Category: Margaret River

  • Where to stay in Margaret River: town, bush or coast

    Where to stay in Margaret River: town, bush or coast

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    The Margaret River region runs along the coast from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south, and the Cape to Cape Track between the two is about 130 kilometres long. Where you stay shapes your whole trip: how much you drive, whether you can walk to dinner, and whether you wake up to surf, birdsong or a coffee machine down the street.

    There are three broad choices: town, bush or coast. Here’s how to pick.

    How we approached this

    • We compare types of base, not star ratings. We haven’t inspected or rated individual properties, so we don’t rank them.
    • One connection, disclosed. We feature River Reach Chalet under “bush”, beside other options, and you should know our connection to it:

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    • No invented reviews. If you want guest reviews for any property, read them on the booking platform itself.
    • Book through official or direct channels where you can. Check cancellation terms. In WA, short-term rental hosts must register their property on the state’s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register.

    Quick comparison

    Town Bush Coast
    Best for Food lovers, no-car evenings, short stays Quiet, wildlife, couples and small families Surfers, beach lovers, sunsets
    Walk to dinner? Yes Sometimes, if close to town Rarely
    Driving to wineries Short to medium Short to medium Medium
    Noise Some, especially weekends Very little Wind and waves
    Watch out for Weekend bookings fill fast Kangaroos on roads at dusk Exposed in winter storms

    Stay in town

    Margaret River township has motels, apartments, B&Bs and holiday homes within walking distance of the main street.

    Pros: you can walk to restaurants, cafés and bakeries, so nobody needs to drive at night. It’s handy for the farmers’ market and the visitor centre, and it’s central for day trips north and south.

    Cons: it’s busier, especially on weekends and in school holidays. You’re less likely to wake up to kangaroos on the lawn.

    Good for: short stays, people without a car for the evening, and anyone planning a lot of eating out.

    Stay in the bush

    The bush around Margaret River has chalets, cottages and retreats tucked into peppermint, marri and jarrah country. Some sit right on the edge of town, and some are deep in the forest.

    Pros: it’s quiet, dark at night, and full of birdlife. It feels like a proper getaway, but if you choose one close to town, you’re still minutes from restaurants.

    Cons: you’ll usually need a car, mobile reception can be patchy, and it’s wise to arrive before dark because of wildlife on the roads.

    Featured bush stay: River Reach Chalet

    River Reach Chalet is a cosy two-bedroom bush chalet in Margaret River.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    • Sleeps: 4 (two queen bedrooms)
    • Bathroom: one
    • Location: about two minutes’ walk to the river and a short drive from town
    • House rules: no pets, no parties
    • Book: direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses. The chalet’s website also links its Airbnb and Booking.com listings, where you can read guest reviews.

    It suits couples, two couples sharing, or a small family that wants a quiet bush base without being far from town. It’s not suited to large groups, pets or celebrations. Look elsewhere for those.

    Other bush options

    • Other holiday homes managed locally. Margaret River Holiday Houses, the chalet’s booking agent, also lists other properties around the region.
    • Forest retreats and cottages along Caves Road and near the karri forest further south. Search the official visitor site’s trip-planning section, which includes accommodation listings.
    • National park camping. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions runs campgrounds in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, such as Conto Campground. Conto bookings are essential and are made online through Explore Parks WA.

    Stay on the coast

    The coast has a few distinct spots:

    • Prevelly and Gnarabup, at the river mouth west of town. These are surf beaches about a ten-minute drive west of Margaret River township.
    • Yallingup and Dunsborough, to the north. Yallingup has a surf beach, while Dunsborough has calmer bay beaches such as Meelup and is closer to Busselton.
    • Augusta, to the south. It’s quiet, at the mouth of the Blackwood River, and near Cape Leeuwin.

    Pros: the ocean on your doorstep, sunsets over the Indian Ocean, and an early surf before breakfast.

    Cons: you’ll drive further to some wineries, it can be windy and exposed in winter, and beachfront places book out early in summer.

    Good for: surfers, beach families (especially near the calmer bay beaches of Dunsborough) and anyone who wants the sound of waves.

    Which base suits you?

    Booking tips

    1. Book early for summer, Easter and school holidays. Popular places can book out well in advance.
    2. Read the cancellation policy, especially in bushfire season, when some areas can be affected by fire or smoke. Check Emergency WA before and during your trip.
    3. Check what’s included, such as linen, firewood and Wi-Fi.
    4. Check the minimum stay. Some places set a minimum number of nights, especially on weekends and in peak season.
    5. Read reviews on the platform, not on third-party sites that quote them selectively.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. We haven’t rated individual properties. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • What to pack for a South West WA bush stay

    What to pack for a South West WA bush stay

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    The South West of Western Australia can do four seasons before lunch. A still, sunny morning on the coast can turn into a cold, blustery afternoon in the karri, and winter brings proper rain. Pack for all of it, and you’ll be comfortable whatever the sky does.

