Welcome to your Margaret River Journey
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Experience the Magic of Margaret River
Margaret River is best understood slowly. Over a few days, you’ll walk beneath towering karri trees, explore ancient limestone caves, and taste wine with the people who made it.
We’ll take the back roads between them, stopping at small towns, quiet beaches and the makers who give this region its character. Every stop has a story, and plenty of them you won’t find in a guidebook.
Our family first came to Margaret River in 1902. We don’t rush through this region, and we won’t ask you to. Our role is simply to guide you, share what we love, and leave room for the place to speak for itself.
Day 1. Heading South
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7:15 am Departure
Depart from Your Perth City Accommodation
Your McLeod Tours adventure begins with a pickup from your Perth city accommodation. Sit back and relax as you journey south through Western Australia’s stunning coastal landscapes.
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8:15 am 45 minutes
Mandurah Foreshore Coffee with a View
As we begin our journey south, we’ll pause at Tods Café along the Mandurah Foreshore, it’s a great opportunity to grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and enjoy views across the estuary. Dolphins and Black Swans are often spotted here. On Sundays, local markets set up along the waterfront, adding to the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
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12:00 pm 1 hour
Busselton Jetty Train Ride
Take in the sights, sounds and sea air at one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the historic Busselton Jetty. Stretching 1.84km into Geographe Bay, it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and a highlight of the South West coast.
During our visit, you’ll have the opportunity to ride the scenic train to the end of the jetty and back, taking in views over the bay.
Please note: This itinerary currently doesn’t include the Underwater Observatory experience, as it requires an additional hour or (2 hours in total) to complete. If this is of interest, let us know and we’d be happy to adjust the itinerary to allow time for it.
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1:00 pm 1 hour 30 minutes
Lunch at The Goose – Busselton’s Iconic Waterfront Eatery
Located just metres from the sand and offering unbeatable views of Geographe Bay and the historic Busselton Jetty, The Goose Beach Bar + Kitchen is a long-standing local favourite for relaxed, quality dining by the water.
The menu celebrates fresh local produce with a coastal twist, think crispy skin barramundi, grilled lamb cutlets, and the always-popular seafood linguine. There are also great options for lighter fare, including gourmet salads and share plates, as well as an impressive drinks list featuring local wines and craft beers.
Whether you dine inside or alfresco on the deck, The Goose offers a laid-back yet polished experience, perfect for soaking in the sea breeze and enjoying the best of Busselton’s food scene.
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3:00 pm 1 hour
Behind-the-Scenes Winery Experience (Winery Confirmed at Time of Booking)
Step into the working heart of a Margaret River winery, guided by the people who make the wine. Where the season allows, you may taste a wine straight from the barrel and compare it to the finished vintage in the bottle. It is a rare, hands-on look at how patience and craft shape every glass. The host winery is chosen to suit the day and confirmed at the time of booking.
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5:00 pm
Your Coastal Escape at Smiths Beach Resort
Checking into Smiths Beach Resort—a distinguished member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World™—is the beginning of a refined coastal retreat in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. Nestled on the pristine sands of Smiths Beach, the resort offers a harmonious blend of understated luxury and natural beauty.
Accommodation Options
• One-Bedroom Apartment: Ideal for couples, these split-level apartments feature a king-sized bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and private courtyard on the ground floor. Upstairs, a sunlit living area with a fully equipped kitchen opens onto a private balcony with outdoor dining and a barbecue, perfect for relaxed evenings.
• One-Bedroom Ocean View Villa: Offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, these single-level villas boast an open-plan living space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a modern kitchen, and a Jetmaster fireplace. The spacious master bedroom includes a freestanding bathtub and rear views across the National Park, providing a serene and luxurious experience.
Resort Highlights
• Dining: Enjoy gourmet meals at Lamont’s Restaurant, led by renowned chef Kate Lamont, or select from a variety of local produce and fine wines at the on-site gourmet deli.
• Facilities: The resort features a 15-meter infinity pool, a professional-grade tennis court, and offers in-room massages and private yoga sessions, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Location: Situated along the Cape to Cape walking track and within a national park, guests have direct access to stunning coastal walks, nearby wineries, and natural attractions like Canal Rocks.
Smiths Beach Resort seamlessly combines eco-conscious design with luxury, making it an exceptional choice for travellers seeking both comfort and connection to nature.
