Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s most breathtaking destinations, known for its world-class wineries, stunning coastline, gourmet food, and adventure-filled activities. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, this guide covers everything you need to know – from how to get there to the best things to do, places to eat, and where to stay for any budget.
Getting to Margaret River
Margaret River is located about 270 km south of Perth, making it a perfect road trip destination. The drive from Perth takes approximately 3 hours, following State Route 2 (Kwinana Freeway) and the Bussell Highway south. The journey is scenic, with plenty of opportunities to stop at coastal towns like Busselton and Dunsborough along the way.
TransWA operates buses from Perth to Margaret River. You can check the schedules and plan your route here although they can be limited. The nearest airport is in Busselton (Busselton Margaret River Airport), which has some domestic flights with Qantas and Jetstar. These flights don’t run super frequently, however, so most visitors fly into Perth and drive down instead. If you don’t have your own car, then renting a car is a convenient option to give yourself the flexibility to roadtrip in your own time and hit all the best stops!
Things to Do in Margaret River
Explore the Wineries
Margaret River is one of the world’s most famous wine regions, producing some of Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. Despite accounting for only 2% of Australia’s total wine production, it is responsible for over 20% of the country’s premium wines, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The region’s wine industry was pioneered in the 1960s, with Vasse Felix, founded in 1967, being the first commercial winery. Soon after, iconic estates like Moss Wood, Cullen Wines, and Leeuwin Estate followed, helping to establish Margaret River as a world-class wine destination. These founding wineries are still among the best, offering exceptional tastings, fine dining, and beautiful vineyard settings.
Other than these founding wineries, there are some 150 newer and boutique wineries scattered throughout the region that are all worth a visit. From coastal vineyards to intimate cellar doors in the forest, I’m making it my personal mission to visit them all!
Out of all these choices, my personal favourites are:
- Swings and Roundabouts – a relaxed, laid-back vibe with wood-fired pizzas and wines on a gorgeous lawn overlooking the Yallingup countryside. Open 10am-5pm 7 days a week.
- Glenarty Road – offers a unique farm-to-table winery experience, where you can enjoy wines, seasonal produce, and grazing plates straight from their farm. In addition to their regular tastings for $10, you can try their famous Fathoms Cuvée sparkling wine — matured beneath WA’s southern ocean — for $15 per person. They’re open from 10am to 5pm, although they are closed on Tuesdays.
- MadFish Wines – vibrant wines and a beautiful cellar door, perfect for a casual tasting and a delicious Asian-fusion meal. Tastings are $10 per person which is refundable if you purchase wines. Open daily from 10am – 5pm.
- Leeuwin Estate is one of the region’s founding wineries, renowned not just for its premium wines but also for its award-winning fine dining restaurant overlooking the vines. Open 10am – 5pm daily.
- Walsh & Sons – a boutique, minimal-intervention winery and farm shop. Tastings are $10 for 5 wines, open 11am – 5pm weekdays (6pm on weekends).
Hike the Cape to Cape Track
Stretching 135 km along the Southern coastline of Western Australia, the Cape to Cape Track is one of the most breathtaking long-distance hikes in the country. The trail runs between Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south, through a diverse landscape. Expect to wander along rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, admiring karri forests, and wildflower-covered heathlands. While completing the entire hike typically takes 5 to 8 days, shorter sections like Redgate Beach to Contos are well worth exploring. Unlike other long-distance trails, there are several access points along the Cape to Cape, which allows hikers to combine their hike with stops at wineries, caves and delicious restaurants along the way. There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot along the track, especially between June and November during the whale migration season!
Visit the Margaret River Farmers’ Market
Held every Saturday morning, the Margaret River Farmers Market is the perfect spot to browse fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, gourmet pastries, and handmade goods. It’s also an ideal place to grab breakfast and pick up some picnic supplies for a day of exploring.
Explore the Caves
Beneath Margaret River’s forests and vineyards lies a hidden world of limestone caves. Each with their own unique formations and history, these caves were formed over a million years ago. Now they offer visitors the chance to explore stunning underground chambers filled with not only impressive stalactites and stalagmites, but also ancient fossils.
