Margaret River is a stunning region in Western Australia, known for its world-class wineries, beautiful beaches, and lush forests. Located about three hours south of Perth, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Camping in Margaret River is a wonderful way to experience the full bounty of what this beautiful region has to offer. Whether you’re waking up to the sound of the ocean or the rustling of the forest, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.
Here are the top 5 campgrounds you should consider for your next trip:
RAC Margaret River Nature Park
RAC Margaret River Nature Park Camping
Nestled in the heart of Margaret River, RAC Margaret River Nature Park is a tranquil haven for nature lovers.
You can choose from a variety of camping options, from powered sites to eco-friendly safari tents.
Surrounded by native bushland, this campground provides easy access to walking trails, mountain biking tracks, and the beautiful Margaret River itself.
The park also has some fantastic facilities, including a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and clean amenities, making it a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures.
Alexandra Bridge Campground
Alexandra Bridge Camping
Located along the banks of the Blackwood River, Alexandra Bridge Campground is a serene spot perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Alexandra Bridge campground is ideal for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
With basic facilities like toilets and picnic tables, it offers a more rustic camping experience.
The lush riverside setting provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
Conto Campground
Conto’s Campsite – Margaret River
Conto Campground is part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and is a popular choice for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The campground is surrounded by coastal vegetation and offers easy access to the stunning Conto Beach.
Camping sites are spacious and well-maintained, with amenities including toilets, BBQ areas, and picnic tables.
From here, you can explore nearby attractions like the Cape to Cape Track, Jewel Cave, and the impressive coastal cliffs.
Conto beach is suitable for swimming and fishing on calm days and for surfing on days with mid-sized swells from the southwest with easterly winds.
It is not for novice surfers as the long waves pack good power and speed over reef.
Jarrahdene Campground
Jarrahdene Campground – Margaret River
Jarrahdene Campground is located in the Boranup Forest, a beautiful karri forest known for its towering trees and lush undergrowth.
This campground is perfect for those who want to experience the tranquility of the forest while being close to the attractions of Margaret River.
The sites are well-shaded and equipped with basic facilities like toilets and BBQ areas.
It’s an excellent spot for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Riverview Tourist Park
Riverview Tourist Park – Margaret River Township
For those who prefer a mix of nature and comfort, Riverview Tourist Park offers a fantastic camping experience with modern amenities.
Situated along the Margaret River, this campground provides both powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins and cottages for those who want a little more luxury.
The park features a swimming pool, playground, and BBQ areas, making it a great choice for families.
It’s also conveniently located near the town centre, providing easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Things to Do While Camping in Margaret River
Camping in Margaret River offers much more than just setting up a tent—it’s a gateway to a wide array of exciting activities. Here are some top things to do to make the most of your camping adventure:
Explore the Wineries
Margaret River Wineries
Margaret River is world-renowned for its wineries, producing some of Australia’s finest wines. With over 200 vineyards and 100 cellar doors, there’s no shortage of places to explore and sample some exquisite bottles.
Guided Tours or DIY Wine Trails: Visit renowned wineries like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Cullen Wines.
Tastings and Pairings: Enjoy tastings of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, paired with gourmet food.
More than Just Wine: Many wineries also offer beautiful picnic spots, scenic views, and art galleries, making your visit an all-encompassing cultural experience.
Surfing and Swimming
Surfing and Swimming is a popular activity in Margaret River
The coastline of Margaret River is famous for its excellent surfing and swimming spots, attracting water sports enthusiasts from around the world. Surfers Point, located at Prevelly, is a must-visit for surfers of all levels, offering consistent waves and stunning ocean views.
Top Surf Spots: Surfers Point at Prevelly, Main Break, The Box, and Redgate Beach offer consistent waves and stunning ocean views.
Relaxed Beaches: For a more laid-back experience, head to the calm waters of Gnarabup Beach or Hamelin Bay, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
Facilities: Many beaches have BBQ areas, picnic tables, and walking paths, ensuring a great day out by the sea.
Caving Adventures
There are a number of caving options in the Margaret River Region
Home to a network of spectacular limestone caves, the Margaret River region offers a unique underground adventure.
Lake Cave: Features a stunning crystal lake reflecting delicate formations.
Mammoth Cave: Offers a self-guided tour to marvel at ancient fossils and impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Jewel Cave: The largest show cave in Western Australia, with three massive chambers filled with intricate formations and crystal decorations.
Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the geology and history of these natural wonders, making it an educational and awe-inspiring activity for all ages.
Hiking and Biking
The Margaret River Region has numerous bike & walk trails
Take advantage of the numerous trails in Margaret River, catering to both hikers and bikers.
- Cape to Cape Track: A must-do, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. Stretching 135 kilometres from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, the trail can be tackled in sections or as a multi-day hike.
- Mountain Biking: The region offers a variety of trails, from the family-friendly Rails to Trails path to the challenging trails in the Boranup Forest.
Enjoy the coastal heathlands to towering karri forests, and keep an eye out for native wildlife along the way.
Wildlife Watching
There are many bird and animal species to enjoy
Margaret River’s diverse habitats are home to an array of wildlife, providing ample opportunities for wildlife watching.
Spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or dusk, and keep an eye out for possums, bandicoots, and echidnas.
Birdwatchers will delight in the region’s birdlife, including colourful parrots, majestic eagles, and the rare red-tailed black cockatoo.
Marine life is also abundant, with dolphins often seen frolicking in the waves and seals basking on the rocks.
Head to Hamelin Bay for the chance to see friendly stingrays swimming close to the shore, a truly magical experience.
Wildlife Watching
Margaret River’s rich and varied habitats are teeming with wildlife, offering plenty of opportunities for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts to have a close encounter with some more free-range locals.
- Land Animals: Spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or dusk, and keep an eye out for possums, bandicoots, and echidnas.
- Birdwatching: Delight in colourful parrots, majestic eagles, and the rare red-tailed black cockatoo.
- Marine Life: Watch dolphins frolicking in the waves and seals basking on the rocks. Head to Hamelin Bay for the chance to see friendly stingrays swimming close to the shore—a truly magical experience.
Whale Watching
Humpback Whale Tail Slapping with Dolphins in Flinders Bay Augusta
From May to November, Margaret River is a prime spot for whale watching as humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast.
Witness the awe-inspiring sight of whales breaching, tail-slapping, and nurturing their young in the sheltered waters. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into whale behaviour and biology, enriching your adventure.
Whale watching tours with Naturaliste Charters offer the chance to see these gentle giants up close, creating lasting memories of your visit to Margaret River.
For an unforgettable experience, head to Augusta and board a tour with Naturaliste Charters in Flinders Bay–Book your tour now and explore more of what Margaret River has to offer!
