The Margaret River Region
Best for: Coastal walking trails, underwater escapes, world-class wineries, and unbeatable bites.
Western Australia's dreamy Margaret River Region is a foodie and beach lovers’ paradise, known for its turquoise coastline, award-winning wineries, craft breweries and tree-lined country roads winding through the magical Karri Forest. Margaret River, Busselton (Undalup), Dunsborough, Yallingup and Augusta are the go-to destinations for Perth (Boorloo) locals—a popular weekend filled with trips to cellar doors and stays at boutique accommodation, just three hours south.
But before you hit the road, plan to detour to the other, lesser-known towns of Australia’s South West region. If you head inland from the Margaret River Region you’ll find many charming towns nestled within rolling green hills and orchards, including Nannup, Balingup and Bridgetown. Further afield and a few extra hours in the car will bring you down to the Great Southern Region, the southern tip of the state. Here you’ll come across the quieter shoreside towns of Walpole, Denmark and Albany (Kinjarling). There’s so much natural beauty to explore in the South West—its towns are brimming with fresh farm produce, world-class wines and friendly locals ready to point you in the direction of the best experiences on offer.
Read on for all the best places to play, eat and stay in the Margaret River Region, according to the passionate locals who call it home.
The
Essentials
How To Get There
and Get Around
The Margaret River Region is an easy 2.5-hour drive south of Perth, making it an ideal destination for hiring a car and hitting the road. If flying is more your speed, the region’s main airport is in the city of Busselton, which is a 45-minute drive from Margaret River town. For those heading straight to this food and wine mecca, you can now also fly direct from Melbourne to the Margaret River Region with Jetstar. Lean into a relaxing escape and let an extensive range of organised tours on offer in the area guide you from local produce to natural wonders.
Check Out Flights
Hire A Car
When To Visit
For outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers alike, the mild Mediterranean climate and abundant sunshine of the Margaret River Region and the South West make it a year-round destination. Warm summer days (25°C to 35°C) are made for serene beach outings and surfing adventures, while the cooler winter temperatures (8°C to 16°C) cry out for rugged-up wanders among towering trees and world-class wines by a crackling fire. The Margaret River Region’s coastline is home to a long whale-watching season, with humpbacks leaping from June to December.
White Elephant Cafe
Drift Cafe
Fresh healthy food? Tick. Cosy nooks and crannies? Tick. Off the beaten track? Tick. Good coffee? Tick. Tick. Tick. Any cafe that makes its own almond milk clearly cares about what goes into its coffees. When the busy main street is packed, Drift is a perfect hideaway that often goes unnoticed by the tourist crowds. Pro tip: order a side of the house-made potato rosti and prepare to have your socks knocked off.
Margaret River Bakery
Margaret River Bakery needs no introduction. An essential stop for any foodie visiting the region, this funky European-inspired bakery has been pumping out fresh pastries and finely sourced coffee for the people of Margs since the 1960s—and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re grabbing a sweet treat for the road, meeting up with friends for brunch or looking for a spot to sip your coffee while reading the paper, the bakery has something for everyone.
Blue Ginger Cafe
Step into Blue Ginger Cafe on Station Road and you’ll be greeted with friendly smiles, a cabinet loaded with lovingly-made pastries and wraps and the smell of freshly-roasted coffee. Catering to vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan diets, the breakfast and lunch options here are equal parts hearty and healthy, and they’re best when washed down with a top-notch cup of coffee or a fresh juice or smoothie. Blue Ginger Cafe shares its space with a continental deli and grocer which is fully stocked with a diverse range of oils, grains, teas, meats, cheeses, chocolates and more—it’s a foodie’s dream come true.
Brewhouse
Close to town, Brewhouse is a laid-back brewery with live music, a beautiful outdoor seating area and a toasty fireplace for when it gets chilly. The 1940s cottage has been transformed and the open kitchen serves up good local produce, including a mean beef brisket and some moreish pizzas. The beer list covers all the lager and pilsner lovers, but the hop-heavy brews are what shine. The northwest US-inspired Red Tail IPA is an especially tasty concoction of four hops.
If you haven’t heard about Miki’s Open Kitchen, let us have the pleasure of informing you. Miki’s Open Kitchen is an open-plan kitchen (who would’ve thought?) in which head chef/genius/culinary wizard Mikihito Nagai and his team cook some of the best Japanese food in the state. Choose between four different degustation menus (including one for kids), sit back and enjoy the show of your dinner being made in front of you. Miki places a strong emphasis on using the freshest seasonal produce found in the southwest region, with the menu changing constantly to reflect what local ingredients are in season at the time.
