When was the last time you visited Margaret River?

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The seaside near some boulders in the Margaret River region

One of Western Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations is only three hours drive from Perth, but is a place that many West Aussies are still yet to discover.

Margaret River has it all – amazing coastlines, pristine beaches, arguably the world’s best surf spots, a delightful small town atmosphere with all the modern conveniences – and of course award winning wineries. And while for many travellers Margaret River is all about wineries or surfing (or both), there is so much more to discover!

Exploring the region

If you’re looking for adventure and want to skip the wineries and the town, bring your 4WD and your camping gear and enjoy some of the best natural environment in WA.

A rugged coast, gentle valleys, meandering small creeks and rivers, towering forests, unique wildflowers, limestone caves, exotic birdlife, boxing kangaroos, screeching parrots, reptiles, breaching whales, massive sharks, stingrays, surfing dolphins…and that’s just a start! If you’re bringing your 4WD, there’s plenty of hidden trails and off-road tracks to enjoy, and if you can get friendly with some of the locals they might even show you some of the best tracks that are yet to be discovered by the masses!

Camping in Margaret River is easy with a choice of caravan and tourist parks, right through to beach camping on offer; plus of course if you’d rather a roof over your head, accommodation options are limitless.

Take a hike!

If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, put on your walking shoes and take on the unique ‘Cape to Cape Track’ running from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin.

The entire track is approximately 125km long and would take six or seven days to complete; so perhaps take it in sections! Autumn is the ideal time to walk the track, and there are camping spots along the way.

Some of the highlights along the way include Quininup Falls, a stunning cascade over a rockface; the Willyabrup Cliffs which form an impressive backdrop of the track; Meekadarabee Falls – a lush, soft green oasis in the otherwise harsh landscape; “Joey’s Nose” – an ancient limestone cliff that overlooks the coastline; Boranup Forest and Boranup Beach; Hamelin Bay Jetty which was built in 1882; Cosy Corner Blowholes where circular shafts have been etched out in the limestone over thousands of years enabling spectacular blow ups of water; and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – constructed in 1896 and perching only 56m above sea level, this 39m landmark marks Australia’s most south westerly tip.

The full Cape to Cape track is definitely one for the seasoned hiker, however if you’d like to experience some of it, the first section may be for you.

Starting at Cape Naturaliste Light House, the first section of the track is a fairly easy 3.5km walk to Sugarloaf Rock and is along a sealed surface or boardwalk, and still offers spectacular sights and scenery.

Don’t forget the wine!

It wouldn’t be a holiday to Margaret River without visiting at least a few of the world-class wineries in the region.

The unique Mediterranean climate means Margaret River is a region that is more than capable of producing wines to match the world’s best; offering powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends.

With more than 180 wineries and around 215 vineyards in the region, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Need more reason to visit Margaret River?

There are plenty of events held in Margaret River each year that cover a variety of interests and topics; and not surprisingly, many are based around food and wine.

Farmer’s Markets are held regularly and are a great place to pick up some local produce; and on the other end of the scale, the Gourmet Escape held in November each year delivers the world’s best chefs and an indescribable culinary experience for all tastes.

Other events in the area include:

  • Open Studios – promoting local artists (25 April – 10 May)
  • Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival (15-17 May)
  • WSL Margaret River Pro Surfing Championships (22 April – 2 May)
  • Cabin Fever Fest winter food festival (17-26 July)
  • CinefestOZ (26 August – 30 August)
  • Eagle Bay Epic: open ocean swimming, ocean paddling, trail running, mountain biking, rock hopping and team pursuits (7 – 8 November)

Plan your visit

Need more inspiration before you visit Margaret River? Visit margaretriver.com to help plan your trip!

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