    This list is built around a bush stay near Margaret River: a self-contained chalet or cottage, days spent walking, at the beach or in the forest, and evenings in.

    How we put this list together

    • Practical first. Things you’ll actually use on a South West trip, not a shopping spree.
    • Bring what you already own. You probably have most of this already. Links are there for anything you’re missing.
    • Generic over brand-name. We haven’t tested specific products, so we link to searches for the type of item, not to one “best” product. Read reviews and product details before you buy.
    • Safety advice is linked to official sources, not written from memory.
    • No prices. Check the retailer.

    Clothing

    The South West has a Mediterranean-type climate: the Bureau of Meteorology describes wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers. Evenings can be cool even in summer, especially on the coast.

    • Layers. A thermal or merino base layer, a fleece or warm jumper, and a light down or synthetic jacket. You’ll use them in every season. Search merino base layers on Amazon.com.au
    • A waterproof rain jacket. It’s essential from autumn to spring, and useful year-round on the coast. Search rain jackets on Amazon.com.au
    • A beanie and gloves for winter mornings and windy lighthouse visits.
    • Swimmers and a rash vest for summer beach days.
    • Something nice for dinner. Winery restaurants are relaxed, but you may want to swap out the hiking gear.
    • Comfortable clothes for the chalet. Trackies are encouraged.

    Footwear

    • Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots for the Cape to Cape Track and forest walks. Limestone can be loose and sharp underfoot. Search hiking shoes on Amazon.com.au
    • Thongs or sandals for the beach.
    • Gumboots if you’re visiting in winter with kids. Puddles are inevitable.
    • Shoes with grip for the caves, where steps can be damp.

    Sun and bugs

    The Australian sun is strong. Follow the Cancer Council’s SunSmart advice: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.

    • A broad-brimmed hat. A cap doesn’t cover your ears or neck.
    • Sunscreen (SPF 50+) labelled broad-spectrum and water-resistant. Follow the label for how much to use and when to reapply. Search SPF 50+ sunscreen on Amazon.com.au
    • Sunglasses.
    • Insect repellent. Mozzies and flies can be out in the warmer months. Use a repellent as directed on the label. Healthdirect has general guidance on avoiding mosquito bites. Search insect repellent on Amazon.com.au
    • A fly net for your hat. Optional, but on a still summer day you won’t regret it.

    Walking and day-trip kit

    For the car

    For the chalet or cottage

    Check what your accommodation provides, then fill the gaps:

    • Linen and towels. Some places include them and some charge extra. Check when you book.
    • Beach towels. These are often not supplied.
    • Basic pantry items, such as oil, salt and coffee, if you’re self-catering. There’s a supermarket in town.
    • A good book and a deck of cards for rainy evenings.
    • Slippers. Floors get cold in winter.

    Safety extras

    • Check Emergency WA for fire warnings, especially in the warmer months, and know your accommodation’s emergency information.
    • Download the Emergency WA app (App Store or Google Play) or bookmark the site.
    • Check Beachsafe before swimming.

    Season-by-season extras

    Season Add
    Summer (Dec–Feb) Extra water, fly net, rash vests, beach shade
    Autumn (Mar–May) Light layers, a rain jacket
    Winter (Jun–Aug) Warm layers, beanie, gloves, gumboots, a waterproof everything
    Spring (Sep–Nov) Layers, a rain jacket, a wildflower field guide

    A bush stay near the river

    If you’re still choosing where to stay, River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet in Margaret River, about two minutes’ walk to the river and a short drive from town.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It sleeps four in two queen bedrooms, with one bathroom, and no pets or parties. Before you pack, check with the booking agent what’s supplied, such as linen and towels. Book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses, or compare other bases in where to stay in Margaret River.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. We haven’t tested the products linked here; they’re searches for the type of item. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • A South West WA nature day: Cape to Cape walks, karri forest, black cockatoos

    A South West WA nature day: Cape to Cape walks, karri forest, black cockatoos

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Wine might bring people to Margaret River, but it’s the landscape that brings them back. In a single day you can walk a clifftop track above the Indian Ocean, stand in a forest of towering karri, and hear the creaky call of black cockatoos flying overhead.

    Here’s how to fit it into one unhurried day, and how to do it in a way that leaves the place as good as you found it.

    How we put this together

    • Established tracks and places only, managed by the state’s parks agency or official tourism bodies. We link to them for maps, closures and conditions.
    • Distances and times are flagged for checking, because trail conditions change. Always check before you set out.
    • No touching or feeding wildlife. That’s the law in many places, and it’s always the right thing to do.
    • Safety basics are linked to official sources rather than paraphrased from memory.

