Last Updated on 17 September 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Margaret River in Western Australia has enough to keep you busy for two weeks or more, and it’s often called WA’s holiday capital. This region really does have it all – incredible beaches, endless activities (think surfing, paddle boarding, and plenty more), fantastic food, and to top it all off, those unforgettable west coast sunsets. There’s far too much to cover in just one go, but here are some of the highlights to get you started.
Why take our advice on Margaret River, Western Australia?
Maybe you are wondering who we are and exactly what makes us qualified to give this information. We are Western Australian locals and over the years have taken a family trip to the Margaret River or Busselton region once or twice a year.
These recommendations are based on regular visits and talking to friends about their experiences. So, the advice we offer is from our own experience or talking to friends, as locals do, about what they like. Recently, we spent full weeks in the Margaret River area and got to really dig deeper. We hope you find our advice helpful!
You may also like our guides to visiting Margaret River with kids and the top things to do in Margaret River in winter.
Where is Margaret River, Australia?
Margaret River Postcode: 6285
Location Map:
Margaret River town itself is located. 270 km south of Perth, in the South West corner of Western Australia. Located a few kilometres inland from the coast, Margaret River is between vineyards, farmland and incredible karri forests.
Wooditup (Margaret River) is the centre of the of Wadandi Boodja (country), a meeting place between land and sea, connecting us all with the land. It is also considered the home of the Wadandi, the saltwater people.
For more fascinating insight into this country please have a listen to this podcast from my friend Zac Webb. Zac is a Wadandi-Pibulmun cultural custodian, and one of the last speakers of their native language. While visiting we ask that you walk softly, taking the time to listen to and care for Boodja (Country).
The Margaret River Region, South West WA
Often, when you read about the Margaret River region, the authors are referring to a large area spanning the whole Cape to Cape area, all the way from Busselton to Augusta, rather than just Margaret River town itself.
Here’s a map of the main destinations in the Margaret River region:
If you’re short on time, we recommend focusing on just one or two areas rather than trying to cover the whole region in a single trip (you’ll save yourself hours of driving).
The list below covers the top things to do across all areas of the region. If you want to visit a specific town or attraction only, you may find these additional guides we’ve written useful:
- Cowaramup (13km – 11 mins North): Affectionately called “Cow Town,” this quirky inland village is filled with gourmet produce, artisan shops, and of course, its famous cow statues.
- Yallingup (37m – 31 mins North west): Known for surf, art galleries, and outdoor lifestyle. Visit the Natural Aquarium or relax in the Insta-famous Injidup Natural Spa. Read our full guide to the top things to do in Yallingup. Quinninup Falls is also in the Yallingup area. This waterfall walk is worth the effort, especially in winter and spring when the water is flowing.
- Augusta (43.4km – 32 mins South): At the southern tip, Augusta is home to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. It’s also a fantastic whale-watching spot in season.
- Dunsborough (48.5km – 38 mins north): A relaxed, family-friendly coastal town with stunning beaches. Don’t miss the views at Sugarloaf Rock and the incredible Meelup National Park. Discover the best things to do in Dunsborough, WA, here.
- Busselton (51km – 39 mins north): Famous for the Busselton Jetty. Take a scenic train ride on the jetty or visit attractions like the Underwater Observatory. Read our guide to the best things to do in Busselton or the top things to do in Busselton for families here.
The Top Things to do in Margaret River: Beaches, Surfing and Coast
This beautiful stretch of coastline is famous worldwide for its incredible waves and draws surfers from across the globe.
But it’s not all about the surf. You’ll also find calm, crystal-clear waters, stunning rock pools, and several beaches with pure white sand.
We expected the beaches, but were amazed by the weathering and erosion that created such amazing colours in the rocks at different spots. Add in stingray-filled shallows and incredible sunsets, and you’ve got a coastline that truly rivals anywhere in the world.
