Discovering Margaret River: A Haven of Nature and Wine
Crystal-clear waters attract thousands of whales, surfers, and beach lovers along the rugged coastline each year. Its patchwork quilt of leafy vineyards provides delightful wines to complement your travels, along with wildflower blooms and towering tree forests that bow over scenic walking trails and charming country roads. Margaret River in Western Australia undoubtedly has the wow factor. Read on to explore how to fully enjoy this beautiful region’s offerings.
Whale Watching
There’s immense joy in spotting a playful humpback breaching in a froth of white water just off the Margaret River coastline. Although humpbacks are the most frequently seen, southern right whales, minke whales, and blue whales also migrate through this region’s waters each year. You can hop aboard a whale watching tour from the cetacean flirting zones around Augusta (June to August) or the nursing sanctuary off Dunsborough and Busselton (September to December). Make sure to choose a responsible tour operator and research how to whale watch ethically prior to your adventure.
Where to Find Walking Trails
The tall tree forests of the Margaret River region, reaching up to 90m, host numerous walking trails that showcase the stunning Australian bush. Some of the easiest hikes begin from the camp and cabin ground of Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat. Here, you can also hire bikes ($20 half day, $30 full day) to explore dedicated mountain biking trails, including the popular ‘Rails to Trails’ stretch, which follows an old railway line.
An epic opportunity lies within the ‘Cape to Cape’ track, a 135km walking route that clings to the coastline, leading you through boulder-strewn hills, stunning beaches, wildflower-dotted scrub, and dramatic cliffs. Most hikers choose a section to complete in a day trip, with a particularly spectacular portion passing through Boranup Forest, where the white-trunk trees create a striking visual contrast.
Wild Swimming Opportunities
Margaret River’s soft sandy beaches provide beautiful spots interspersed with granite outcrops and limestone ridges. Visitors often find undiscovered, pristine beaches with few footprints. Beginning closest to Perth, Meelup Beach is an absolute gem, where the Aussie bush meets white sand and clear waters. For a more secluded experience, sister beach Castle Rock offers tranquility away from the crowds.
Renowned Yallingup Beach serves as a poster child for the beach experience, with Smiths Beach close behind. Heading further south, just a 10-minute drive from Margaret River town, Prevelly Beach often remains deserted, while neighboring Gnarabup (pronounced, ‘naar-a-bup’) attracts more visitors, thanks to the White Elephant Café perched nearby.
Top Surf Spots
Former surfing champion and Margaret River local Taj Burrow recommends Yallingup main break as an excellent spot for recreational surfers, describing the waves as ‘user-friendly’. He also appreciates the more significant waves at Margaret River main break, known locally as Surfers Point. Those waves can be powerful, so it’s advisable to use a larger board if you’re not a pro yet.
Another local favorite is The Box, known for its shallow reef and rocky edges. This surfing spot is definitely best suited for experienced riders, and it’s recommended to go with friends. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, these surf spots provide excellent views of the action, potentially with a glass of local wine in hand.
Wine and Dine in Style
Margaret River boasts hundreds of cellar doors to explore, paired with an array of polished restaurants offering sweeping vineyard views. For great value, Rustico at Hay Shed Hill presents a $65 tapas-style degustation menu, perfect for leisurely afternoons gazing at the grapes.
Another hidden gem is Arimia Winery, tucked away down a dirt road, where you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and sincere, delicious food. For a more upscale option, visit Aravina Estate, which showcases luxury cars along with its seasonal high-end menu.
More to Explore
While visiting the region, make sure to experience the Saturday Margaret River Farmers Market (8:00am-11:30am), where locally grown garlic, potatoes, and avocados mingle with Italian pastries, handmade cheeses, and top-notch coffee brewed from a van. It’s a perfect stop after exploring the extraordinary bric-a-brac at the local Lions Club Garage Sales, held generally on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
For lunch, consider the Margaret River Bakery (closed Sundays), which resembles a cozy granny’s sitting room. Enjoy coffee served on vintage saucers while lounging on old velvet couches. If it’s too crowded, head to Brewhouse, a microbrewery offering shaded picnic tables and, importantly, refreshing pints.
Do not miss the chance to locate Yallingup Woodfired Bread and its sister outlet, Margaret River Woodfired Bread. Here, you will find loaves still warm from the oven alongside marigold-orange pastured eggs for sale by the carton, sourced from hens that roam freely in the paddock. Remember to bring cash, as they only accept cash payments.
