- Local Drops
Where to eat, stay and play in Margaret River
Margaret River wineries are only the beginning — there are plenty of things to do in this beautiful corner of Western Australia. Follow our handy tourism guide.
As the wine capital of Western Australia, the Margaret River wine region boasts more than 200 vineyards, and accounts for 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wines. Thanks to the maritime climate and rich soil, it’s also home to some of the finest grapes. Combine that with a community of pioneering winemakers who are decidedly focused on sustainability and your basically guaranteed quality drops. In addition to hero varietals chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, you’ll also find great shiraz, merlot and sauvignon blanc here.
The best bit is it’s only a three-hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, making it an easy-to-access destination (and an easy weekend break for Perth residents). Whether you’re dreaming of an escape in the future or you’re already planning your getaway, here’s what to do in Margaret River on your next trip, from great Margaret River wineries to visit to the best Margaret River restaurants and must-visit attractions to keep foodies and adventure-seekers happy.
Where to stay in Margaret River
Margaret River accommodation options range from exclusive hotels to Airbnbs. You can browse almost 100 luxury homes on privateproperties.com.au, each featuring stunning designs and personalised service. It’s run by locals so a bonus of your stay is local knowledge on the best things to do in the area.
With just 22 rooms in a sprawling estate, Cape Lodge is an intimate retreat located in the heart of the region. The Cape Dutch architecture, manicured grounds, elegant dining room, and afternoon tea offering create a quintessential country house experience.
Luxury accommodation in Margaret River doesn’t get more 5-star than the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. If your Margaret River getaway involves sand and surf time, its beachfront vistas will do quite nicely. Stay in one of the modern villas, enjoy alfresco dining and some pampering at the Vie Spa.
If you want to forgo the four walls, camping in Margaret River is an especially popular way to appreciate the landscape, with a range of campgrounds at good-value price points. Margaret River weather is temperate and predictable, making it a great spot year-round.
The best Margaret River wineries
A Margaret River wine tour, whether self-guided or with a local tour company like Margaret River tours, is the best way to experience many of the beautiful cellar doors and vineyards.
If you’re going it yourself, some of the best wineries in Margaret River include Cullen Wines, which specialises in organic, biodynamic wines: Vasse Felix, one of the pioneers of the region — with an acclaimed winery restaurant onsite; and Leeuwin Estate, a family-run winery where art and wine intersect. A couple of notable chardonnays to try from those estates: the Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay, which has beautiful lemony flavours, and the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, which is a show-stopping example of one of Margaret River’s hallmark wine styles.
Forester Estate is also not to be missed for the Forester Estate Premium Sauvignon Blanc – it’s a complex, fuller style of wine with citrus and dried herb characters. Then stop by Abbey Vale and sample the multi-award winning Abbey Vale Shiraz.
Don’t forget to put Xanadu Wines on your itinerary either. Located just out of town, it’s well known for its great wines and a restaurant that’s one of the best places for dining in Margaret River. While you’re there try the Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon – it’s packed with dense fruit flavours.
And finally, visit Howard Park and ask to try the Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – according to the wine makers it’s one of the finest vintages of Abercrombie yet.
Where to eat in Margaret River
Acclaimed chef Aaron Carr helms stylish, contemporary restaurant Yarri in the charming little town of Dunsborough. Enjoy sensational Mod Oz cuisine in a seasonally changing menu celebrating sustainable, locally sourced Western Australian produce.
When it comes to winery restaurants, it doesn’t get much better than the one at Cullen Wines. You might come here for its biodynamic, carbon positive drops — and they are excellent — but you should stay for the fresh, delicious food made with ingredients from the biodynamic kitchen gardens, enjoyed in the sun-drenched restaurant.
Proving Margaret River has much more than wine to offer, Black Brewing Co serves up crowd-pleasing sharing platters and pizzas in a lovely lakeside setting at its cellar door restaurant. Wash it down with one of their beers, some craft gin from their sister distillery, or if you can’t get enough, local wines.
And don’t forget dessert! The Margaret River Chocolate Factory has been serving the community since 1990. It has free tastings and a fully stocked cafe that can satisfy any craving. Coffee drinkers can also rejoice, as wine isn’t the only specialty beverage in these parts — Yahava Margaret River offers a Koffee Safari where you can sample some sweet and savoury goodies and roast your own coffee beans to take home.
Adventurous Margaret River attractions
Our list of things to do in Margaret River isn’t only about eating and drinking – make time for some Margaret River outdoor activities too. The area is a paradise of ancient karri forests, limestone caves and beautiful coastline. The region is a fantastic spot for nature-lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone wanting to zen out.
Head west towards the coast to enjoy beach activities including whale watching, surfing and fishing. Ready to try some Margaret River adventure activities? The Margaret River Climbing Co. covers all your adrenaline needs with rock climbing, abseiling and cave exploration. And the Margaret River itself is a great spot for canoeing, which is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
Margaret River is a pristine corner of Australia that offers great food, excellent wine, and something for just about everybody. We’ll see you there!
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