The Best Things to Do in Margaret River

Margaret River is a small town found three and a half hours south of Perth, Western Australian, that shares its name with both the nearby river, and the surrounding region. Well-known across Australia and the world for its stunning coastline, quality surf breaks, craft breweries, and surrounding wineries, Margaret River is certainly one of WA’s most desirable destinations. Along with wonderful wineries, there are fun things to do that aren't wineries too.

In Margaret River, there are plenty of great hotels, but we're highlighting our two favourites.

The Grand Mercure Basildene Manor is one of Margaret River’s most enchanting places to stay. Set on a backdrop of lush greenery in the Margaret River Region, this elegant property offers lucky guests the combination of old world charm and modern luxury. The perfect base for an extended stay, Basildene Manor features spacious rooms and suites, a fireside reading room, conservatory, pool, sun deck, tennis court, lakeside pergola and BBQ facilities.

With 19 well-considered rooms and suites in close proximity to a range of wineries, restaurants and cafes, Basildene Manor has been rightfully recognised by TripAdvisor as the Number One hotel in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Category two years in a row, and is an amazing way to start your Margaret River adventure.

The Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Margaret River is the ultimate getaway. With the white sands of Bunker Bay to one side and the rolling hills of Margaret River to the other, you're nestled into serenity. The five-star resort boast direct beach access, as well as a lengthy pool so you can take a dip how you like. 

Choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom bungalow-style villas, each with lake or garden views and an outdoor courtyard or deck. You'll also enjoy boardwalk access to the beach and a kitchen or kitchenette for an indulgent home away from home. Perfect for family holidays, trips away with friends, and romantic getaways, the Pullman Bunker Bay is the perfect Margaret River accommodation if you're looking for resort comfort and luxury in the iconic WA wine region.

From June to November, Margaret River is home to the migration of over 35,000 whales, who every year make the trip from the Antarctic to Margaret River to access the hospitable reaches of our warm Australian waters. Humpback, southern right, minke and blue whales all make the journey, most often arriving first at Flinders Bay in Augusta, one of the best locations for whale spotting between June to August, and one of the few places where you’ll witness the interactions of southern right and humpback whales. 

You can watch the action unfold on the horizon from the shore, along the Cape to Cape Track, from the top of a lighthouse, or get up close on a whale watching cruise departing from Augusta, Dunsborough and Busselton throughout the season. A number of charters are also fitted with hydrophones so you can listen in on the eerily beautiful sounds of whale song. 

Raring to go? Whale Watch Western Australia and Naturaliste Charters have got you covered for all your Margaret River whale watching needs.

Just like the majority of regions that are well-known for the success of their wine, Margaret River contains a plethora of high quality eating experiences to go along with their famous libations. 

Pizzica is Margaret River’s little slice of Italy, offering up traditional woodfired pizzas and Italian classics that are highly favoured by the locals and their families. 

Yarri in Dunsborough delivers a more sophisticated and understated dining experience, with a versatile offering that varies from bar snacks to fine dining. The kitchen is headed up by WA icon and part-owner Aaron Carr, with a menu designed to showcase the seasonality of locally-sourced ingredients from WA.

Mikis Open Kitchen is a completely unique Margaret River experience. Chef Mik creates a modern Japanese degustation that doesn’t shy away from challenging tradition, and is a welcome way to break up your wine adventure with something from the extensive sake list. Open Tuesday-Saturday, reservations are a must for the two nightly seatings at 6pm and 8.15pm, which sees diners choose one of four menus – Miki’s Trust, Miki’s Complete, Hanami Sake Discovery, or Miki’s For Kids. 

Last but far from least, Lamont’s Smiths Wine & Kitchen in Yallingup serves up the culinary designs of Australian food icon and cookbook author Kate Lamont, who was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the tourism and hospitality sectors in Western Australia. 

The Restaurant & Wine Bar is open 7 days a week from noon till late, with options of a tapas style menu for a quick bite, or seasonal a la carte menu and wine list for the full spectrum of the Lamont’s experience. Alongside Smiths Wine & Kitchen sits the Cellar Door & Deli, giving lucky travellers the chance to take home their very own taste of Lamont’s.

Despite being one of the world’s youngest wine regions, Margaret River is home to some of the most ancient soil on earth, which has helped the area achieve astounding success and international acclaim, known particularly for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that it produces. With these winning vines come some of Australia’s most revered wineries, and some of the most desired destinations for visitors and locals alike. 

Make your way to Stella Bella, Peachtree, or Walsh & Sons to experience some of the amazing vineyard experiences that Margaret River has to offer, or take the hard work out of it and book a wine tour with Vintage Wine Tours, Margaret River Wine Tours, or Wine For Dudes. 

If you’re more of a beer lover, then look no further than Margaret River Brewhouse and Cowaramup Brewing Company for a sip of the best local suds, or hit up Margaret River Brewery Tours for a curated day filled with beer, wine, and cider.

Margaret River is also home to an almost unending line of pristine beaches and diverse, stunning coastline. Whether you’re an avid surfer looking for the best waves, a family keen on a relaxed bay experience, or just on the hunt for the best views, Margs has got the spot for you. 

Yallingup Beach provides the best of both worlds, and is one of Margaret River’s most popular beaches for good reason. As you descend the beach’s main staircase, you’ll be greeted on the left by a tranquil bay encircled by a coral reef that is perfect for a family friendly dip, while the right side is home to a crashing beach break great for surfers and strong swimmers. 

Gas Bay features an exposed reef break that delivers consistent waves for intermediate and advanced surfers, capable of delivering both amazing tubes and broken boards, while Surfers Point is home to Margaret River’s most popular surfing destination. 

Cosy Corner and Foul Bay deliver an experience quite the opposite of the latter’s name, and is perfect for those looking for a relaxed, picturesque beach experience that sits off the beaten track, overlooking Hamelin Island and the surrounding limestone rock formations.

Running between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lies the Cape to Cape Track, Australia’s longest coastal walking trail. Coming in at around 130 kilometres long, it was recognised as one of the Top Ten Multi-Day Walks in Australia by Australian Geographic, and with good reason, as the expansive trek features stunning sea-cliffs, magical forests, spectacularly remote beaches, limestone cave systems, and a range of historical sites. 

Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual traveller, there are plenty of ways to experience the Cape to Cape track. Fully commit to a multi-day mission that takes you through the amazing list of heights and troughs, or pick one of the many easily accessible sections for a picturesque day walk with family. 

What are you waiting for? 

With all this on offer, plus much much more, your next Margaret River adventure awaits!