Margaret River
Photo: Eloise Shakespeare / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to April (warm, dry, grape harvest season Feb-Apr)
Language
English
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AWST (UTC+8)
Airport
Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) with seasonal Jetstar flights; Perth Airport (PER) is 3 hours north
Population
~7,500 (Margaret River township)
Climate
Mediterranean, warm dry summers (25-32°C), cool wet winters (10-16°C)
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — strong ocean currents, respect surf conditions
Wine Production
Produces only 3% of Australia's wine but 20% of its premium output
Top Highlights
Wine Tasting at Cellar Doors
Over 200 wineries specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. Top cellar doors include Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix (est. 1967, the region's first), and Cullen Wines (biodynamic). Most tastings are AUD 10-20, often waived with purchase. Allow 2-3 days to explore properly.
Mammoth Cave
A self-guided audio tour through a 35,000-year-old limestone cave with fossils of extinct megafauna. Located 21km south of Margaret River town. Open daily 9AM-5PM (last entry 4PM). AUD 24 adults. Allow 1 hour. The Jewel Cave and Lake Cave nearby offer guided tours with more dramatic formations.
Surfers Point & Main Break
Margaret River's Main Break hosts the annual WSL Pro surf competition — a powerful reef break for experienced surfers only. Surfers Point nearby is more accessible. The Prevelly Beach area offers gentler conditions for learners. Surf lessons from ~AUD 65 (2 hrs). Best swell April-October.
Boranup Karri Forest
A towering forest of karri trees reaching 60 metres, one of the tallest hardwood species on Earth. The Boranup Drive (15km, unsealed but 2WD-friendly) is spectacular. Free entry. Pack a picnic — there are shaded rest areas. 20 min south of town.
Truffle Hunting & Artisan Food
The Truffle & Wine Co. offers winter truffle hunts (Jun-Sep) with trained dogs from AUD 75. Year-round, the region excels in artisan cheese (Margaret River Dairy Company), chocolate (Gabriel Chocolate), olive oil, and craft beer (Colonial Brewing Co., Cheeky Monkey).
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse marks where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Guided tours (AUD 20, 30 min) climb to the top for sweeping coastal views. Open daily 9AM-5PM. Located at Augusta, 40 min south of Margaret River town.
Craft Beer Trail
Margaret River has embraced craft beer with the same passion as wine. Highlights include Colonial Brewing Co. (sprawling beer garden), Cheeky Monkey Brewery (family-friendly), and Black Brewing Co. (overlooking Wilyabrup cliffs). Most breweries serve food and are dog-friendly outdoors.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Margaret River Itinerary
Arrival & First Cellar Door
Fly into Perth Airport (PER) and drive 3 hours south to Margaret River via the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway, or fly Jetstar seasonal to Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB). A rental car is essential — no public transport between wineries.
Drive from Perth to Margaret River(3 hours)
Well-sealed highway. Stop in Bunbury for coffee at Mojo's if needed. Or fly seasonal Jetstar to Busselton (1 hour flight)
Check-in at accommodation(30 minutes)
Stay in or near Margaret River town for central access to wineries, restaurants, and beaches
First cellar door — Vasse Felix(1 hour)
The region's first winery (est. 1967). Tastings AUD 15, waived with purchase. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is benchmark Margaret River. Beautiful garden setting
Dinner at Morries(1.5 hours)
Small plates and natural wine in Margaret River town. Lamb shoulder (AUD 28), local cheese board (AUD 24). Book for 6:30PM
Wine Trail — Premium Cellar Doors
Dedicated wine day visiting the region's top wineries. Designate a driver, book a tour bus (~AUD 100/day), or e-bike between wineries.
