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Rugged coastlines, world-class wine, ancient forests, and just-caught seafood; Margaret River packs an absurd amount of magic into one corner of Western Australia. One minute you’re sipping a Cabernet at a cellar door, the next you’re watching surfers carve turquoise waves or wandering beneath towering karri trees. Whether you’re here for beaches, food, nature, or a little bit of everything, this laid-back region punches way above its weight.
In this guide, we’ve curated 12 amazing things to do in Margaret River, including top attractions and hidden gems, to help you make the most of your visit to this captivating destination.
1. Explore Margaret River’s World-Class Wineries
The Margaret River wine region, though small, produces around 20% of Australia’s premium wines. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blends, the region’s maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Indian Ocean and gravelly soils, creates ideal conditions for winemaking.
Visiting Margaret River wineries is a must. Most cellar doors typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with reasonable tasting fees, often redeemable against purchases. Booking ahead is recommended during peak times like December, Easter, and long weekends.
You can explore independently or join a small-group wine tour (around $100–$150 per person) that includes tastings and lunch, perfect for wine enthusiasts.
Top cellar doors:
- Voyager Estate – Elegant wines and fine degustation dining amid beautiful gardens.
- Vasse Felix – The founding estate with flagship wines, an art gallery, and a restaurant.
- Leeuwin Estate – Known for Art Series wines and outdoor concerts.
- Cullen Wines – Biodynamic and organic viticulture pioneers.
- Windows Estate – Boutique tastings with vineyard views.
2. Go On a Foodie Adventure
Margaret River’s food and wine scene is vibrant, with farm-to-table dining linking local producers and chefs. Enjoy delicious food made from fresh produce sourced from the local farmers’ market and surrounding farms.
Notable dining spots:
- Voyager Estate Restaurant – Multi-course degustations paired with estate wines
- Vasse Felix Restaurant – Seasonal Australian dishes with vineyard views
- La Scarpetta Trattoria – Authentic Italian in town, within walking distance of Margaret River’s main street
- Margaret River Brewhouse – Family-friendly gastro-pub by Rotary Park
- Burger Baby – Gourmet casual burgers
Plan your visit around food events like the Cabin Fever Festival in July or the Fine Vines Festival in October, where food trucks and local shops celebrate the region’s culinary delights.
3. Iconic Coastal Highlights & Beaches
Margaret River’s coast offers two distinct experiences: calm waters along Geographe Bay and a wild western coastline with surf and dramatic rock formations.
Top coastal spots include Gnarabup Bay, which is close to town and features calm bay waters ideal for the whole family. Surfers Point in Prevelly is famous for its surf break and serves as the venue for the Margaret River Pro.
Redgate Beach offers clear water and rock pools, making it a great location for picnics. Hamelin Bay is known for its stingrays in shallow waters, providing a wonderful wildlife encounter. Meelup Beach is family-friendly with gentle waves and soft sand, while Eagle Bay is a protected beach ideal for children.
4. Surfing & Ocean Adventures
Photo Credit: Maja Ds
Margaret River is a global surf hotspot with over 40 breaks along the Indian Ocean coastline. Beginner lessons run at Redgate Beach, Gnarabup, and Smiths Beach, and advanced breaks can be found in Surfers Point, North Point, and The Box. Ask around locally for how to find these expert-level surf spots.
Whale watching tours operate from May to November from Augusta, Dunsborough, and Busselton, offering unforgettable encounters with migrating whales. Other activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling at Meelup or Castle Rock.
5. Natural Wonders: Caves, Forests & Waterfalls
Photo Credit: LZSD photography
Beneath Margaret River lie limestone caves formed over millennia along Caves Road. There are four main show caves: Ngilgi Cave, which is semi-guided and family-friendly; Mammoth Cave, offering a self-guided audio tour; Lake Cave, known for its underground lake and photo-worthy formations; and Jewel Cave, the largest and most ornate cave near Augusta.
Nearby, the Boranup Karri Forest features towering trees up to 60 meters tall, accessible via Boranup Drive with a car park lookout offering scenic views. Visitors can also enjoy waterfalls such as Quinninup Falls and Kevill Road Waterfall, which flow best in winter and early spring. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the caves maintain a cool temperature year-round.
6. Signature Scenic Spots & Landmarks
Photo Credit: bmphotographer
Margaret River’s dramatic coastline includes iconic landmarks. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse offers family-friendly tours and views over Geographe Bay. Don’t miss the chance to visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for breathtaking views and local tips. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse and marks the meeting of the Indian and Southern Oceans.