    Before you set out

    • Check conditions and closures: Explore Parks WA, run by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), lists alerts on its Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park page.
    • Check fire danger: in the warmer months, check Emergency WA for warnings and total fire bans. Some tracks close on high fire-danger days.
    • Fees: entry to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is free. Check each cave, lighthouse and campground’s own official page for any fees.
    • Mobile reception is patchy on the coast and in the forest. Tell someone your plans.
    • Pack: water, sun protection, layers, sturdy shoes and snacks. See our packing list.

    Morning: a section of the Cape to Cape Track

    The Cape to Cape Track runs along the coast between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in the north and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south, about 130 kilometres in all. Walkers usually take several days to do it end to end. You don’t need to walk all of it. A morning on one short section gives you clifftops, granite headlands, limestone, and a coast full of wildflowers in season.

    Easy options for a half-day: – Near Cape Naturaliste in the north. The section from the lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock is a 3.4 km sealed path (one way). – Around Prevelly and the river mouth, about a ten-minute drive west of Margaret River township. – Near Hamelin Bay or Cape Leeuwin in the south. Check the Explore Parks WA track page for section distances.

    Helpful sources: DBCA’s park pages, and the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track website.

    Watch for: loose limestone and cliff edges, king waves on rock platforms (stay well back from the water’s edge), and snakes on warm days. Give them space, and they’ll give you the same. In wildflower season, roughly August to November, look out for blooms along the track.

    Whales: keep an eye out to sea. The official visitor site’s whale-watching page covers the season and the best spots.

    Midday: picnic and a cave (optional)

    Pack a picnic from a local bakery or the farmers’ market and find a spot with a view. If the weather turns, duck into one of the region’s limestone caves along Caves Road. See Margaret River with kids for options.

    Afternoon: Boranup Karri Forest

    Head south on Caves Road into the Boranup Karri Forest. Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) is the tallest tree in Western Australia and one of the tallest in the world, and walking among the straight, pale trunks is very peaceful.

    For background on the forest, see DBCA’s Boranup Forest Drive page.

    Things to do: – Drive Boranup Drive, a scenic drive through the forest with a hard limestone base that’s suitable for two-wheel-drive cars. Check conditions after rain. – Stop at Boranup Lookout, which you pass on Boranup Drive, for views over the forest. – Take a short walk. Pull in at a picnic area and wander. The light is best in the late afternoon.

    Late afternoon: black cockatoos

    South West WA is home to three kinds of black cockatoo, and all three are threatened:

    • Carnaby’s cockatoo (white-tailed, short bill)
    • Baudin’s cockatoo (white-tailed, long bill)
    • Forest red-tailed black cockatoo

    Under federal environment law, Carnaby’s and Baudin’s cockatoos are listed as endangered and the forest red-tailed black cockatoo as vulnerable. See the federal referral guideline for the three species and BirdLife Australia for more.

    Where and how to see them: listen first. Their wailing calls carry a long way. Look in tall marri and jarrah trees, especially where they’re feeding on gumnuts. You’ll often hear the crunch of seed pods before you spot the birds. They can turn up around Margaret River township, in the forest and on farmland.

    Be a good neighbour: – Never feed them. – Keep your distance, and don’t play recorded calls. – If you find an injured cockatoo, contact a licensed wildlife carer or DBCA’s Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055. – If you’d like to help, look up BirdLife Australia‘s black-cockatoo projects, such as the annual Great Cocky Count.

    End the day somewhere quiet

    After a day outdoors, it’s nice to stay somewhere the bush comes right up to the door. River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet about two minutes’ walk from the river and a short drive from Margaret River town.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It sleeps four, with no pets or parties allowed. Book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses, or see other options in where to stay in Margaret River.

    Leave no trace

    • Stay on marked tracks. The coastal heath is fragile, and dieback (a plant disease) spreads on muddy boots. Use boot-cleaning stations where you find them. DBCA says people move Phytophthora dieback further and faster than any other means of spread.
    • Take all rubbish home.
    • Don’t pick wildflowers, or collect shells, rocks or plants from the national park.
    • Leave dogs and other pets at home: DBCA doesn’t permit domestic pets in national parks.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. Conditions change, so check DBCA and Emergency WA before you go. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • Margaret River with kids: beaches, caves and rainy-day ideas

    Margaret River with kids: beaches, caves and rainy-day ideas

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Margaret River’s reputation is wine and surf, which might make you think it’s a grown-ups’ place. It isn’t. Between the calm bay beaches, the caves, the chocolate, the forest and a jetty that seems to go on forever, kids have plenty to do. And when it rains (it does, especially in winter), there are good indoor options too.

    How we picked these

    • Real, established attractions that families commonly visit. We link official sources for hours, prices and age limits, because these change.
    • Kid-scaled days: short drives, short walks and plenty of snack stops.
    • Safety first at the beach. We point you to calmer beaches and to official surf-safety information. Many of the region’s beaches have dangerous surf and rips.
    • A rainy-day swap for every outdoor idea.