Leeuwin Estate(1 hour)
One of Australia's most acclaimed wineries. Art Series Chardonnay is world-famous. Tasting AUD 20. The gallery of commissioned art labels is worth seeing. Restaurant for lunch is excellent
Cullen Wines(1 hour)
Biodynamic pioneer. Their Kevin John Chardonnay and Diana Madeline Cabernet are legendary. Tasting AUD 15. Beautiful garden restaurant
Lunch at Cullen Wines restaurant(1.5 hours)
Biodynamic produce from their garden. Set lunch from AUD 55. Matched with Cullen wines. Book ahead
Voyager Estate(1 hour)
Stunning Cape Dutch-style buildings and manicured gardens. Tastings AUD 15. Their Chenin Blanc is a hidden gem
Dinner at Settlers Tavern(1.5 hours)
Margaret River's best pub. Local wines by the glass (AUD 12), wagyu burger (AUD 25). Live music on weekends. A town institution
Caves & Karri Forest
Explore the ancient limestone caves and towering karri forests south of town.
Mammoth Cave self-guided audio tour(1 hour)
35,000-year-old limestone cave with megafauna fossils. AUD 24. 21km south of town. Last entry 4PM. Fascinating geology
Lake Cave guided tour(1 hour)
The most dramatic cave — a permanent underground lake reflecting stalactites. AUD 24 adults. Guided only. The 350-step staircase down through a sinkhole forest is spectacular
Lunch at Bootleg Brewery(1 hour)
Family-friendly brewery between the caves and the forest. Wood-fired pizza (AUD 22) and craft beer flights (AUD 18). Large garden
Boranup Karri Forest drive(1 hour)
15km unsealed but 2WD-friendly drive through towering 60m karri trees. Free. Stop at rest areas for photos and picnics. One of the most majestic forests in Australia
Dinner at Must Margaret River(1.5 hours)
Wine bar and bistro in town. Charcuterie board (AUD 32), matched local wines. Intimate and popular — book
Surf & Beach Day
Head to the coast for the Indian Ocean surf breaks and swimming beaches.
Surf lesson at Prevelly Beach(2 hours)
Margaret River Surf School from AUD 65. Prevelly has gentler waves than the Main Break. Morning sessions best
Watch the pro-level waves at Surfers Point(45 minutes)
The Main Break that hosts the WSL Pro competition. Watch from the car park lookout — experienced surfers only in the water
Lunch at the White Elephant Beach Cafe(1 hour)
Right on Gnarabup Beach. Fish and chips (AUD 22), coffee, ocean views. Walk to the beach after lunch
Swim at Gnarabup Beach(1.5 hours)
Sheltered swimming beach with calm water. Popular with families. Free
Dinner at Arimia(1.5 hours)
Estate winery and restaurant. Their lamb (AUD 38) paired with estate Shiraz is outstanding. Rural setting overlooking vines. Book well ahead
Rest Day — Craft Beer & Artisan Food
Slower day focused on Margaret River's craft beer and artisan food scene.
Sleep in and late breakfast at Millers Ice Cream(1 hour)
In town. Famous for homemade ice cream but does excellent breakfast. Eggs and toast AUD 18
Margaret River Dairy Company(45 minutes)
Free tastings of handmade cheeses. The washed rind is outstanding. Buy a picnic selection. On Bussell Highway, 10 min north of town
Gabriel Chocolate(30 minutes)
Bean-to-bar craft chocolate. Free tastings. Their dark chocolate with native pepperberry is incredible. Small shop on Bussell Highway
Lunch at Colonial Brewing Co.(1.5 hours)
Sprawling beer garden with craft beers on tap. Kolsch and Pale Ale are top picks. Burgers from AUD 20. Family-friendly
Cheeky Monkey Brewery(1 hour)
Another excellent brewery with a huge outdoor area and playground. Tasting paddle AUD 18. Great at sunset
Dinner at Wills Domain(1.5 hours)
Panoramic vineyard views from the hilltop restaurant. Tasting menu AUD 90 with matched wines. One of the region's finest dining experiences
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse & Augusta
Drive 40 min south to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin — where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse guided tour(45 minutes)
Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse. AUD 20. Climb to the top for sweeping coastal views. Open 9AM-5PM
Walk the Cape Leeuwin coastal trail(1 hour)
2km walk from the lighthouse along the rocky shoreline where two oceans collide. Dramatic spray and wild energy. Free
Lunch in Augusta(1 hour)
Augusta Bakery & Cafe for a pie and coffee (AUD 12). Old-fashioned country bakery. Their vanilla slice is legendary
Whale watching at Flinders Bay (Jun-Sep)(1.5 hours)
Humpback and southern right whales pass close to shore. Free viewing from the beach. Naturaliste Charters runs boat trips from AUD 80 in season
Dinner at The Berry Farm(1.5 hours)
On the way back to Margaret River. Berry-themed menu — duck with boysenberry glaze (AUD 34). Beautiful garden with berry orchards
Departure Day — Last Tasting & Drive
Final morning before the drive back to Perth or Busselton Airport.