Miki’s Open Kitchen
Where
To Stay
Whether you dream of falling asleep under the stars or in the best boutique hotel in the country, there’s something for everyone in the Margaret River Region. Read on below for the top picks according to Western Australian locals.
Set within an organic olive farm, the safari-style glamping tents of Olio Bello are perfect for those who like the idea of getting back to nature, but don’t want to think about tent pegs, swags and crowded camp kitchens. The eco tents feature a kitchenette, ensuite bathrooms and front decks for sunset viewing over the lake, and when you feel like heading out, you can explore the olive grove, dine up at the cafe, sample some oils or go for a drive and explore Margaret River.
Olio Bello Glamping
BOOK HERE
Just outside of Margs in one of our favourite little towns Cowaramup, you’ll find Two Blind Cows, an exo-luxe glamping retreat on the Woolrabunning farm. Nestled in the middle of Australian bushland, you’ll find enviable seclusion. If you find yourself ready to hit up the food and drink scene, there’s a heap of places nearby.
Two Blind Cows
BOOK HERE
Where To Play
Brimming with natural wonder and breathtaking wildlife experiences, the Coral Coast has an extensive range of activities that are bound to captivate your entire mind and body. From underwater adventures to rugged landscapes, here are the best adventures to embark on along the Coral Coast.
A magnificent 130km walking trail from tip to tip of the South West (Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse), the Cape to Cape Track spoils you with panoramic ocean vistas from clifftops, access to remote beaches and the chance to wander through the renowned Karri Forest. If you wish to walk the entire distance, most people take around seven days, but you can easily tackle a small chunk on a single-day hike. A few companies offer a range of guided tours, taking care of your meals, transport and accommodation if all you want to worry about is your walking shoes. Hot tip: spring is a popular time to walk as it’s wildflower season, and when the migrating whales visit the northern part of the region, near Busselton and Dunsborough. June to August is when you’ll spot whales in the southern tip of the area, near Augusta.
Cape to Cape Track
At a whopping 1.8-kilometres-long, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, and one of the longest in the world. You can walk right to the end (or even catch a train) to explore the Underwater Observatory, granting you an unparalleled look eight metres below the surface of Geographe Bay. Bursting with more than 300 species of marine life, there are 11 windows to spot the colourful fish and coral all around you.
Busselton Jetty And Underwater Observatory
Stand amongst giants in Boranup Forest, home to the famed karri trees, a towering eucalyptus tree found only in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Some of these mighty and ancient trees are more than 60 metres tall and hundreds of years old. Stop by the Karri Lookout off Caves Road to take some photos, and be sure to drive down the 14km Boranup Drive scenic route, pit-stopping again at Boranup Lookout. Breathe in the smell of eucalyptus, listen to chittering birdsong and admire the carpet of vibrant wildflowers on the forest floor during spring. Driving through the forest at dawn and dusk is magical as the sunlight filters through the canopy.
For an unforgettable experience on two wheels, book an adventure tour and get the most out of your time here.
Boranup Forest And
Its Towering Karri Trees
Yallingup
Margaret River
Busselton
Walpole
Perth
Boranup Forest
No trip to the Margaret River Region is complete without brunch at White Elephant Cafe. Looking out across beautiful Gnarabup Beach, this much-loved cafe serves up heavenly coffees made with Dimattina beans, a range of mouth-watering brekkie burgers and wraps, tasty fish and chips and everything in between. Enjoy your feed at a table on the deck or take it down to the beach and follow it with a swim.
MARGARET RIVER
MARGARET RIVER
MARGARET RIVER
MARGARET RIVER
MARGARET RIVER
MARGARET RIVER
Cowaramup
OSMINGTON
And The Golden Outback
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With some of the nation’s best produce on offer, it’s no secret that the Margaret River Region is a food lover's dream. From rooftop bars with unforgettable views to flakey bakery fare and sashimi that will live on in your memory rent-free dream, read on for the top local picks on where to indulge in the region.
Where
To Eat
Where
To Play
No introduction is needed for the vast and textured wine and impeccable local produce that the Margaret River Region has to offer. Surrounded by pristine coastline, towering Eucalypts and ancient landscapes, there’s plenty to tick off from the adventure to-do list too. Here are some of the best bits to put on the to-do list to turn your Margaret River dreams into reality.
15km from Margaret River
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50km from Margaret River
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20km from Margaret River
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“I haven't lived in WA for very long so have much to explore but my favourite experience so far, has got to be the Busselton Jetty. A slow walk to the end, watching the swimmers, snorkelers and divers enjoy the crystal clear waters, was hugely relaxing. Descending into the underwater viewing area was an unexpected pleasure that took my breath away. I could have stayed down there for hours, watching the amazing sea life and listening to the fantastically knowledgeable staff.”