Mammoth Cave
An easy-to-explore cave with fossils dating back over 50,000 years. You can explore the Mammoth Cave with a self-guided tour and audio guide that takes roughly 60 minutes. The cave is open 9am-5pm daily, with last entry at 4pm. Entry costs $25 per adult or $12.50 per child, and can be purchased at the shop or online in advance. You’ll find Mammoth Cave 14.3 km (~13 minutes drive) from Margaret River.
Lake Cave
Known for its tranquil underground lake and hanging ‘Suspended Table’ crystal formations. Fully guided tours run daily, every 40 minutes from 9.20am. Since tours can fill up quickly, it is recommended to book ahead. Tickets are $25 per adult or $12.50 per child. Lake Cave is 17.8 km (~ 17 mins drive) from Margaret River.
Giants Cave
An adventurous caving experience with ladders and tight passageways to explore. It’s also the region’s deepest cave, at 86m! Tours into the cave are fully self-guided, including hard hats and torches to find your way. You can access the cave during opening hours, which are: 10am-1pm between October and April and 9.30am-3.30pm during WA school and public holidays. Giant’s Cave is just down the road from Lake Cave, 18.4 km (~17 mins) from Margaret River.
Ngilgi Cave
The Ngilgi Cave features stunning amphitheater-like chambers filled with shimmering stalactites. It’s not just beautiful – it also holds deep cultural significance for the Wardandi people. The Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience is a self-guided above and underground tour that takes approximately 60 minutes and costs $32 per adult ($16 per child). You can also skip the the cave and explore just the above-ground Ancient Lands Experience installations for $16 per adult. Book in advance online here. Tours run from 9am – 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. The Ngilgi Cave is 41km (~36 mins drive) north of Margaret River, near Yallingup.
Jewel Cave
The largest show cave in Western Australia, known for its vast chambers and delicate formations. Fully guided tours run every hour from 9:30 am to 4pm daily except Christmas. Entry costs $25 per adult or $12.50 per child, which can be booked here. The Jewel Cave is located near Augusta, 45.8 km (~ 37 mins drive) from Margaret River.
Discover Local Breweries & Distilleries
Not a wine lover? Margaret River also has a fantastic craft beer and spirits scene. Don’t miss:
- CBCo Brewing – One of the region’s most popular breweries, offering great beer and a relaxed vibe. Open 11:30am – 5pm weekdays (6pm weekends).
- West Winds Distillers – A must-visit for gin lovers, serving award-winning Australian gins. The distillery is open 11:30am – 5pm Monday – Sunday and offers tastings for $10.
- Eagle Bay Brewing Co – pairs its house-brewed beers and wines with farm-to-table food, near Dunsborough. Open 7 days a week between 11am and 5pm.
- Cheeky Monkey Brewing – a family-friendly brewery serving up bold craft beers, hearty pub-style meals and great views over their lakeside property.
Best Beaches in Margaret River
Margaret River’s coastline is famous for its rugged beauty, crystal-clear waters, and excellent surf. You’ll be completely spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, but these are some of the best to visit:
- Redgate Beach – a popular surf beach just 15 minutes from Margaret River
- Contos Beach – a secluded spot great for swimming and photography, especially from the lookout above
- The Aquarium – a hidden rock pool with turquoise waters, ideal for snorkelling.
- Injidup Natural Spa – a natural rock pool with cascading water, creating a spa-like experience. Bear in mind that the “spa” is best around a rising / high tide, though, so plan accordingly.
- Cosy Corner – a tucked-away beach spot near Hamelin Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters, calm conditions, and secluded feel.
Places to Visit Around Margaret River
Beyond the wineries and beaches, there are plenty of other attractions worth exploring:
Sugarloaf Rock
Sugarloaf Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Margaret River region – and for good reason. Rising dramatically from the Indian Ocean, this giant granite rock formation is especially stunning at sunset. There’s an easy walking path to a lookout point where you can take in the views, and if you visit between August and December, you might even spot migrating whales offshore.
