Margaret River
Alongside its excellent wines, Margaret River holds a wealth of incredible nature, top-notch eats and many a luxurious way to relax. Make this wine region by the sea your next holiday — let's start planning.
One hour you’re tasting the best wines in Australia, the next you’re exploring dappled forests, then you’re hopping to the beach to watch a brilliant sunset followed by dinner at an award-winning restaurant. Welcome to Margaret River — the only place in Australia where you can go from sipping outstanding chardonnays straight from the source to walking along the beach at sunset all in one day.
WHEN TO GO
Margaret River experiences sunshine all year ‘round, however flocks of tourists in summer mean higher prices and crammed wineries. Plan a winter trip for a peaceful getaway sans crowds. Explore the rolling hills on clear, crisp days and warm up next to a roaring fire with near-exclusive access to amazing wineries and award-winning eateries.
GETTING THERE
Margaret River is a scenic three-and-a-half hour drive south of Perth. Fly to WA’s capital in five hours from Sydney, five and a half hours from Brisbane and just over four hours from Melbourne. While you can easily walk to most places in the Margaret River township, you’ll want to hire a car to visit the wineries and nature walks further afield. Virgin Airlines has you covered with great hire car deals when you fly Virgin to Perth. Pick up your keys at the airport and head south for an unforgettable weekend.
SPENDING MONEY
The Margaret River region caters to an array of budgets. There are many accommodation options — plus, in the winter, you can easily find stays with discounted rates. As for food, a cafe or pub feed sits around $20, while a more luxe dinner will set you back about $70 to $80. A bottle of wine at a winery can cost as low as $20, and most tastings at cellar doors are free (or cost $10 or less). And with plenty of nature to discover, you can save your moolah with some outdoor adventures.
DON’T MISS
While Margaret River is well known for its wineries, there are also many top-notch breweries and distilleries dotted around. As you hop from winery to winery, make sure to also stop into the region’s breweries and distilleries to taste fantastic local craft beers and spirits. Visit Margaret River Distilling Company and learn how to make your own gin, or sip schooners and enjoy the water views at Wild Hop Brewing Company.
CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT ITINERARY
Of course your trip to Margaret River will involve more than a couple stops at wineries, but there are several other elements you need to add to your trip. Let us help guide you to the best eats around the region, the top adventures to discover and the most luxurious ways to relax while you’re there. You are on holiday after all. And, of course, we’ve rounded up some of the region’s choice wineries you should definitely put on your sipping list. Mix and match from the below to create an itinerary for one memorable winter escape out west.
WHERE TO STAY
Make the region your home, and settle into a spot that takes the usual holiday stay up a notch with a fully equipped offering. For a stay with a big dose of nature, book into a self-contained apartment at Margarets Forest, where the forest meets the town. Alternatively, choose to stay at one of the Ellensbrook Cottages and enjoy a spa bath with views overlooking the neighbouring bushland. For more ‘town’ vibes, have a browse on Airbnb, which has many an option right near the centre, like The Little Leaf or this bungalow set in the forest.
FOUR MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCES
We’ve filled you in on where to eat, drink, have an adventure and catch some R&R. But if you really need us to distil it down further, look no further than these top four experiences.
MARGARET RIVER FARMERS MARKET
The region’s local producers are up at first light every Saturday morning to showcase the best of Margaret River produce at this farmer’s markets. Grab a morning coffee, tuck into a flaky croissant and peruse all the fresh, seasonal and hyperlocal fruit, veg, bread, meats and cheeses.
Phil Whitehouse via Flickr.
LAKE CAVE
Part of the collection of limestone caves that make up the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, Lake Cave is the crowning jewel of the lot — and the only one with a permanent lake. The cave is also home to the ‘suspended table’, a crystal ‘decoration’ hanging from the cave’s ceiling, almost touching the lake. What’s more, this incredible formation is also said to be the only one of its kind in the world.
Cape Mentelle Winery.
ELECTRIC BIKE NATURE AND WINERY TOUR
Set aside a day to cycle through the region’s wineries and breweries with a Margaret River local as your guide. Along the way, you’ll ride through local farm and bushland, and of course vineyards. The tour includes a picnic lunch of cheese, meats, dips and olives, a glass of wine with lunch and tastings at each winery and brewery.
MILE END GLAMPING
Plan to splurge with a stay in one of these geodesic domes. While this may be considered off-grid camping, you’ll still enjoy all the creature comforts of a luxury stay — including a spa bath on the dome’s spacious deck.
If you’re now eagerly planning a visit to Margaret River, check out Virgin Australia’s holiday packages — which offer everything from chilled-out cottages to massive resorts.
Top image: Vasse Felix.