Travel Guide to Margaret River - Things to do in Margaret River

What are the top attractions in Margaret River?

• Be adventurous and give surfing, stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking or even horse riding a go. The Margaret River region is home to more than 130 beaches from Cape to Cape - where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific Ocean. The surf breaks are impressive where the Margaret River meets the ocean as well.
   
• Walk or train to the end of the Busselton Jetty, or take to the water for a dive or snorkel marine experience below the wharf. No experience is necessary as underwater helmets can be part of your tour - a great first breathing underwater experience.

• No trip would  be complete without sampling the regions  finest ferments on a winery, distillery or brewery tour, or go at your own paces with a self-drive cellar door hop. Finish your foodie adventure with a long table lunch. With a 150 wineries and breweries, and 100 cafes and restaurants - choose from grazing plates to degustation menus and everything in between.
   
• Picnic or camp among the karri trees in Boranup Forest and stargaze at Injidup Natural Spa. In fact take some of the sumptuous local produce and spend the day picnic-ing and swimming.

• Browse Dunsborough and Margaret River’s beautiful boutiques. There’s homewares, clothing stores, great cafes and plenty of beautiful souvenirs to discover. The Galleries and local art offerings are also there to be enjoyed. This region has long been a draw card for the artistic community.
   
• Head underground and explore four of the region’s magical caves – Jewel, Lake, Mammoth and Ngilgi. The Margaret River region is every bit as spectacular underground as it is above. Some of the caves are better suited to children or less able people as there are caves with many stairs. You can choose between adventure tours where you shimmy along the ground - or easy walk and marvel self guided tours. 

• Walk a section of the 135km-long Cape to Cape Track (or all of it, if you’re game -  in 6 or 7 days, walking 20 - 25km per day!), and spot sea creatures, beautiful wildflowers and magnificent coast along the way. Your options range from self guided tenting walks to luxury accommodations to rest at each evening on guided tours.  The track runs between the Lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The scenery is spectacular with geographical rock formations, cliffs, caves and scenic headlands, to forest scenery and ever changing displays of vegetation and wild flowers.
   
• Head up the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse, and see where the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean meet, or visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for views of the Cape to Cape. 

• Spot migrating humpback, southern right and blue whales on a whale watching tour from Augusta (June through to September) or Busselton and Dunsborough (September to December). There is an estimated 35,000 whales per season migrating from Antarctic waters - they'll return back in the spring.
   
• Get up close to wild stingrays and eagle rays at Hamelin Bay. these stingrays can have a wingspan of up to 2 metres. There is plenty water based activity on offer here. Snorkling, diving, beaching and fishing are all popular ways to spend a sunny day. 
   
• Take a look at the South West Festival Calendar and coincide your trip to match your interests.

How to get to Margaret River

The main route is to fly to Perth and then travel by car which takes approximately 3 hrs.
It is possible to fly direct to Busselton-Margaret River Arport from Melbourne (a 2hr flight), from Perth (a 50 minute flight). 
Coaches also connect Perth to the South West Region departing daily, or with any of the group tour options that we offer such as the 15 Day Western Wonderland trip

How far is Busselton from Margaret River?

You are never far away from the coast in this region, it is only 49km (30 miles)  between the locations.

How long should I stay in Margaret River for?

With all of the activities and opportunities for relaxation we would strongly recommend a minium of a two night stay (or longer if your timetable allows). See these self drive trips that have incorporated a two night stay in Margaret River.

9 Day South West Explorer or the 7 Day Margaret River Luxurious Vineyards & Coast. with a little extra time enjoy the 12 Day Perth to Albany Loop

Is it Better to stay in Margaret River, Yallingup or Dunsborough

Many attractions are scattered between Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River. If you wanted the convenience to walk into town for dinners and acivities then we would recommend staying in Margaret River. If you prefer the coast then head to Cape Lodge at Yallingup, with its iconic Cape Lodge Restaurant.

What are the best wineries to visit in & Margaret River?

1.    Vasse Felix (with full restaurant)
2.    Cullen Wines (with full restaurant)
3.    Leeuwin Estate (with full  restaurant)
4.    Brookwood Estate ( with grazing boards)
5.    Aravina Estate. (with full  restaurant)
6.    Lenton Brae (cellar door only )
7.    Stella Bella Wines (byo picinic)
8.    Woody Nook Winery (breakfast or lunch cafe style)

Have a look at the First Light Travel page dedicated to Western Australia Self Drive Itineraries.

There are plenty of options to choose from. Or, feel free to jump on the phone (or chat online) with FLT’s friendly staff and create your own customised trip.