Here are some of the top spots:
1. Geographe Bay
Location: Between Busselton and Dunsborough
Geographe Bay is sheltered and has lots of great swimming spots, far removed from the windy surf spots nearby. This is one of the longer beaches in the area and is perfect for a beach walk. The bay is also popular for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Facilities along the Busselton and Dunsborough foreshores make it easy to settle in for the day. You’ll find grassy picnic areas, shady trees, public barbecues, toilets (and at Busselton even showers), plus excellent playgrounds. There is also the 13 km Geographe Path, perfect for walking or cycling, right beside the water.
2. Meelup Beach
Location: Meelup Regional Park, near Dunsborough
Meelup Beach is one of the region’s most sheltered swimming spots, with calm turquoise waters and soft white sand. It’s also one of the few beaches in Western Australia where you can watch the sunrise, thanks to its unique location.
There are shady grassed areas just behind the sand, with picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, and ample parking.
3. Gnarabup Beach
Location: West of Margaret River town
Distance from Margaret River town: 6 km (10 minutes drive)
Gnarabup Beach is a favourite with locals. The water here is usually calm enough for a dip, especially in the warmer months. The nearby reef helps keep the water a little more sheltered than the exposed breaks further along the coast.
It’s also a popular spot with families, and there’s a beachfront café (The White Elephant), so you can grab a coffee or brekkie before heading down to the sand.
4. Visit Indijup Spa
Location: Injidup Beach, near Yallingup
Distance from Margaret River town: 38 km (35–40 minutes’ drive)
Injidup Natural Spa is a natural rock pool carved into granite, where waves rush through a gap and create a foaming, spa-like effect.
It is one of the most photographed spots on the Cape to Cape coast and a favourite for its incredible water colour and scenic setting.
The short walk from the car park involves some scrambling, so bring sturdy shoes. Be mindful of swell and currents, as conditions can change quickly.
You can read our full guide to visiting Indijup spa here >>>
5. Learn to Surf
The name Margaret River is known worldwide as synonymous with fine wine and some of the best surf. The Margaret River Pro is an annual event that draws some of the best surfers in the world.
With so many beaches along this stretch of coast, you can pick a break and a surf instructor that suits your style.
Top surf schools include:
- Margaret River Surf School: This family-owned surf school is operated by Jarrad and his wife, Domani, who have over 15 years of surf coaching experience.
- Margaret River Surf Academy: The region’s original learn-to-surf school, with over 25 years of experience. You can book a private lesson here or a group lesson here.
6. Take an Old Fashioned Lighthouse tour at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Location: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 1267 Cape Naturaliste Rd, Naturaliste WA 6281
Distance from Margaret River town: 55 km (about a 50-minute drive via Dunsborough)
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is at the northern tip of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge, looking out over Geographe Bay and the Indian Ocean.
I have always imagined the life of a lighthouse keeper in the middle of the storm as they gaze out to sea, searching for ships coming too close to shore!
While you won’t be able to re-enact such stories exactly, climbing the lighthouse and having a guided tour will give you a wonderful insight into the region’s history. Plus, on a clear day, the views go on for miles. At the base, the restored keeper’s cottages now house a small museum with interactive exhibits and stories about life on this wild coast.
The surrounding headland is also one of the best land-based spots to watch the whale migration between September and November.
7. Sugarloaf Rock
Location: Cape Naturaliste, just off Canal Rocks Road
Sugarloaf Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Margaret River region, and it’s easy to see why. The rock rises out of the indian ocean, contrasting against the beautiful turquoise color of the sea. From the lookout platform, watch out for migrating birds and even humpback whales during migration season.
Nature and Wildlife
The Margaret River region is packed with opportunities to experience the nature and wildlife of Western Australia! Here’s what you need to know.
8. Stingrays at Hamelin Bay
Location: Hamelin Bay, south of Margaret River
Some local stingrays have become a tourist attraction at Hamelin Bay. If you go down to the old jetty pylons, on clear days when the waves are not too big, the Hamelin Bay stingrays are easy to see as they search for food around the old jetty pylons and in the shallows along the beach.
If you are lucky, you can stand on the white sand beach or in ankle-deep water and be very close to these huge rays, which measure up to 2 metres across.
The best time to see the stingrays is summer, when there is less seaweed and it is calmer. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 9 AM and 10 AM.