Morning walk along the Margaret River itself(1 hour)
The Rotary Park walk follows the river through bush. 3km return. Free. Peaceful and rarely crowded
One last cellar door — Xanadu Wines(45 minutes)
Excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Free tastings at smaller scale than the big names. Friendly and unpretentious
Lunch at Margaret River Bakery(45 minutes)
Famous pies and pastries. The chicken and mushroom pie (AUD 9) is the town's best. On the main street
Drive to Perth Airport or Busselton Airport(3 hours)
Allow time for the 3-hour drive to Perth. Or 30 min to Busselton if flying direct
14-Day Margaret River Itinerary
Arrival & First Cellar Door
Drive from Perth (3 hours) or fly seasonal to Busselton. A rental car is essential.
Drive from Perth to Margaret River(3 hours)
Via Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway
First cellar door — Vasse Felix(1 hour)
The region's first winery (1967). Tastings AUD 15. Benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon
Dinner at Morries(1.5 hours)
Small plates, natural wine. Lamb shoulder (AUD 28)
Premium Wine Trail Day
Dedicated day visiting the region's top three wineries. Designate a driver or book a tour bus (~AUD 100/day).
Leeuwin Estate(1 hour)
Art Series Chardonnay. Tasting AUD 20. Art gallery included
Cullen Wines(1 hour)
Biodynamic. Kevin John Chardonnay, Diana Madeline Cab. Tasting AUD 15
Lunch at Cullen Wines restaurant(1.5 hours)
Set lunch AUD 55 with estate wines
Voyager Estate(1 hour)
Cape Dutch-style. Tastings AUD 15. Great Chenin Blanc
Dinner at Settlers Tavern(1.5 hours)
Best pub in town. Wagyu burger (AUD 25). Live music weekends
Caves & Karri Forest
Ancient limestone caves and towering 60m karri trees south of town.
Mammoth Cave(1 hour)
Self-guided audio tour. Megafauna fossils. AUD 24
Lake Cave(1 hour)
Guided tour. Underground lake. AUD 24. 350-step staircase through sinkhole
Lunch at Bootleg Brewery(1 hour)
Pizza (AUD 22) and craft beer
Boranup Karri Forest drive(1 hour)
15km drive through majestic 60m trees. Free
Dinner at Must Margaret River(1.5 hours)
Charcuterie (AUD 32), local wines
Surf & Beach Day
Indian Ocean coast — surf lessons, swimming beaches, and coastal walks.
Surf lesson at Prevelly Beach(2 hours)
AUD 65. Morning sessions best
Lunch at White Elephant Beach Cafe(1 hour)
Fish and chips (AUD 22) on Gnarabup Beach
Dinner at Arimia(1.5 hours)
Estate restaurant. Lamb with estate Shiraz. AUD 38
Rest Day — Craft Beer & Cheese
Slower day focused on artisan food and craft beer.
Margaret River Dairy Company(45 minutes)
Free cheese tastings. Washed rind is outstanding
Gabriel Chocolate(30 minutes)
Free bean-to-bar tastings. Dark chocolate with pepperberry
Lunch at Colonial Brewing Co.(1.5 hours)
Craft beer garden. Burgers AUD 20
Cheeky Monkey Brewery(1 hour)
Tasting paddle AUD 18. Great sunset spot
Dinner at Wills Domain(1.5 hours)
Hilltop vineyard. Tasting menu AUD 90 with matched wines
Cape Leeuwin & Augusta
Where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse.
