between each vineyard.
What has been one of the craziest requests or questions you have received from a client?Taking the Saudi Oil Minister hiking. They requested we keep him safe and away from crowds. Yeah not a problem mate. They turned up with bullet-proof cars and two security details, but after five days of hiking, we didn’t see a single person!
And the funniest moment? A day with Jeremy Clarkson. He’s the real deal. Genuinely funny bloke, but geez he could fart. After three stinkers I couldn’t pretend they weren’t happening so asked him to wind the window down.
Any other secret finds we should know about in the region? Loads… Fishbone Restaurant, The Natural Spa, Boranup Forest, Wilyabrup Cliffs, Brown Hill Winery. Come and visit and ask a local.
What’s on your stereo? I love my music as much as my wine. Heavy rotation at the moment of City and Colour, Alabama Shakes, Boy and Bear, Camp Cope, Mia Dyson and way too much Steve Earle.
Words you live by… Do something you love.
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