Don’t forget – the stingrays at Hamelin Bay beach are protected and must not be harmed – plus they are still wild animals, so a healthy distance is wise.
9. Enjoy a Margaret River Sunset
There’s something magical about a WA sunset, and the Margaret River sunset is one of Western Australia’s best.
After a great day exploring Margaret River, watching the sunset is a lovely way to wind down. Surfers Point is one of the best places to head, and for good reason. The grassy slope overlooking the break is the perfect spot, where you can also watch the surfers.
Other top Sunset spots include Yallingup Beach and Sugarloaf Rock.
10. Visit a Birds of Prey Sanctuary
Location: Eagle Bay, near Dunsborough
Capes Raptor Centre is a great place to visit for the day. It’s one of Australia’s biggest bird of prey sanctuaries, which rehabilitates orphaned and injured birds.
Wander a 1 km self-guided trail through beautiful WA Wildflowers, stopping at the avian species of over 50 raptors, eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Many were born and raised here, with others rehabilitated and unable to return to the wild.
If you time your visit right, the real highlight is the twice-daily Birds of Prey Encounter (usually at 11 am and 2 pm). You’ll even have the chance to have your photo taken with a barn owl!
11. Go Whale Watching
If you’re visiting Margaret River, Western Australia, between June and early December, you’re in for a real treat. Whale watching season along the South West coast is truly something special.
While some of the bigger whale tours head out from Augusta or Dunsborough, you don’t have to go far from Margaret River town to try and spot one of these amazing creatures.
Head to Surfers Point in Prevelly, just a 10-minute drive from the main street, where you can often spot humpbacks, southern right whales, and sometimes even blue whales cruising past on their annual migration.
For detailed info on this + more amazing winter activities, make sure you read our guide to the top things to do in Margaret River in winter.
12. Get Zen with the Stunning Trees of the Boranup Forest + Spot a Kangaroo
Location: Boranup, along Caves Road within Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park
Distance from Margaret River town: 20 km (20–25 minutes’ drive)
Boranup Karri Forest is among the most Instagrammed places in this very attractive region due to its immense natural beauty.
Interestingly, the gorgeous straight-trunked Karri trees, almost symmetrically aligned through the forest, are the result of logging in the late 19th Century. You can do an incredible scenic drive through the forest, or stop for a short walk or picnic. You can read all about walks and hikes in the area in our guide to Margaret River walking trails and hikes.
The forest is also one of the top spots in WA for kangaroo spotting. The best time to catch a glimpse is early morning or at dusk at the edges of forest clearings and on quieter trails. You may even spot them near picnic areas or even hopping through the undergrowth when you’re on a scenic drive! (That’s why WA road trips are so fantastic). Kangaroos often gather to graze when the weather is still and cool.
Incredible Adventure Activities
From mountain biking through tall forests to rock climbing sea cliffs, ziplining above the treeline, and paddling down the river itself, there are plenty of adrenaline activities to try.
13. Mountain Biking
Margaret River has become a hot spot for mountain biking, with purpose-built trails through the forests and sections of the Cape to Cape coast.
The Wooditjup Trails are the most popular (and just minutes from town), with loops for all skill levels. For a guided experience, companies such as Dirty Detours and Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours run guided rides if you’d like expert tips along the way.
If you prefer to explore independently, you can also hire bikes (including e-bikes) in town.
14. Explore the Hiking Trails
Extremely close to Margaret River town is Wooditjup National Park, a hiking hub. There is a huge range of hikes all heading out from the same hub, from the 3km Chimney trail hike to the 22km Wardandi track. This is a really beautiful section of forest, including tall Karri Trees, Jarrah and Marri.
The Quinninup Falls Hike is also a great option, especially in winter. Read our full Quinninup Falls guide for detailed info. There are also plenty more hikes to pick from around the Margaret River Waterfalls.
Of course, this is just the start. The Cape to Cape Track stretches for 123 km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, with plenty of shorter day walks to choose from near Margaret River. Discover all the top walks in our Margaret River hikes guide.
