Margaret River is a picturesque three-hour coastal journey from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and an essential destination during your visit to Australia. Renowned for its sophisticated culinary scene, exquisite cuisine, established vineyards, vibrant art culture, and remarkable wildlife, the Margaret River Region is a true treasure of Western Australia that awaits discovery. GoTravelDaily’s Ultimate Margaret River Travel Guide is designed to enhance your travel planning!
Summary
- Shop at Bunbury Farmers Market
- Visit Margaret River’s best wineries
- Explore Margaret River’s best beaches
- Taste Bahen & Co. Chocolate
- Get close with Margaret River’s Wildlife
- Dine at The Common
- Visit Busselton Jetty
- Witness Margaret River’s stunning landscapes
- Experience Margaret River’s Gourmet Escape in November
- Taste Margaret River’s best cuisines
1. Shop at Bunbury Farmers Market
Address: 2 Vittoria Road, Glen Iris, Bunbury, Western Australia
Instagram: @bfm_wa
A visit to Margaret River is incomplete without gathering provisions for a picnic or satisfying your palate between winery excursions. Bunbury Farmers Market serves as the ideal spot for this purpose! Situated along the route from Perth to Margaret River, this market offers sustainable, organic, and locally sourced produce directly from Western Australia’s farmers and artisans. It stands as the most dependable source for all your health-conscious indulgences, whether your cravings include artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, or organic delicacies.
Click here to check the market dates.
2. Visit Margaret River’s best wineries
There is no comparison to relishing a refreshing glass of Rosé on a warm summer day or unwinding by the fireplace in cooler weather with a silky glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The esteemed wineries of Margaret River are perfect venues for such indulgences throughout the seasons. Sit back and explore our guide to the finest wineries in Margaret River for the ultimate vinous inspiration.
CULLEN WINES
Address: Cullen Wines, 4323 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
Contact: (08) 9755 5277
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-4:30pm
Instagram: @cullenwines
Committed to sustainability, Cullen Wines utilizes biodynamic methods in the production of exquisite Western Australian wines. Guests are invited to savor a glass or two during their visit.
VOYAGER ESTATE
Address: Voyager Estate, Stevens Road, Margaret River
Contact: (08) 9757 6354
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm
Instagram: @voyagerestate
Inspired by the original Cape Dutch farmsteads of South Africa, Voyager Estate boasts remarkable grounds and promises an exceptional wine tasting and culinary experience amidst native Western Australian landscapes.
WOODLANDS WINES
Address: Woodland Wines, 3948 Caves Road, Margaret River
Contact: (08) 9755 6226
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm
Instagram: @woodlandswinery
Visitors can enjoy some of the finest wines of the Margaret River region in a welcoming family-oriented environment, complemented by stunning vineyard and valley views.
VASSE FELIX
Address: Vasse Felix, Caves Road (Cnr Tom Cullity Drive), Margaret River
Contact: (08) 9756 5050
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm
Instagram: @vassefelixwines
Vasse Felix offers an extensive experience that encompasses wine tastings, an award-winning restaurant, an art gallery, and guided tours, all within a beautifully designed space that melds rustic charm with contemporary elegance.
LEEUWIN ESTATE
Address: Leeuwin Estate Restaurant & Cellar Door, Stevens Road, Margaret River
Contact: (08) 9759 0000
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm
Instagram: @leeuwinestate
Indulge in exceptional Western Australian wines while appreciating the artistic displays crafted by Leeuwin Estate throughout their property.
3. Explore Margaret River’s best beaches
Western Australia is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, clear bays, and breathtaking views of the deep blue ocean and rolling waves. Margaret River is home to some of the finest beaches in Western Australia. Prepare your swim essentials for an enjoyable and refreshing experience at these beautiful coastal locations!
HAMELIN BAY BEACH
The ivory sands and azure waters of Hamelin Bay Beach create a spectacular environment for observing marine life. Engage with the famous Hamelin Bay Stingrays that often approach the shore for a truly unique encounter!