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Lamont’s Restaurant & Gourmet Deli
As the sun sets over Smiths Beach, Lamont’s offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that reflects the very best of Western Australia’s South West. With a proud culinary legacy spanning over 40 years, the Lamont family is renowned for creating food that’s elegant, approachable, and deeply rooted in seasonal, local produce.
The evening menu features a rotating selection of signature dishes — think wild-caught local fish, rich duck ragù with handmade pasta, and tender Margaret River venison — all paired with an award-winning list of local wines curated by Kate Lamont herself. The setting is intimate, with a focus on attentive service and beautifully balanced flavours.
For those wanting a takeaway option, the Shark Bay tempura whiting is a house favourite. Or, visit the Lamont’s Deli for an impressive range of gourmet local cheeses, charcuterie, and provisions, perfect for customising a hamper to enjoy in the comfort of your apartment.
(evening meal at own expense)
Day 2. Natural Wonders & the Art of Fine Wine
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7:00 am
Breakfast at Lamont’s Smiths Beach
Start your day with a relaxed coastal breakfast at Lamont’s, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce, enjoy a morning menu that includes barista-made coffee, warm pastries, wholesome classics, and modern Australian favourites.
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8:30 am Departure · 45 minutes
Depart from Smiths Beach Resort
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9:15 am 30 minutes
Surfers Point & The Margaret River Mouth
This dramatic coastal headland is home to the iconic Surfers Point — one of the most famous surf breaks in Australia if not the world and host to the Margaret River Pro, a key event on the World Surf League tour. Known for its powerful, consistent waves and stunning backdrop, it has seen champions like Jack Robinson and John John Florence take titles here. Just below, the Margaret River flows into the sea, creating a striking contrast between wild surf and calm waters — a must-see coastal landmark.
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10:00 am 1 hour
Mammoth Cave Guided Tour (Guided by McLeod Tours)
Step inside one of the region’s most awe-inspiring limestone caves, rich in geological and paleontological history. Mammoth Cave features towering chambers, intricate crystal formations, and 35,000-year-old fossil remains of extinct megafauna. As part of the McLeod Tours experience, your guide will personally share the cave’s incredible stories, scientific discoveries, and cultural significance, bringing this natural wonder to life
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11:15 am 30 minutes
Scenic Drive through Boranup Forest & Native Honey Tasting
Enjoy a scenic drive through the magnificent Boranup Karri Forest, where towering karri trees rise more than 60 metres above the forest floor. Along the way, stop at a picturesque location to sample three distinctive native honeys from Western Australia’s South West. Discover the unique flavours of Jarrah, Karri and Marri honey, each reflecting the native forests and flowering trees from which they originate.
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12:00 pm 3 hours 15 minutes
Wine Tasting & Lunch at Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate is one of Australia’s most celebrated wineries, internationally renowned for its iconic Art Series wines and refined dining experience.
Your visit begins with a hosted tasting of Leeuwin’s premium collection, offering insight into the estate’s winemaking philosophy and flagship releases. This is followed by a leisurely 3-course lunch in the award-winning restaurant, where seasonal dishes highlight the best of the region’s produce, thoughtfully paired with Leeuwin Estate wines.
Overlooking the estate’s natural amphitheatre and framed by towering karri forest, the setting is as memorable as the experience itself. A true highlight of the journey, combining world-class wine, cuisine and a distinctly Margaret River sense of place.
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3:30 pm 1 hour
Explore Margaret River Town Centre
Enjoy some free time in the heart of Margaret River, where great food, independent shops, and local creativity come together. Stop by Mai Tardi Gelato for small-batch, handcrafted flavours that have quickly become a local favourite, or wander into the much-loved Margaret River Bookshop, known for its carefully curated selection and strong focus on Australian authors.
Along the main street you’ll also find boutique stores, artisan homewares, jewellery, and locally made gifts. Whether you’re picking up something special or simply soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, Margaret River town offers an easy and enjoyable way to spend an hour or two.
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4:30 pm Departure · 45 minutes
Return to Smiths Beach Resort
After a day of exploring, return to Smiths Beach Resort to unwind, enjoy the sunset over the ocean or relax by the pool in the comfort of your coastal retreat.
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Lamont’s Restaurant & Gourmet Deli
(evening meal at own expense)
Day 3. Yallingup to Vasse Felix & the Road Home
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7:00 am
Breakfast at Lamont’s - Smiths Beach
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9:20 am Departure
Departure from Smith's Beach Resort
This morning, we’ll be checking out of Smith's Beach Resort. Please ensure all your belongings are packed and ready to go, as we won’t be returning to the property. If you need assistance or have any last-minute questions, your guide will be happy to help.