15. Rock Climbing and Abseiling
The coastline and forest of the Margaret River Region are perfect for rock climbing and abseiling.
The Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are home to over 300 climbing routes, and the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. Be aware that these cliffs are usually only accessible with a guide, and several local operators run half- and full-day climbing and abseiling experiences here.
Not far behind lies the Boranup Forest, where guided adventurers can abseil into limestone chambers, including caverns such as the doline Bridal’s Cave
For an indoor and more family-friendly activity, The Hangout Margaret River has bouldering walls, training routes for teens and adults, and even a soft-play climbing zone for smaller kids.
16. Try Coasteering
Coasteering in Margaret River is number 1 on our bucket list for our next trip to Margs. My older kids will be 15 and 12 and they have watched the videos of people doing what appears to be daring adventures in the ocean, and they are totally inspired.
Basically, coasteering is like mountain climbing in the water, and challenging yourself in a safe way. We can’t wait to experience the ocean around Margaret River in this way.
They want to elegantly backflip into the water, zip line across the ocean and do other awesome things we have seen people who do coasteering with Can do!
The Margaret River Adventure Co is the only operator to run coasteering experiences and start in Ngari Marine Park (suitable for ages 10+).
17. Zipline Experiences
Forest Adventures South West near Busselton has six incredible aerial courses from 3-19m with 77 activities, from flying foxes and rope bridges to cargo nets and Tarzan swings.
Also an option is Next Level Monkey Business zipline and ropes course located in Dunsborough. (Closes for winter, July through September each year)
18. Paddle Your Way Along the Margaret River
Margaret River winds through beautiful forest and farmland – perfect for a calm, scenic paddle. Kayak hire is available from several places around town, including Margaret River kayaks and canoes.
You can get in the water from entry points such as Rivermouth ot Barrett Street Weir, depending on how long you want to be out for. For a short ‘taster’, the short stretch near Margaret River mouth is very calm and perfect for a morning out.
There are also guided kayaking experiences available, such as this half-day Margaret River Discovery Tour, which starts with a guided paddle on the river, then includes a private winery lunch, a 4WD adventure out to the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs and hear a few local stories along the way- the perfect way to explore the area.
19. Horse Riding in Margaret River
Horse riding in Margaret River is a unique way to explore the region while enjoying the thrill of riding, even if it’s your first time.
We highly recommend Jesters Flat, just a short drive from Margaret River town in Rosa Brook. This family-run equestrian centre offers everything from gentle rides through the bush for first-timers to more adventurous trail rides with views over the Margaret River countryside. The horses are beautifully cared for, and the guides are friendly and knowledgeable.
Cultural Heritage and Local Experiences
You have the opportunity to learn so much about the region during your trip, from Wadandi culture to early settler homesteads and tales of shipwrecks along the coast. You can also learn more about how the locals live, even if it’s simply by wandering through the region’s towns and trying the local food.
20. Explore Margaret River Town (Boutique Shops, Food Galore and Art Galleries)
With most of the action centred on the main road through Margaret River, I love wandering up and down the street, popping into the boutique shops or enjoying one of the many eateries along the way.
Check out the Fudge Factory, grab a coffee at Sidekick Café, browse the Margaret River Artisan Store and cosy Margaret River Book Shop, and pop into the Visitors Centre for some souvenir shopping.
If you are into live music, definitely check out what Settlers Tavern on offer. They are known to have some cranking bands at times. Plus, who could resist the atmosphere? I certainly had some enjoyable nights at Settlers in my youth!
There’s also plenty of boutiques and art galleries to explore. Wander down the main street and you’ll find creative studios tucked between cafés, with everything from ocean-inspired paintings to handcrafted ceramics that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. The chances are, you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed!
21. Explore the Margaret River Caves
You just have to visit one of the truly stunning Margaret River caves!
Given that we have visited the Margaret River region year after year (because we love it so much), we have now visited most of the caves in Margaret River and written A Complete Guide To The Margaret River Caves.
We loved the Lake Cave last winter and the Mammoth Cave several years before. There’s also the Ngilgi Ancient Lands Experience, Lake Cave, Giants Cave and more.