Lighthouse guided tour(45 minutes)
AUD 20. Climb to top for sweeping views
Cape Leeuwin coastal trail(1 hour)
2km along the rocky shoreline. Free
Lunch at Augusta Bakery(45 minutes)
Pie and coffee (AUD 12). Legendary vanilla slice
Dinner at The Berry Farm(1.5 hours)
Duck with boysenberry glaze (AUD 34)
Olive Oil & Hidden Wineries
Explore smaller, lesser-known wineries and the region's olive oil producers.
Olio Bello olive farm(1 hour)
Free olive oil tastings. Estate-grown extra virgin. Beautiful lakeside gardens with playground. 15 min south of town
Knee Deep Wines(1 hour)
Smaller winery with excellent Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend. Free tastings. Relaxed, friendly staff
Lunch at Windows Estate(1.5 hours)
Small estate with panoramic vineyard views. Set lunch AUD 55. One of the region's most underrated restaurants
Clairault Streicker(1 hour)
Contemporary architecture, excellent Cab Sav. Tastings AUD 10
Dinner at Swings Taphouse & Kitchen(1.5 hours)
30+ craft beers on tap in Dunsborough (30 min north). Burgers AUD 22. Great atmosphere
Dunsborough & Meelup Beach
Day trip 30 min north to Dunsborough and its stunning Meelup Beach — one of WA's most beautiful.
Meelup Beach swim(2 hours)
White sand, turquoise water, sheltered from ocean swell. Often called WA's best beach. Free. Limited parking — arrive early
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse(1 hour)
AUD 15 guided tour. Views over Geographe Bay and the Indian Ocean. The Cape to Cape Track starts (or ends) here
Lunch at Artezen(1 hour)
Cafe in Dunsborough. Asian-inspired bowls (AUD 22). Near the beach
Eagle Bay Brewing Co.(1 hour)
Craft brewery with ocean views. Tasting paddle AUD 18. Their Kolsch is excellent
Truffle Hunting & Forest Walks
Winter truffle hunting (Jun-Sep) or forest walks year-round, plus more artisan food.
Truffle hunt at The Truffle & Wine Co. (winter only)(2 hours)
Guided hunt with trained dogs, AUD 75. Jun-Sep only. If off-season, visit their cafe for truffle products year-round
Cape to Cape Track section walk(3 hours)
Walk the Boranup Beach to Hamelin Bay section (8km one way). Arrange car shuttle. Coastal cliffs, wildflowers in spring, and pristine beaches. Free
Hamelin Bay stingray encounter(1 hour)
Wild stingrays come into the shallows at Hamelin Bay — you can wade in next to them. Best in the morning. Free. Unforgettable wildlife experience
Lunch at Hamelin Bay picnic area(45 minutes)
BYO picnic from town. BBQ facilities available. Beautiful setting
Rest & Free Day
Unstructured day to revisit favorites or just rest.
Jewel Cave & Southern Forests
The most spectacular cave in the region, plus deeper forest exploration.
Jewel Cave guided tour(1 hour)
The largest show cave in WA. Guided only, AUD 24. Massive formations including one of the world's longest straw stalactites. 35 min south of town
Gloucester Tree climb (Pemberton)(1.5 hours)
An hour east in Pemberton. Climb 72m up a fire lookout tree on metal pegs driven into the trunk. Not for vertigo sufferers. Free. Genuinely thrilling
Lunch at The Foragers in Pemberton(1.5 hours)
Farm-to-table in the southern forests. Five-course tasting AUD 70. Seasonal, forager-driven menu
Wine Blending & Art Galleries
Create your own wine blend and explore the region's art scene.
