Margaret River sits inland along the river, the place called Woodjitup-Bilya, flowing from the Blackwood Forest through countryside to the ocean at Prevelly. Margaret River’s town centre is a twelve-minute drive from the main break close to the mouth of the river, creating a peaceful separation between town and the coast. While still absolutely maintaining its history as a charming rural town Margaret River increasingly offers visitors a refinement that attracts worldwide interest.
You can visit Margaret River for a few days or just a weekend but we think the region rewards those who take time to settle in. That way you can move between the full range of experiences Margaret River has to offer. Cellar doors sit among farmland, forests meet coastline and each place within the region is held together by the community’s shared values of connection and sustainability. Either way you can enjoy what time you have without rushing and without ever encountering a traffic light.
Here are ten great reasons the Margaret River region deserves to be visited and appreciated:
1. Award-winning wine and professionally serviced cellar doors
Over 100 wineries scatter through the greater region, from Wilyabrup to Yallingup and Karridale. Many of them sell wines that are unavailable to be purchased in bottle shops making this a truly exclusive experience. Many cellar doors allow you to purchase and arrange shipping direct to your home. You might taste wines in elegant cellar doors surrounded by vineyards or in more rustic settings offering a more grass roots experience, but regardless of the setting, you are likely to be impressed by the quality of wine on offer. To join one of Margaret River Tours group tours click here to book.
2. Beaches within easy reach
The main breaks at Surfers Point, Gallows and North Point are situated about ten minutes drive from the town centre. Gnarabup offers sheltered swimming thanks to a limestone reef, with the White Elephant Beach Cafe providing casual beachside dining overlooking the water and incredible sunset views. There are plenty of surf breaks to discover, many of which are documented here.
3. The towering Boranup Forest drive
Towering karri trees, some over 60 metres in height, undulate across the Boranup valley with sunlight streaming onto their colourfully mottled trunks. This stuning forest sits about twenty-five minutes south of town along Caves Road. Photographers call one particularly beautiful stretch “Kodak Corner” though the entire drive through this forest feels like discovering something sacred. The forest floor is peppered with wildflowers, the smell of eucalyptus and orchids in spring, together with sounds of native birds and perhaps even a glimpse of emus or echidnas. Augusta, at the end of this tree-lined drive offers spectacular coastal scenery with a laid-back country lifestyle.
4. Authentic Farmers Market
Established in 2002, Margaret River Farmers’ Market was awarded the 2018 Delicious Awards Most Outstanding Farmers’ Market in Australia. Every Saturday morning real farmers from the region sell their seasonal fresh produce and artisan food producers purvey food they’ve manufactured directly to consumers. You will feel like a real local and maybe get the chance to meet the cheesemaker, the baker, the fisherman. Everything comes from within the region, and is often harvested within 24 to 48 hours of sale.
5. Rural country town atmosphere
Margaret River is a beautiful rural town which sits along the Margaret River flowing from the Blackwood Forest to the east, to the ocean in the west. The town is nestled among tall trees and forest with a much more relaxed and earthy vibe compared to the polished coastal towns. You find everything needed in town including a supermarket, but the pace remains unhurried. Locals know each other. The air smells clean and of the delicious aromas of the many gourmet eateries that line the main street.
6. Underground limestone caves
Several significant and ancient caves that developed over millennia are open and available for exploration. Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia, comprising three massive chambers and home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia. Guided tours at some of the caves will take you through well-maintained paths with good lighting, while others are available for self-exploration, for the more adventurous.
7. Active pursuits
For surfers, breaks like Surfers Point, Main Break, and Gallows offer consistent swells year-round. The Cape to Cape Track stretches over 135 kilometres of coastal walking between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. You can walk the entire track over several days or choose sections for day hikes. The trail passes beaches, cliff tops, forests and limestone formations. Mountain biking trails wind through forests and rock climbing spots dot the coastline. The region attracts many active visitors who want quality outdoor experiences without crowds.
8. Local Gourmet Food
The meat, dairy and egg farmers in Margaret River pride themselves on raising their animals ethically and sustainably. Many Margaret River Region restaurants source ingredients from these farms. Artisan cheesemakers, meat and smallgoods manufacturers, chocolatiers and olive growers all open their doors to visitors. The food tastes different when you know its origin and meet the people who produced it.
9. Quality accommodation in natural settings
Options of places to stay in Margaret River range from luxury forest retreats to beachside villas and country bed and breakfasts. Properties are generally located in or close to town for easy access to restaurants and entertainment or are nestled among trees, vineyards or overlooking the coast a little further out of town. Remember, if you are planning on joining a Full Day Gourmet Wine & Dine Tour or a Half Day Gourmet Wine Tour to book your accommodation with 10km of central Margaret River and this includes Prevelly and Gnarabup beaches.
10. The Margaret River itself
The Margaret River and its tributary Margaret River North arises from the Whicher Range and flows west to the Indian Ocean. Bordered by Jarrah and Marri bushland, there is deep peace to be experienced even just by hanging out riverside. The Margaret River provides peaceful canoeing and kayaking through sections shaded by jarrah and marri trees, with abundant birdlife. A range of family friendly and beginner canoe and kayak experiences are on offer which is a superb way to immerse yourself in nature.
This is a place offering a complete package allowing you to move from one stunning forest, vineyard or coastline vista to the next within minutes. Margaret River abounds in natural treasures, from bushwalking to enjoying local produce at a world class restaurant. Come to Margaret River and whether you find yourself fine dining, tasting wine, buying honey at a farm gate or walking a forest trail we’re confident you’ll feel welcomed and relaxed.