    Beaches that suit kids

    The ocean beaches around Margaret River township face the open Indian Ocean, which means big swell, strong currents and rips. They’re great for watching surfers, but they’re not for little swimmers. For families, the calmer water is mostly up north on Geographe Bay, plus a few sheltered spots further south.

    • Meelup Beach (near Dunsborough). A sheltered bay beach known for calm water, with shade behind. It’s a classic family beach. Check the City of Busselton page for facilities and Beachsafe for patrol times.
    • Other Geographe Bay beaches around Dunsborough and Busselton are usually calmer than the west coast, but conditions change, so check before you swim.
    • Gnarabup (near Prevelly). Conditions vary a lot along this stretch, so check Beachsafe for patrols and hazards before you swim.
    • Hamelin Bay (south, near Augusta). Kids love it for the stingrays that often glide through the shallows near the boat ramp. They’re wild animals with a venomous barb in the tail, so Explore Parks WA asks visitors to look without touching, keep their distance and not feed them.

    Before any swim: check Beachsafe for patrol times, hazards and conditions, swim between the flags where there are flags, and keep little ones within arm’s reach.

    Sun: Australian sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Follow SunSmart advice: hats, shirts, shade and sunscreen.

    Caves kids will remember

    The limestone caves along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge are a highlight for kids, and a perfect rainy-day plan, because they’re the same temperature underground whatever the weather.

    • Mammoth Cave. Self-guided with an audio tour, so you can go at your own pace. That’s handy with small children.
    • Lake Cave. A fully guided tour down to an underground lake. There are a lot of stairs.
    • Jewel Cave (in Augusta). A fully guided tour of the largest show cave in WA.
    • Ngilgi Cave (near Yallingup). A show cave in the north of the region.

    Check each cave’s page for age limits, accessibility and whether prams are allowed before you go.

    Tip: caves involve stairs, sometimes steep and slippery ones, so carriers beat prams. Bring a light jumper.

    Treats and tastes

    • Margaret River Chocolate Company. A big hit with kids. It’s a large chocolate shop at Metricup with free tastings.
    • Farmers’ market. Saturday mornings (7:30 to 11:30am) in Margaret River. Good for breakfast, fresh fruit and keeping small people fed.

    Day trip: Busselton Jetty

    Busselton Jetty, north of Margaret River, is about 1.8 kilometres long and the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. You can walk out, or ride the jetty train, and at the end there’s an Underwater Observatory that takes you below the waterline. Bookings for the train and the observatory are recommended and can be made online; check the age rules there too.

    The foreshore next to the jetty has playgrounds and a calm beach, which makes it an easy half-day.

    Lighthouses

    Both of the region’s lighthouses are fun with kids:

    • Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in the north, with walking trails nearby.
    • Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south, at the corner of the continent, where it’s often seriously windy.

    Lighthouse tours may have minimum ages for the climb, and Cape Leeuwin’s tower has had closures for restoration work, so check the official visitor site before you go.

    Forest and nature

    • Boranup Karri Forest. Kids are usually impressed by how tall the trees are. A short stroll and Boranup Drive, which is suitable for two-wheel-drive cars, through the forest make it a good stop.
    • Spotting wildlife. Look for kangaroos at dawn and dusk (from a distance), and black cockatoos in the treetops. See our South West WA nature day for more.

    Rainy-day ideas

    Idea Where Notes
    Caves Along Caves Road Same temperature year-round
    Chocolate shop Margaret River Chocolate Company Tastings; gets busy
    Underwater Observatory Busselton Jetty Check bookings
    Library Margaret River township Check the Shire’s website for holiday programs
    Puddle walk in the forest Boranup Pack raincoats and gumboots

    A family base

    With kids, a self-contained place with a kitchen and separate bedrooms makes a huge difference. River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet with two queen bedrooms and one bathroom, sleeping up to four.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It’s about two minutes’ walk to the river and a short drive from town. That means you get quiet, bushy surrounds without long drives at the end of the day. Ask the booking agent what’s supplied for little ones before you pack. No pets. Book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses, or see more family options in where to stay in Margaret River.

    Packing for kids

    Pack layers, raincoats, hats, swimmers, rash vests, a change of clothes for the car, and plenty of snacks. Our packing list for a South West WA bush stay covers the rest.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. Check hours, age limits and conditions with official sources before you go. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • Margaret River wineries worth the drive, with a designated-driver plan

    Margaret River wineries worth the drive, with a designated-driver plan

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Margaret River has more cellar doors than you could visit in a month of weekends. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they’re spread along country roads, public transport is thin on the ground, and the tastings add up quicker than you’d think.

    So this guide does two things. It helps you choose a handful of wineries worth the drive, and it gives you a plan so that nobody has to drive home after one too many.