22. Cultural tour by Koomal Dreaming
If you’d love to learn more about Wadandi culture, join a guided tour where you’ll discover bush medicine, taste native foods, and learn about the six Noongar seasons.
Your guide will share Dreaming stories inside Ngilgi Cave, complete with a moving didgeridoo performance. Along the way, you’ll witness traditional firelighting and tool making. The experience finishes with a gourmet BBQ paired with local wine and seasonal bush foods like kangaroo, emu, or quandong.
23. Ellensbrook at Mokidup
Location: 1095 Ellen Brook Rd, Yebble, WA
As one of the older farming regions in Western Australia, Margaret River has some interesting historical sites to visit. Unfortunately, the Ellensbrook Homestead was closed on the day we visited.
However, all the same, we enjoyed walking around the picturesque homestead and reading the signs outside. We imagine Ellen Bussell arriving at this remote place at 16, recently married, and making a life there.
Grace Bussell, known for her role in the rescue of the survivors of a shipwreck off this same coast, was Ellen Bussell’s daughter. Ellensbrook at Mokidup is located on Ellen Brook Road. It is about 4km into Ellensbrook Homestead from Caves Road.
Mokidup is the traditional name for this beautiful part of Wadandi Boodja, and it’s been a camping and gathering place for thousands of years. When you visit Ellensbrook at Mokidup, take a moment to pause at the entrance, where you’ll find stunning illustrations by Noongar artist Sandra Hill. These artworks reflect a deep understanding of seasonal plants and animals, passed down through generations.
Behind the homestead, a trail leads to the grove housing the legend of Meekadariby, “the place where the moon bathes”, held in the waterfall that flows with the rains.
Check here for information on the Ellensbrook Heritage Site.
Craft Breweries and Wineries: So Many Cellar Doors to Explore
When people think of Margaret River, Western Australia, one of the first things that comes to mind is its remarkable wines. This pocket of the South West has earned a global reputation for producing award-winning wines, especially its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
You’re never far from a cellar door with a story (and a generous tasting). Just a short drive from town, scattered through the greater Margaret River wine region, from Wilyabrup to Yallingup and Karridale. You’ll find some incredible award-winning wineries, including:
24. Voyager Estate
Location: 41 Stevens Rd
Famous for its gardens, Cape Dutch architecture and organic wines, Voyager Estate is a must-visit. Don’t miss the chance to try their Chardonnay and Cabernet. The wine-paired lunches here are also highly recommended.
25. Leeuwin Estate
Location: Stevens Rd, Witchcliffe
This art-filled winery is famous for its art-series wines. They also regularly host live music and special events. You can also opt for a guided tour here, such as a degustation experience or a full immersion experience.
26. Cullen Wines
Location: 4323 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup
Cullen is a pioneer of biodynamic and organic winemaking in Margaret River. Their Cabernet Merlot is a standout, and the restaurant serves seasonal food, some of which is sourced straight from the estate gardens.
27. Vasse Felix
Location: Caves Road (Cnr, Tom Cullity Dr, Cowaramup
The first vines here were planted back in 1967. Today, you can experience fine wine, a fantastic restaurant and even an art gallery. Make sure you try the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay!
28. Moss Wood
Location: 926 Metricup Rd, Wilyabrup
This family-run winery is by appointment only. Founded in 1969, it’s best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. They also produce beautiful Chardonnay, Merlot, and Malbec. It’s a little further out in Wilyabrup, but well worth the short drive
29. Amelia Park Wines
Location: 3857 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup
A modern winery with a tasting room that opens out with big windows and stunning views. Their reds and Chardonnays are a highlight.
30. Craft Breweries in Margaret River
In recent years, the Margaret River brewery scene has grown exponentially, and they have really catered for year-round visits. In summer, you can sprawl on expansive lawns, while in winter, there are plenty of large spaces where you can get out of the weather.
We particularly enjoyed our visit to Cheeky Monkey Brewery when we were in Margaret River, and some time at the Beer Farm Metricup. For a full round-up of The Best Margaret River Breweries or the Busselton Wineries and Breweries, look at these posts.
