Are you looking for a place where you can enjoy world-class wine, epic surf, and stunning nature? If so, you should definitely visit Margaret River, a region in Western Australia that has it all. Margaret River is a paradise for wine, surf, and nature lovers, offering a range of activities, attractions, and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do in Margaret River, and show you why it is one of the most amazing destinations in Australia.
Wineries and Wine Experiences
Margaret River is famous for its wine industry, producing some of the best wines in the world. The region has over 200 wineries, many of which are family-owned and operated, and offer a variety of wine experiences, such as cellar doors, wine tours, wine tastings, wine festivals, and wine education. You can sample award-winning wines, such as cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, semillon, and sauvignon blanc, and learn about the history and culture of wine making in Margaret River. Some of the most popular and acclaimed wineries and wine experiences in Margaret River are:
Vasse Felix: The oldest winery in Margaret River, established in 1967, and renowned for its elegant and complex wines, especially cabernet sauvignon. You can visit the cellar door, the art gallery, the restaurant, and the wine lounge, and enjoy a guided tour of the winery and the vineyard.
Leeuwin Estate: One of the founding wineries of Margaret River, and famous for its art series wines, which feature labels designed by Australian and international artists. You can taste the wines at the cellar door, dine at the award-winning restaurant, and attend the annual Leeuwin Estate Concert, which features world-class musicians and performers.
Voyager Estate: A winery that combines wine, food, and art, and offers a range of wine experiences, such as wine and cheese pairing, wine and chocolate pairing, and wine and degustation menu. You can also admire the beautiful gardens, the Cape Dutch architecture, and the rose garden, which has over 1,000 roses.
Margaret River Wine Tours: A company that provides customized and personalized wine tours, catering to different tastes, budgets, and preferences. You can choose from half-day, full-day, or private tours, and visit some of the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries in Margaret River, as well as other attractions, such as cheese factories, chocolate factories, and olive farms.
Surfing and Beaches
Margaret River is a paradise for surfers and beach lovers, offering some of the best surf breaks and beaches in the world. The region has over 75 surf spots, ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-only, and hosts some of the most prestigious surf competitions, such as the Margaret River Pro, which is part of the World Surf League Championship Tour. You can also enjoy a variety of beach activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, and relax on the pristine and scenic beaches. Some of the most famous and stunning surfing and beaches in Margaret River are:
Surfers Point: The most iconic surf spot in Margaret River, and one of the best in Australia, where you can catch powerful and consistent waves, and watch the pros in action. Surfers Point is also a great spot to enjoy the sunset, and has a viewing platform, a picnic area, and a cafe.
Prevelly Beach: The main beach in Margaret River, and a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Prevelly Beach is also home to the Margaret River Mouth, where the river meets the ocean, and creates a calm and shallow lagoon, ideal for families and kids.
Yallingup Beach: A beach that offers something for everyone, from surfing, to snorkeling, to fishing, to whale watching. Yallingup Beach has a reef break that produces challenging and thrilling waves, and a sheltered lagoon that is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. You can also spot whales, dolphins, and seals from the shore, or join a whale watching cruise.
Hamelin Bay: A beach that is famous for its friendly and curious stingrays, which often come close to the shore, and interact with visitors. Hamelin Bay is also a beautiful and peaceful beach, where you can enjoy the white sand, the turquoise water, and the stunning views.
Caves and Forests
Margaret River is a wonderland for nature and adventure seekers, boasting some of the most spectacular caves and forests in the world. The region has over 150 caves, many of which are open to the public, and offer a range of cave tours, cave formations, cave art, and cave experiences. You can also explore the lush and diverse forests, which are home to ancient and majestic trees, such as karri, jarrah, and marri, and a variety of forest wildlife, such as kangaroos, possums, and birds. Some of the most impressive and fascinating caves and forests in Margaret River are:
Mammoth Cave: A cave that is famous for its fossils, which date back over 50,000 years, and include the remains of extinct animals, such as giant kangaroos, giant wombats, and thylacines. You can visit the cave on a self-guided tour, and listen to an audio commentary that explains the history and features of the cave.
Lake Cave: A cave that is famous for its crystal-clear lake, which reflects the stunning and delicate cave formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and columns. You can visit the cave on a guided tour, and marvel at the beauty and mystery of the cave.