    How we picked these wineries

    • Long-established and well regarded. These are widely recognised names with cellar doors open to the public. We haven’t ranked them, and we haven’t been paid to include any of them.
    • Grouped by area, so you can visit two or three without zig-zagging across the region.
    • A mix of experiences, from big estates with restaurants to smaller family-run cellar doors.
    • No tasting notes or scores from us. We haven’t run a formal tasting, and we won’t pretend we have. Go and taste for yourself.
    • Check before you go: opening hours, booking rules and tasting fees change. Every winery listed has its own website.

    First, the designated-driver plan

    Sort this out before you leave, not at the second cellar door.

    Know the limits

    In Western Australia, learner and provisional (L and P plate) drivers must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and some other drivers have a zero limit too. For the limits that apply to you, follow the official advice from WA Police on drink driving and the Road Safety Commission. A tasting pour or two at each of several wineries can easily put you over. There’s no reliable way to “count” your way to safe, so if you’re driving, the simplest rule is not to drink.

    Option 1: Book a winery tour

    Several local operators run small-group and private winery tours, with pick-up from your accommodation. Nobody has to drive, and the guide usually knows which cellar doors suit your taste. Compare tour operators in the wine, beer and food tours section of the official Margaret River visitor site. Book ahead on weekends and in holidays.

    Option 2: Take turns

    Travelling with friends? Split the weekend: one person drives on Saturday and another on Sunday. Make the driver’s day worth it. Many cellar doors offer non-alcoholic drinks, and most winery restaurants have good food whether you drink or not.

    Option 3: Spit, and buy bottles

    Serious tasters spit. There’s no shame in it; the spittoon is there for a reason. The driver can taste, spit, and buy bottles to enjoy at your accommodation that evening.

    Option 4: Stay close and keep it local

    Pick a base near the wineries you want to visit and plan a short day: two cellar doors and a long lunch. Then head back and put your feet up. Don’t count on finding a taxi or ride-share on the spot, especially at night. If you need one, book it ahead.

    Where to unwind after a day of tastings

    Choose somewhere you can switch off once you’re back. River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet close to the river, a short drive from town.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It sleeps four, which suits two couples on a wine weekend, and it’s quiet: no parties allowed. Once the car’s parked, it stays parked. Book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses, or compare other options in our guide to where to stay in Margaret River.

    The wineries

    Wilyabrup and surrounds (north of town)

    This stretch north of Margaret River township has some of the region’s oldest vineyards.

    • Vasse Felix. Established in 1967, it calls itself Margaret River’s founding wine estate. There’s a cellar door, a restaurant and an art gallery.
    • Cullen Wines. Known for its biodynamic approach: the winery is certified biodynamic, and its Wine Room kitchen cooks with produce from the estate’s own garden.
    • Moss Wood. One of the region’s pioneering estates, best known for Cabernet Sauvignon. Its visit page says it welcomes members for tastings and private visits by appointment only, so check there first.
    • Woodlands Wines. A Wilyabrup estate with a focus on Cabernet. Check its cellar door page for current opening times before you go.
    • Fraser Gallop Estate. An estate with a cellar door among the vines on Metricup Road, about fifteen minutes north of Margaret River.
    • Howard Park. Its Margaret River cellar door is set among native bushland.

    Wallcliffe and south of town

    • Leeuwin Estate. One of the region’s founding wineries, known for its Art Series wines and its restaurant. Check its website for current events.
    • Voyager Estate. Known for its gardens and its restaurant.
    • Xanadu Wines. A cellar door and a restaurant (book lunch ahead) on Boodjidup Road, a short drive from town.
    • Cape Mentelle. One of the region’s original wineries, based on Wallcliffe Road.

    A sample day (with a driver)

    Time Stop Why
    Late morning One cellar door in Wilyabrup Start fresh, taste properly
    Lunch A winery restaurant (booked) Long lunch, with water on the table
    Afternoon One more cellar door, or the chocolate shop Something for the non-drinkers too
    Late afternoon Back to base Feet up before dark (and before the kangaroos)

    Three stops is plenty. Four is pushing it. Six is how people end up at the wrong cellar door, having forgotten where they parked.

    Tips for a better winery day

    • Book lunch. Popular winery restaurants book out, especially on weekends.
    • Eat before you taste. It makes a real difference.
    • Drink water between tastings. Most cellar doors will happily give you a glass.
    • Ask about shipping. Many wineries ship within Australia, so you don’t have to fit a dozen bottles in the boot.
    • Check whether there’s a tasting fee, and whether it’s waived if you buy.
    • Watch for kangaroos on the roads at dawn and dusk.

    Take a bottle home

    Found something you love? See Australian-made gifts from Margaret River for packing and shipping tips, plus chocolate, cheese and olive oil to go with it.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. We haven’t been paid by any winery mentioned. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • A Margaret River weekend itinerary: 2 days, 2 nights

    A Margaret River weekend itinerary: 2 days, 2 nights

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Two days isn’t long enough for Margaret River. That’s just a fact you’ll have to make peace with. It is long enough for a proper taste, though: a river walk, a surf beach, a long lunch, a limestone cave, a stand of giant karri trees and the lighthouse at the very corner of the continent.