Whale spotting is excellent here from June to December. Sugarloaf Rock is a popular sunset photography spot, and Canal Rocks features a natural rock canal and boardwalk; visit Canal Rocks to explore rock pools at low tide.
7. Adventure Activities On Land
Margaret River offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including walking trails, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The iconic Cape to Cape Track spans 80 miles from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, with many visitors choosing to hike popular sections such as Redgate to Boranup or Injidup to Smiths Beach.
Adventure seekers can also enjoy coasteering along sea cliffs, abseiling limestone cliffs, and tackling high ropes and zipline courses at Forest Adventures near Busselton. For those who prefer mountain biking, there are trails near town suitable for all skill levels, with bike hire and guided rides readily available.
Horse riding tours through the region’s forests and vineyards are also offered by operators like Jesters Flat, providing a unique way to explore the stunning landscape.
8. Chocolate, Ice Cream, Coffee & Other Treats
Margaret River is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, offering a delightful variety of chocolate factories and sweet treats.
Visitors can indulge at Gabriel Chocolate, known for its bean-to-bar craftsmanship, and at Temper Temper Fine Chocolate, which is equally delicious. For ice cream lovers, Millers Ice Creamery, located on a dairy farm near Cowaramup, provides delicious options alongside several gelato bars in town.
Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate Yahava KoffeeWorks, which offers tours, tastings, and the unique Koffee Safari experience, making Margaret River a perfect destination for satisfying all your sweet cravings and enjoying quality local flavors.
9. Breweries, Distilleries & Craft Drinks
Craft beer and spirits have grown significantly in popularity in the Margaret River region, offering visitors a diverse range of local flavors to explore.
The area boasts several notable local breweries, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. The Margaret River Brewhouse, centrally located, features a wide range of beers suitable for all tastes. Cheeky Monkey is a family-friendly brewery that includes a playground, making it a great spot for visitors with children.
In addition to breweries, the region is home to several distinguished distilleries. The Margaret River Distilling Co is known for its gin and whisky tastings, providing a refined experience for spirit enthusiasts.
10. Indigenous Culture & Local History
Margaret River is situated on Wadandi (Noongar) country, offering visitors a rich cultural experience through the Koomal Dreaming tours, which include cave and bush-tucker walks, didgeridoo performances, and storytelling that share the region’s Indigenous heritage.
The Old Settlement near Rotary Park provides a glimpse into the area’s early settler history with preserved buildings and local historical exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to respect these cultural sites and experiences to honor the traditions and history of the land.
11. Family-Friendly Fun & Rainy-Day Ideas
Margaret River offers plenty of activities for kids, with attractions suitable for all weather conditions. Families can enjoy a variety of engaging options, such as A Maze’n Margaret River, which features a hedge maze, mini golf, and puzzles, or the Yallingup Maze, known for its timber maze and nature play areas.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Capes Raptor Centre provides exciting birds of prey flying displays, while Discover Deadly offers reptile and wildlife encounters that are both educational and entertaining.
When the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor fun, there are plenty of indoor options to keep the whole family entertained. Visitors can indulge in chocolate tastings, explore fascinating cave tours, or browse local art galleries.
12. Cute Towns, Shopping & Markets
Margaret River town is a great base for visitors, offering a charming mix of boutique shops, surf stores, bookshops, and the popular Fudge Factory. It’s the perfect place to browse local goods and pick up unique souvenirs.
Nearby, Cowaramup, affectionately known as “Cow Town”, is famous for its life-sized fibreglass cows scattered throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy stops like the Candy Cow sweet shop and Mukau Giftware & Gallery, making it a fun and quirky destination.
For those seeking relaxed seaside vibes, the towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup provide a wonderful escape with boutique shopping and cozy cafes to explore.
Food lovers will appreciate the Margaret River Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday morning year-round. This vibrant market features fresh produce, artisan breads, cheeses, and excellent coffee. Arriving early is recommended to secure the best selection of local goods.
Plan an Unforgettable Margaret River Trip
Margaret River’s diversity is what brings people back year after year. In a single day, you can taste world-class wine at an award-winning winery, walk through a towering karri forest, explore underground caves, and watch the sunset over pristine beaches. Few destinations deliver such variety within such a compact area.
Ready to experience all that this gem in the southern hemisphere has to offer? Don’t wait! Book your perfect accommodation now to secure your spot in this stunning region. Whether you prefer cozy cottages, boutique accommodation, luxury villas, or family-friendly stays, you’ll find the ideal place to relax after your adventures. Start planning your getaway today by exploring available options.
