15 fun things to do in Margaret River

What’s the best way to get to Margaret River?

One of the best ways to explore Western Australia and gorgeous coastal regions like Margaret River is by hitting the road in a campervan. A Britz campervan hire from Perth offers flexibility, comfort, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Australian landscape at your own pace. It's the perfect set-up for a Western Australian road trip – allowing you to take detours, make spontaneous stops at some of the best family-friendly campsites in Western Australia, and discover hidden gems along the way.  

 

What is Margaret River known for? 

Margaret River is located just under three hours south of Perth in Western Australia. This region, with its harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy, is also globally renowned for its premium wineries, splendid beaches perfect for surfing, and ancient caves begging to be explored. On top of this, the region boasts a growing gourmet food scene, vibrant art galleries, and a plethora of wildlife. With a backdrop of the majestic Indian Ocean and serene forest reserves, it's easy to see why this little township outside of Perth is such a haven for holidaymakers from around the world.

 

Image: Tourism Western Australia 

 

The top 15 things to do in Margaret River 

With so many attractions, we have made planning your campervan trip a breeze with this guide to the top 15 things to do in Margaret River. Let’s dive in.

 

Visit the wineries

Margaret River is internationally renowned for its premium wines and stunning vineyards, providing an enchanting backdrop for wine tasting. What's more, this region is home to over 200 wineries and produces more than 25% of Australia’s premium wines. Some of the top wineries to check out in Margaret River, include: 

• Stella Bella – Here you can enjoy a curated tasting experience, sampling their award-winning range of wines while learning about the wine-making process from their knowledgeable staff. Their unique Suckfizzle wines, made from the oldest vineyard, are highly recommended.

• Cape Mentelle – Another top winery in the region is Cape Mentelle. This winery has been producing top-quality wines since 1970 and is one of the founding five wineries in Margaret River. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly esteemed and a tour of the vineyard is the perfect look behind the curtain to take a peek into their wine-making philosophy and process.

Catch some waves 

Margaret River is a world-class surfing destination and a paradise for surfers across the globe. The consistent swells from the Indian Ocean make it a surfing hotspot – it even hosts one of Australia’s top international surf competitions, the Margaret River Pro. Places like Surfer's Point, Prevelly, and Gracetown offer fantastic surfing spots for all skill levels. 

• Surfer's Point – Here, you can witness some of the best surfers take on the majestic waves during international competitions, including the Margaret River Pro. 

• Gracetown – This surf spot has a more laid-back vibe, perfect for those who prefer less crowded surf spots. Perfect for anyone who is interested in connecting with nature and experiencing the raw power of the ocean. 

 

Beach hopping

The pristine beaches of Margaret River are some of the best in Western Australia. Start your day of beach hopping with a visit to Shelley Cove, known for its clear turquoise waters, colourful reefs, and tropical fish—a snorkeler's paradise. Next, wander onward towards Smiths Beach. This seemingly endless stretch of soft white sand is perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing, and building sandcastles with the kids. Another top contender is Bunker Bay, hidden away from the hustle and bustle, which offers calm waters ideal for a relaxing swim. Last but not least, don't forget to visit Meelup Beach, famous for its serene environment and clear waters. Each beach visit offers a unique experience, so make sure your campervan is packed with beach essentials to make the most of these coastal gems.

 

Delight your tastebuds

Margaret River is a food lover's dream, offering a range of local produce and gourmet delights that is bound to satisfy any palate. The region is known for its artisanal chocolates, cheeses, fresh local seafood and craft beer scene at local breweries featuring refreshing lagers and hop-filled IPAs. Local restaurants and food trucks like Normal Van, Glenarty Road, and Fishbone Wines provide an array of delectable goodies that are worth checking out. 

 

Meet the local wildlife

If you are looking for a spot to meet the local native wildlife – Margaret River is home to a number of great facilities. Two of the best places to interact with local wildlife include:

• Eagles Heritage Wildlife Centre – this wildlife centre is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned or displaced birds of prey. In fact, here you can witness one of Australia's largest collections of birds of prey. There's nothing quite like the experience of holding a powerful eagle or owl on your arm under the careful guidance of experienced handlers. 

• Sunflowers Animal Farm – This is the perfect spot to cuddle soft and fluffy animals (from kangaroos and guinea pigs to goats!), feed kangaroos, and even milk cows. This diverse animal experience is sure to delight kids and adults alike and is an educational and engaging way to learn about wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

 

Visit the local galleries

Margaret River is a hub for artists, with a vibrant art scene that perfectly illustrates the beauty and diversity of the region. These galleries not only offer stunning artworks but also allow sightseers to meet local artists, providing insight into their creative process. Some of the best local studios and galleries to check out, include:

• Peter Scott's Art Studio (Margaret River Studio Fine Art) – This studio displays a beautiful array of vibrant landscapes and abstract art, capturing the essence of the area. 

• Jahroc Galleries – This is another local gem and an award-winning gallery perfect for lovers of contemporary fine art, designer furniture, and jewellery. It's a treat for art connoisseurs and those seeking unique, handmade pieces.

•  Margaret River Art Gallery – This gallery showcases a curated selection of works from established and emerging artists, covering a wide range of mediums from painting to ceramics. 

 

 

Mountain biking

The Margaret River region is crisscrossed with an impressive network of mountain biking trails that offer thrilling rides through native bushland, vineyards, and coastal tracks. Below are some of the must-do trails for mountain bikers and anyone up for a challenge:

• Wadandi Track – This 31km easy-grade trail offers riders a journey through the region's natural and cultural history as they pedal along the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway.