    This plan is deliberately unhurried. Margaret River rewards people who slow down, and punishes people who try to fit in six wineries and three caves before lunch.

    How we planned this

    • Everything here is a real, established attraction. Opening hours, tour times and prices change, so we link to official sources rather than quoting them. Check before you go.
    • Driving times are kept short. The region is bigger than it looks on a map, so each day stays in one area.
    • There’s always a designated driver. If wine’s on the agenda, someone isn’t drinking, or you book a tour. See our winery guide for options.
    • There’s a rainy-day swap for each outdoor stop.

    Before you go

    • Getting there: Margaret River is roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Perth, depending on stops. You can also fly into Busselton Margaret River Airport; check its site for current routes. You’ll want a car once you’re there.
    • Visitor info: the Margaret River visitor site has maps, events and opening hours.
    • Book ahead: winery lunches and cave tours can book out on weekends and in school holidays.
    • Watch for wildlife: kangaroos are common on country roads, especially around dawn and dusk. Slow down.

    Where to base yourself

    Staying close to town means you can walk to dinner and won’t spend half the weekend in the car. For this itinerary, we’ve used River Reach Chalet as the base.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It’s a cosy two-bedroom bush chalet that sleeps four, about two minutes’ walk from the river and a short drive from town. That makes it an easy base for both days: the river walk on Saturday morning starts more or less at the door. There are no pets and no parties. You can book it direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses.

    It’s not the only good option. Our guide to where to stay in Margaret River compares town, bush and coast bases.

    Friday night: arrive and settle in

    Aim to arrive before dark if you’re driving from Perth, because of the kangaroos. Grab dinner in town; the main street has plenty of options, and on a Friday night it’s worth booking. Then get an early night. Tomorrow starts with a walk.

    Day 1 (Saturday): river, surf, lunch, caves

    Morning: walk by the Margaret River

    Start with a walk along the river. From Rotary Park in town, the Bunnitj Biddi trail (formerly the Ten Mile Brook Trail) follows the brook through Wooditjup National Park, and early morning is when the birds are loudest. Keep an eye out for black cockatoos in the treetops.

    Then head into town for coffee. The Margaret River Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30am at the Margaret River Education Campus on Bussell Highway, and it’s a good place to pick up picnic supplies and gifts.

    Late morning: Surfers Point and Prevelly

    Drive out to the coast at the river mouth, about ten minutes’ drive west of town. Surfers Point is where Margaret River’s famous big-wave surf breaks. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s worth watching from the lookout. The nearby beaches at Prevelly and Gnarabup are good for a wander along the sand.

    Swim safely: many beaches in the region have strong currents and big swell. Swim only where it’s patrolled or clearly safe, and check Beachsafe for conditions.

    Lunch: a winery

    This is the long, lazy bit. Pick one winery with a restaurant and book a table. The region’s best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and many cellar doors pair tastings with food. See our winery guide for ideas, and sort out your designated driver before lunch, not after.

    Afternoon: a limestone cave

    The Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge is riddled with limestone caves. Two easy options south of town are: – Mammoth Cave, a self-guided visit with an audio tour. – Lake Cave, a fully guided tour down to an underground lake.

    Check the caves’ pages for opening hours and bookings before you go.

    Caves are cool inside all year, so this is also your rainy-day plan.

    Evening

    Back to base, then dinner in town or a simple meal in. If the sky’s clear, step outside: away from the main street, the stars are something else.

    Day 2 (Sunday): karri forest and Cape Leeuwin

    Morning: Boranup Karri Forest

    Drive south on Caves Road to the Boranup Karri Forest. Karri are the tallest trees in Western Australia and among the tallest in the world, and walking among them is genuinely humbling. Boranup Drive has a hard limestone base and is suitable for two-wheel-drive cars; it winds through the forest and loops back to Caves Road. Check conditions after rain.

    Rainy-day swap: Jewel Cave, in Augusta, is a fully guided tour of WA’s largest show cave.

    Late morning: Hamelin Bay

    A short detour west takes you to Hamelin Bay, a sheltered beach where you may see wild stingrays in the shallows near the boat ramp. They’re wild animals with a venomous barb in the tail, so Explore Parks WA asks you to look without touching, keep your distance and not feed them. Follow any signs.

    Lunch: Augusta

    Have lunch in Augusta, the quiet town at the mouth of the Blackwood River.

    Afternoon: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

    Finish at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, at the south-western tip of Australia, often described as where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. You can walk the grounds. Tours of the tower itself have been affected by restoration work, so check the official visitor site for what’s open and how to book. On a windy day, you’ll understand why there’s a lighthouse here.

    Then it’s the drive home. From Augusta, allow about three and a half hours or more to Perth.

