The Margaret River region is one of our favourite regions in Western Australia. Jetstar and Tourism Western Australia had recently asked us to film a promotional video about the Margaret River Region. Of course we were so excited and thrilled to be promoting a region in our very own state. The Margaret River region on Wadandi Boodja country is a living breathing embodiment of ancient geography, natural beauty, world class wines and fresh coastal air. When visiting the region you will feel and instant need to slow down, appreciating all the simple things in life and escaping the everyday rush. From rolling vineyards, ancient forests, pristine beaches and calm rock pools, here’s 15 of the Best places to visit in the Margaret River Region.
Where is the Margaret River Region?
The Margaret River Region stretches about 100 km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. In the north you’ll find the towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup. In the middle is Margaret River and then the town of Augusta at the southern tip where two rivers and two oceans meet.
The drive from Perth to drive to Busselton is around 220 km and will take about 2.5 hours. Jetstar also fly direct to Busselton Airport, making popular destinations within the Margaret River Region mer accessible to everyone. To book flights into Busselton click here.
Watch our Jetstar Where Next Video below
Best places to visit in the Margaret River Region
1. Busselton Jetty
The famous Busselton Jetty is located on the esplanade is a great spot for everyone . The esplanade has great cafes, play grounds for the kids, grass spots for picnic, skate parks and a netted swimming area. The Busselton Jetty is also the longest timber Jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. The world heritage listed Jetty extends 1.841 kilometres over the protected waters of Geographe Bay. Entry onto the Jetty outisde of opening hours is free, however during the Interpretive Centre’s opening hours – there is a small fee of $4 for a Jetty Day Pass (17 years and over)
If walking the whole jetty seems to long you can catch the small train which costs $16 per Adult or $9.50 per child. It’s a great way to sit back and relax while the train driver takes you on a scenic journey along the 1.7km jetty.
At the end of the Jetty there is also an Underwater Observation room which descens 8 metres below the water’s surface. There you can see what’s growing under the jetty, the piles create Australia’s greatest artificial reef attracting an array of coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Discover more than 300 marine through the large viewing windows and learn about sharks, whales, and other marine creatures.
Entry into the Underwater Observatory costs $37 per adult and and $22 per child.
Book your Busselton jetty tickets here.
2. Visit the best beaches in the Margaret River Region
The Margret River Region has some of the most calm, pristine and vibrant blue beaches in Western Australia. With pure white sand, protected bays surrounded by bushland and orange rocks, its paradise at your door step. Spend the day floating in crystal clear waters at Castle Bay, You might even be lucky and have the whole beach to yourself.
Castle Beach is one of our favourite beaches with a nice short trail taking you through the bush to Castle Rock. Another favourite beach is the popular Meelup beach. Meelup Beach is very similar to Castle Beach but has toilets, showers, picnic facilities and a large carpark. On weekends there are often Ice cream vans that park up which is a nice treat on a summers day.
Other beautiful beaches to add to your list are Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay.
3. The Cape to Cape track
One of the best walks in Western Australia is the Cape to Cape track which takes you through sandy beaches, ancient granite rocks, cliff top tracks and National Park. The 123km track takes you along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.
If you don’t have time to do the week long hike you can do a short portion with Cape to Cape Explorer tours (this is what we did). We had an amazing guide called Hamish and we loved his knowledge and passion for the ancient landscape, Indigenous and European history and connecting people and their stories. This was a fun way to learn all about the ancient landscapes, the nature of the Margaret River Region and diverse range of habitats. At the end there was an opportunity to jump into the natural ‘Aquarium’.
Check out more Cape to Cape Explorer tours here.
4. Swim at the local Aquarium
At the end of our short Cape to Cape tour we finished at the local spot known as the Aquarium. The Aquarium is a small lagoon protected by large granite rocks and offers a sheltered snorkeling area protected from the waves. Its a great spot to enjoy the sunshine and the calm lagoon.
Anyone can visit this marvellous natural aquarium. Simply just park at the Smith Beach car park and follow the rocks for about 20 minutes or check out the location here.
5. Enjoy a 5 course meal at Bunkers Beach House
Nestled in the sand dunes in the stunning Bunkers Bay is Bunkers Beach House. The restaurant is the perfect setting to enjoy top notch food, drinks and features local, sustainable Western Australian seafood. For only $70 pp enjoy Kitchen’s Choice set 5 course menu. We could not believe how delicious the food was. First we were bought out 5 entree dishes of local baked sourdough, Market fish carpaccio and for my vegetarian option- a creamy bean dish. Mains we had shared plates of grilled cabbage and purple carrots, baked pumpkin and cucumber salad. I had a delicious vegetarian pesto pasta and Max had a Market fish with Potato bouillon and a scallop dish. For desert was a lemon curd ice cream dish with white chocolate crumb. You can see in the photo below why Bunkers Beach House is famous for its award winning dining and food.
While your there be sure to accompany this delicious food with one of their cocktails!
Check out Bunkers beach House and menu here.
6. Visit the unique and most photographed rock formations
Thousands of years of the Indian Ocean surging and crashing against the granite coastline has chiselled out a narrow channel known as Canal Rocks. Walk down the narrow timber walkway for great views of the rushing ocean beneath. Climb up the rocks for impressive views of the ocean and surrounding seascape.
Sugarloaf Rock is gigantic granite rock that emerges from the Indian Ocean. You can understand why this towering, sea-sculptured rock is one of the most photographed coastal landforms in the Margaret River region. With its ocean side often battered by treacherous seas, and the rock separated from the coast by a narrow channel of wild water, this is an incredible spot for sunset – best viewed from the elevated lookout.