Canal Rocks
A breathtaking rock formation, where centuries of powerful ocean swells have carved narrow channels through the ancient granite rocks. Wooden walkways and bridges allow visitors to walk over the rocks and waters, to explore the coastline and rockpools below. It’s also a great spot for photography or watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Adventurous swimmers and snorkelers can also explore the calmer rock pools when conditions are safe.
Boranup Forest
The Boranup Forest is a stretch of towering karri trees located just south of Margaret River. With sunlight streaming through the tall, pale trunks and a lush green understory below, it offers a completely different kind of natural beauty compared to the region’s coastal areas. The Boranup Drive scenic route winds through the heart of the forest and is especially breathtaking in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. Additionally, there are walking trails, picnic spots, and even a lookout with sweeping views over the treetops.
Qwack’s Farm
Qwack’s Farm is a wholesome, family-run spot just outside of Margaret River that’s perfect for animal lovers. The highlight here is getting to cuddle their friendly cows. And, if you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to bottle-feed a calf! They offer 2 different tours: either their 45 minute cow-cuddling tours (at 9:30am, 10:45am and 11:45am daily; $20 per adult and $15 per child) or a full 1 hour farm tour (at 8:15am and 9:30am daily; $35 per adult, $10 per child 3-6, $20 per child 6-15).
Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay is one of the most magical beaches along the coast, famous for its stingrays that swim right up to the shore. These rays glide through the shallow waters, allowing visitors to watch them up close and, if you’re careful and respectful, wade alongside them. Early mornings are the best time to see the stingrays when the beach is quiet and the water is calm. You can also access Boranup Beach with a 4×4 via Reserve Road a few kilometres north of the main Hamelin Bay Beach. This area is generally less crowded and as it’s such a long stretch of beach it’s easy to have an area to yourself. The section before the 4×4 beach access is closed to cars, so if you’re prepared to walk a little further from the carpark you’ll find the most secluded and peaceful spots here.
Augusta
Take a drive to Augusta, a charming, laid-back coastal town located at the southern tip of the Margaret River region. It’s home to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where you can see the powerful Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Make sure to stop off at Augusta Fish and Chips (aka Blue Ocean Fish and Chips) while you’re there. I recommend getting takeaway and wandering down to the nearby Ellis Street Jetty to sit and eat.
Best tours in Margaret River
If you want to experience the best of Margaret River without the stress of planning, joining a tour is the perfect option – from winery trails to nature adventures, these tours take care of all the details so you can simply relax and enjoy.
- Whale Watching Cruise from Busselton, Augusta or Dunsborough – $95 per person
- Margaret River: Wine Tour including Tastings + Gourmet Lunch – $170 per person
- From Margaret River: Margaret River Wine Adventure – $175
- From Perth: Full-Day Margaret River Wine Tastings & Lunch – $475
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Margaret River is a foodie paradise, offering everything from gourmet bakeries to top-notch restaurants. Although you could probably never try them all in just one visit, these are my top picks:
Breakfast & Cafés:
- Margaret River Bakery – a beloved local institution serving up delicious pastries and bakery classics.
- White Elephant Café – beachfront café in Gnarabup with some of the best ocean views in Margaret River.
- YARDBYRD – a local favourite in Witchcliffe, known for its great coffee and cosy atmosphere.
- Riversmith – a café in the heart of Margaret River offering specialty coffee and wholesome meals in a laid-back space that often hosts local art and events, as well as alfresco dining on summer weekends.
- The Little Farm – a cute café and farm shop offering coffee, home baked goods, and local produce in a peaceful rural setting.
Lunch & Dinner
- Voyager Estate & Leeuwin Estate – fine dining with amazing wine pairings.
- Morries – a stylish spot in town where you’ll find creative cocktails and share plates in a lively atmosphere perfect for a night out.
- Meelup Farmhouse – combines a charming farm setting near Dunsborough with a fresh, seasonal menu, ideal for long lunches and lazy afternoons.
- Ilma Beach House – owned by the same people as Meelup Farmhouse, Ilma Beach House offers a stylish beachfront dining experience with Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Barnyard1978 – a unique winery, honey farm, and restaurant where you can enjoy house-made pasta, estate wines, and artisanal honey products all in one spot.