Ngilgi Cave: A cave that is famous for its Aboriginal heritage, and its connection to the local Wardandi people, who believe that the cave is the home of a good spirit, Ngilgi, who defeated an evil spirit, Wolgine. You can visit the cave on a guided tour, and learn about the legends and stories of the cave, as well as see the amazing cave formations, such as shawls, flowstones, and organ pipes.
Boranup Forest: A forest that is famous for its karri trees, which are among the tallest and oldest trees in the world, reaching up to 60 meters in height, and over 300 years in age. You can visit the forest on a forest walk, a forest trail, or a scenic drive, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the forest.
Whale Watching and Marine Life
Margaret River is a hotspot for whale watching and marine life enthusiasts, hosting some of the most amazing whale watching and marine life experiences in the world. The region is visited by over 35,000 whales every year, between June and December, and offers a variety of whale species, whale seasons, whale cruises, and whale festivals. You can also discover the rich and diverse marine life, which includes dolphins, seals, sea lions, fish, and coral, and visit some of the best marine parks and marine attractions. Some of the most remarkable and captivating whale watching and marine life in Margaret River are:
Humpback Whales: The most common and acrobatic whales in Margaret River, which can be seen from July to November, and often perform spectacular breaches, tail slaps, and pectoral fin slaps. You can join a humpback whale cruise, and get close to these gentle and playful giants, and listen to their songs and sounds.
Southern Right Whales: The most endangered and elusive whales in Margaret River, which can be seen from June to October, and often rest and nurse their calves in the sheltered bays and inlets. You can join a southern right whale cruise, and admire these graceful and majestic creatures, and learn about their conservation and recovery.
Blue Whales: The largest and rarest whales in Margaret River, which can be seen from November to December, and often migrate along the coast, feeding on krill and plankton. You can join a blue whale cruise, and witness these awe-inspiring and magnificent animals, and appreciate their size and power.
Busselton Jetty: A jetty that is famous for being the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, stretching over 1.8 kilometers into the ocean, and offering a range of marine experiences, such as the jetty train, the Underwater Observatory, and the jetty dive. You can also spot whales, dolphins, and seals from the jetty, or join a jetty cruise.
Accommodation and Dining
Margaret River is a destination for luxury and comfort seekers, offering some of the best accommodation and dining options in the world. The region has a variety of accommodation options, such as hotels, resorts, cottages, campsites, and more, that cater to different tastes, budgets, and preferences. You can also enjoy a range of dining options, such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, and markets, that serve delicious and fresh food and drink, such as local produce, seafood, cheese, chocolate, beer, and coffee. Some of the most outstanding and delightful accommodation and dining options in Margaret River are:
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort: A resort that is famous for its location, overlooking the stunning Bunker Bay, and its facilities, such as a heated infinity pool, a day spa, a fitness center, and a tennis court. You can also enjoy the spacious and elegant villas, the award-winning restaurant, and the beachfront bar.
Smiths Beach Resort: A resort that is famous for its design, featuring contemporary and stylish apartments, villas, and beach houses, and its amenities, such as a gourmet deli, a wine store, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean, the spacious and comfortable accommodation, and the fine dining restaurant.
Margaret River Farmers Market: A market that is famous for its local produce, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, bread, cheese, meat, and more, and its community atmosphere, where you can meet the farmers, the artisans, and the locals. You can also enjoy the live music, the coffee, and the breakfast stalls, and support the local economy and environment.
The Common: A pub that is famous for its beer, featuring a range of craft beers from the local brewery, Colonial Brewing Co, and its food, serving delicious and hearty pub classics, such as burgers, pizzas, steaks, and salads. You can also enjoy the friendly and relaxed vibe, the live entertainment, and the outdoor deck.
Voyager Estate Restaurant: A restaurant that is famous for its wine, offering a wine-paired degustation menu, featuring six or seven courses, each matched with a Voyager Estate wine, and its food, showcasing the best of the seasonal and regional ingredients, such as seafood, lamb, cheese, and chocolate. You can also enjoy the elegant and sophisticated setting, the attentive and knowledgeable service, and the stunning views of the vineyard and the rose garden.
Margaret River is a guide to Australia’s ultimate destination for wine, surf, and nature lovers, offering a range of things to do that will suit any taste, budget, and preference. Whether you want to sip some of the finest wines, catch some of the biggest waves, or explore some of the most beautiful caves and forests, Margaret River has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Margaret River today, and discover why it is one of the most amazing destinations in Australia.
