Whether it’s trekking, caving, sampling world-class wine, or tantalising your tastebuds with gourmet fare, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do in amazing Margaret River.
Located three hours’ drive south of Perth, this is the ultimate Western Australian short-break destination. Margaret River is close enough to the capital to be doable in a weekend, but far enough way to make you feel like you’ve actually been on a holiday. The region stretches for roughly one hundred kilometres from north to south, and encompasses the key towns of Busselton, Yallingup, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta. Here’s a selection of great things to do in Margaret River.
1. Conquer the Jetty
Start your visit by exploring bustling Busselton, home to the iconic Busselton Jetty – the longest wooden-pylon jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It extends for 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay. Walk all the way out to the end, or ride the Stocker Preston Express tourist train. It will drop you at the Underwater Observatory, which gives visitors a glimpse of the world beneath the waves.
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2. Navigate Geographe Bay
Enjoy an invigorating zoom across Geographe Bay in a speed boat with Naturaliste Charters. See secluded caves and coves where smugglers once hid their treasures, which are now guarded by playful dolphins, penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. Between September and December, humpbacks and even rare blue whales pass through this stretch of water.
Your Next Adventure: WA’s most loved wineries, distilleries, and breweries
3. Take on the Cape to Cape Track
Return to terra firma and take on a section of the famous Cape to Cape Track. Spanning 135 kilometres from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, the coastal trek passes craggy cliffs, secluded beaches, and glittering rock pools. Walk in silent solitude or join a group tour and enjoy the commentary from an expert local guide.
4. Go grape grazing
There are some 200 wineries in Margaret River, so deciding which ones to visit during your stay can be a daunting prospect. Overlooking undulating vineyards, Cullen Wines is renowned for its biodynamic drops, while Amelia Park Wines has a super sophisticated tasting room. Savour the vineyard views at Clairault or Leeuwin Estate, which also has an art gallery onsite. All these wineries have celebrated eateries attached.
5. Do a wine tour
Alternatively, take the mystery out of your weekend of grape grazing by joining Harvest Tours on one of their bespoke tours. The on-board fridge will ensure that all the goodies collected along the way stay cool and crisp.
6. Eat a lot!
Margaret River is as much about food as it is wine. Enjoy eating your way through countless gourmet outlets such as the Margaret River Providore, The Berry Farm, Candy Cow, Millers Ice-cream and Gabriel Chocolate, who have a bean to bar philosophy. The gastronomy options range from high-end eateries like Yarri Restaurant and Bar and Cape Lodge (considered one of the best restaurants in Australia), to a relaxed brunch overlooking the water at The Goose in Busselton.
7. Try a local brew
There are also lots of craft breweries to check out across the region. Try the Eagle Bay Brewing Company in Naturaliste and relax over a tasting paddle of handcrafted beers and a selection of small plates that showcase the best local produce.
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