The Indelible Buzz of Margaret River’s Main Street

Visitors to Margaret River’s main street are often surprised upon arriving in destination.

There is so much that is written about the town’s world class surfing beaches and limestone capes that it can be a bit gob-smacking to find that the bustling town centre sits roughly 8km from the coastline. But Margaret River’s main street never disappoints. There is an indelible buzz to the town centre, with a mix of artisan stores and galleries, public street art, diverse drinking and dining options, and a good selection of boutique shops.

The main street prides itself on constant renewal and reinvention. There is almost always something new to discover. So whether you are visiting for the first time or coming back to the region – think beyond the beaches and the wineries, and remember that the charm and enchantment of the main street should always be a staple on the itinerary.

Coffee Sidekick Cafe Margaret River — Explore the great cafés that will satiate your coffee cravings.

Café Cruising

Margaret River’s dedication to a good flat white is as good as most Australian towns, but it’s also fair to say that the use of local roasters, soy, almond, or oat milks, and eco-friendly take away cups – might be a step ahead in the trends.

Sidekick Cafe: Great coffee, excellent service, and a simple menu make Sidekick an obvious choice for your morning start. The jalapeno and cream cheese bagel will satisfy any hunger pangs.

Riversmith: Looking to linger over your morning coffee? Riversmith has room to spread out, a varied menu, and some lovely outside tables that are a treat when the sun is out.

The Hairy Marron: The Hairy Marron is bike-hire meets café. Positioned right on the Wadandi Track at the bottom of town, this is a picturesque hidden gem, where you can grab a coffee, hire a bike, and spend the morning discovering Margaret River’s tracks, trails and majestic river.

Drift Cafe: Another hidden gem just off Margaret River’s main street on Willmott Avenue, is Drift Café. Expect comfort food using local ingredients by an expert chef, and a casual atmosphere. Fun fact – the café is housed in what used to be the town library!

Café Mosaic: A secret courtyard complete with water feature and lush greenery makes this lovely café a great spot to catch up with friends for coffee and one of their yummy cakes. It’s located next door to The Local, a great artisan store brimming with local artwork and goodies to peruse.

Egberts: Positioned just off the main street on Fearn Avenue, is Egberts. Great for a takeaway flat white or a quick croissant and coffee, Egberts has welcoming staff, home-made bakery treats, and an inspiring mural of flamingos wrapping the back walls. You’ll leave content.

Margaret River Bakery: The Bakery is a Margaret River institution and needs little marketing to keep customers coming back. A good blend of healthy sandwich options, and perfectly presented sweet-tooth treats, this is the place to go if food is on the agenda.

Mikis Kitchen — Miki's Open Kitchen - a bucket list experience in itself.

Restaurants

Along the Margaret River main street it seems you are never more than a few metres from a great meal.

Miki’s Open Kitchen: Miki is a bit of a local legend and dining at Miki’s is a bucket list experience in itself. Miki clearly cares about ingredients and presentation when it comes to food, and ordering ‘Miki’s Complete’ – a seven-course journey through Miki’s unique and creative modern Japanese cuisine, is advisable. These are superlative meals. Bookings are essential, and every dollar is money well spent.

Little Italy (Restaurants La Scarpetta & Pizzica): You’ll think you’ve entered a medieval Tuscan village when you step into the underground pizza bar and restaurant Pizzica. Run by Italians, the food is traditional and simple – with generous, mouth-watering servings. The wine list offers both local Margaret River flavours, and selections from the Italian cellar. Above Pizzica, is La Scarpetta – perhaps an option for couples or a more intimate longer dinner. Seasonal produce such as truffles and chestnuts come in and out of the menu, as well as true Italian buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) and olive oils.

Morries: Always on trend with the menu, cocktails, and wine list, Morries can be a good option for a bit of tapas and a drink, or a special occasion dinner. Classic furnishings, mural artwork, and honed hospitality make Morries a good go-to. Aim to visit during Happy Hour.

Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River: Wine on tap? It’s a thing, and it’s what to expect here at Swings. Grab a casual carafe of chardonnay or rose, a spot by the fire or on the alfresco porch under the vines, and feel as if you are appreciating a quality wine region from the town’s central hub. Perfect for tapas and a vino or for booking a longer meal. The woodfired pizza is fantastic.

Outside Settlers Tavern, Main Street Margaret River. Credit Ovis Creative. — Settlers Tavern is an icon on the main street. Photo credit: Ovis Creative.

Pub Fare

Sometimes it’s just a burger and fries washed down with a pint and a big group of friends that makes a night out worthwhile. To quote Dennis Denuto from a piece of quintessential Australian cinema – The Castle “It’s just the vibe.” And that is what makes a great pub. I rest my case.

Settler’s Tavern: Holidays are often about plonking yourself down at the local tavern and watching the people go by. Settler’s is the perfect place for people watching with a pint. The menu offers great kid’s selections, gluten free options, and vegetarian dishes as well as good sized pub food using local produce. With a list of accolades including number one in the “Top 50 Places to Drink Wine in Australia’ – the Tav ticks more than a few boxes.

Brewhouse Margaret River: The only brewery that’s within walking distance of town, Brewhouse is a quintessential Margs spot. An evolving range of new brews, plus all the classics you love, great menu, and plenty of space (including a playground) will keep you returning.

Art Galleries Margaret River — With a thriving art scene it's worth visiting the local galleries.

Window Shopping

Margaret River main street is a creative hub – its surf culture, thriving arts scene, and boutique boho stores encompassing the essence of what the town’s personality exudes. Which other regional town in Australia hosts contemporary arts festivals such as Strings Attached Guitar Festival, and Open Studios? Many of the region’s lauded creatives have also put their stamp on main street public artwork and contemporary businesses with a blend of regional and popular Australian brands.

JahRoc Gallery: Offering year-round exhibitions from renowned national artists, JahRoc Gallery is devoted to an appreciation of contemporary Australian art. The gallery also has beautiful hand-crafted furniture, made by owner and artist Gary Bennett.

Hillzeez: You can’t visit one of Australia’s top surfing destinations without a jaunt to its signature surf shop. Hillzeez has great quality wet suits, boards, boardies, bathers, togs, cossies (whatever you call them). It’s the place to get beach-prepped in a nutshell. Sister store Subculture, located just across the road, is the place to pick up surf, skate, and street style designer brands.

Marine & Co: The boho scene has a bit of a stronghold within the Margaret River Region, and Marine and Co is the local supplier of popular labels like Auguste, Tigerlily and Zulu and Zephyr. Quality knits, summer dresses, beach bags and denims. Also a good range of menswear.

Lloyds: Another ‘Margie’s’ institution, what started as a hardware store, Lloyd’s has expanded into a one stop shop for just about everything. All items have been carefully considered for their artistic value and offer form over function to some extent. Whether it’s kitchen wares, home décor, birthday cards, sun hats, or indoor plant pots – Lloyds is your place.

Margaret River Artisan Store: Looking to take home something uniquely Margaret River? This eclectic little shop next to IGA offers a range of products from the region’s creatives. Quality clothing, hand-dyed linen sheets, and featured artist pieces framed and ready to hang will give you something special to remember the holiday by.

Art Mural Margaret River Main Street — A main street mural in collaboration with artists Ian Mutch, Jack Bromwell & Sandra Hill. Photo: Stuart McMillan.

Don't Miss

Public art and murals adorn the walls of Margaret River’s main street – but you have to search a little to find them. Look out for the Ian Mutch, Jack Bromell, and Wadandi elder and artist Sandra Hill’s collaboration piece opposite The Urban Bean coffee shop (pictured above). Ian Mutch and Kyle Hughes-Odgers have a quirky little mural to the left of the Visitor’s Centre and before IGA entrance. And of course there is ‘Ziggy’ the nickname given to the historic wilderbeast (megafauna) on the town’s entrance – credit to artist Alan Meyburgh, who is the talent behind the sculpture.

This article was produced as a partnership between The Margaret River Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.