Margaret River Surf & Source Trail

The Margaret River is a vital waterway, a 60 kilometre-long source around which much life and abundance occurs. It passes of course through the Margaret River townsite itself, where it is deeply loved for the verdant bush that it brings, the thriving wildlife, walk trails, waterfalls and picnic spots. To the west, the river grows and widens as it reaches its Rivermouth, just north of Prevelly, creating a natural border within the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.

Wooditjup Bilya is a place of immense cultural significance for the Wadandi people. Named after the magic man, Wooditj who created the river in the Nyitting (cold times when the land was soft). The river was of vital importance to Wadandi people for camping, hunting, foraging and fishing, and as a focal point for traditional ceremonial activity. Today Aboriginal people continue to protect and conserve the ecological importance and spiritual significance of the river. (Courtesy of the Undalup Association.)

Despite bordering Margaret River’s most famous surf breaks, Gnarabup Beach (just south of Prevelly) is an oasis of calm waters, boating, fishing, paddling and snorkelling. It is certainly the locals drop-in spot for their daily swim, walking the dog or popping down for a coffee and a bite at the ever-popular White Elephant Café. The swell of the west coast is hampered by an outer reef, which creates the lagoon-like conditions at the beach, sheltered on one side by a spectacular limestone headland. A walk trail over the top gives vivid views of the whole area.

When you think surf in Margaret River, you should be thinking of Surfers Point. The World Surf League’s Margaret River Pro is held there every year. Name your favourite Australian or international surfer and guaranteed they have gotten wet at Surfers Point. In addition to its desirable conditions, the Point is arguably the most popular sunset spot in the area. A grassy hill lies high above the water, making a natural grandstand to sit and watch the surfers (or when the wind is in, kite and windsurfers), the sun setting, or to enjoy a picnic from a local food truck.

Join Stand Up Surfing for a morning paddle at one of Margaret River’s best-loved beaches. There are 60 or 90-minute sessions available to everyone from eight years of age, with instructors to help you every step of the way (each with a world standard qualification and being trained lifeguards). Otherwise, join a small tour followed by breakfast at the beachside White Elephant Café. Stand Up Surfing is family-run, with three generations involved.

Ellensbrook at Mokidup is a peaceful place of historical and cultural significance, set into the coastal landscape and surrounded by lush forest. This is where nature and cultures merge, run by the National Trust of Western Australia. The house was built in 1857 and is a testament to traditional Wadandi knowledge and settler ingenuity. Their stories tell of dispossession, hard work, resilience, perseverance and changing ways of life. The grounds have a large lawn area and shady trees by a waterway, with bush walk trails leaving from the site.

An oasis of sweet treats on the main street. See premium homemade fudge and chocolate being made by hand in the showroom. Margaret River Fudge Factory is family-friendly and free to visit, with tasty samples on offer. There is a range of traditional chocolate and candy products for sale. The onsite café makes teas, coffees and milkshakes to accompany your fudge-making viewing. An ideal stop for kids and sweet tooths.

A wonderland of coffee just outside Margaret River. The one-stop-shop (with the most heavenly smell) has a roastery, tasting benches, brewing equipment displays, daily roasting and more. The Yahava crew can take you on a tasting where you will learn the origin of coffee all the way to your cup, or book in for a Koffee Safari, which lets you roast your own coffee and learn different brewing methods.

The award-winning Margaret River Farmers Market is a firm weekly fixture and a must-do, to be immersed in one of the most authentic local experiences. Shop according to the seasons, supporting local, connecting to the community and lowering food miles. Along with fresh food staples, visitors can pick up a few indulgences: artisan chocolate, freshly baked pastries, local honey, or a selection of cheese. The markets took out the 2018 Delicious Awards Most Outstanding Farmers’ Market in Australia and is proudly a true paddock-to-basket experience with all stallholders personally involved in the production of their food. An experience that will feed your belly as well as your soul.

‘Swings’ in Margaret River captures all the laid back, jovial spirit of the Yallingup headquarters, down to its wine barrel-inspired interior and warm service. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day exploring. Expect casual but comforting woodfired pizzas and Mediterranean share plates, Swings and Roundabouts wines on tap, the premium Backyard Stories label, WA spirits and curated craft beers. Swings is the local’s local, where everyone is welcome.

A proudly small single site, family-owned and run winery that lies 12 minutes from Margaret River near the rustic village of Rosa Brook. The Brown Hill Estate cellar door is set up right in the winery itself, and you can see the winemaking process first hand according to the comings and goings at different times of year. Try one of the three ranges in a wine tasting, book a winery tour or barrel hall tasting. See and learn why ‘great wine is made in the vineyard’.

Offering something different on top of the usual cellar door visit: free vineyard tours. This is a family-owned boutique winery off the beaten track (but still just 10 minutes from Margaret River). Guests to Jarvis Estate are greeted by the winemaker and owner for a tour of the award-winning winery. Check out local artwork or bring your own picnic to enjoy with a bottle of wine in the gardens. All grapes are grown, fermented and bottled entirely on the property.

A second-generation family-owned estate in Margaret River. Amidst a sanctuary of lush gardens, the cellar door is housed in a beautiful, white-washed Cape Dutch Manor House, ringed by Estate vineyards and the majestic Marris beyond. Inside is the base for Voyager’s extensive wine tastings, behind-the-scenes tours and gastronomic degustation experiences. The luxurious yet intimate Wine Room is a focal point for vinous-focused visits. The vineyard has recently transitioned to certified organic, cementing the reputation of its Cabernet and Chardonnay varieties.

