There is a reason Margaret River is the tourism euphoria of Western Australia, and it’s not necessary to do with the very luscious wineries that make up the Region. It could have plenty to do with the green, lavished land, superb beaches, and giant forests, making Western Australia’s Southwest town a top spot for tourists.
Regarding things to do in Margaret River, it usually starts with wineries as you head south down the Bussel Highway or Caves Road from Busselton. It is a scenic drive to take in, I guarantee.
At the end of the road trip is a gorgeous town that is so lively, happy and upbeat that you won’t want to leave because you’ll feel like you’re home. In-between is bliss because the activities begin to mount up, making for a good time for all concerned in the mighty South West.
Check out hotels in the Region at Booking.com!
Awesome Things to do in Margaret River in Western Australia.
Getting to Margaret River
From Perth to Margaret River is a gorgeous drive through the Southwest Region, bypassing other significant towns and regional cities in Bunbury and Busselton. From Perth, you head South down Kwinana Freeway, which ultimately turns into Forrest Highway, which will take you into Bunbury.
From the City of Bunbury, you take the Bussel Highway and follow a few signs until you reach Margaret River. The trip will take around three hours, but I recommend you stop and take in the sights.
Finding the suitable Margaret River Accommodation
Hotels, chalets, camping, And Margaret River have many appropriate accommodations to suit all budgets. Whether you are roughing it in a tent or staying in style at the Margaret River Beach Apartments, capacity will do any couple or family. Check out TripAdvisor for more options for you.
A couple recommends a budget stay in the Riverview Tourist Park, which is affordable, clean and close to the Margaret River town. You’ll love the Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat; it is a beauty that has plenty of hikes and mountain bikes for hire. Wharncliffe also has chalets available if camping is not your thing.
Margaret River Accommodation at Booking.com
Margaret River Accommodation is amongst lavish scenery.
Awesome Things to Do in Margaret River – Western Australia
You know how to get there and where to stay. Now let’s check out a range of things to do in Margaret River. Get the notebook and pen out, and the list is expansive.
Margaret River Wineries
Margaret River Wineries take up a large portion of the South West region, and in this town mainly, they thrive in their numbers. Take a break from driving and go inside for a bit of wine tasting, but be careful not to overdo it. You can’t drive a couple of kilometres down the scenic roads without seeing a winery with rows of grapevines.
The best way to take in the wineries is to take a Margret River tours bus, so you can drink with freedom and perhaps stay the night in town. Day tours can cost around $80 a person for a beautiful day out in the South West. Some special tours are Top Drop tours and Bush Tuckers tours.
Providore is one of the many wineries to choose from in Margaret River.
Go exploring in the dark Margaret River Caves.
The caves with littering crystals are a sight to behold. Take a trip deep into the underground and be part of one-million years of Australian history.
The significant caves in and about the Margaret River region include the Ngilgi, Mammoth, Lake and Jewel Caves. They provide tremendous and extreme tours if you are travelling without the kids and want to explore with a bit of thrill.
I have only seen the Ngilgi Cave, and it is simply breathtaking. It is well worth the $22 ticket, more minor for kids and more for adventure tours. Be warned that there are a few steps to go down, so you’ll need to go up eventually. It may not be ideal for those who fear the dark or have anxiety in tight spaces.
Ngilgi Cave in Western Australia.
Indulge yourself at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
Did someone say chocolate? I was hoping you could give me a gives now because this place needs to be on the list of Margaret River attractions.
Now it’s not the chocolate factory we all love and know with the chocolate river and the Oompa Loompas, but there is lots of chocolate available in wide varieties, but it won’t come cheap. Come for the chocolate, or stop by for a coffee. You will love being crowded by the sweet chocolate. Oh, and the free samples are pretty good.
The Chocolate Factory is located off the Bussel Highway about ten minutes before the town centre, just in case you want to stop in before heading into the town centre of Margaret River.
Give me chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
The Sweet Tooth will hit you again at Candy Cow.
Candy Cow is what it says, a shop full of candy and delicious fudge that I still dream of today—a place for the kids in Cowaramup, a little town just north of the Margaret River Town Centre.
It is always a treat at Candy Cow. If you arrive at the right time, the kids can see the candy made by the friendly staff. The kids will love the many ranges of candy available, like sherbets, toffees, lollipops and bubble gum, to name a few.
Candy Cow.
Margaret River Activities include a Healthy Hike.
Hikes are a part of the South West. You can’t take a trip into the Region or any other town without exploring the green forest on foot. Otherwise, you are wasting your time with the fabulous scenery around you. Late winter and early spring are great to explore as the lilies come to life in full colour—a good favourite for the wife.
The hikes in Margaret River vary from extreme to family-friendly, and you can find any good hiking tracks at Trails Western Australia.
Lilies bloom in springtime. Keep a lookout during your hike.
The Hot Surf Spot is Prevelly Beach
Prevelly beach is not just about its surfing. The beach makes Margret River so popular, where world-class surfers become one with the ocean and take on the swelling waves. You can also glimpse the stunning ocean views, even better at sunset, and the picturesque scenery that makes it one of the best beaches in Western Australia but in the country. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy eating with the sounds of the waves crashing, and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.