• Middle Earth – This trail features 24 km of exciting downhill sections, jumps, tight turns and punchy uphill single track directed to those seeking a mountain biking adventure. 

• Pineocchio Pines – This track is set among a plantation of towering pines, providing a unique biking experience that feels a world away from the coastal landscape. These trails offer a fantastic way to explore the hinterland region, giving riders a sense of adventure and connection to nature.

 

Go whale watching

Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Margaret River between June and December when thousands of humpback and southern right whales migrate through the region's waters. Companies like Whale Watch Western Australia offer tours that provide not only offer breathtaking close-up views of these magnificent creatures – a whale breaching or a calf frolicking in the waters – but also educational commentary about their behaviour and conservation. This intimate encounter with one of nature's most majestic creatures is truly an experience of a lifetime and a must-do when visiting the Margaret River region. 

 

Enjoy the nearby hiking trails

The natural beauty of Margaret River can also be appreciated on foot. There are several well-marked hiking trails that are worth checking out and provide a scenic route through towering karri forests, rolling vineyards, and rugged coastal cliffs. Some of the top trails include:

• The Heritage Trail  – Following the river, this track offers glimpses of native wildlife and wildflowers while educating on the history of the Margaret River region

• The 10 Mile Brook Trail – This track leads you along the meandering river to a tranquil dam with stunning views. 

• The Cape to Cape Track – Cape-to-cape is a challenging 123 km route along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridgeline that rewards hikers with coastal vistas and secluded beaches while trekking through the incredible coastal national parks near Perth. While you can opt to complete the full length, it is also a stunning spot to wander along for a few kilometres and enjoy the coastal views. 

 

Kayak in the beautiful waters 

With its winding rivers and stunning coastline, Margaret River is perfect for kayaking. Kayaking down the Margaret River offers a unique perspective of the landscape, taking you through forests and vineyards. Along the way, you might also spot wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and a variety of bird species. Companies like Margaret River Kayaks offer equipment hire and guided tours, so you can paddle at your own pace or learn from an experienced guide. For a unique experience, paddle out to the coastline at sunrise or sunset, where the golden light casts a magical glow on the sparkling ocean waters.

 

Image: Tourism Western Australia

 

Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse stands majestically at the southwesternmost point of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. This historical landmark provides panoramic views of the coastline and vast oceans that lay on either side. A guided tour of the lighthouse is the perfect way to get a glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper and this region's maritime history. As you climb to the top, you can spot the ancient waterwheel that once supplied the lighthouse with fresh water. If you can, be sure to time your visit to the lighthouse at sunset. This is an incredible spot to watch the setting sun casting a warm, golden light over the surrounding landscape.

 

Indulge at the Margaret River Chocolate Company

No visit to Margaret River would be complete without a stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. This chocolate haven offers a wide range of handcrafted chocolates, from creamy milk chocolates to rich dark chocolates. If that wasn’t enough, they also have a selection of truffles, chocolate-coated delights, and novelty chocolates that make the perfect souvenirs (if they make it out of the store, that is!). The company also offers chocolate-making classes, where you can learn the art of tempering chocolate and making your own sweet treats. It's a delicious and fun experience that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 

Margaret River Distilling Co.

Margaret River Distilling Co. is a craft distillery offering an immersive experience into the world of spirits. Explore the beautiful native gardens as you sip on their hand-crafted beverages, or indulge in a delectable meal at their onsite restaurant of locally sourced dishes. Of course, no visit to this distillery would be complete without enrolling in the 'Giniversity Experience'. In this dream university elective, you will be guided through the process of creating your own unique gin recipe. Guided by a distiller, you'll learn about the art of distillation and the botanicals that give gin its distinct flavour. Once your gin is made, you can take a bottle home as a memorable souvenir. The Distilling Co. also offers a range of whiskies and vodkas, making it an ideal stop for those who appreciate quality spirits.

 

Explore the local farmers market

If you find yourself in Margaret River on a Saturday morning, there is no better way to start your day than with a visit to the Margaret River Farmers Market. This bustling market is a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike and supplies the region with a wide range of fresh, locally grown produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal goods. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air, while live music adds to the cheerful atmosphere. As you wander through the market, you can sample fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made cheeses, homemade bread, and much more. The market also offers a chance to meet local farmers and producers, learn about their practices, and understand the passion and hard work that goes into creating their products.  Unlike many regular markets, this farmers market doesn’t allow any resellers, so each and every stall holder is the only one in the supply chain. 

 

Explore the caves

Margaret River is home to an extensive network of underground caves, each boasting its own unique features. Exploring these caves offers a fascinating insight into the region's ancient history and an awe-inspiring showcase of nature's creativity. Some of the must-visit caves include: 

• Mammoth Cave – Filled with ancient fossils, you can opt to follow the self-guided audio tours that explain the geological and paleontological significance of the site.

• Lake Cave – Home to a tranquil underground lake, this cave is renowned for its stunning formations, including the "suspended table", which weighs several tonnes and yet, somehow appears to float above the lake's surface. 

 

Ready to explore Margaret River? 

From sipping on exquisite wines and surfing epic waves to exploring enchanting caves and witnessing the splendour of whales during their migration, there are plenty of fun things to do in Margaret River on your next visit. 

Ready to explore Margaret River for yourself? Hire a campervan with Britz today, and get ready for an unforgettable Australian road trip adventure. With its inviting Perth weather and numerous holiday parks to set up camp, you're set for a campervan journey to remember. For more tips on national parks to visit near Perth and other top things to do in Western Australia, check out the Britz blog.