Around Yallingup, give the Swings and Roundabouts Winery winter pizza a go, or step back in time at the historic Caves House. Both are reviewed in The BEST Things To Do In Yallingup WA.
Why not visit the Margaret River Distilling Company, where you can taste award-winning whiskey and gin! At least a few of the breweries also have a distilling section, such as Black Brewing Co., which is home to Dune Distilling. They have released the luscious Yallingup Pink Gin, Hibiscus & Rhubarb Pink Gin, and even an Australian Xmas Gin.
At The Grove Distillery, you can sample a range of liquors that they mix into mini cocktails for you to try!
The first distillery in the Margaret River Region, The Grove uses local ingredients where possible to make spirit-based liqueurs, vodka, whiskey, gin, bourbon, and more. The Grove Café serves delicious Stone-fired Pizza, traditional scones, jam and cream, and espresso coffee. Unlike wine tastings, some distilleries charge.
Gourmet Food Galore
Margaret River is often described as a gourmet paradise. There is so much fresh produce to try! It is one of Australia’s premium eating and drinking destinations, or just a haven for foodies… and with good reason.
If you haven’t caught on yet, there are not just delicious drinks in Margaret River. It also abounds with gourmet goodies.
34. Margaret River Chocolate Company
Location: 5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan
The oldest chocolatier in the Margaret River Region is the Margaret River Chocolate Company. Opened in 1999, it’s been delighting visitors ever since with free chocolate tastings, interactive displays, and a wide selection of handmade treats.
Inside the main showroom, you’ll find rows of chocolate bars, truffles, and gourmet goodies. Huge viewing windows let you watch the chocolatiers at work, crafting everything from delicate pralines to giant slabs.
35. Gabriel Chocolate
Location: Yallingup
Gabriel Chocolate is a new alternative to the Margaret River Chocolate Company. It’s Western Australia’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. You can try their award-winning range, from rich single-origin darks to creamy milk and white varieties. The on-site café also serves hot chocolate, coffee and desserts made with their own chocolate.
It’s also immediately adjacent to Chow’s Table Restaurant and House of Cards Wine.
36. Temper Temper Fine Chocolate
Adding to Cowaramup’s reputation as a place with some exceptional sweet foods, Temper Temper offers some of the world’s finest chocolate and is a definite place to stop for all chocolate lovers!
If you are feeling a little adventurous, why not try “Honeycomb and Dukkah” or “Coconut and Wasabi”?
They also claim to be producing the finest Rocky Roads ever produced. If that doesn’t get your taste buds salivating, I don’t know what will! But then again, I love the idea of trying the “Dark Horse” chocolate, which has a high cacao content. Sounds amazing!
37. Experience A Cooking Class at Cape Lodge
Location: Cape Lodge, Yallingup
Cape Lodge, one of the region’s most luxurious boutique hotels, is famous not only for its vineyard setting but also for its exceptional food.
There is a wide range of options for those who want to spend some extra time in the kitchen and learn from much-respected local Chef Tony Howell.
Very fun and informative, the Cape Lodge offers regular Saturday demos, special cooking classes, or even private lessons. Be warned – this is not an opportunity to sit back and watch!
You will be expected to get in and cook alongside one of the region’s top chefs.
38. Olive Oil Tasting (Olive Grove Visits)
The Margaret River climate is perfect for olives as well as wine. A visit to a local olive grove is a great way to spend an afternoon.
At Eagle Bay Olives or Vasse Virgin, you can sample a wide range of extra virgin olive oils, infused oils and gourmet products made on-site. Many tastings also include handmade skin care using olive oil.
39. The Coffee Culture
The Margaret River region has a thriving coffee culture, from serious roasters to relaxed cafés by the beach. Whether you’re after a tasting flight, a takeaway flat white, or a lazy brunch with ocean views, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The top place to head for a full coffee experience is Yahava KoffeeWorks, which holds coffee tastings and roasting demos. You can even book a full coffee safari.