7. Swim at Injidup Spa
Injidup Natural Spa is a hidden rock pool right on the edge of the wild Indian Ocean. Waves crash over the rocks to form a mini natural waterfall and spa. Its best to visit in the morning before it gets to crowded as this spot is a favourite.
Want to read how to have the ultimate South west Western Australia road trip? Read our guide here.
8. Visit Vasse Felix- the first established winery in the Margaret River Region
The Margaret River Region is one of the world’s youngest wine regions however it’s wine is known all around the world. The soils in which its vines thrive are some of the most ancient on Earth. There are more than 200 vineyards through out the Margaret River region, focusing on sustainability, innovation and specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural winemaking.
Visit the winery where the story of Margaret River’s wines began – at Vasse Felix. The region’s first vineyard was established in 1967 and Vasse Felix produced the region’s first cabernet sauvignon in 1972. Visit to the cellar door ‘The Vault ‘ showcasing the history of Vasse Felix and Margaret River from the very earliest days. See Vasse Felix wine collection, housing Margaret River’s oldest red wine – the 1972 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon.
Book a private wine tasting and enjoy layers of sensory delight of Vasse Felix Wine Collection.
9. Stay in the luxury Hidden Valley Forest Retreat
If you were wanting to stay in your own own private Eco Lodge, surrounded by nature and only the sounds of birds then Hidden Valley Forest Retreat is the place for you.
Set within 110 acres of pristine native forrest in Wilyabrup The ECO Lodges provides a unique, self contained accommodation. Each Australian inspired Eco lodge showcases a wealth of interior timber and glass that captures the striking natural environment and light.
With Louvre galleries, cedar ceilings, bamboo floors, original art and a fireplace, a fireplace and an outdoor bath set the mood for an escape to remember. Outside enjoy the tranquil moments on the wooden entertaining deck with a gas barbeque, extended timber walkway and platform with steamer chairs suspended amidst the scenic forest.
Book your amazing stay at Hidden Valley Forest retreat here.
10. Take a scenic drive through the Karri forrest
Discover a breathtaking drive between Margaret River and Augusta, through the Karri forrest where trunks tower over 80 meters high. The scenic drive will leave you in silent awe. There are a few spots to pull over for a picnic where you can appreciate the Karri Trees which are the third tallest tree in the world!
Take the gravel 2 wheel drive track that leaves and returns from Caves Road through the outskirts of the new growth forest. There is even a view point where you can see the ocean and the tree tops.
The Margaret River region takes pride in preserving and protecting its natural assets and being a sustainable destination. The region has been officially recognised as an ECO Destination (one of only four in Australia), and has earned a coveted spot in the Green Destinations Top 100 Sustainable Destinations Awards.
11. Visit the famous Hamelin Bay and see the local sting rays
A visit to Hamelin Bay definitely deserves its place on best things to do in Margaret River. A large bay of bright white sand, turquoise waters filled with marine life, and spectacular coastal cliff walks. Hamelin Bay is great for swimming, snorkelling and fishing and divers can explore the nearby shipwreck.
If your lucky on a calm day take a stroll along the shoreline and spot the friendly local sting rays. At once there were 5 swimming all around us. Keep in mind that these are wild creatures and maintain your distance to respect their space.
12. Explore the rock pools at Conto Springs
The drive down along a corrugated orange gravel road is worth it to get to the isolated Contos Beach. The beach has small surf break, sheltered Rock pools and and rock formations perfect for exploring. Don’t be surprised if there is only a handful of cars and finding a spot to yourself on the long stretch of coast is no real challenge at all.
13. Explore the crystal wonderland of Lake Cave
Beneath the Margaret River region lies over 100 limestone caves all unique in their own way. There are 4 main ones to visit- Ngilgi Cave, Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave. Lake Cave is a stunning crystal wonderland, descend a ‘staircase in time’ and enter the cave at the base of a spectacular sinkhole. Inside the cave, dazzling crystal formations dominate the cave roof, while the unique ‘Suspended Table’ is perfectly reflected in the tranquil water below. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Western Australia.
Entry into the cave costs $22.50 per adult and $12 per child. Book your tickets to Lake Cave here.
14. Park up at the stunning Margaret River Mouth
A great spot to park up and watch the surfers is the Margaret Rivers River Mouth. This is where Margaret River meets the sea, the river mouth is a beautiful location to visit, swim, or just relax on the beach. The busy carpark often attracts lots of van-lifers from all over the world and a Fish and Chip food truck.
The river mouth itself comes gracefully through the hillside and out onto the 500m long beach which is partly protected by reef. In summer the river is isolated from the ocean and its shallow, calm pool is a popular place for families with smaller children. In winter, the Margaret River swells and breaks through to flow into the ocean.
15. See Australia’s tallest lighthouse in Augusta
As the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is another must-see attraction while visiting Margaret River. This historic lighthouse is situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia, at the tip of a spectacular peninsula – where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.
The Interpretive Centre is housed in one of the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages. Inside take a trip through maritime history and learn how this famous landmark was constructed from local limestone in 1895. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is still a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape.
Entry into the lighthouse costs $7.50 per person. If you would like to climb the stairs to the very top of the Lighthouse you can book a guided tour. Tickets cost $21.00 per adult and $10 per child.
Book your tickets at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse or online here.
We hope this blog has inspired you to visit the Margaret River Region. It is one of those places that you visit to escape all the hustle and bustle of modern life, making it hard to leave. The Margaret River Region is very special because it offers a picturesque coastline and a diversity of flora and fauna. If you have been to the Margaret River Region we would love to know what your favourite places are I the comments below.
Want to read more about road trips in Australia? Check out our guides on Wilsons Promontory, Blue Mountains, South Australia, Tasmania, Byron Bay, The Kimberley and Exmouth.
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