Wine blending experience at Hay Shed Hill(2 hours)
Blend your own Cabernet Sauvignon with the winemaker. AUD 75 per person. You take home a bottle of your blend. Fun and educational
Margaret River Art Trail(2 hours)
Self-guided trail of galleries and studios. Pick up a map at the visitor centre. Jahroc Gallery (furniture and art) and Gunyulgup Galleries are standouts. Free entry
Lunch at Knee Deep Wines(1 hour)
Restaurant with vineyard views. Mains from AUD 30
Black Brewing Co.(1 hour)
Craft brewery overlooking the Wilyabrup cliffs. Jaw-dropping location. Tasting paddle AUD 18
Farewell dinner at Leeuwin Estate restaurant(2 hours)
The region's most prestigious restaurant. Degustation AUD 130 with matched wines. Book well ahead
Margaret River Farmers Market & Coast
Saturday farmers market then beach afternoon for the final stretch.
Margaret River Farmers Market (Saturday)(1.5 hours)
Education Drive, 8AM-12PM. Fresh produce, pastries, coffee, and artisan products. One of the best farmers markets in WA
Beach morning at Prevelly(2 hours)
One last swim in the Indian Ocean
Margaret River town walk and shopping(1 hour)
Browse the main street boutiques. Pick up wine, cheese, and chocolate for home
Departure Day
Final morning and drive to Perth or Busselton Airport.
Morning walk along the Margaret River(1 hour)
Rotary Park river walk. 3km return. Free
One last cellar door — Xanadu Wines(45 minutes)
Free tastings. Pick up a bottle for the road
Lunch at Margaret River Bakery(45 minutes)
Chicken and mushroom pie (AUD 9)
21-Day Margaret River Itinerary
Arrival & First Cellar Door
Drive from Perth (3 hours) or fly seasonal to Busselton. Rental car essential.
Vasse Felix cellar door(1 hour)
Region's first winery (1967). Tastings AUD 15. Benchmark Cab Sav
Dinner at Morries(1.5 hours)
Small plates, natural wine. Lamb shoulder AUD 28
Premium Wine Trail
Top three wineries. Designate a driver or tour bus (~AUD 100/day).
Leeuwin Estate(1 hour)
Art Series Chardonnay. Tasting AUD 20
Cullen Wines(1 hour)
Biodynamic pioneer. Tasting AUD 15
Lunch at Cullen restaurant(1.5 hours)
Set lunch AUD 55
Voyager Estate(1 hour)
Cape Dutch architecture. Tastings AUD 15
Dinner at Settlers Tavern(1.5 hours)
Best pub. Wagyu burger AUD 25. Live music
Caves & Karri Forest
Limestone caves and 60m karri trees south of town.
Mammoth Cave(1 hour)
Self-guided. Megafauna fossils. AUD 24
Lake Cave(1 hour)
Underground lake. Guided. AUD 24
Lunch at Bootleg Brewery(1 hour)
Pizza AUD 22, craft beer
Boranup Karri Forest drive(1 hour)
15km through majestic trees. Free
Dinner at Must(1.5 hours)
Charcuterie AUD 32
Surf & Beach Day
Indian Ocean coast for surfing and swimming.
Surf lesson at Prevelly(2 hours)
AUD 65. Morning best
Lunch at White Elephant(1 hour)
Fish and chips AUD 22 at Gnarabup
Dinner at Arimia(1.5 hours)
Estate lamb AUD 38 with Shiraz
Rest — Craft Beer & Cheese
Slower day with artisan food.
Margaret River Dairy Company(45 minutes)
Free cheese tastings
Gabriel Chocolate(30 minutes)
Free tastings. Dark choc with pepperberry
Lunch at Colonial Brewing Co.(1.5 hours)
Burgers AUD 20
Cheeky Monkey Brewery(1 hour)
Tasting paddle AUD 18
Cape Leeuwin & Augusta
Where two oceans meet. Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse.
Lighthouse tour(45 minutes)
AUD 20. Climb to top
Coastal trail walk(1 hour)
2km. Free
Lunch at Augusta Bakery(45 minutes)
Pie AUD 12. Legendary vanilla slice
Dinner at Berry Farm(1.5 hours)
Duck with boysenberry glaze AUD 34
Olive Oil & Hidden Wineries
Smaller producers and olive farms.
