Why we love winter in the Margaret River Region

When the cooler months roll in, the Margaret River region transforms into a lush and peaceful haven. The pace slows, paddocks turn from crispy brown to a deeper shade of green, and a sense of calm fills the air.

Whether you’re tasting your way through award-winning cellar doors, spotting whales off the coastline, watching a wild front roll in, or savouring lunch by the fire, winter brings a whole new side to the South West.

We love sharing the wonders of winter with guests. If you’ve visited in spring, summer or autumn, why not return in the snuggle season? Here are some of the things that you too might love most about winter in Margaret River.

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and savour the Margaret River region’s incredible food and wine scene. With fewer visitors around, you’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself. Cellar door staff have more time to share their stories, and you might find yourself chatting with the winemakers themselves.

Spend your days exploring boutique wineries – some of our favourites are Redgate or Brown Hill estate – before settling in for a long lunch at one of the region’s acclaimed estates like Vasse Felix or Cullen Wines. Then, as evening falls, we love nothing more than rugging up in our favourite winter woollies, opening a bottle of Cabernet and settling by the fire.

Winter marks the start of the annual whale migration along Western Australia’s coastline. From June to December, more than 35,000 humpback, southern right, minke and blue whales journey along off the Margaret River region, offering incredible opportunities to spot these beautiful mammals.

We’ll take you to Cape Leeuwin, one of the best land-based vantage points to witness the whales in action. Standing at the south-westernmost tip of Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse not only offers sweeping views of the collision of the Indian and Southern Oceans, but it’s also not uncommon to spot pods of whales breaching offshore.

Get the chance to not only climb the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia but spot the largest mammals in the world too!

Margaret River’s famous surf breaks come alive in winter, with powerful swells rolling in from the Indian Ocean. While we usually leave the water to the seasoned pros (and their thick wetsuits!), winter is a great time to watch the action from dry land.

From Yallingup to Gracetown, there’s some legendary surf spots that have helped shape the spirit of the region since the 1950s, and every year we’re proud to play hosts to the WSL Margaret River Pro – a competition held in May that sees the best male and female surfers from across the world descend on Prevelly’s Main Break.

One of our favourite spots for breakfast is White Elephant café, a gorgeous beachside spot at Gnarabup beach, right next to Main Break – one of the region’s most celebrated surfing spots.

We’re blessed in the Margaret River region to have swathes of natural beauty on our doorstep, from the coast to the forest, and the cooler months provide the perfect opportunity to walk in nature and experience the natural environment that surrounds us.

One of our favourite spots in winter is the gorgeous Boranup Forest. Located a short 25-minute drive south of Margaret River, the forest is one of those rare places that takes your breath away. Towering karri trees stretch skyward, their canopies covering a forest floor alive with wildflowers, orchids, and seasonal fungi, all framed by the soft scent of native peppermint trees.

Whether you choose to slowly meander along the stunning Boranup Drive—suitable for all vehicles thanks to its firm limestone base—or step out for a short walk along one of the peaceful bush trails, the forest has something for all nature lovers.

We’re known to stop for a honey tasting in the forest – to complete the immersive experience, and to chat about biodiversity, early settlement and the timber industry of yesteryear.

When rain falls across the Margaret River region, there’s no better time to head underground and discover a hidden world millions of years in the making. Beneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge lies a network of over 100 limestone caves, sculpted by rain, wind, and time itself.

Four of these remarkable caves are open to the public, Ngilgi, Jewel, Lake, and Mammoth Cave and each offer a glimpse into this ancient landscape.

We visit Mammoth Cave, an enormous and beautifully preserved cave, that stretches 500 metres in length and 30 metres in depth. It is also the only cave in the region with known megafauna fossil remains. Thanks to a constant underground temperature of around 20 degrees, the cave offers a cosy and dry escape from the winter chill.

Keen to be awed by Margaret River in winter? Join a McLeod Tours’ small group tour with pickup in Perth, or ask us about a bespoke private itinerary.

Learn more about the beauty of Western Australia and what is on offer. Read further on how wonderful of a journey it is and then come with us to experience something unforgettable.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated to our offers and deals!

We are committed to protecting your privacy