Bars and Nightlife:
Other than Margaret River’s wineries and breweries (mentioned above), these spots are great if you’re wanting to continue the fun later into the night:
- Settler’s Tavern – the legendary pub in town known for its live music, welcoming vibe and Aussie pub classics served alongside a huge local wine list.
- Margaret River Brewhouse – a relaxed, dog-friendly brewery just out of town where you can enjoy craft beers as well as casual bites.
Where to Stay in Margaret River
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts:
Budget & Camping:
- Margaret River Backpackers – a great budget-friendly option in the town centre. Dorms from $200/ week (1 week minimum stay).
- Conto Campground – a beautiful national park campground near the beach. The campsite can be booked up to 180 days in advance for $20 per adult and $5 per child, though the sites themselves are first-come first-served.
- Tasman Holiday Parks (Yallingup Beach & Yallingup Caves) – family-friendly parks right near the beach and caves in Yallingup. From $122 / night.
Mid-Range & Unique Stays:
- Chambré Estate – stylish, adults-only boutique accommodation surrounded by nature, just a few minutes from the heart of Margaret River town. From $340 /night.
- Heyscape – three tiny cabins (Chrissy, Bon and Daniel) in Yallingup, designed for ultimate seclusion, simplicity, and connection with nature. Cabins from $445 / night.
- Lande Home – a beautifully designed tiny cabin nestled in nature, offering a peaceful off-grid Airbnb stay. $450/ night, minimum stay 2 nights.
- Margaret River Guest House – a charming stay in a historic former convent, known for its warm hospitality and hearty homemade breakfasts. From $279/night.
- Yallingup Forest Resort – offering self-contained chalets surrounded by native bushland just minutes from beaches and wineries. Chalets from $300/night.
Luxury Stays:
- Smiths Beach Resort – a luxurious beachfront escape at Yallingup, offering spacious apartments and villas just steps from one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. Apartments from $550/night.
- Cape Lodge – elegant country house hotel set on its own vineyard, perfect for those seeking a peaceful, five-star retreat in serene surroundings. From $860 / 2 nights.
- Empire Spa Retreat – a luxurious adults-only hideaway set on a lush estate in Dunsborough. From $442 / night.
Final Tips for Visiting
Best time to visit?
Margaret River is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Spring (September to November) is a stunning time, with wildflowers in full bloom and perfect weather for hiking and beach days. Summer (December to February) offers hot, sunny days ideal for swimming, surfing, and coastal adventures, though it’s also the busiest season. Autumn (March to May) is fantastic for wine lovers, as it’s harvest time and many wineries host events and festivals. Winter (June to August) brings cooler temperatures and dramatic coastal scenery, perfect for cosy winery lunches, whale watching, and exploring the caves without the crowds.
How long to stay?
A weekend is great, but to really soak up everything Margaret River has to offer, a stay of three to five days is ideal. This gives you time to explore the wineries, relax at the beaches, tackle a few walks, and visit iconic spots like the caves, Canal Rocks, and Hamelin Bay. If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a great snapshot of the region with a quick two-day escape, but longer stays allow you to take things at a more relaxed pace and discover some of the hidden gems tucked around every corner.
What to pack?
Beyond the basics like clothes and toiletries, packing for Margaret River means being ready for beach days, winery tours, and outdoor adventures. Make sure to bring swimwear for the beaches and natural pools, as well as comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for sun protection, even outside of summer. If you’re visiting in cooler months, pack a warm jacket — coastal winds can be brisk. A reusable water bottle is handy for day trips, and a small backpack is perfect for hikes and beach outings.
Don’t forget travel insurance, especially if you’re planning activities like hiking, surfing, or caving, to give you extra peace of mind while exploring. Lastly, leave a little room in your bag. You’ll probably want to bring home a few local goodies like wine, honey, or handmade treats!
Whether you’re here for the wine, the beaches, or the adventure, Margaret River never disappoints! Want to extend your trip in Western Australia? Check out these epic destinations to visit in WA with any car!
