A First Timer's Guide to the Margaret River Region

03.10.2023

Welcome to the Margaret River Region, where there’s so much to explore, you’ll need to plan a return.

From rolling vineyards, fairyland forests and pristine beaches, here’s 22 ways to experience the best of this beautiful region.

Grab your camera and enjoy the adventures.

Plan your road trip

The Margaret River Region is BIG; think Melbourne to Mornington, or Sydney to Wollongong, packed with incredible food, wine and scenic stops. The best way to get around is by car, so you can venture outside of the town centres.

To make it easier to explore, there are five recommended drive trail maps available, each focusing on a section of the region and incorporating a mix of iconic attractions, hidden gems, and beautiful natural spots.

Explore with a local

You see so much more with a local showing you around, so make sure you book into one of the fantastic nature eco tours on offer.

There’s twilight woylie tours, wildflower and orchid experiences, kayaking, scenic helicopter flights and more. Check out these 17 alternative tours for more inspiration.

Climb a lighthouse

Head south to climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to see where two oceans meet, and make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the award-winning interpretive centre, which gives a glimpse into life as a Lighthouse keeper and their families on the cape 100+ years ago.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse also has guided tours, and whale sightings in spring. There are a few different walking trails to explore from the carpark, including a paved pathway to the iconic (and much photographed) Sugarloaf Rock.

Stroll the jetty

Walk the nearly 2km Busselton Jetty, or take a train ride to the end, where you’ll find an underwater observatory with a view of the coral, sponges and fishes that call it home. There’s a new Underwater Sculpture and Artificial Reef Trail that keen snorkellers and divers can explore too.

Holiday with a light footprint

Augusta Margaret River Shire is proud to be WA’s first Certified ECO Destination, and you’ll find a community of tourism operators committed to sustainable practices. Pick a quality nature-based experiences and accommodation to reduce your impact.

Descend into Crystal Caves

Beneath the coast lies over 100 limestone caves, each decorated with amazing crystal formations. Four are open to explore. Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience is adventurous. Mammoth and Lake Cave are set in breathtaking forest. Jewel Cave is the largest and most decorated of all.

Find beauty in the Boranup Forest

Discover a breathtaking karri forest where glowing trunks tower 80 metres high. Experience Boranup or the incredible Wadandi Track on a mountain bike tour, e-bike wine tour or eco quad bike adventure.

Wonder at whales

We have the longest whale watching season in the world, running June to December. Jump on a charter boat, or keep an eye out in Augusta, Point Piquet and along the Cape Track for the migrating mammals.

Walk the Cape to Cape Track

One of the greatest walks in Australia, the Cape to Cape Track connects sandy beaches, clifftop walking tracks and national park. Pressed for time? Choose a short section and marvel at the ancient granite and aquamarine bays.

Relax on the river

Not many people actually get to experience the actual Margaret River, so don’t miss a wine and adventure tour with Sean (voted #1 experience in Western Australia by TripAdvisor).

Or hire a houseboat in Augusta where the Scott and Blackwood Rivers meet, and spend a few relaxing days marvelling at the bird life and dolphins, or try your hand at fishing. No skippers licence is required, the team will teach you everything you need to know and send you on your way.

Indulge in immersive wine experiences

The Margaret River Region is one of the most celebrated in Australia, so this is a great chance to dive deep into fine wine and go beyond the cellar door, with immersive experiences spanning guided vineyard walks to tutored tastings, degustation lunches and trust-the-chef dinners.

The iconic, celebrated estates are absolutely worth a visit, and be sure to stop in at some of the smaller gems as well, where you may be chatting to the winemaker themselves. .

Lunch at a winery restaurant

It’s one of life’s pleasures, lunch overlooking picture-perfect vineyards. There’s plenty of choice; from the family friendly with woodfired pizzas, to the wine-serious degustations and sustainable wineries raising their own animals and vegetables.

Dine with a view

Whether you’re gazing over the ocean or picnicking by the river, there’s plenty of places to dine with a view. Try a seafood and sunset cruise in Geographe Bay, brekkie at a beach café or a winery or brewery lunch perched above a lush valley.

Explore cellar doors

Cabernet and Chardonnay are king, but you’ll also find winemakers doing wonders with lesser-known varietals and lo-fi techniques.

Relax at a boutique brewery or distillery

With a thriving craft brewing and distilling scene, you’re spoilt for choice where to grab a frothy or cocktail.

Discover 60,000 years of Wadandi history

This is Wadandi Boodja, land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People. Walk softly, take the time to listen to and care for Boodja (Country). Join Wadandi cultural custodian Josh Whiteland as he shares stories and history.

Catch a gig at The River, Clancy’s or Settlers Tav

These pubs pack a triple punch; awesome wine lists, great food and the best touring bands. Also keep an eye out for winery concerts, as watching your fav Aussie artists under a twinkling sky can’t be beat.

Browse Local Jewellers

There’s a wealth of artistic talent in the region, with many successful jewellers living the ‘down south’ dream. Find handmade rings with pearls and coral at Payet Gallery, or look to John Miller Design with uniquely carved flora and fauna designs. Local paintings, sculptures, and furniture can also be discovered in the region’s many galleries.

Catch a wave

The Margaret River Region holds an esteemed place as one of the world’s top homes and stops for world-class surfing, and it boasts a massive surf community. First time on a board? You’re in for a treat! Book a lesson with the local legends and experienced coaches at Margaret River Surf School, Yallingup Surf School and Margaret River Surfing Academy.

Experience local wildlife

Learn about and experience local flora and fauna that co-exist in our unique region. A must-do is a tour of the stunning Passel Estate bushland conservation sanctuary; learn about the family (a passel) of critically endangered western ringtail possums, all while tasting Passel Estate’s award-winning wine, of course. Check out Discover Deadly, Eagles Heritage, and Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary, too.

Mark your diary

Arts lovers, pop CinefestOZ and Margaret River Region Open Studios in your calendar, for a dose of indie film and a private peek into the studios of local artists and creatives. Sports enthusiasts be sure to get along the the Busselton Jetty Swim or the Cape to Cape MTB event. And for those who appreciate good food and wine (and a side of great times) don’t miss Cabin Fever and Fine Vines Festivals.

Advice from a Local

Our team of local experts are here to help plan and book your stay in the Margaret River Region.

Speak to a local expert

A First Timer’s Guide to the Margaret River Region