YALLINGUP BEACH
Renowned for its exceptional surf breaks, Yallingup Beach also features a serene lagoon ideal for snorkeling and swimming, making it a necessary stop when visiting Western Australia!
SMITHS BEACH
A lengthy expanse of white sands accompanied by gentle turquoise waves puts Smiths Beach in the spotlight as one of Margaret River’s most frequented coastal retreats.
4. Taste Bahen & Co. Chocolate
Instagram: @bahenandco
Contact: (08) 9757 1034
Attention chocolate enthusiasts! Bahen & Co. produces organic artisanal stone-ground chocolate, adhering to a “bean to bar” philosophy. Crafted with merely two ingredients—organic cocoa beans and sugar—Bahen & Co. embodies traditional chocolate crafting rooted in their family farm located in Margaret River. Explore shopping options for their delectable chocolate here.
5. Get close with Margaret River’s Wildlife
The Margaret River Region boasts a rich assortment of wildlife, both terrestrial and aquatic. From whale watching to sunset kangaroo safaris, there exists an array of activities for all to explore and appreciate in the region’s captivating wildlife.
WHALE WATCHING & ECO TOURS
Dates: Early September to Early December
Times: Daily, 1:30pm & 2:30pm
Reservations: whales-australia.com.au
Instagram: @bremercanyonkillerwhales
Sail through the shimmering waters of Geographe Bay, departing from Margaret River’s Busselton Jetty, to witness the breathtaking sight of humpback whales migrating south to the feeding grounds of Antarctica. It is a magical experience that should not be overlooked!
THE MARGARET RIVER DISCOVER CO.
Reservations: margaretriverdiscovery.com.au
Contact: +61 439 910 064
Instagram: @discovermargaretriver
Renowned as “the tour for people who don’t engage in tours,” the Margaret River Discover Co. provides a selection of group and private tours through the region’s beautifully rugged terrains, oceans, and rivers.
THE DIVE SHED
Reservations: diveshed.com.au
Contact: (08) 97541615
The Dive Shed caters to both experienced divers and newcomers, offering a variety of expeditions, including scuba diving, shipwreck dive tours, night dives, boat tours, snorkeling excursions, and diving courses. There’s no better reason to take the plunge into your first dive!
MCLEOD TOURS
Reservations: mcleodtours.com.au
Contact: (08) 9757 2747
McLeod Tours is a family-operated tourism business that is well-regarded and loved by many who have experienced their offerings. They provide exceptional full-day wine and brewery tours, forest, cave, and lighthouse excursions, sunset kangaroo safaris, as well as 2-3 day getaways showcasing the finest of Margaret River, including a few hidden gems!
6. The Common
Address: The Common Bistro, 1 Resort Place, Margaret River
Contact: (08) 9757 1586
Opening Hours: Daily, 3pm-late
Instagram: @the_common_mr
The Common is a favored establishment for both tourists and locals, renowned for its relaxed ambience and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a craft beer and bar snacks while watching the sunset, after which you may want to extend your visit for a delightful dinner and a selection of exquisite wines from local wineries.
7. Visit Busselton Jetty
Address: Busselton Beachfront, Busselton, Western Australia
Busselton Jetty is a landmark attraction for visitors to the Margaret River Region. Extending an impressive 1.8km over Geographe Bay, Busselton Jetty holds the title of the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere! Walk to the end to delve into the surrounding marine world featuring a unique walkable aquarium.
TIP: On your way to Busselton, stop by Dunsborough Central market (every Saturday) and enjoy breakfast at Wild & Woods Cafe.
8. Witness Margaret River’s stunning landscapes
LAKE CAVE
Address: Caves Rd & Conto Rd, Forest Grove
Lake Cave is a magnificent chamber deep beneath the earth’s surface, accessible only by a descent of 350 steps. This crystal sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Margaret River Region.
SUGARLOAF ROCK
Address: Sugarloaf Rd, Naturaliste
Sugarloaf Rock, prominently located along the coastline of Margaret River, is a magnificently towering formation that rises dramatically from the Indian Ocean. This iconic natural sculpture is among the region’s most photographed and beloved coastal features!