Other top coffee spots in the region include:
- Sidekick Café, Margaret River town
- Drift Café, Margaret River
- White Elephant Café, Gnarabup Beach
- Rooftop Espresso, Cowaramup
40. Cheese and Nougat Tasting
Bettenay’s Margaret River runs a no-holds-barred, cheese and wine-tastic experience. Flavours range from salted caramel and honey almond to a punchy chilli chocolate, all made on-site.
You can watch the nouart being rolled, taste the local wine and finish with a grazing board of local cheese, charcuterie and sweet treats.
Passel Estate and the Yallingup Cheese company are also top spots to try local cheeses!
Festivals and Seasonal Activities in Margaret River
41. Watch an Outdoor Movie Under the Stars
From December through February, Movies at Cape Mentelle transforms the vineyard lawn into a pop-up cinema experience, complete with deck chairs, gourmet food trucks, and the scent of crushed grapes in the air.
A bit further north, Caves House in Yallingup also runs BYO-style outdoor movie nights during peak season. It’s more casual, with beanbags and wood-fired pizza available, and ideal if you’re basing yourself along the coast.
42. CinefestOZ Film Festival
CinefestOZ is one of Australia’s premier film festivals. Held across the South West, including venues in Margaret River, Busselton, and Bunbury, CinefestOZ showcases the best of Australian cinema with a mix of premieres, filmmaker Q&As, red carpet events, and free community screenings.
Keep an eye on their program for upcoming events in Margaret River town, including screenings at the local HEART venue.
How to Get to Margaret River, Western Australia from Perth
It’s an easy three-hour drive along the Forrest and then Bussell Highway and a favorite weekend escape from Perth. If you’ve got the time, taking the coastal detour through Bunbury and Busselton adds extra sights and great stopover options.
Hiring a car gives you the most freedom to explore the region’s beaches, wineries, and forests at your own pace. You can read our detailed guide to a Perth to Margaret River road trip for more info. You may also find our Perth to Busselton itinerary helpful.
Guided Tours: If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, several companies offer guided tours from Perth to Margaret River, ranging from multi-day packages to day trips such as this chocolate wine and coast day trip and caves wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse day trip.
Flights to Margaret River: While there’s no airport in Margaret River itself, you can fly from Perth to Busselton Margaret River Airport, about 40 minutes away. Flights are limited but growing. If you aren’t hiring a car, you can book a transfer here .
When to Visit Margaret River
Margaret River is a year-round destination with each season offering something different, depending on what kind of trip you’re after.
Spring (September-November) is the best time to spot wildflowers, and you’ll find fewer crowds, with plenty of sunny days still to be enjoyed.
In summer (December-February), there are warm temperatures ideal for beach days and surfing and packed event calendars.
Autumn (March-May) brings a surge in wine tourism to the area during harvest season, and the weather remains warm enough for swimming and reliable surfing.
While temperatures cool down (expect daytime highs around 16–18°C), winter (June-August) is a stunning time to visit if you don’t mind a bit of rain. Think wineries, forest walks and even whale watching off the coast. The northern beaches tend to be calmer, great for walks and wildlife spotting. You can read our full guide to visiting Margaret River in winter to discover the best things to do at this time of year.
Where to Stay in the Margaret River Region
There are so many amazing places to stay in Margaret River, it would be impossible to include them all here. We have a range of detailed guides depending on what you’re looking for, including:
- Our review of the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
- Margaret River farm stays
- Margaret River glamping
- Family accommodation in Margaret River
- Dog friendly accommodation in Margaret River
You can view the top stays on Booking.com here >>>
Our Top Picks:
For Luxury – Smiths Beach Resort
For unique historic options, or boutique
- Grand Mercure Basildene Manor: A beautiful heritage-protected property.
- Caves House Hotel: A historic choice for a unique stay.
For families – Margaret River Hideaway & Farmstay
Margaret River Map: The Top Things to Do
Final Words: Margaret River, Western Australia
This is by far the most comprehensive guide you’ll find to things to do in Margaret River, Western Australia, and we hope it’s helped you with inspiration for your next trip. From the incredible surf breaks to the immense number of wineries and beautiful forests, there is no shortage of places to visit in Margaret River!
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