If you’ve never been to the Margaret River region, you’re in for a treat. It’s long been a much-loved weekend getaway for Perthites and is gaining popularity among east coasters thanks to direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne.

From world-class wineries and six-course degustation dinners to shimmering turquoise waters, ancient granite cliffs and winding roads lined with lush vineyards – we can almost guarantee you’ll be planning your second (and third) visit in no time.

Let us give you a rundown on why this little slice of heaven is the ultimate holiday destination, plus a three-day Margaret River itinerary.

Need-to-know

How to get to and around the region:

The Margaret River region is big, spanning 130km from Busselton in the north, all the way down to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin in the south. Packed with unforgettable attractions, delectable eateries and stunning scenery, the best way to travel is by car or by joining a tour with a local guide.

The region’s main airport, the Busselton-Margaret Airport is ten minutes from Busselton or a 45-minute drive from Margaret River town. Alternatively, there are multiple coaches that depart from Perth daily. We recommend driving, as a car is almost a necessity in Margaret River. The beauty of this is that you get to see seaside towns like Mandurah along the way.

How long to stay:

With dazzling beaches begging to be explored, hidden cellar doors, and mesmerising karri trees, there is a lot to see and explore in the region. You could easily spend a month here and still only just scratch the surface!

However, if you’re limited on time, we recommend staying at least two nights to give yourself the chance to tick off a few big bucket-list highlights.

When to visit:

There really is something for everyone to enjoy year around. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, the Margaret River region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Whether you’re wanting to chase the endless postcard worthy beaches over summer, or perhaps you’d rather curl up next to a fire with a glass of Cabernet in winter. Expect blooming wildflowers and migrating whales in spring or catch some of the world’s best wave riders in autumn for the Margaret River Pro.

See, Explore and Play

Nature

The seaside town of Busselton forms the gateway to the region, and with it brings a number of spectacular sights to soak up. Known for the 1.8km-long, wooden piled jetty, visitors can stroll along the 148-year-old jetty or take the train to reach the Underwater Observatory at the end. The calm, protected waters of Geographe Bay make Busselton the perfect launchpad for water lovers too.

Further along, pass through the ever-popular towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup, as well as lesser-known gems including Wilyabrup and Gracetown, before arriving at the heart and soul of the region – Margaret River.

Home to towering karri trees, mobs of grey kangaroos, world-class surf and rolling vineyards, Margaret River is primed for travellers. Drive through the Boranup Forest and marvel at the awe-inspiring trees towering over 65-metres in height. Venture out to Gracetown, Contos or Surfers Point and spot the big surf breaks that attract professional surfers from around the world.

Closer to Cape Leeuwin, don’t forget to explore the nostalgic town of Augusta, which banks onto the tranquil Blackwood River and Southern Ocean. On the Indian Ocean, you’ll find Hamelin Bay – a tourism hotspot thanks to its beautiful beaches, and the friendly wild stingrays that swim right up to the shore line.

Wine & Dine

World-renowned as home to some of Australia’s best wine, it’s no surprise the region also packs a punch when it comes to gourmet food experiences too.

Although one of the world’s youngest wine regions, a journey through Margaret River’s 90+ cellar doors quickly showcases the breath of talent, particularly for the region’s heroes Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Explore the founding cellar doors that made the region famous, including Vasse Felix and Cullen Wines, but don’t forget to immerse yourself in family-run, hidden talents too.

As for food – come with an appetite! The region has attracted and created world-class chefs that draw inspiration from the abundance of fresh local produce, and pristine environment. Indulge in a paired cheese and wine degustation, taste mouth-watering premium chocolate, enjoy a hearty pub feed or savour award-winning olive oil varieties.

Attractions

The Margaret River region is truly a never-ending playground, filled with a magnitude of different activities to suit all types of travellers and budgets.

Climb mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse, Cape Leeuwin, and marvel at the collision of the Indian and Southern Oceans, catch a stunning south west sunset at Prevelly Beach and journey underneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and explore one of the four show caves open to the public. We recommend Mammoth Cave with its fewer stairs, and Megafauna remains!

Suggested 3-day Margaret River Itinerary

Day 1 – Perth to Busselton

• Leave Perth early to avoid the traffic
• Visit Mandurah for morning tea on the bay – look out for the resident dolphins
• Lunch on the Busselton foreshore, then take a stroll on the famous Busselton Jetty
• Drive through Dunsborough and stop in at Yallingup to admire the surf
• Continue along Caves Road – named for the 100+ subterranean caves
• Stop for a wine tasting at one of renowned Wilyabrup wineries; Cullen, Vasse Felix or Juniper Estate to name a few
• Proceed with caution as kangaroos, owls and other crepuscular critters are active late in the day

Day 2 – Margaret River to Augusta

• Drive through the marvellous Boranup Karri Forest
• Visit Hamelin Bay and its famous rays
• Climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and visit the Interpretive Centre
• Fish and chips for lunch at Colourpatch Café is a must
• Pop in to a winery – Glenarty Road, Si Vintners or Arlewood are fantastic

Day 3 – Margaret River to Perth

• Start the day with brekkie on the beach
• Explore a cave – Mammoth or Lake are our favourites
• Taste the region’s best produce – olive oil, chocolate and more wine
• Lunch at a boutique brewery
• Indulge in a little shopping for treasures to take home

With so many natural wonders, delectable wineries, and dazzling activities, planning your first trip to the Margaret River region can be a daunting task. Luckily, the team at McLeod Tours have curated the ultimate three-day itinerary.

The award-winning, family-owned business have been proudly showing off their backyard to visitors for decades, giving you the chance to experience the region’s finest attractions including wineries, galleries, breweries, local produce, forests, caves and lighthouses – all with the knowledge of local expert guides.

Arrive as a visitor, leave as a local with McLeod Tours.