Best Things to do in Margaret River in Winter

Next, head over to Voyager Estate, where you can take a guided tour of their winter vineyards and learn about their sustainable winemaking practices. Their Wine Room is open from 10am to 5pm Friday to Sunday (closed on Monday and Tuesday). You can cosy up in front of the fire and sample their organically farmed wines.

Finally, make your way to the family-owned Vasse Felix winery. Their cellar door tastings, featuring a selection of their premium wines, are a must-try. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the winemakers at work, pruning the vines in preparation for the next harvest. They offer a range of experiences with a seated tasting at the cellar door, wine and charcuterie in the wine lounge, a long lunch in the restaurant or an exploration of history and culture in the Art Gallery and The Vault. 

Cabin Fever Festival

Winter in Margaret River is also a time of celebration with The Cabin Fever Festival held in mid-July. This 10-day festival features a number of events spread across the region, from Busselton to Margaret River and everywhere in between.

The festival is a vibrant mix of food, fire, and fun. You can look forward to a night of lively music, delicious beers and dancing. Each year they bring a range of fabulous events. For the foodies, there are long lunches and cocktail battles, where the bartenders fight it out. You might also find farm feasts and truffle dinners, with parties speckled throughout. Plus, it’s a great chance to mingle with the locals and truly immerse yourself in the culture.

Winter Surfing

Margaret River is a surfer's paradise, and winter brings with it the promise of powerful swells and uncrowded line-ups, making it an ideal time for those looking to catch some waves. The region is home to over 40 top-notch surf breaks, catering to both beginners and seasoned surfers. Simpy pack that wetsuit and warm towel to greet you after a session. Not up for surfing? Simply settle down on the sand and watch those in action, or take a stroll along the beach.

Prevelly Beach, located at the mouth of the Margaret River itself, is a popular spot known for its consistent breaks. It's a great place to head for a winter surfing adventure. For those seeking a bit more thrill, the world-famous Surfers Point offers bigger waves and is the site of international surfing competitions.

Want to beach hop to find the best waves? Here are some more spots to check out in your travels:

• The Box: This beach can be seen from Surfers Point car park. It falls in the 'speciality wave' category, offering up an intense wave that lurches up out of deep water to break on a shallow jagged reef.
• Gracetown: The coastal area around Gracetown is home to some famous surf breaks. If you’re learning to surf, head to Juzzas, which is a small reef break that rolls over not far from the shore.
• Yallingup: This beach is famous worldwide and offers consistent waves that are suitable for surfers of all levels.
• Injidup: This is a popular surf spot known for its surf breaks and is best suited to the more experienced surfer.

Hiking in the National Parks

Winter in Margaret River is ideal for hiking. The cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to explore the region's stunning national parks, each offering unique landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

Start your hiking adventure at the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This park stretches along the coastline and offers a range of trails, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The Cape to Cape Track is the most famous, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, ancient karri forests, and stunning wildflower displays that bloom in Spring and can sometimes still be seen in the early winter months.

Next, venture into the heart of the Margaret River region to the Boranup Karri Forest. The towering karri trees, some over 60 metres tall, create a cosy winter atmosphere, especially as you make your way through the morning mist. Even in winter, you will be able to experience the breathtaking sight of the sunlight streaming in between the trunks, lighting up your path as you walk.

Finally, don't miss the chance to explore the Blackwood River National Park. The main attraction is the 270km long river, which is Western Australia’s longest continually flowing river. Don’t let the chilly weather stop you from grabbing a kayak and heading out for an afternoon of fishing or exploring the local flora and fauna. Just be sure to pack those gumboots and prepare for the rain!

When hiking in winter, it's essential to be prepared. Dress in layers and don't forget a waterproof jacket in case of rain, which is highly likely. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must, as trails can be slippery and muddy. And of course, don't forget your camera to capture the stunning winter scenery.

Experience the Winter Truffle Season

Winter in Margaret River brings with it a special culinary delight - truffle season. From June to August, the region becomes a hotspot for truffle hunting, offering a unique experience for food lovers.

Your first stop should be at the Truffle & Wine Co. in Manjimup, just a short drive from Margaret River. Known as one of the most significant truffle growers in the world, they offer truffle hunts where you can join their trained dogs to search for the prized black truffles.

After the hunt, you can enjoy a truffle-inspired lunch at their restaurant, where the delicate, earthy flavours of the truffle are showcased in a variety of dishes. Don't forget to visit their cellar door for a tasting of their award-winning wines and to purchase some of the fresh truffles to take with you.

Another place to enjoy the truffle season is at the Margaret River Farmers Market, where local producers offer a range of truffle products, from truffle oils to truffle-infused cheeses. It's a great place to pick up some gourmet souvenirs. Simply grate over your favourite risotto, shave over a steak or stir into your scrambled eggs before serving. The gift that keeps on giving!

Whale Watching

Winter in Margaret River also brings with it whale watching season. From June to early December, the waters off the coast become a playground for majestic humpback and southern right whales, making their annual migration to the warmer waters of Western Australia. The region offers several vantage points for whale watching. 

Winter is the perfect time to take on the 2.4km return Whale Lookout Walk located in Cape Naturaliste for the chance to spot humpback and southern right whales. It takes almost 1.5 hours to complete, and you find yourself at a lookout over the cliffs and out to sea. 

For a closer encounter, consider a whale-watching tour. There are a number on offer in the region with experienced guides on hand to provide insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of these gentle giants.

Remember to bring your binoculars for a closer look, and dress warmly as it can get chilly out on the water.

The Joy of Winter in Margaret River Region

Winter in Margaret River is full of unexpected surprises. From the cosy warmth of the wineries and the thrill of winter surfing to the serene beauty of the national parks and the culinary delights of the truffle season, there's something for everyone. Add to this the excitement of the Cabin Fever Festival and the incredible whale-watching season, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable winter getaway. So, don't let the winter chill keep you at home. Pack your bags, and come experience the magic of winter in Margaret River. 

Let Us Help You Plan Your Winter Margaret River Getaway

Whether you’ve started planning your Margaret River holiday or not, check out First Light Travel’s Margaret River blog for any further information you might need. Or, you can contact FLT’s Margaret River travel team for advice and guidance on how to design your own trip.  Our travel specialists will be happy to help you create a personalised self-drive itinerary that fits your preferences and includes unique experiences you might not have thought of yourself.