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9:25 am 30 minutes
Canal Rocks Lookout & Boardwalk
Just minutes from Smiths Beach, Canal Rocks is one of the region’s most dramatic coastal sights. Over millions of years, the relentless power of the Indian Ocean has carved narrow channels through ancient granite, creating a striking network of natural canals. A timber boardwalk leads visitors safely over the rocks, offering spectacular views of crashing waves and rugged coastline. A must-visit stop along the Cape to Cape coast.
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10:00 am
Yallingup Galleries: Art Inspired by Nature
Set among beautiful native bushland along Caves Road, Yallingup Galleries has been a treasured part of the Margaret River region’s art scene for over 30 years. The gallery showcases a stunning collection of fine Australian artwork including paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, and hand-crafted timber furniture.
Under the care of current owners Emma and Matt Skinner, the gallery continues to evolve, with highlights like a peaceful sculpture trail through the forest and a cellar door offering boutique wines. A strong supporter of local talent, Yallingup Galleries also runs youth mentorships and regularly hosts new exhibitions. A truly special space where creativity and nature come together.
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11:00 am 30 minutes
Vasse Virgin Soap Factory
Vasse Virgin is a proudly family-owned business that began with a simple mission: to create natural skincare for their children’s sensitive skin. Today, it’s a celebrated local brand known for its luxurious olive oil-based products made without synthetic ingredients. Guests can browse a wide range of handmade soaps, body scrubs, and essential oils, as well as gourmet condiments like olive tapenades, dukkahs, and vinaigrettes, all made on site.
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11:45 am 3 hours
Vasse Felix – Wine Tasting & Three-Course Lunch
Enjoy a hosted tasting of Vasse Felix wines at Margaret River's founding wine estate, established in 1967, followed by a three-course lunch at the winery's award-winning restaurant overlooking the Wilyabrup Valley. Lunch includes two glasses of wine from the Premier range, matched to your meal, with tea or coffee served after dessert. It's a perfect immersion into the history, terroir and passion that define this extraordinary corner of Margaret River.
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3:00 pm Departure · 3 hours
Journey Back to Perth
After a leisurely lunch overlooking vineyards, it’s more or less a direct run back to Perth. Your tour guide will make a couple of well-timed stops along the highway, before arriving comfortably in the city by late afternoon or early evening.
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6:30 pm
Arrive at your Perth City Accommodation
Information & Documents
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Luggage Guidelines
For comfort and ease during your tour, we ask that each guest brings one small to medium suitcase only (maximum size 30 cm deep × 45 cm wide × 70 cm high).
Weight is less important than size, as luggage space varies between vehicles and needs to comfortably accommodate all guests. Unfortunately, we’re unable to carry multiple large bags per person.
If you’re travelling with additional luggage, most hotels are happy to securely store excess bags for the duration of your tour.
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What to Pack for Your South West Journey
Margaret River enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers, cool winters, and refreshing coastal breezes year-round. Conditions can vary throughout the day, particularly between inland vineyards and the coastline, so packing layers is always recommended.
All Year Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes (suitable for light walks and cellar doors)
Light jacket or jumper (evenings can be cool year-round)
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Day bag or small backpack for daily essentials
Any personal medications
Swimwear for enjoying the resort pool (pool towels are provided and available from the office)
Summer (December – February) Average temperatures: 16°C to 27°C
Warm, sunny days with cooling afternoon sea breezes.
Light, breathable clothing
Sun hat and sunscreen
Light evening layer
Autumn (March – May) Average temperatures: 11°C to 24°C
Beautiful mild days with cooler mornings and evenings.
Light layers such as t-shirts with a jumper or light jacket
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Light rain jacket, just in case
Winter (June – August) Average temperatures: 8°C to 18°C
Cooler conditions with occasional rain and crisp, clear days.
Warm layers such as a jumper or fleece
Waterproof jacket or raincoat
Comfortable closed shoes
Scarf or beanie for cooler evenings
Spring (September – November) Average temperatures: 10°C to 22°C
Fresh mornings with mild, changeable conditions.
Layered clothing
Light jacket or rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Please note: Temperatures are indicative averages and weather conditions can vary. Coastal winds and inland sunshine can create noticeable temperature differences within the same day.
Lincoln, Coralie & Neil
McLeod Tours
bookings@mcleodtours.com.au
+61 418 909 315