Olio Bello olive farm(1 hour)
Free olive oil tastings. Lakeside gardens
Knee Deep Wines(1 hour)
Excellent SBS blend. Free tastings
Lunch at Windows Estate(1.5 hours)
Set lunch AUD 55. Underrated gem
Clairault Streicker(1 hour)
Contemporary. Tastings AUD 10
Dinner at Swings Taphouse, Dunsborough(1.5 hours)
30+ craft beers. Burgers AUD 22
Dunsborough & Meelup Beach
30 min north to one of WA's most beautiful beaches.
Meelup Beach swim(2 hours)
White sand, turquoise water, sheltered. Arrive early for parking
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse(1 hour)
AUD 15 guided. Views over Geographe Bay
Lunch at Artezen(1 hour)
Asian bowls AUD 22
Eagle Bay Brewing Co.(1 hour)
Ocean views. Tasting paddle AUD 18
Truffle Hunting & Hamelin Bay
Winter truffle hunts and wild stingray encounters.
Truffle hunt at The Truffle & Wine Co.(2 hours)
AUD 75 with trained dogs. Jun-Sep. Off-season: cafe for truffle products
Hamelin Bay stingray encounter(1 hour)
Wild stingrays in the shallows. Free. Best morning
Cape to Cape Track section (Hamelin Bay to Boranup)(2 hours)
Coastal cliffs section. Arrange car shuttle. Free
Rest Day
Full rest after 9 active days.
Jewel Cave & Pemberton Forests
The region's most spectacular cave and the Gloucester Tree.
Jewel Cave(1 hour)
WA's largest show cave. Guided. AUD 24
Gloucester Tree climb(1.5 hours)
Climb 72m on metal pegs. Free. Thrilling
Lunch at The Foragers(1.5 hours)
Five-course tasting AUD 70. Forager-driven menu
Wine Blending & Art
Create your own wine blend and explore galleries.
Wine blending at Hay Shed Hill(2 hours)
Blend your own Cab Sav. AUD 75. Take home a bottle
Margaret River Art Trail(2 hours)
Self-guided galleries. Jahroc and Gunyulgup standouts. Free
Black Brewing Co.(1 hour)
Overlooking Wilyabrup cliffs. Tasting paddle AUD 18
Dinner at Wills Domain(1.5 hours)
Tasting menu AUD 90 with wines
Busselton Jetty Day Trip
Visit the southern hemisphere's longest timber jetty (1.8km), 50 min north of Margaret River.
Walk Busselton Jetty(1 hour)
AUD 5 entry or AUD 14 for the jetty train. 1.8km into Geographe Bay. Underwater Observatory at the end (AUD 34) — walk underwater through coral and fish
Underwater Observatory(45 minutes)
8m below the surface among coral and tropical fish. Unique experience
Lunch at The Goose Beach Bar(1.5 hours)
Right on Busselton beach. Fish tacos AUD 20. Great views of the jetty
Busselton foreshore walk and swim(1.5 hours)
Calm, shallow water. Family-friendly. Free
Second Surf Day
Return to the coast with more confidence. Try a different break.
Surf at Yallingup Beach(2 hours)
30 min north. Beautiful reef-protected beach. Intermediate-friendly waves. Free parking
Ngilgi Cave(1 hour)
Near Yallingup. Semi-guided cave with impressive formations. AUD 24. 500,000 years old
Lunch at Caves House Hotel, Yallingup(1 hour)
Heritage hotel with ocean views. Fish and chips AUD 24. Beer garden
Canal Rocks walk(45 minutes)
Natural rock formations creating channels. Dramatic wave action. Free. Short walk from car park
Rest & Spa Day
Full relaxation. Spa, pool, and gentle morning.
Cape Lodge spa(2 hours)
Day spa treatments at the luxury lodge. 60-min massage from AUD 130. Set among vineyards
Light lunch at Cape Lodge(1 hour)
Wine country cuisine overlooking their private lake. Mains from AUD 35
Cape to Cape Track Multi-Section Day
Walk a longer section of the famous 135km Cape to Cape Track.