    Make it three days

    If you can stretch it, add a day in the north of the region. You could walk part of the Cape to Cape Track near Yallingup, visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, swim at Meelup Beach near Dunsborough, or walk Busselton Jetty on the way back to Perth. Our South West WA nature day guide has more.

    Take some of it home

    Pick up chocolate, cheese, olive oil and wine on the way. Our guide to gifts from Margaret River covers where to look and what travels well.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. Check opening hours and conditions with official sources before you travel. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • Australian-made gifts from Margaret River: wine, chocolate, cheese, olive oil

    Australian-made gifts from Margaret River: wine, chocolate, cheese, olive oil

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Margaret River is one of the easiest places in Australia to buy a gift with a story. The region is packed with producers who make things on site and sell them at the door: wine, of course, but also chocolate, cheese, olive oil, coffee and nougat. The best part is that you usually get to taste before you buy.

    Here’s what to look for, where to find it, and what will survive the trip home.

    How we pick

    • Made in the region, by the producer’s own account. We only say a product is made in Margaret River when the producer says so, and we link to it.
    • You can buy it at the source. Most of these producers have a cellar door, shop or tasting room you can visit. Check opening hours on their sites.
    • Travel-tested advice. We flag what’s fragile, what needs refrigeration and what’s tricky to send overseas.
    • No prices, no invented tasting notes. Taste it yourself; that’s half the fun.

    Wine

    Margaret River is one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, and it’s particularly famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Vasse Felix, established in 1967, calls itself the region’s founding wine estate. Today there are dozens of cellar doors, from big names to tiny family operations.

    Gift ideas: – A bottle you tasted and loved at the cellar door, which comes with a story. – A mixed half-dozen from one winery, packed in their own shipper. – Something from a smaller producer that isn’t easy to find in bottle shops elsewhere.

    Getting it home: many wineries will ship within Australia, which saves you carrying bottles. Sending wine overseas is more complicated: some countries restrict alcohol imports or charge duty, and many couriers have rules. Ask the winery whether they ship to your destination. If you’re flying, check your airline’s limits on alcohol in checked luggage.

    For which wineries to visit, and how to do it safely, see Margaret River wineries worth the drive.

    Chocolate

    Margaret River Chocolate Company has a large chocolate shop at Metricup, a popular stop for families, and it says entry and chocolate tastings are free. Chocolate is a crowd-pleaser and travels well if you keep it out of the heat.

    Tip: on a hot day, don’t leave chocolate in the car while you do a winery lunch. Bring a small cooler bag.

    Margaret River Chocolate Company

    Cheese

    Margaret River Dairy Company has made cheese and yoghurt at Metricup for years, but the business has changed hands recently, so check whether its shop is open before you plan a stop.

    Getting it home: cheese needs to stay cold, so bring an esky or a cooler bag with ice packs for the drive. It’s usually not a good gift for overseas: most countries restrict dairy in personal luggage and parcels. Enjoy it here, or take it home within Australia.

    Olive oil

    Olive groves grow well in the region’s Mediterranean climate, and several producers press their own oil. Olio Bello, near Cowaramup, is one of the best known, and makes its oils on its own property.

    Getting it home: olive oil is heavy and comes in glass, so wrap it well. Tins travel better than bottles if they’re on offer. For overseas gifts, check the destination’s rules; commercially sealed oil is often allowed, but not always.

    More local finds

    • Coffee: local roasters sell beans you can take home.
    • Nougat: Bettenay’s, a family-run estate, makes nougat as well as wine.
    • Preserves, honey and sauces: the Margaret River Farmers’ Market, every Saturday morning, is the best place for small-batch producers.
    • Art and ceramics: galleries in town and around the region sell work by local artists. It’s lighter to carry than wine, and it lasts longer.

    A Margaret River gift hamper you can put together yourself

    Item Where Travels well?
    Bottle of Cabernet or Chardonnay Any cellar door Within Australia, yes; overseas, check
    Chocolate selection Chocolate company shop Yes, if kept cool
    Olive oil (tin if available) Olive grove shop Yes, packed well
    Coffee beans Local roaster Yes
    Nougat Nougat company shop Yes
    Cheese Dairy tasting outlet Only with an esky; not for overseas

    Where to stay while you shop

    If you’re planning a producer-hopping weekend, stay central so you’re not driving long distances. River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet about two minutes’ walk from the river and a short drive from town.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It sleeps four, so it suits two couples sharing a weekend of tastings, and direct bookings go through Margaret River Holiday Houses. See where to stay in Margaret River for more options in town, bush and coast.

    Can’t get there? Shop online

    Many of these producers sell online and ship within Australia. Look for the “shop” link on their websites. Buying direct means the producer gets the full price.

    More from Gumnutly

    Written by our editors. Origin claims are the producers’ own, linked where stated. Last checked: 31 October 2026.