Founded in 1977, Xanadu takes an intuitive approach to winemaking, holding a deep respect for the vineyard. The grounds cater to a relaxed crowd, with multiple tasting settings, and the cellar door and restaurant take in views of the Lagan Vineyard and a grassed courtyard. Book ahead for a winery tour or tastings where you can add local cheeses, olives, and regional eats. Or head into the Xanadu Restaurant, where the food is inspired by local producers, the coast, and seasonal vegetables.

One of the founding wineries of Margaret River (and closest to the township itself). A true pioneer, Cape Mentelle was a first in the region to offer Behind the Scenes visits to guests. Recently awarded Best Tasting Experience by Gourmet Traveller Wine, the cellar door now has a range of tour and tasting options, including picnics and wine flights in the native gardens. The outdoor cinema ‘Movies at Cape Mentelle’ is an iconic event on the summer calendar.

A unique pop-up cellar door in the charming town of Witchcliffe, just south of Margaret River. The winery is focused on biodynamic farming, limited intervention winemaking and single vineyard wines. The cellar door is casual and intimate, inviting you right in off the main street of Bussell Highway. Inside, taste and learn about the winery’s ecological, practical and socially-responsible practices. McHenry Hohnen is a family-owned endeavour that runs three distinct vineyards in the Margaret River Region.

A bushland sanctuary which offers the rare opportunity to get closer than you ever imagined to Australia’s birds of Prey. Stop by for one of the twice daily Birds of Prey Encounters, a compelling experience that allows you to observe the bird’s natural behaviours and have your photograph taken with a barn owl. Take an easy hike down one of the native forest trails to meet the resident eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Eagles Heritage cares for injured, orphaned and displaced raptors and the admission price supports the centre’s education, rehabilitation and endangered species breeding program.

One of the most prominent art galleries in Margaret River, it is well known for its diverse fine art, jewellery and cutting-edge furniture designs. The gallery represents local and Australia wide artists, alongside their own exclusive wooden furniture range, and also showcases extremely rare Pink Diamonds from the Argyle mine. JahRoc Furniture was founded in 1987 by master furniture designers and makers Gary Bennett and David Paris, who use ethically sourced local hardwoods to create their award-winning designs.

An immersion in the life of the region’s early working families through history, artefacts and photography. Find the Old Settlement Museum on the forested banks of Margaret River right in town, in the original 1925 Bramley School and Group Settlement buildings. There is a great collection of paraphernalia and changing displays dedicated to the 1921 – 1935 time period. The grounds are dotted with farming implements, tools, carts, an old dairy, ‘dunny’ and a milk shed. The Hairy Marron Café next door is perfect for a cuppa after your visit.

A rural equestrian farm specialising in horse riding experiences on and off the property. The rustic country clubhouse and play area was designed for non-riding guests to enjoy themselves; the campfire in winter or the shady gardens in summer. For everyone else, Jesters Flat is the premium horse-riding adventure destination in the south west. Treks visit beaches, breweries, wineries and secluded waterholes with all equipment supplied, run by knowledgeable and experienced guides. Riders of all levels are welcome to spend some time upon the herd of beautifully trained Australian stock horses.

Specialising in personalised touring for people who ‘don’t do tours’, chaperoned by award-winning guide Sean Blocksidge. Margaret River Discovery Co is luxury touring for nature and wine lovers aboard Sean’s Landrover Discovery 4WD for a maximum of six guests. Canoe the actual Margaret River (without getting dirty or wet). Visit the Cape to Cape Track, with a side of cliffs, wildlife-spotting and lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate, with VIP access into the winery and vineyard. Rated as the number one Margaret River tour experience on Tripadvisor for 13 consecutive years.

A curated gourmet glamping experience for lovers of premium artisan fare and wilderness-infused luxury. This private sanctuary is nestled amidst rolling vineyards and forest, with a sumptuously furnished bell tent laden with all the comforts you deserve including antique bush bath and copper outdoor shower. Guests are welcomed with gourmet local produce, starring craft gin, beer, and of course, fine wine. Sumptuously furnished for comfort, intimacy and warmth, this is bush luxe at its finest, a true Margaret River immersion by the campfire in the heart of premium wine country.

The ideal springboard for exploring the region, just off Caves Road with a quick route to town on one side and the area’s most famous surf beaches on the other. Margaret River Bed and Breakfast has four resort-style rooms among nine acres of native forest. Each has its own veranda and jacuzzi fronting onto lawn and bushland. The bright common room has floor-to-ceiling windows, cosy seating options and gallery walls with works available to purchase from Western Australian artists.

Margaret River Holiday Cottages is the perfect destination to switch off, slow down and have an authentic country experience. There are three options of accommodation for everyone from travelling couples to work groups and families, with a great range of facilities (the communal firepit, indoor heated swimming pool, playground, and cycle trails are highlights). Here you have 12 acres of bush gardens neighbouring state forest to explore. The Cottages house a menagerie of transient and orphaned animals (whom you can feed!) – miniature Irish donkeys, sheep, alpacas, a calf, chickens and ducks.