TIP: Getting there – From Dunsborough, drive along the scenic Cape Naturaliste Road for approximately 10km, then turn left onto Sugarloaf Road. Follow Sugarloaf Road for about 3km until you reach the impressive rock formation.
QUINNINUP FALLS
Address: Quinninup Falls, Wilyabrup
The journey to Quinninup Falls is said to be as captivating as the falls themselves. Along the two-hour return trek, travelers will encounter crashing waves, breathtaking ocean vistas, sand dunes, and serene streams before arriving at the magnificent Quinninup Falls. It is advisable to dress appropriately and carry sufficient water, sunscreen, and, naturally, a camera!
9. Experience Margaret River’s Gourmet Escape in November
Website: gourmetescape.com.au
Instagram: @gourmetescape
Every November, Margaret River hosts Gourmet Escape, a remarkable food and wine festival that spans a four-day program. This esteemed festival attracts some of the world’s top chefs, critics, and culinary personalities who gather to feast, sip, explore, and celebrate. Stay alert for ticket sales in 2018, as they are expected to sell out swiftly!
10. Taste Margaret River’s best cuisines
The Margaret River Region is celebrated for its exceptional wines and fresh, local ingredients. Consequently, it is no surprise that it offers some of the most refined culinary options on the Western Coast, capable of satisfying any appetite or craving. Discover our selection of Margaret River’s premier restaurants; you may find it challenging to choose just one, but consider the possibility of dining at all of them for an extraordinary gastronomic journey.
XANADU WINERY
Address: Boodjidup Rd, Margaret River
Reservations: xanaduwines.com
Opening Hours: Thursday-Monday, 12pm-3pm
Instagram: @xanaduwines
Celebrated in the West Australian Good Food Guide 2017 as one of Western Australia’s Top 50 Best Restaurants, Xanadu’s Restaurant showcases produce sourced from local farms, the sea, and seasonal harvests from the Xanadu vegetable garden. The skilled chefs have crafted a menu that reflects outstanding features across each course.
WILLS DOMAIN ESTATE
Address: Corner Abbey Farm & Brash Roads Yallingup
Contact: 08 9755 2327
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm-3pm
Instagram: @willsdomain
Wills Domain Estate is an ideal location for a casual long lunch, gathering with friends and family, or simply enjoying an afternoon grazing accompanied by a glass (or two) of their signature wine. The menu is inspired by local produce from gardens, paddocks, and the sea. For those seeking a more intimate dining option, the multi-course Tasting Menu is available in a private dining area where guests can observe the preparation of their meals, from kitchen to table.
TIP: It’s advisable to secure a table to ensure you don’t miss this exceptional dining experience!
KNEE DEEP RESTAURANT
Address: 160 Johnson Road, Wilyabrup
Contact: 08 97556776
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm
Instagram: @kneedeepwines
Experience a memorable dining occasion at The Knee Deep Restaurant with their renowned “Trust The Chef” 8-course degustation menu, where the chef curates a selection of their favorite dishes. Alternatively, guests can relax in the Doctors Lounge while enjoying a variety of delectable share plates paired with Knee Deep wines.
WHERE TO STAY
ERRAVILLA COUNTRY ESTATE, MARGARET RIVER
Address: 191 Blythe Road, Yallingup, Margaret River, Western Australia
Take a moment to rejuvenate at Erravilla Country Estate situated in the serene Margaret River Wine Region. This charming and peaceful Bed & Breakfast retreat encompasses 134 acres of native forest, while remaining close to Yallingup and various must-see attractions—a perfect equilibrium. Escape the hectic pace of urban life in one of their six comfortable suites, each featuring a spa bath, private balcony, modern conveniences, and tasteful furnishings. Relish a delightful breakfast on your balcony while soaking in the tranquil surroundings, an essential start to any day! Ensure you return in time for sunset to witness an array of kangaroos hopping through the yard, exemplifying the quintessential Australian experience!
- Rooms at Erravilla Country Estate start at approximately US$184 per night.
To discover more of Margaret River’s remarkable attractions, explore GoTravelDaily’s Ultimate Western Australia Travel Guide.
