Living like a local: A Week in Margaret River Through a Local’s Eyes
Coastal days, delicious dining, immersive wine experiences and nature experiences – here’s how to spend the perfect week in Margaret River through Lincoln McLeod’s eyes.
Western Australia has always been home. Growing up in Exmouth I’d skip kindy to tag along on Ningaloo tours with dad – I loved every moment, and knew dad’s stories by heart. When we returned to Margaret River, where the McLeod family connection spans more than a century, I joined the family business and an industry I love dearly. Whether I was showing friends around or hanging with my family, here are my local treasures
that don’t make it onto a standard bucket list.
Monday: Step into coastal holiday mode
The first day in Margaret River is all about easing into holiday mode. Driving home from Perth I’ll often break the journey with coffee on the Mandurah Foreshore if I’m travelling with my family, delighting if we spot a dolphin or two. From there, the coast leads to Busselton, home to the iconic Busselton Jetty. Take a scenic train ride along the 1.8km timber-piled jetty or soak up the views of Geographe Bay from the foreshore.
After you’ve built up an appetite, enjoy lunch with an ocean view at The Goose Beach Bar + Kitchen, a Busselton institution and just steps away from the water’s edge.
Pop into Aravina Estate to admire the enormous hydrangeas (summer/autumn), enjoying wine or craft beer tastings alongside a visit to the WA Surf Gallery, celebrating the area’s famed surf culture. Wrap up the day with fish and chips from Lamonts, or watching the sun dip below the horizon from Smiths Beach Resort.
Tuesday: exploring Yallingup
Start the day with a beach walk – head south from Smiths Beach to Canal Rocks, or north to Yallingup township. Afterwards, head to a sheltered spot for a swim; Yallingup Lagoon is circled by a reef, or there’s a tiny beach by the Canal Rocks boat ramp. A post-swim coffee and bite to eat at is an absolute must. Lagoon in Yallingup for a sophisticated bite by the beach, Yallingup General Store for a muffin and coffee or Yallingup Gugelhopf for handmade pastries or quiche.
In the afternoon, take a trip to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views, before going underground at Ngilgi Cave. As the sun sets, grab a local bottle of wine and some snacks and head to Sugarloaf Rock or
Yallingup Beach for sunset.
Wednesday: A nod to our family’s caving history
Fuel up at Lamonts Smiths Beach before heading south from Yallingup. Head down along the gently undulating Caves Road towards Surfer’s Point. Perched high above the Southern Ocean, Surfers Point is one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks, and home to the Margaret River Pro. Spend the morning admiring the barrelling waves, then wander over to Margaret River Mouth –
where the river meets the sea.
Later, get another chance to explore the region underground, with a visit to Mammoth Cave. Explore soaring chambers, intricate crystal formations, and fossilised remains of extinct megafauna dating back over 35,000 years. The 100+ limestone caves scattered across the region hold special meaning for our family. My paternal grandfather, Dudley McLeod, was a Mammoth Cave guide in the 1950s and later played a key role in bringing the caves under Visitor Centre management, helping protect them and promote the region as a growing tourism destination.
Spend a few hours relaxing over a long lunch and wine tasting at one of the region’s founding wineries; Leeuwin Estate.
In the late afternoon, pop into Margaret River township and wander the main street, soaking up the local lifestyle. Dad’s brother Keith McLeod and his wife Pauline run the Margaret River Book Shop, where you’ll find everything from a summer page-turner to tomes on local history, plants
and culture.
Thursday: Where two oceans meet
Take the scenic route; Caves Road through the glorious Boranup Karri Forest, stopping to breathe in the earthy aromas, hear the sea breeze rustling the canopy 80 metres above your head, and marvel at the sentinel-straight tree trunks.
Continue to Hamelin Bay and and Augusta. Often considered a little off the beaten path, Augusta itself is defined by rugged coastlines, calm river inlets, and a rich maritime history.
On arrival at Hamelin Bay, park near the beach and take time to relax in the pristine cove. The bay’s calm, clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life, including the resident stingrays. For lunch, head into Augusta for lunch at The Colour Patch, which overlooks the beautiful Blackwood River.
Round out the day with a guided tour up Australia’s tallest lighthouse, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, followed by a cheeky afternoon wine tasting at Hamelin Bay Wines.
Friday: Waterfalls in the Wilyabrup wonderland
Start the morning off with an indulgent roaming breakfast at the Margaret River Farmers’ Market, where everything is grown or made within 100km. My kids love Poffertjes, those little Dutch pancakes slathered in chocolate sauce and strawberries, while I tend to pick the apricot danish from the Margaret River Bakery stall. We stock up on whatever fruit and veg is in season; apples, peaches, nectarines, avocadoes, potatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, and plan our meals around the haul.
In the afternoon, take a scenic flight with Scenic Helicopters and see the region from a whole new vantage point. It’s owned and operated by my cousin Jackson McLeod, and you’re guaranteed a great time.
For dinner, head into town and visit Pizzica or Settlers Tavern for dinner and drinks.
Saturday: Farm fresh breakkie and flying high
Today is all about exploring Wilyabrup and Metricup, two little townships nestled between Yallingup and Margaret River. Begin the morning with a walk to Quinninup Falls. Depending on your fitness levels, allow for one hour return for the trip.
A very well deserved post-hike lunch can be served up at Beerfarm – a much loved cattle farm-turned-brewery where you’ll find tasty food and (sometimes) live music.
Wilyabrup’s often called the sweet spot of the Margaret River; goldilocks territory for growing awesome Chardonnay and Cabernet. Visit a few wineries to taste and buy wine direct; there are many to choose from as you make your way around the region, but a few I love include Thompson Estate, Vasse Felix, Juniper, Cullen Wines, Fermoy, Fraser Gallop and Woodlands.
Need a pick-me-up? I’ll swing into Maison Lassiaille for French cakes and excellent coffee, or Gabriel Chocolate for house-made chocolate.
Sunday: Farmhouse feasts & a farewell
Before you bid your farewells to the region, enjoy a final breakfast at Meelup Farmhouse, a stylish brunch spot set on a hobby farm. Then, head to Bunker Bay to soak up the turquoise blues and keep an eye out for passing whales (in spring!). For lunch, head to Eagle Bay Brewing Co for a feed and one of their paddles.
If you’re looking for a pitstop on the way home, a stroll through the new Vasse Village by Bunbury Farmers Market is the perfect place to grab lunch-to-go and stock up on fresh produce.
Margaret River is a place to indulge and reconnect – beach swims, coastal hikes, long lunches and local hospitality. Whether you’re here for the first time or looking for new gems, check out our blogs for more inspiration, as well as our small group tours and private experiences.
Lincoln Mcleod
Interested in learning more about the wineries in the region? Ask us about our range of wine tours available or contact us for more information about a fully customised private tour to suit your 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.
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About Mcleod Tours
Neil and his wife Coralie and son Lincoln operate McLeod Tours from part of the old family farm that Neil grew up on, sharing the Margaret River experience with visitors from near and far.
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