About Your Guide
The only definition of a true local .
A lover of nature, his inspiration to start his own tour company came from growing up in a pristine and unspoilt environment and his affinity with flowers, the forest and the magical diversity of the coastline.
This affinity with the environment also led Hank to his other passion of photography and ultimately became a founding member of the Margaret River Camera Club, served as President for a number years and saw him win many prizes for his unique and creative photography.
Whilst still at school in the late 60’s Hank remembers some of the first Grape plantings in the area and thinking “why would anyone do that!”
But unbeknown to him, those humble grape plantings were the beginning of what is now a world class wine region and the gourmet food hub of Australia.
So why not combine food, wine and the natural environment into an unforgettable experience.
Hence Margaret River Exposed is a tour about activating your senses.
See Listen Smell Touch Taste.
Create a new journey in your life.
Hank Durlik looks at me sadly and apologises.
We’re standing atop an ancient limestone escarpment, amid a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, gazing down on the electric turquoise waters of Conto Beach below. Whales breach out to sea, a pod of dolphins is highlighted against the talcum white sand of the Indian Ocean floor, and a solo fisherman is busy reeling in a fresh herring, glittering silver in the reflected sunlight.
“I’m sorry,” says Hank, the owner and operator of Margaret River Exposed tours, pointing at the lone fisherman.
“The beach isn’t normally this crowded. Nine times out of 10 there’ not a soul in sight.”
It’s a common theme that emerges during a day spent with this born-and-bred Margaret River local, who has been running small-group, tailor-made tours of the region for the last four years. He knows the secret spots that not even locals know about, and he’s happy to share them with visitors – who frequently find themselves alone with only nature for company.
