Top 10 Things to Do in Margaret River, WA

Margaret River is a name synonymous with great Australian wine.

It once referred to a single township in the middle of Western Australia’s South West, but these days, the name Margaret River encompasses an entire region — including the towns of Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta and many other communities. If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers a superb food and wine scene, a stunning natural setting, perhaps a dash of outdoor adventure, and plenty of lazy days by the water, this is undoubtedly it. And at just on three hours’ drive south of Perth, Margaret River is doable as a weekend or short break escape.

Here are ten of the best things to do in Margaret River.

1. Conquer a rope course

Margaret River marches to its own unique beat, and attracts adventure seekers, nature lovers, fitness fans, arty types and gourmet gurus. It’s the ideal place to push your boundaries and try something different. While Forest Adventures South West’s highest rope course challenges are not for the faint-hearted, there are options closer to the ground that are suitable for ages seven and up. If you want to ride the longest zip-line in the park, you’ll have to climb 19 metres up a hanging log ladder (which is super challenging!). If that doesn’t get the adrenaline pumping hard enough, give the 13-metre-high base-jump a go!

2. Learn to surf

Surfers love the South West’s 130 kilometres of coastline, which features no less than 75 surf breaks. A popular one is Surfer’s Point at Prevelly. If you’re not a surfer, it’s a great place to check out the tribes doing their thing and catch a stunning sunset. If you want to learn to hang ten, book a lesson with Margaret River Surf School. By the way, you can’t go past Hillzeez Down South Surf Shop for all your beach, surf and skate needs. Margaret River town, Busselton, and Dunsborough each have a Hillzeez store.

3. Explore the local arts scene

To get amongst the region’s arts scene, start in the main street of Margaret River town. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of artsy cafes and handicraft shops. The Margaret River Gallery showcases contemporary art in a mix of mediums, including jewellery, paintings, pottery and wooden sculptures. Take a drive along Yallingup’s rural roads to discover hidden arts gems like Gunyulgup Galleries and Yallingup Galleries. Visit their websites for details of current exhibitions.

4. Encounter Indigenous culture and heritage

The Wardandi people are the original guardians of the Margaret River region. Spend some time with Koomal Dreaming in Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup to learn about local Indigenous history and culture. You can also visit the Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to see their fascinating collection of traditional art.

5. Step back in time

British settlers landed in Augusta in 1830 ready to make it their new home, but the rugged coastal settlement failed to thrive. Most settlers moved north, hoping for a better life. The town of Margaret River was established in 1913 (seventy-plus years after John Bussell named the famous river), however it wasn’t until the 60s and 70s that surfers and winemakers moved in and made their mark. Today there are over two hundred vineyards in Margaret River. The oldest vines are at Vasse Felix, which celebrated fifty years in the industry in 2017.

Over in Busselton (‘Busso’ as the locals call it), it’s easy to while away an entire day exploring historical sites like the Busselton Jetty, Busselton Museum in the Old Butter Factory, and the Art Geo Cultural Complex (which includes the old Busselton Courthouse). Construction of the epic Busselton Jetty began in the 1860s. Today it extends almost two kilometres out into Geographe Bay, making it the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. At the shore end you’ll find a museum and interpretive centre; at the far end, a superb underwater observatory. You can walk between the two or hitch a ride on the jaunty red jetty train.

Augusta has its own museum, along with the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland). It marks the southern end of the famous 123-kilometre-long coastal Cape to Cape Track. The other end is at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, near Dunsborough.

6. Feast on fine fare

Margaret River is famous for its amazing fresh produce and gourmet dining scene, and there are drool-worthy culinary experiences on offer right across the region. Start the day right with a filling breakfast at The Good Egg in Busselton. Think fluffy pancakes or thick waffles topped with berries and whipped cream. And the coffee is the best in town.

When mid-day hunger strikes, head to Dunsborough for a casual lunch at Occy’s brewhouse, an eatery with massive burgers and 18 taps of cold beer.

For something a bit more upmarket, try the Eagle Bay Brewing Company. Their back deck overlooks rolling rural countryside, and the wood-fired pizzas and share boards always impress. While you’re in the ‘hood, also drop by family-run Eagle Bay Olives. Enjoy a wander in their grove of 1,200 trees and sample the wares it produces.

For a special night out, you can’t go past the Indigenous-inspired seasonal menu at Dunsborough’s Yarri Restaurant and Bar. It sources ethically and sustainably farmed and foraged ingredients, and presents them at their delicious best. Expect to be wowed by this experience.

It’s a bit of a drive to Little Fish in Yallingup, but worth the effort. Try the blackened fish or the ribs, and leave room for dessert. The oozy chocolate fondant is the best!

7. Meet the makers at the Farmers’ Market

Still on the topic of tucker, set aside a Saturday morning to drift from stall to stall at the delicious Margaret River Farmers’ Market. It’s held every week on the south side of the Margs townsite. The grand thing about this market is that everything sold must be produced locally, and there are plenty of gourmet goodies to sample as you browse. Notable favourites of mine include the Italian treats by Claudio Biscotti, the roasted hemp seeds from Vasse Valley, and the always scrumptious sourdough from Margaret River Woodfired Bread.

8. Go fishing

Fishing is a relaxing pastime that appeals to all ages. You’ll always find friendly fisherman along the Busselton Jetty, trying their luck for herring, squid, samson and salmon. You can hire fishing gear (and get some good tips) from the guys at Access Fishing in Dunsborough.

9. Cycle the Busselton foreshore

If you find physical exercise relaxing (and many of us do), hire a bike at Busselton and South West Rent-A-Car and head to Busselton’s foreshore. The flat, paved path is perfect for a sunny cycle. It will take you all the way to Dunsborough (28 kilometres away) if you’re really keen.

10. Taste some top drops

And finally, it would be just plain wrong to come all the way to Margaret River and not do a bit of relaxed grape grazing. In addition to Vasse Felix, pay a visit to Amelia Park Wines at Wilyabrup and Cullen Wines in Cowaramup. Amelia Park’s state-of-the-art set-up is seriously impressive, but traditional winemaking processes and values are at the heart of everything they do. Sampling their range in the gorgeous wood-panelled tasting room that overlooks the estate is a treat.

Family-owned Cullen Wines has a more old-school feel, but this certified A Grade biodynamic vineyard and winery (under the stewardship of chief winemaker Vanya Cullen) is renowned for its cutting-edge approach to organic viticulture.

For more inspiration, visit www.margaretriver.com.

Browse our range of Margaret River tours and experiences here.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Margaret River? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Bigstock

About the writer

Jennifer Morton is a freelance writer and photographer. The Canadian expat has lived all over Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. She also spent six months working on a cruise ship in Europe. When Jennifer is not writing about travel, you may find her lounging on the beach, fishing with her son, sipping coffee at a cafe, reading a book, or zooming in on a beautiful scene.

About the writer

Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours and Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.