There’s a multitude of things to do when you are in Margaret River. Once you get an idea of the unique and interesting experiences available in the region, you will definitely want to extend your stay.
For those looking to get away or enjoy a staycation on their own or with a partner, kids or dog we have a list of places to seek out next time you are there.
A Bucket List Guide for Couples
Couples who are looking for a romantic getaway might like to tick off this hit list as there is a fabulous choice of things to do and places to stay in Margaret River.
Places to stay
There is a vast range of accommodations across the Margaret River, the options are pretty limitless. Here are some of our top recommendations that are worth a visit.
If you want to explore other options, check out the Margaret River website.
Heritage Trail Lodge, Margaret River
This secluded 4-star B&B retreat is within a forest, only 400 metres from Margaret River town centre. Each of Heritage Trail Lodge’s luxury suites features a 2-person spa bath and most offer stunning views of the surrounding gardens and forest. Guests enjoy free breakfast.
Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping, Cowaramup
Olio Bello offers luxurious bungalows and safari-style eco-tents close enough to hear the sounds of ocean waves in the distance – yet far removed from a bustling outside world.
Bettenay’s Lakeside Spa Apartment, Cowaramup
Bettenay’s Lakeside Spa Apartment is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic getaway with your partner. Enjoy lake and vineyard views while sipping a glass of Bettenays wine. Unwind in the spa bath.
Places to Eat & Drink
The Margaret River region is possibly one of Australia’s most diverse regions when it comes to food and wine choices as it is the heart of a world-renowned wine industry.
Whether it be fine dining restaurants, award-winning wineries, or quality breweries and distilleries, the choices are expansive. We recommend you visit the Margaret River website to explore what’s on offer for your visit.
Places to Visit
What to do when you visit Margaret River. This stunning region spans an area of over 100 kilometres. Some recommendations of things to do in the region include but is not limited to:
Whale Watching
Whale Watching with Naturaliste Charters runs between May and November. We offer whale watching tours twice daily at 10 am and 2 pm running for two to 2.5 hours each, seven days a week.
Hiking
There are fantastic trails for hiking, including from Cape to Cape and the Wardani Track.
Swimming and Snorkelling
There is a selection of gorgeous beaches and rivers perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Surfing
Margaret River is home to the Margaret River Pro competition, a key player in the international surfing circuit. This generally takes place in April, with the majority of surfing taking place at Surfers Point.
If that isn’t up your alley, there are local surfing clinics for a great visitor experience.
Driving
With so many places to visit on offer, this beautiful region is home to stunning beach vistas, vineyards, oceanside townships and sunlight-dappled forests like Boranup karri and Ludlow tuart forests. There is a great range of self-drive itineraries provided by Margaret River to better your trip.
Caving
Margaret River region’s caves are formed through the action of water dissolving through young (soft and porous) limestone. There are quite several caves which can be visited from Dunsborough down past Margaret River.
Mountain Biking
With more than 100 kilometres of single trail across 3 parks Margaret River’s growing mountain bike culture brings something for all abilities and styles.
Aboriginal Culure
The Margaret River Region is the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People. For over 60,000 years this land has supported one of the world’s longest human occupations. Learn about the Aboriginal history of the region and immerse yourself in the rich culture.
More things to do
In addition to the activities above, consider the following:
- Touring with an experienced guide
- Visit the Busselton Jetty. Choose from fishing, walking the 1.8km length, riding the train or visiting the underwater observatory.
- Invest in some pampering. Day spas, yoga retreats and luxury escapes can help you feel comfortable and relaxed on your trip.
Free activities
If you’re working on a tighter budget, here are some fun ideas for free activities you can do when you are in Margaret River:
- Biking or hiking trails
- Beaches
- Swimming & snorkeling
- Window shopping Margaret River, Busselton and Dunsborough.
- Skate Parks Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River have fabulous facilities for skateboarders and scooter riders.
- Have a barbeque at one of the many BBQ facilities available in Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River
- Beach Pontoons
- The Aquarium and Margaret River Mouth.
- Fishing from the beach and Busselton Jetty
A Bucket List Guide for Families
Places to Stay
With endless choices available within the Margaret River region, a great place to start your search is the Margaret River trip planning page. There are filters to look through family-friendly options so you can make the best choice for your trip.
The Margaret River Region takes in several towns and all places in between so there are no shortages of suitable accommodation to book. Here are some of the highlights:
- Augusta – An ocean and riverside township in the very south of the region.
- Busselton – Beachside popular tourist town in the north of the region.
- Cowaramup – Central farming community
- Dunsborough – Stunning upmarket coastal town
- Margaret River – Beautiful forest-side town located south
- Yallingup Beach – the calm waters of the lagoon
Places to Visit with Kids
- Discover Deadly Reptile Park
- Whale Watching Augusta and Dunsborough
- Simmo’s (Dunsborough) and Millers (Cowaramup) Ice-creameries
- The Chocolate Factory, Temper Temper and Margaret River Chocolate
- Margaret River Nougat
- The Berry Farm
- Busselton’s Origin’s Market, things to do, eat and shop
- Horseback at Jesters Flat
- Eagle Heritage Farm
- The Maze and Amazin
- Sunflowers Animal Farm (Busselton), Country Life Farm (Dunsborough)
- WOW Illusions
- Kids Climbing facilities: Forest Adventures, Next Level Monkey Business and Margaret River Climbing Co.
Places to Eat
There is a wide range of eateries that cater to kids of all ages, some you will need to book ahead, and others will allow you to drop in at short notice. Some places to put on your list include:
- Beer Farm
- Swings & Roundabouts
- The Shelter Brewery
- Cod Rocks Fish & Chips
- The Berry Farm
Get more ideas for family-friendly eateries here.
Places to visit for Free
There are plenty of great places and activities that you can do with the family that won’t cost you money, some options include:
- The amazing and beautiful beaches from the Capes in the north to Augusta in the south
- Mountain bike riding at the Pines
- Hiking Cape to Cape Track, Bubbulmum Track, Wadandi Track
- Temper Temper, Margaret River Chocolate Factory for free samples
- BBQs and playgrounds in Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta
- Museums like The Butter Factory Busselton or The Surf Museum Aravina Estate
- Boranup Forest
- Pontoon Jumping at Meelup Park, Gnarabup Beach, Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp
- Jetty Jumping at Busselton Jetty
A Bucket List Guide for Dog-Friendly Activities
The Margaret River Region is a vibrant holiday spot and one, for some of us, is more enjoyable in the company of our pets. Check out this guide for dog-friendly touring in Margaret River to fill out your itinerary.
Plan a Staycation
For those of us fortunate enough to live within this beautiful region there is always time to take a staycation within the Margaret River Region. Using this guide you can take an afternoon, go on a day trip or book a weekend break with your friends, partner or family or have a solitary pamper escape and break to relax, explore or rejuvenate yourself.
We truly have so much to see and do in this beautiful place called the southwest of Western Australia and we guarantee you won’t regret getting out and exploring what this region has to offer.
