A once in a decade swell along the south-west coast at the weekend was matched by an equal swell in visitor numbers to Margaret River.
"Surf like that is truly spectacular and a reminder as to why we're all here," said Rob Gough, owner of the popular Settlers Tavern in Margaret River on Monday.
Mr Gough, originally from San Francisco, said crowd-wise it was like a weekend in January or the school holidays.
"We went down to Surfer's Point and every single car space was taken which is really unusual at this time of the year," he said.
Mr Gough, who has owned the Bussel Highway tavern for 12 years, said that there must have been several hundred people lining the shore at the popular surf break.
"Earlier in the week, the weather channel predicted 50 foot waves - and it really happened," he said.
Mr Gough said that the increase in visitor numbers was felt throughout Margaret River's business community.
"We were flat out over the weekend. At this time of the year, it was a very welcome bonus," he said.
Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association chief executive Pip Close their visitor centre staff reported an increase in visitors in the region and were kept busy with requests for accommodation, local attractions and restaurant recommendations.
"The carparks down at the surf spots were chock-a-block with spectators; there were even reports of traffic jams! When the surf's up, there's no better place than the Margaret River region," she said
The big waves were not just a drawcard for those around WA however as surfers travelled from interstate and even further afield for the swell.
Champion paddleboard surfer Justin Holland made the trip from Kingscliff, NSW, with his best mate Jamie Mitchell, from Hawaii.
The trip proved a scary one for Mr Holland however, as a monster wave crashed over him in Gracetown - shattering his leg.