— Stuart, WA local
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Home
“To get the full experience of what WA has to offer you have to travel down south to Margaret River, on the way stop at Busselton Jetty, the amazing beaches such as Meelup Beach, Smiths Beach and Yallingup, plus the Injidup Natural Spa and Canal Rocks.” — Caitlin, WA local
Explore An Extensive Range Of Wineries
Imagine you’re playing a word association game and someone says the words, “Margaret River.” The first word that comes to mind surely has to be “wine”. With more than 100 cellar doors to visit, offering culinary delights as well as premium vino to sample, the choices are endless. The likes of Voyager Estate offer an unforgettable dining experience alongside an extensive range of wines, from vibrant whites to aged reds. To help set you on the right path, we’ve wrapped up our favourite Margaret River Region wineries over here.
1300km from Perth
$$$—$$$
“Voyager Estate is INCREDIBLE! The degustation experience has such a beautiful story in the most exquisite, opulent Margaret River winery.” — Cory, WA local
17km from Margaret River
This 5-star lodge was voted Best Boutique Hotel in Australia and it’s little wonder why. Surrounded by some of the best wineries in Margaret River, undisturbed forest and a picturesque lake— it’s pure indulgence.
30km from Margaret River
$$$
Cape Lodge
Yallingup
BOOK HERE
$$$—$$$
A few metres from the sapphire hues of Smiths Beach sits luxury accommodation Smiths Beach Resort, home to beach houses, villas and apartments for the ultimate coastal holiday. Dine at the on-site Lamont’s Restaurant for modern Australian fare, or jump in the car to easily reach the array of eateries and cafes of Yallingup. Whether you have the family in tow or wish to splurge on a romantic getaway, Smiths Beach Resort caters to all needs.
Smiths Beach Resort
YALLINGUP
“Yallingup is a must-do! You get a bit everything from beaches, hiking, wineries.” — Stephany, WA local
BOOK HERE
$$$
Premalaya (meaning a ‘place of love’ in Sanskrit) has eight self-contained apartments each with two bedrooms and private balconies, overlooking the gardens of this gorgeous, six-acre property. Tucked in the Yallingup bush, it’s also close to the renowned beaches and wineries of the cape, including Smiths Beach, Canal Rocks and Swings & Roundabouts winery. Known for its holistic therapies and retreats, you can book the sauna, massages and yoga sessions during your stay at Premalaya to truly unwind.
Premalaya
YALLINGUP
BOOK HERE
$$$
Looking to be a world away from the big smoke? Empire Retreat is for adults only and is designed to treat your mind, body and soul. Stone baths, a steam room and rainforest shower suites - run, don’t walk and book this one stat.
Empire Retreat
YALLINGUP
BOOK HERE
40km from Margaret River
Explore The South West's Caves
“Ngilgi Cave is an amazing experience, travelling underground into a spectacular world of walls glistening with crystals.” — David, WA local
Did you know the South West’s iconic Caves Road got its name from the 100-plus limestone caves just below its surface? Dotted along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, you can explore a handful of these pristine crystal caves year-round—these ancient landscapes staying cool and dry with the changing seasons. There are four caves we are fortunate enough to explore, all encrusted in mesmerising calcite crystals and covered in ancient stalactites and stalagmites. If you prefer to explore a cave with a knowledgeable guide, visit Jewel Cave, the region’s largest cave, or the smaller but equally impressive Lake Cave (the only cave with a permanent lake). Mammoth Cave offers an audio tour, so you can meander through at your own pace and spot fossils of extinct megafauna. Near Yallingup, you’ll find Ngilgi Cave (pronounced nil-gee), a deep wonderland explored on semi-guided or cultural tours—a guide will take you into the cave, and once inside you’re free to roam.
10-50km from Margaret River
$$$
Hamelin Bay Snorkelling And Wildlife
Hamelin Bay is a sheltered cove about 15 minutes north of Augusta, famous for being home to friendly stingrays that come right up to the water’s edge. White limestone cliffs encompass the calm clear waters, providing a haven for snorkelers spotting marine life. Divers can go out to explore one of the 12 shipwrecks off the coast—Hamelin Bay used to be a port for timber milling, and the bay was notorious for wrecking vessels. Heads up, while the resident stingrays are familiar with humans, it’s important to remember they are still wild animals, so it’s best to admire them without touching them.
35km from Margaret River
$$$
Sip Vinos Further Afield
If you’re keen to stretch your adventure legs and explore further afield into the South West region, there are plenty more wineries along the way to plot your trip around. Pack an overnight bag and take a trip out to Ampersand Estates in the Pemberton region. The estate offers three luxury residences nestled among the estate and access to Australia’s first single-harvest distillery on top of a classic cellar door. Enjoy a picnic among the vines, or stretch your legs and explore the surrounding ancient karri forests of Easter National Park.
