Margaret River Travel Guide: Is It Worth Visiting? (+ Things to Do, Wineries & Where to Stay)
Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s most loved destinations — and for good reason.
Just a few hours south of Perth, this region blends world-class wineries, dramatic coastline, surf beaches, forests, caves, and relaxed country towns into one easy-to-explore area. It’s popular with couples, food lovers, and road trippers, but it’s far more than “just a wine region.”
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or adding Margaret River to a longer Western Australia road trip, this guide covers everything you need to know — what to do, how long to stay, the best time to visit, and where to stay.
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Where Is Margaret River & Why Visit?
Margaret River is located in the South West of Western Australia, about 270 km (3 hours’ drive) south of Perth.
What makes Margaret River special is the variety packed into a relatively small area. In a single day, you can:
- Visit award-winning wineries
- Walk along rugged coastal cliffs
- Swim at sheltered beaches
- Explore forests, caves, and charming towns
It’s one of the easiest regions to explore by car and one of the best places to experience WA beyond Perth.
👉 Western Australia Travel Guide
👉 Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
Best Things to Do in Margaret River
Margaret River isn’t about rushing — it’s about slowing down and enjoying the mix of nature, food, and scenery.
🍷 Visit Margaret River Wineries
The region is internationally known for its:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Boutique cellar doors
Many wineries focus on quality over quantity, with beautiful settings and excellent food.
👉 Best Wineries in Margaret River
🌊 Explore the Coast & Beaches
Margaret River has some of the most dramatic coastline in WA.
Highlights include:
- Canal Rocks
- Sugarloaf Rock
- Surfers Point (world-class surf spot)
Even if you’re not surfing, the coastal scenery alone is worth the trip.
👉 Best Beaches in Margaret River
🌳 Walks, Forests & Nature
For nature lovers, Margaret River offers:
- Boranup Forest (towering karri trees)
- Coastal walking trails
- Lookouts and short hikes
Spring is especially beautiful for wildflowers.
🕳 Visit the Caves
The region is home to several accessible limestone caves, including:
They’re easy to visit and add variety to a wine-and-beach itinerary.
👉 The best caves to visit in Margaret River
🍽 Food, Breweries & Local Produce
Beyond wine, Margaret River is known for:
- Craft breweries
- Distilleries
- Farm-to-table dining
- Gourmet local produce
This makes it a great destination even if you don’t drink wine.
👉 Breweries to visit in Margaret River
How Many Days Do You Need in Margaret River?
This depends on how relaxed you want your trip to be.
- 2 days: Highlights only (wineries + coast)
- 3 days: Ideal for most visitors
- 4–5 days: Slower pace with nature, caves, and dining
If Margaret River is part of a longer WA road trip, 3 days is the sweet spot.
👉 Margaret River Itinerary
👉 WA Itineraries
Best Time to Visit Margaret River
Margaret River is a year-round destination, but each season is different.
🌸 Spring (September–November)
- Mild weather
- Wildflowers
- Great for outdoor activities
☀️ Summer (December–February)
- Warm, sunny days
- Best beach weather
- Busiest time of year
🍂 Autumn (March–May)
- Warm days, fewer crowds
- Excellent for wineries
- One of the best overall seasons
❄️ Winter (June–August)
- Cooler, greener landscapes
- Fewer visitors
- Great food and wine atmosphere
How to Get to & Around Margaret River
Getting There
- Drive from Perth: ~3 hours
- No direct flights
Getting Around
Margaret River is not practical without a car.
Distances between:
- Wineries
- Beaches
- Towns
…make driving essential unless you book guided tours.
👉 Renting a Car in Western Australia
Where to Stay in Margaret River ⭐
Where you stay depends on your travel style and priorities.
Best Areas to Stay
- Margaret River town: Central base, dining options
- Yallingup: Coastal scenery and surf beaches
- Wineries / countryside: Peaceful, scenic stays
Accommodation Types
- Budget motels and cabins
- Boutique hotels and chalets
- Luxury lodges and vineyard stays
Choosing the right location matters more than choosing the fanciest hotel.
👉 Where to Stay in Margaret River
👉 Find the Best Places to Stay in Margaret River
Best Tours & Experiences in Margaret River ⭐
Tours are a great option if you:
- Don’t want to drive between wineries
- Are short on time
- Want local knowledge
Popular tours include:
- Winery tours
- Food and gourmet tours
- Scenic and nature-focused tours
👉 Best Margaret River Tours
👉 Check Margaret River Tours & Experiences
Is Margaret River Worth Visiting? (FAQs)
Is Margaret River only for wine lovers?
No — beaches, nature, caves, and food make it appealing to many travelers.
Is Margaret River good for couples?
Yes — it’s one of WA’s most popular romantic getaways.
Can you visit without a car?
It’s possible with tours, but having a car is far better.
Margaret River vs Swan Valley?
Margaret River is larger, more scenic, and better for multi-day trips.
How Margaret River Fits Into a WA Road Trip
Margaret River is a key stop on many South West itineraries.
It pairs well with:
- Busselton
- Dunsborough
- Albany & Denmark
It’s also one of the best first road trips from Perth.
👉 South West WA Road Trip
👉 Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
Final Tips for Visiting Margaret River
- Book accommodation early in peak seasons
- Don’t underestimate driving time between stops
- Balance wineries with beaches and nature
- Plan fewer stops and enjoy them properly
🔒 Ready to Plan Your Margaret River Trip?
Margaret River is best enjoyed when you slow down and choose the right base.
👉 Find the Best Place to Stay in Margaret River
👉 See the Best Things to Do in Margaret River
👉 Plan Your Western Australia Road Trip