Margaret River: our ultimate guide

Margaret River is a slice of paradise on the southwest tip of Western Australia, just a three-hour drive from the state capital of Perth. This award-winning wine region is home to almost 200 wineries, and eating and drinking your way through them is an essential part of the Margaret River experience. 

But wine isn’t the only draw; the region’s natural wonders include beaches with expansive views of the Indian Ocean, ancient caves with mesmerising crystal formations, and lush forests with towering jarrah and karri trees. 

No matter where you look in this area, exciting experiences abound – take your pick from our list of essential things to see and do. 

Getting there and around 

The Margaret River region stretches from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south, with the towns of Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cowaramup and Margaret River itself in between. Hiring a car will allow you to cover the full length of the region in under 90 minutes, and you’ll have the flexibility to explore each town and its attractions. These driving routes will help you decide where you should spend your time. 

Alternatively, you can catch a coach from Perth, or fly in from Melbourne to Busselton Airport. From there, consider joining a guided tour or experience with transport included; it’s a great way to explore the region. If you’re unsure where to begin, the Margaret River Visitor Centre can suggest itineraries and options for private transport depending on your needs. 

What to see and do

Wine tasting

Since the first commercial grape vines were planted at Vasse Felix in 1967, Margaret River has grown into Australia’s best-known wine region. With a Mediterranean climate, it’s ideal for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz wines. 

As Margaret River’s founding winery, you can expect nothing short of excellence at the Vasse Felix Estate. Join a tasting, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or browse the estate’s art gallery and sculpture garden. Other venerated wineries include Moss Wood , Cape Mentelle , Cullen Wines and Leeuwin Estate , which also offer tours of their sprawling grounds and tastings at their cellar doors. Elsewhere, boutique wineries such as Si Vintners , Dormilona , and Blind Corner focus on natural, minimal intervention wines, which have become increasingly popular with savvy wine drinkers. 

Rather than just selecting a handful of wineries, you can also design your own itinerary with some guidance from Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours, or opt for one of their existing tours which takes you to Vasse Felix, Xanadu , Voyager and more.

For special events, Cape Mentelle’s summer cinema under the stars makes for a romantic activity where you can sip some wine on the lawn, while Cullen Wines’ special tasting at the Wannang Tree Storytelling Table , a table crafted from a beloved peppermint tree that fell in 2021, gives an extra layer of meaning and connection to the land on which your grapes were grown.

Hiking and beaches

Margaret River sits on a long stretch of coastline bookended by Cape Naturaliste in the south and Cape Leeuwin in the north. The beaches along its route are famed for their sparkling waters and epic surf breaks. 

The coastline makes for a scenic drive, but hiking enthusiasts might enjoy embarking on the vast Cape to Cape Track , a 135-kilometre coastal trail with plenty of stops for swimming and camping along the way. If you’re only in town for a short stay, you can walk small sections of the trail instead. 

You’ll also find plenty of forest hiking trails in the area, but for a smoother option, why not ride through the forest on an electric quad bike with Eco Adventures Margaret River ? These eco-friendly bikes are quiet and emission-free, and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the environs of the Boranup Forest. 

Whale watching

Margaret River has one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world. - for six months, you can see over 35,000 Humpback and Southern Right whales migrate from Antarctica. Augusta is the best vantage point for spotting whales from June to September, but you can also see them in Geographe Bay, in the region’s north, from September to December, making for the perfect year-round experience. 

Cave exploring 

Beneath the surface of Margaret River lie more than 100 limestone caves formed over a million years ago, containing crystals, fossils, stalactites and stalagmites. Those open to the public include the Jewel, Lake and Ngilgi Caves, which you can explore on a guided tour. If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Giants Cave, where you’ll navigate vertical ladder climbs and rock scrambles to descend 86 metres underground. If you want to delve deeper into these ancient caves, the caving and abseiling tours at Margaret River Climbing Co are not to be missed. 

Prefer to stay above water? You can canoe on the Margaret River itself with guided tours that also include winery lunches or a sunset photo opportunity – and maybe even a chance to meet the local kangaroos up close.

Where to eat 

Margaret River boasts a range of culinary experiences for every palate, but stay close to the vineyards and you won’t be disappointed – with notable winery restaurants including those at Vasse Felix and Cullen Wines. Voyager Estate Restaurant , bringing together seasonality, sustainability and regional produce, is also worth a visit, while Amelia Park Restaurant offers a killer view of its vineyards to enjoy while tucking into wood-fired meats and heirloom produce. 

Yarri showcases modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, while Glenarty Road consistently earns acclaim for its farm-to-table approach, using daily-harvested produce from its own farm and gardens, which you can traverse on a guided tour. At Brewhouse , you can enjoy rustic vibes with live music, local beers and plenty of outdoor seating. 

For something different, head to Chow’s Table for Chinese-Malaysian fare. Or tuck into tapas at Rustico in Hay Shed Hill winery, followed by a jug of sangria. If you want to bring home a taste of Margaret River’s artisan local produce, be sure to head to the Farmer’s Markets on a Saturday. 

Where to stay

From cosy cabins to vineyard lodgings, there are plenty of options to make your stay in Margaret River extra special. Walk Talk Taste’s Gourmet Glamp experience invites you to stay in a luxurious tent with a private bath and outdoor shower, and enjoy a huge basket of gourmet, artisan produce. 

The luxury chalets at 8 Paddocks offer sleek, modern rooms, as well as stunning views of bushland and clear starry skies to take in from your private deck and outdoor tub. For those looking for a more secluded experience, book one of the beautiful cabins or cottages at Hidden Valley Forest Retreat to embrace the serenity of the forest.. The five-star Pullman Bunker Bay Resort , meanwhile, is our pick for its beachfront views.