The Margaret River region in southwestern Western Australia is a must-visit, and not just for its world-class wines! While it’s Australia’s top wine region, there’s so much more to explore. Discover unique landscapes like the Injidup Natural Spa, hike through the towering Boranup Forest, or spot giant stingrays at Hamelin Bay. If you’re traveling in Western Australia, Margaret River should definitely be on your itinerary. Read on to find the best things to do, where to stay, and insider tips for exploring this beautiful region!
9 best things to do in Margaret River, Western Australia
The Margaret River Region is best known for its delicious wines. But this corner of Western Australia has so much more to offer. Thanks to its many hiking trails, beautiful beaches and plenty of wildlife, it’s a place you don’t want to miss as a nature lover. We were hugely surprised by the diversity of the region and ended up deciding to stay there longer than planned. For the best of Margaret River Region, we recommend at least 2 to 3 days, but the longer you can stay, the better of course.
1) Wine tasting
We begin this list with what the region is so well known for: wines. Around Margaret River you will find numerous wineries, from large luxury estates to smaller family wineries. The region is best known worldwide for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Many wineries also offer restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or picnics overlooking the vineyards. These are some of our favorite wineries in Margaret River:
- Passel Estate: an intimate winery with beautiful views. They offer cheese boards and chocolate pairings that go wonderfully with their wines.
- Hay Shed Hill Wines: wonderful winery who offer a great lunch in addition to a large selection of wines. And with any luck, you’ll see kangaroos jumping among the vines.
- Vasse Felix: one of the most famous and prestigious wineries in the region in a beautiful setting.
Prefer not to drive yourself? Book your wine tour in the Margaret River here including several tastings and lunch!
2) Injidup Natural Spa
The Injidup Natural Spa is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the region. Located near Yallingyup you will find this natural rock pool. This is constantly replenished by waves crashing over the surrounding rocks giving you a natural whirlpool effect. Great for a refreshing dip where you get a massage from Mother Nature herself! This is definitely one of the best things to do in the Margaret River Region.
3) Canal Rocks
Near the Injidup Natural Spa, you will find another beautiful place called Canal Rocks. The constant erosion of the waves created a natural channel between the rock formations. You can walk across this channel thanks to a wooden walkway that gives you a fantastic view. We personally do not recommend swimming here because of the many sharp rocks and powerful waves. A little further on you will find the Aquarium, a bay where you can swim and that is so crystal clear that it feels like swimming in an aquarium. Be sure not to forget your snorkel!
4) Cape Naturaliste
If you drive from Yallingyup further up you will arrive at Cape Naturaliste, the northernmost tip of the Margaret River Region. Here you will find a lighthouse that you can visit and tell you more about its history. Personally, however, we recommend you explore the surrounding area. For example, Sugarloaf Rock and Castle Rock are some beautiful natural phenomena you can visit. Those who want can hike the 7 km Meelup Reserve Trail here that will show you the best of the area.
Opening hours Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: daily from 09:00 to 17:00 | price: $17AUD per person or book online here
5) Boranup Forest
We found the Boranup Forest to be one of the most fun things to do in Margaret River, Australia. Here you will find giant karri trees that, at 60 meters, seem to reach up to the sky. The best place to explore Boranup Forest is from the Boranup Forest View Point parking lot. From here you can cross the road and take a walk through the forest. Those who want can also drive along the Boranup Drive (suitable for 2WD cars), an orange gravel road that takes you through the tall trees.
TRAVEL TIP: Are you traveling through Australia by campervan? Then be sure to spend a night at the Conto Campground in the middle of the beautiful nature of Boranup Forest!
6) Cape to Cape track
Besides wines, the Margaret River region is also known for its many beautiful hiking trails. The most famous is undoubtedly the Cape to Cape track. This 7-day hike of 123 km takes you from Cape Leeuwin all the way to Cape Naturaliste. During this hike you will pass beautiful beaches and cliffs such as Hamelin Bay and Injidup Natural Spa. You have continuous views of the ocean where between June and September you have a great chance of seeing whales. Those who want can also do smaller parts of this hike.
7) Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay is a slight detour from Margaret River but one you definitely want to make. It’s famous for its stingrays, which often glide into the shallow waters just offshore (watch, but don’t touch!). The bay is also a great spot for fishing and snorkeling, making it perfect for anyone who loves spending time in the water.
8) Cape Leeuwin
Just as you have Cape Naturaliste in the north of the Margaret River Region, you have Cape Leeuwin in the south. This is also the most southwestern point in Australia and named after the Dutch ship that first visited the area in 1622. On this cape you will find Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the largest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. You can also visit this one with the guided tour.
Opening hours Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: daily from 09:00 to 17:00 | price: $22AUD per person or book online here
9) Admire the surfers (or take lessons yourself!)
Had enough hiking or wine tasting? Then relax on one of the many beaches along Margaret River’s coastline. This area is known as one of the best places to surf in Australia. In fact, the Margaret River Pro, one of the biggest surfing competitions in the world, is held here every year. Want to see the experienced surfers at work? Then go check out Surfer’s Point or The Box. Prefer to take a surf lesson yourself? There are waves for every level at Yallingyup Beach.
Where to stay in Margaret River, Australia
Margaret River stretches from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south for 125 km. So to explore the Margaret River region, it is best to stay somewhere in the middle. The best place is the town of Margaret River itself, from where you can easily reach the main attractions and you will also find the better wineries nearby.
- Budget ($): Bridgefield Guest House
- Comfort ($$): Margaret River Resort
- Luxury ($$$): Heritage Trail Lodge
If, like us, you travel around with an campervan, there are also plenty of nice campsites where you can stay. We ourselves slept several nights at the Riverview Tourist Park, equipped with all facilities and close to Margaret River. We also recommend Conto Campground, in the middle of the Boronup Forest surrounded by nature!
How to visit Margaret River in Australia
Margaret River is located in southwestern Australia. The nearest (international) airport is Perth. From Perth, it is about another 3-hour drive to Margaret River. If you want to visit Margaret River in Western Australia, it is highly recommended to rent a car. Or even better, like us, explore the west coast of Australia with a campervan! On Camplify, you can find a wide range of motorhomes and caravans for rent from private owners.
Best time to visit Margaret River in Western Australia
The best time to visit Margaret River is in summer (December to February). This is when you are most likely to have good weather, ideal if you want to go surfing or hiking. Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) are also a good option, especially if you are a wine lover. Winter (June to August) tends to be colder and rainy, but then again, this is the best time to see whales.
Do you have any questions about what to do in Margaret River in Australia? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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