From the moment you arrive in Margaret River, your senses will be overwhelmed by the stunning beauty of the bays, the beaches, the surf, and the striking limestone and granite formations. When you've had your fill of natural beauty, relax with incredible local wines and freshly caught seafood.
One of the best ways to travel is by biking from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin for about four days. There are trails and mini-stops along the way, including Hamelin Bay.
Perfect for a day trip, these majestic limestone caves and ridges allow you to uncover the history of the peoples inhabiting the lands.
Family-owned, the Eagle Bay Olives grove is a picturesque property offering tours, the chance to make your own tapenade and pesto, and spend the day picking olives.
Visit the renowned Leeuwin Estate, the Voyager Estate, and Vasse Felix, the first winery in Margaret River.
Beginners converge for lessons at Josh Palmateer's Surf Academy. More seasoned surfers will take to the shores on their own in April, when the Margaret River Pro, a World Surf League Competition, comes to town.
Margaret River's natural beauty is a phenomenon to discover and explore. This 84 mile track is cut into the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and takes travelers from one edge of Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, along the Indian Ocean. It can be entered at several points along the way and can be hiked on foot in about a week, with stops along the way for swims from its incredibly pristine and gorgeous beaches, views of its craggy cliffs and sunsets, and exploration of its flora and fauna. Because the coast is exposed, be prepared to witness all four seasons, regardless of what time of year you visit. This is one track you won't want to miss.
Before you get started on the track, take a visit to Cape Leeuwin. Or, depending on the direction you travel, make it the last stop on your journey. This solitary and mysterious lighthouse, completed in 1895, stands at the most south-westerly point and rises to 127 feet in height. From its vantage point, hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and contemplate the sheer vastness of the ocean stretched out in front. Enjoy several stories and points of interest when you visit with a guide.
A vast collection of caves - 150 limestone caves, to be exact! - are scattered all over Margaret River and discovering each of them is a unique experience unto itself. Though most remain closed to the public, the most easily accessible and largest is the aptly-named Mammoth Cave which, besides the looming formations of its stalactite ceiling, also has the jawbone of a 50,000-year-old Zygomaturus (a marsupial now extinct) set deep into its walls. For a real marvel of nature, don't miss the Lake Cave, where time - and water - has literally stood still. Here, the unique limestone formations, coupled with its dark interiors have given rise to its famed "Frozen Waterfall" and "Organ Pipes".
If you love nature, then the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is the place for you. Don't be surprised if you spot more than one kangaroo, wallaby and possum: the signature creatures of the great "Down Under" are abundant within the park. The park is home to the tallest hardwoods in the world within Karri Forest. Traversing it gives campers a feeling of the land being as yet undiscovered. Camping, hiking, swimming and cave exploration await all who wander in.
Those hungry for a fresh taste of local, homegrown produce, should not miss the more than 50 stalls of the Farmers' Markets. Bring your appetite along with your cash for an afternoon out. The stalls and their friendly vendors offer a rich variety of baked goods, meats, preserves, condiments, specialty cheeses, wines, olive oils, eggs, flowers and chocolates.
Margaret River's natural beauty is a phenomenon to discover and explore. This 84 mile track is cut into the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and takes travelers from one edge of Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, along the Indian Ocean. It can be entered at several points along the way and can be hiked on foot in about a week, with stops along the way for swims from its incredibly pristine and gorgeous beaches, views of its craggy cliffs and sunsets, and exploration of its flora and fauna. Because the coast is exposed, be prepared to witness all four seasons, regardless of what time of year you visit. This is one track you won't want to miss.
Before you get started on the track, take a visit to Cape Leeuwin. Or, depending on the direction you travel, make it the last stop on your journey. This solitary and mysterious lighthouse, completed in 1895, stands at the most south-westerly point and rises to 127 feet in height. From its vantage point, hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and contemplate the sheer vastness of the ocean stretched out in front. Enjoy several stories and points of interest when you visit with a guide.
A vast collection of caves - 150 limestone caves, to be exact! - are scattered all over Margaret River and discovering each of them is a unique experience unto itself. Though most remain closed to the public, the most easily accessible and largest is the aptly-named Mammoth Cave which, besides the looming formations of its stalactite ceiling, also has the jawbone of a 50,000-year-old Zygomaturus (a marsupial now extinct) set deep into its walls. For a real marvel of nature, don't miss the Lake Cave, where time - and water - has literally stood still. Here, the unique limestone formations, coupled with its dark interiors have given rise to its famed "Frozen Waterfall" and "Organ Pipes".
If you love nature, then the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is the place for you. Don't be surprised if you spot more than one kangaroo, wallaby and possum: the signature creatures of the great "Down Under" are abundant within the park. The park is home to the tallest hardwoods in the world within Karri Forest. Traversing it gives campers a feeling of the land being as yet undiscovered. Camping, hiking, swimming and cave exploration await all who wander in.
Those hungry for a fresh taste of local, homegrown produce, should not miss the more than 50 stalls of the Farmers' Markets. Bring your appetite along with your cash for an afternoon out. The stalls and their friendly vendors offer a rich variety of baked goods, meats, preserves, condiments, specialty cheeses, wines, olive oils, eggs, flowers and chocolates.
Swings Taphouse and Kitchen is the place to go for low-key, casual mains, wood-fired pizzas, and wines on tap. Depending on what you get, two can dine comfortably for AU$50 - AU$75.
The best time to visit Margaret River is April to September, when the weather is mostly dry and the sun shines. It's not too hot, with temperatures hovering around 68.
While there is a local airport for smaller, domestic flights, international travelers mostly land at Perth Airport (PER). From here, use any one of the options below to get to Margaret River.
Use the TransWA train service to connect from Perth to Margaret River via Bunbury. The fare for economy class is AU$30.50.
Taking a weekend trip from Perth to Margaret River? Travel south using State Route 2.
Use South West Coachlines to travel from Perth to Margaret River. There is a morning and evening service. An adult return fare is AU$94 and a one-way trip is AU$47.
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park - with its rugged limestone sea cliffs and its beautiful coastline at Cape Leeuwin, this park attracts adventure- and nature-lovers as much as daring surfers.
Geographe Bay - don't miss the chance to swim the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay and lounge on its sunny sands that stretch out for nearly 19 miles.
Hamelin Bay - is home to more than just locals: this is the go-to spot to meet and interact with sting rays!
Local public transport in Margaret River is run by Western Australia's Public Transport Authority. It includes buses, trains, and ferries. A one-way ticket costs AU$4.
There are plenty of taxis in Margaret River. Fares for metered taxis start at a flat rate of AU$4.20 and it's AU$1.06 per mile thereafter.
You can rent a car in Margaret River for around AU$49 per day.
Shopping in Margaret River consists of local farmers markets and one-off stores like Aspenz, Sugarman, or the better-known Target.
A quart of milk costs AU$1.52 and a dozen eggs costs AU$5.