10-50km from Margaret River
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17km from Margaret River
“My favourite stay is Cape Lodge in Margaret River. This stunning property is surrounded by vineyards and offers breathtaking views of the countryside. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly decorated, making me feel right at home. I love taking a walk through the vineyards or relaxing by the pool, taking in the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings.” — Sam, WA local
35km from Margaret River
45km from Margaret River
“Absolutely love the Margaret River Region for the beautiful coast at Gnarabup. Go for a dip and grab a coffee at White Elephant. Spend an afternoon in a cave and have a picnic in the evening at the Cape Mentelle outdoor cinema.”
— Laetitia, WA local
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Pizzica
MARGARET RIVER
Located in the undercroft of the iconic Bridgefield Guest House is Pizzica, a little slice of Southern Italy right here in our South West. Come hungry and peruse the three-page menu loaded with every type of pizza imaginable, a delicious selection of antipasti, mains such as charcoal grilled pork ribs and Polpo alla griglia—grilled octopus with capsicums, olives, capers and crostini—and authentic desserts that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
“Make sure you’re seated at the bar to watch the chefs in action.” — Geena, WA local
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Margaret River Tuck Shop
MARGARET RIVER
Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Monday, Margaret River Tuck Shop’s menu celebrates the very best produce that WA has to offer. The Albany rock oysters (served fresh or Kilpatrick with house-made bacon jam, orange kewpie mayo and crispy saltbush) simply can’t be missed, and the Margaret River wagyu steak served with native bush tomato mojo, chimichurri, hand-crushed duck fat potatoes and chipotle aioli will absolutely blow your mind. These guys are also a top pick in town when it comes to pizza. Their sourdough is light, fluffy and made with love, and they have plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, seafood lovers and carnivores alike.
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Teddi's Big Spoon
MARGARET RIVER
When those Korean BBQ cravings hit, waste no time in hitting up Teddi’s Big Spoon. Catering to all appetites and diets (yep, even vegetarians will be spoilt for choice here), Teddi’s offers a stacked traditional BBQ menu alongside more incredible rice and noodle dishes than you could poke your chopsticks at. The most popular menu item is the premium set, which will see you sizzling your way through a generous variety of beef cuts and your choice of pork or chicken with rice, miso soup and salad for $80 between two people. Did we mention this joint is BYO? You’re in for a guaranteed good time.
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Rio’s
MARGARET RIVER
A welcome addition to Margaret River’s nightlife scene, Rio’s is a rooftop bar overlooking the bustling main strip which has quickly become a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Boasting an impressive cocktail list (think Moscow mules served in copper mugs and a specialty coconut Tommy’s margarita plus so many more), a thoughtfully curated wine list showcasing drops from near and far, thirst-quenching local and international brews plus tasty bites, Rio’s is a must-visit. Bring your dancing shoes if you’re heading here on the weekend—there’s always a local DJ throwing down beats late into the night.
MARGARET RIVER
Yonder
$$$
If you’re searching for the best margarita in Margs, look no further than the little retro gem that is Yonder. Tucked just off the main drag, this charming speakeasy is the best place to start or finish your night out. Think beers galore, an exciting list of vinos and some of the coolest cocktails in town—all of which you can order from their menus that are made out of Yonder’s very own VHS cases. They’ve also just built an epic outdoor area, so there’s even more space to let loose to throwback tunes.
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Morries
MARGARET RIVER
Perfect for date night or dinner and drinks with the girls, Morries is a cosy tapas joint and an award-winning small bar in the heart of Margaret River. Take a seat on the garden terrace and watch the world go by or get up close and personal with the master mixologists at the bar—you can check out their skills as they put together all kinds of drool-worthy drinks. Cocktail lovers will want to get down here for mega hour from 5pm to 6pm, where they sling two for $30 cocktails, and if you’re more into beer or wine, you can pore over the extensive drinks list which has plenty of local and international offerings.
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The River
MARGARET RIVER
Prepare to be mesmerised by the wall of spirits and the tap full of refreshing local brews at The River. With a front bar, a sparkling courtyard and a huge dining room each offering a different atmosphere, you can choose your vibe for the night. Whether you’re sipping on a Giniversity gin and tonic, a pint of Beerfarm’s Royal Haze or a tasty local rosé, we highly recommend pairing your drink with some elevated pub grub. Top picks include the beef rib fingers, organic lamb cutlets, caramelised Brussels sprouts and of course, the river fries which are served with addictive chilli caramel.
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a
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In
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Australia
Urban List acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, live, and play. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
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