  • Christmas and summer in Margaret River: what’s on and what to book early

    Christmas and summer in Margaret River: what’s on and what to book early

    Heads up: Gumnutly is reader-supported. Some links on this page are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Summer in Margaret River means long evenings, warm water (well, warm-ish), and the whole of Perth seemingly driving south at once. Christmas and the January school holidays are the busiest time of year, which makes them a brilliant time to visit if you plan ahead, and a frustrating one if you don’t.

    This guide covers what to expect, where to find what’s on, and what to lock in early.

    How we put this together

    • No invented event dates. Events, markets and festival dates change every year. We link to official sources so you can check the current program.
    • General advice, checked against official sources where it matters: fire safety, beach safety and school holidays.
    • What we know about summer here, without hype.

    What summer in Margaret River is like

    • Warm and dry. The Bureau of Meteorology describes the South West’s summers as warm to hot and dry.
    • Long evenings. A summer sunset over the Indian Ocean is a highlight. For WA’s time zone and daylight-saving details, check the official time zones page.
    • Busy. Accommodation, restaurants and tours fill up over Christmas, New Year and the WA school holidays.
    • Bushfire season. Summer is high fire-danger season in the South West. Total fire bans are possible, and they can affect campfires, barbecues and some activities. Check Emergency WA daily.

    Where to find what’s on

    We don’t list event dates, because they change. Check these official sources for the current program:

    • Margaret River visitor site for events, markets, festivals and visitor centre information.
    • Shire of Augusta Margaret River for community events, Christmas and New Year events, and beach information.
    • Individual wineries and venues. Many run their own summer events, such as concerts, long lunches and twilight sessions. Check their websites and social pages.
    • Surf competitions. The region hosts surfing events at various times of year. Check the event organiser’s site for dates.

    What to book early

    This is the bit that matters most. For Christmas and January, earlier is better.

    1. Accommodation

    This is the big one. Popular places book out well in advance for Christmas, New Year and the school holidays, and minimum stays are common in peak season. If you know your dates, book now.

    WA school holiday dates: check the WA Department of Education term dates so you know when demand peaks.

    2. Christmas Day and Boxing Day meals

    Want someone else to cook Christmas lunch? Some winery restaurants and hotels offer Christmas Day menus, and they book out early. Many businesses close on Christmas Day, so check ahead. Self-catering? Order your seafood, ham or turkey early from local suppliers.

    3. Winery lunches and tours

    Weekend and holiday tables at popular winery restaurants go quickly in summer. Book your tour, or sort your designated driver, before you arrive. See Margaret River wineries worth the drive.

    4. Cave tours and lighthouse tours

    Summer school holidays are peak time for the caves and lighthouses. Book ahead wherever booking is offered, and check each site’s page on the official visitor site first.

    5. Surf lessons

    Learn-to-surf lessons are popular with families over summer. Book ahead and choose a licensed operator.

    6. Campsites

    National-park campgrounds are busy over the summer holidays. At Conto Campground in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, for example, bookings are essential and made online through Explore Parks WA.

    Book early for the bush

    If you’d like a quiet bush base close to town for the summer break, River Reach Chalet is a two-bedroom bush chalet about two minutes’ walk to the river and a short drive from Margaret River town.

    Disclosure: River Reach Chalet was previously our founder’s business, and our founder still has a financial interest in it.

    It sleeps four in two queen bedrooms, with one bathroom, and it’s a no-pets, no-parties place, so it suits a calm family Christmas better than a New Year’s bash. As with everywhere in the region, summer dates go early: check availability and book direct through Margaret River Holiday Houses. For more options, see where to stay in Margaret River.

    Summer safety basics

    • Fire: check Emergency WA before you travel and every day you’re there. Know what to do if there’s a fire warning, and follow official advice. Some tracks and parks close on high fire-danger days.
    • Beaches: many beaches in the region have strong rips and big surf. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags where possible, and check Beachsafe.
    • Sun: follow SunSmart advice. The summer UV is high.
    • Heat: carry water on walks, walk early in the day, and never leave kids or pets in a parked car.
    • Roads: holiday traffic is heavy and kangaroos are out at dawn and dusk. Allow extra time, and don’t drive tired.

    Summer days out

    • Beach mornings at calmer bay beaches such as Meelup near Dunsborough, before the heat of the day.
    • Cool off in a cave. Underground, the temperature stays steady, which is a welcome break on a hot day.
    • Walk early on the Cape to Cape Track, before the heat. See our nature day guide.
    • Shop local for Christmas. Pick up wine, chocolate, olive oil and more from regional producers. See gifts from Margaret River.

    Christmas gifts from the region

    If you’re visiting before Christmas, the region’s producers are a great place to finish your shopping, and you’ll be supporting small local businesses. Missing home this Christmas, or buying for someone who is? See Christmas gifts for Aussie expats missing home.

    More Margaret River guides

    Written by our editors. Event details change every year, so check official sources. Last checked: 31 October 2026.