Margaret River offers more than just its stunning coastline, world-class surf breaks, and vibrant culture. This region is a haven for wine enthusiasts, attracting visitors to its beautiful vineyards and exceptional fine wines produced by over 200 local winemakers.
To help you navigate this wine lover’s paradise, here are our five top pick of the best wineries Margaret River has to offer:
1. Clairault Streicker
Take a scenic drive through native forests and farmlands to reach Clairault Streicker, a stunning winery dedicated to offering an indulgent, intimate wine experience. Visitors have the opportunity to do a wine tasting, enjoy a long lunch at the Vineyard Kitchen, or for those looking for a more unique experience, Clairault Streicker also offers wine blending classes, or the chance to soak in the beauty of the winery with a Vineyard Picnic.
2. Aravina Estate
Aravina Estate is more than just a winery; it’s a destination. Known for its outstanding wines, the estate features a restaurant overlooking picturesque gardens and a lake. Visitors can explore the cellar door, a tap house, and the Western Australian surfing museum, a first-of-its-kind in partnership with Surfing WA. The Estate Tour–an absolute must, includes a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival, a visit to the winery and vineyard, followed by a guided wine-tasting of six of Aravina Estate’s range.
3. Vasse Felix
As the founding winery of the Margaret River Wine Region, Vasse Felix is not to be missed. Vasse Felix specialises in making Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the two varieties of wine that Margaret River is most known for. Whether it’s a wine-tasting, a glass in the Wine Lounge, or lunch at the exquisite Vasse Felix restaurant, the vineyard has it all. With its location 25 minutes from Dunsborough, if you’re staying in Margaret River, Vasse Felix makes the perfect stopover after a whale watching tour with Naturaliste Charters in Dunsborough!
4. Lentedal Vineyard Estate
For more of a laid back, farm-style experience that the whole family will love, Lentedal Vineyard Estate is the perfect place. This family-owned and run winery has everything from delicious cheese platters and woodfired pizza, friendly farm animals, and are welcoming to your own pups on leash! Located conveniently in between Dunsborough and Busselton, don’t miss Lentedal’s outdoor cinema, showcasing the best family movies every Saturday evening in spring and summer.
5. Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate, alongside Vasse Felix, is one of the five founding wineries of Margaret River. Gaining international acclaim in 1981 with their ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay, the estate continues to shine on the global stage. The ‘Art Series’ wine labels have evolved into a collection of over 150 artworks, many of which are displayed in the Leeuwin Estate Art Gallery, another unmissable attraction of the region.
Other things to do in Margaret River
Margaret River offers more than just exceptional wineries. Surfing enthusiasts can catch some waves at some of the world’s best surf breaks. Beach lovers can also enjoy the white sand and crystal-clear water at Hamelin Bay or Meelup Beach.
Nature lovers can explore one of the four stunning ancient caves in the region, each offering a glimpse into the area’s rich geological history. For hikers, the 123-kilometre Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses offers an unforgettable trek through diverse landscapes.
For those interested in wildlife, joining Naturaliste Charters for a whale watching tour is a must. These tours depart from Augusta between May and August, and from Dunsborough between August and November, offering a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Join us for a Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching Tours
Our Whale Watching Tours are a spectacular way to witness these magnificent creatures up close. If you’re visiting the Margaret River region, we offer tours from:
- Augusta: May to August
- Dunsborough: August to November
During these tours, you can spot humpbacks in the waters of Flinders and Geographe Bay. From October onwards in Dunsborough, you might even see blue whales, the largest animals in the world. The Dunsborough season also offers the chance to observe playful humpback calves migrating south with their mothers.
For an even grander adventure, head five hours southeast from Margaret River to Bremer Bay for our incredible 8-hour killer whale trips, available from December to April. We are pioneers of killer whale tours in Bremer Bay, the only place in Australia where you can embark on a tour specifically to see killer whales.
Plan Your Perfect Margaret River Adventure
Margaret River offers an unforgettable experience for everyone, whether you’re here to taste world-class wines or witness the incredible whales breaching in stunning waters. Come and explore all that this beautiful region has to offer! Visit our website for more information and book your next whale watching adventure!