Cape to Cape: Wilyabrup Cliffs section(4 hours)
12km one-way from Wilyabrup to Moses Rock. Dramatic sea cliffs, wildflowers in spring. Arrange car shuttle. Free
Lunch at Common Grounds picnic(45 minutes)
Pack from town. Eat at the Moses Rock lookout
Swim at Gracetown beach(1 hour)
Small beach town near Wilyabrup. Quiet and uncrowded
Marron Farm & Nannup Day Trip
Drive 45 min east to the charming country town of Nannup in the Blackwood River Valley.
Cambray Marron Farm(1.5 hours)
Tour a freshwater crayfish (marron) farm. AUD 25. Learn about this uniquely Western Australian delicacy. Taste them cooked
Walk through Nannup town(1 hour)
Quaint heritage buildings, antique shops, and the Blackwood River. The Nannup Music Festival (March) is legendary
Lunch at Nannup Cafe and Bakery(1 hour)
Homemade pies and cakes. Classic country hospitality. AUD 12
Blackwood River canoe(2 hours)
Rent canoes from Nannup Outdoors (AUD 50/2hrs). Paddle through forests and farmland. Gentle current
Photography & Farm Visits
Capture Margaret River's beauty and visit working farms.
Sunrise photography at Sugarloaf Rock(1.5 hours)
Near Cape Naturaliste. A dramatic offshore rock formation. One of WA's most photographed spots. Free
Margaret River Venison Farm(1 hour)
Farm tour and tastings. AUD 15. Learn about sustainable deer farming in the region
Sunset photography at Gracetown cliffs(1.5 hours)
The western-facing cliffs glow orange at sunset. Stunning coastal light
Free Day — Revisit Favorites
Three weeks in and you know the region intimately. Spend the day however you want.
Buy wine cases for shipping home(1 hour)
Most wineries offer international shipping. Order cases of your favorites. Allow 2-3 months for delivery
Farewell — Market & Last Sunset
Margaret River Farmers Market and final sunset at the coast.
Farmers Market (Saturday)(1.5 hours)
Education Drive, 8AM-12PM. Last chance for local produce
Last cellar door — Xanadu(45 minutes)
Free tastings. Pick up bottles for the drive
Farewell lunch at Leeuwin Estate restaurant(2 hours)
Degustation AUD 130 with matched wines. Fitting farewell
Departure Day
Final morning and departure drive.
Morning river walk at Rotary Park(1 hour)
3km return along the river. Free. Peaceful farewell
Breakfast at Margaret River Bakery(45 minutes)
Last pie for the road (AUD 9)
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Australian ETA Required
US, UK, and EU citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) — AUD 20 via the Australian ETA app. Grants stays up to 3 months.
transport
A Car Is Essential
There is virtually no public transport between wineries, beaches, and caves. Rent a car in Perth or at Busselton airport. The drive from Perth is ~3 hours via the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway. Designate a driver or book a wine tour bus (from ~AUD 100/day).
Budget
Free or Cheap Tastings Still Exist
While some premium wineries charge AUD 15-25 for tastings, many smaller cellar doors still offer free tastings — look for signs along Caves Road. Combine wine and food by sharing cheese platters (AUD 25-35) at winery restaurants rather than ordering full meals.
Visit During Truffle Season for a Unique Experience
Winter (Jun-Aug) is off-peak for tourism but peak for truffles, whale watching (humpbacks pass through), and cozy winery fireplaces. Accommodation drops 30-50% from summer rates. The Truffle Kerfuffle festival in June celebrates the season.
Safety
Shark Smart at the Beaches
The Margaret River coast has had shark encounters. Check sharksmart.com.au and the SharkSmart app before swimming or surfing. Avoid dawn, dusk, murky water, and river mouths. Patrolled beaches with drum lines are the safest option.
Local Customs
Responsible Drinking Culture
Australia has strict drink-driving laws — the limit is 0.05% BAC. Wine tour buses, designated drivers, or e-bike wine tours are the responsible way to do cellar door hopping. Many wineries offer spit buckets and tasting portions to help pace yourself.
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