Prevelly Beach in Western Australia.
Wander the Margaret River Town Centre
Suppose you’re done with the wineries, the beaches, and chocolate (I don’t know how); it could be time to get your retail therapy going. The Margaret River town centre is saturated with retail outlets, especially surf shops, to spend your hard-earned cash. And I mean hard-earned money because shopping or food isn’t cheap in this town.
The Margaret River town centre has many restaurants, pubs and cafes provided. So you can get off your feet and enjoy a meal with a wine or beer or have a delicious cappuccino.
Another thing to add to the list is the Farmers Market that is open every Saturday morning, with plenty of fresh fruit available, amongst other things. It also has a delicious crepe stall, so take advantage.
Margaret River town centre
Other Awesome Things to Do in Margaret River
Margaret River is the Region that keeps on giving. Let’s briefly examine the extra activities and attractions in the mighty tourist towns and surrounding areas.
Say cheese at the Margaret River Cheese Factory.
Many cows are noticed on the farms on your drive around, which means lots of cheese factories are in the surrounding area, and the South West is famous for its cheese factories. Stop in and try your favourite local cheeses. But keep your hands off the Camembert. That’s mine.
Kayak Time in the River
Flex that upper body of yours with a kayak in the Margaret River. The same waters will make it fun for the family in the picturesque surroundings, but always handle the water carefully and know what you’re doing.
Retail Therapy is alive.
Look through the magnificent tourist strip of the Margaret River town centre, because there is lots of good stuff for sale and the women will love it—an expensive place to shop, but free to wander. Men can stop in at a local pub if bored.
Did someone say brewery?
The number of breweries doesn’t come with the same amount as wineries, but Breweries are still a large part of Margaret River that serves fresh beer off the tap and delicious food.
Look for a bargain at the Farmer’s Market.
The farmers market is just a little bit out of town, which is on every Saturday morning and is suitable for fresh produce, coffee, and delicious crepes.
Camp out in the woods.
Rough it under the stars or go luxury camping with electricity at many tourist parks. You will find a suitable spot to pitch a tent, be at one with nature, and tell camp stories to the kids at night.
Go on a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch with a bottle of wine because life won’t get much more relaxing. You don’t need to worry about finding a suitable place to stop for Lunch. There are loads of places to get out the old picnic rug. Prevelly Beach is a favourite of mine.
Get out the Rod and reel.
If fishing is your thing, Margaret River won’t let you down. Whether freshwater or beach fishing, you will find a suitable spot to throw in a line. Just ensure you obtain a licence as the rangers come out and check. Find fishing spots in the Region at this link.
When miniature ball golf is too hard to hit
Big balls and big clubs are golf for the beginner, and the whole family, and you will have a ball at the Big Ball Golf. And if you still can’t get the grip of it, have a go at supa putt instead.
Take a drive, for a scenic adventure awaits.
Whether taking a cruise down Bussell Highway or the scenic route of Caves Road, you’ll love the drive into and around Margaret River. Go to the speed limit and enjoy what’s around you. There is no need to rush when in Margaret River.
Enjoy Lunch in style.
Options are aplenty in Margaret River when choosing a place to sit down for a decent meal. Wineries, pubs and classy restaurants are all on offer in the Region. So settle in. Margaret River will be a fun-filled trip. Drink responsibly.
Explore the Neighbouring towns.
The neighbouring towns nearby never run dry with Dunsborough, Busselton, Yallingup, Augusta, and a few of the Southwest Region’s great neighbouring cities. Each village is as beautiful as the next, with many fun-filled family activities—excellent beaches to explore and sightsee.
Drive with care in the South West.
When driving on Western Australian roads, let’s leave a friendly but severe reminder. It’s easy to get distracted driving in the Margaret River region. Nature is stunning. Ensure you go carefully by sticking to the speed limit and not overtaking until you reach the overtaking lanes. Significantly drive with care on the bending roads on the scenic Caves road that travels through from Yallingup to Augusta. Pull over and take it all in if you need to look at something you like.
That wraps it up regarding awesome things to do in Margaret River. A region that is full-on fun for family and romantic couples alike. Margaret River Activities are aplenty, the wine flows, and the food is simply delicious. Relaxing is not an option in the Region; it’s compulsory.
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Margaret River tourism is alive with many things to do.
The Margaret River looks lovely. We have a trip there planned in a couple of weeks time.
You will love it, but not only Margaret River. There is Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and even my home town Bunbury. You will have a ball. If any questions about the South West, please contact me.
Thanks Anthony, this is a very useful up to date article about the Margaret River Region.
Im just checking on one place you mentioned, The Wharcliffe Mill. Im not sure if this is still in Margaret River, I found a facebook page for them but it shows to be somewhere near mount Barker?
Where was it? Its possible it has been rebranded, was it on Carters Road?
Hi Darren, yes it was rebranded, I have been meaning to update the article. Thank you very much.