Adam Ford
Western Australia’s south-west corner is a dream travel destination. Defined by dramatic coastline, epic forests, marching dunes (Google it!), characterful townships, and an amazing food and wine scene, this part of the country could keep you occupied for weeks. Yet somehow it largely flies below our collective travel radar — with one notable exception. Once upon a time, the name Margaret River referred to a small township in the South West region. These days the name encompasses a much larger area that includes Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta and many other communities. Margaret River is known predominantly for its wine making credentials, but it can be anything you want it to be — so read on!
How do you get to Margaret River?
Margs is located about three hour’s drive south of Perth. You might want to break the trip in Bunbury, which is home to the must-visit and newly upgraded Dolphin Discovery Centre. There are also plenty of free recreational facilities where kids can let off some pent-up steam, including the Foreshore playground (complete with a zip line) and the new Koolambidi Woola youth precinct.
It’s also now possible to fly directly to Margaret River from Sydney and Melbourne with Jetstar, which commenced flights to the coastal city of Busselton in 2024.
What’s the best time to visit?
Margaret River has a temperate climate, but it can be very changeable — so be prepared for every eventuality when you pack. Summer is the busiest time to visit, with average daily temperatures in the low 30s. Winter temperatures generally hover in the mid to low teens.
What’s in store for wine lovers?
The town of Margaret River was only established in 1913, 75+ years after English settler John Bussell renamed its eponymous river. However, it wasn’t until the 60s and 70s that winemakers settled in and began to make their mark. Today, there are more than two hundred vineyards in Margaret River and around one hundred cellar doors. The oldest vines can be found at Vasse Felix, which has been in operation for six decades.
Red lovers, this is the destination for you. The main game is cabernet sauvignon, but the area also produces some of Australia’s best chardonnay. You’ll also find great semillon, sauvignon blanc, merlot and shiraz.
Two cellar doors that shouldn’t be missed are Amelia Park and Cullen Wines, both of which are located in Wilyabrup. Amelia Park is best known for its SSB (semillon sauvignon blanc), chardonnay, and cab merlot. Enjoy a tasting in the architecturally stunning cellar door or push the boat out on lunch and matching wines in the equally beautiful onsite restaurant.
One of the most respected names in Margaret River wine production is that of Vanya Cullen — chief winemaker and head honcho at family-owned Cullen Wines. Vanya has pioneered bio-dynamic wine production in Australia and won numerous accolades in the process. The rustic cellar door offers seated tastings seven days a week and visitors can also do a self-guided tour of the garden.
Do you have any tips for places to eat?
The dining scene in Margaret River is unbelievably good, thanks in no small part to the quality of local produce. Meet growers, producers, and makers at the Margaret River Farmers Market, which takes place in the Margaret River township every Saturday morning.
There are lots of fabulous places to eat (including several exceptional winery restaurants), but for that special night out book a table at Yarri in Dunsborough. It serves an Indigenous-inspired seasonal menu, derived from ethically and sustainably farmed and foraged ingredients. The presentation is exquisite.
For something a bit more relaxed, swing by Eagle Bay Brewing Co (also in Dunsborough). The wood-fired pizzas and share boards always impress. If you have time, duck into neighbouring Eagle Bay Olives to sample the fruits from their grove.
What else is there to do in Margaret River?
It’s the diversity of activities in Margaret River that makes it such a great travel destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to tackle at least part of the Cape to Cape Track — a 140-kilometre trek along the coast through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It takes about six days to do the whole track, but consider walking a small section over the course of a single day – you won’t be sorry.
Surfing is huge in Margaret River and if you want to learn to hang ten, book a lesson with Margaret River Surf School. Most people manage to get upright in just one session. The Margaret River Pro take place in May and forms part of the World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour.
For a fun day out for all ages, head for Busselton Jetty. At just on two kilometres long, it’s the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. You can really get your steps up trekking out to the underwater observatory at its far end. Alternatively, climb aboard the super cute tourist train and enjoy the ride. Note that you’ll need to purchase a day pass to walk the Jetty, and train tickets are an additional cost.
Adam Ford is editor of the Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas website and a Daylesford-based travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam hosts the top rating YouTube channel Oz and Beyond Travel Series and the fortnightly Travel Show (Wednesdays at 10am) with Robyn Rogers on Hepburn Radio.
Listen to a podcast of the latest episode of The Travel Show, featuring a Margaret River destination guide:
