20 Best Things to Do in Margaret River (A Local’s Guide)
Margaret River is one of those rare destinations that balances wild coastal beauty with magical forests and wine country charm. As Perth locals who’ve spent countless weekends exploring the South West, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best things to do in Margaret River – from caves and coastlines to wine, food and hidden local gems.
1) Explore the Best Margaret River Caves
Descend into Jewel, Lake or Mammoth Cave – each offering incredible limestone formations and rich history.
Book cave entry tickets through GetYourGuide for skip-the-line access.
2) Walk the Cape to Cape Track
Stretching 135 km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, the Cape to Cape Track offers world-class hiking with ocean views, wildflowers and native forest.
Even just walking a small section of it can be a fantastic experience.
3) Visit The Best Margaret River Breweries
For craft beer and relaxed vibes, try Beerfarm, Cheeky Monkey, Wild Hop and Eagle Bay Brewing.
Tip: Wild Hop are famous for their Rotisserie Chickens but they only have a limited amount available every day, so avoid missing out by ‘reserving a chook’ in advance!
Read this next: Best things to do in Busselton
4) Relax at Margaret River’s Best Beaches
From calm coves to surf breaks, the coastline here is unreal.
Don’t miss Redgate, Gnarabup, Smiths, Yallingup and Meelup Beach
5) Go Wine Tasting at the Best Margaret River Wineries
You can’t visit Margaret River without sipping your way through cellar doors like Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate and Leeuwin Estate.
Vasse Felix has a lovely restaurant and Leeuwin Estate is home to a beautiful art gallery.
6) Meet the Stingrays at Hamelin Bay
This bucket-list experience is one you don’t want to miss out on and one of our personal favourites in the region.
The friendly stingrays at Hamelin Bay cruise the shoreline, especially in the mornings and when the waters are calm.
Reminder: Please do not touch or feed the stingrays, they are wild animals and touching them can cause serious harm to them.
7) Drive the Scenic Caves Road
This 111 km stretch between Yallingup and Augusta winds through karri forest, vineyards, and coastal viewpoints – a photographer’s dream.
8) Stroll Beneath the Boranup Forest Canopy
Once you step into Boranup, you’ll understand why it’s iconic – towering karri trees with light filtering through the canopy makes you feel like you are a part of a fairytale.
We drove through Boranup Forest on our way to Hamelin Bay and spotted two emus on the way, it was such a fun little detour!
9) Sample Local Chocolate, Cheese & Coffee
Stop at the famous Margaret River Chocolate Company or join a Coffee Safari Experience at Yahava Coffee Works for a delicious taste of local produce.
Don’t miss our full 3 or 5 day Margaret River itinerary.
10) Visit Margaret River’s Farmers Market
Held every Saturday morning all year round from 7:30 am – 11:30 am, it’s full of seasonal produce, artisan bread, flowers and local chatter.
11) Take a Wine or Brewery Tour
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, guided wine or brewery tours are a great way to explore safely and without arguing over who’ll be doing the driving!
Find the best tour options here
12) Wander Through Local Art Galleries
Visit some of the region’s fascinating art galleries such as the Margaret River HEART or JahRoc. If you prefer something more hands-on, join a pottery class with Jacob Lyon in Cowaramup.
Check out his classes here.
13) Discover the Margaret River Mouth
Where the river meets the sea – a scenic spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the views.
14) Watch the Surf at Surfers Point
Whether you surf or not, watching the locals take on the breaks at Surfers Point in Prevelly is a great activity in Margaret River.
Sunset is a great time to visit.
15) Chase Waterfalls Near Margaret River
Quinninup Falls is a local favourite and a bit of a hidden gem.
It’s best to visit in the winter after heavy rain fall as that’s when the waterfall will be in full flow.
16) Explore Margaret River Town
There’s lots to see and do in the actual town of Margaret River.
From cute little cafes, boutique shops and art galleries. It’s worth strolling through the town.
17) Enjoy a Scenic Walk Along the River
Starting at Margaret River Rotary Park, the Rotary South Bank River Trail is an easy and dog-friendly 2.2 km loop along the river with breathtaking views of both forest and river.
18) Stay in a Unique Margaret River Accommodation
From chalets and boutique stays to glamping, staying at a unique place can be a real bucket list experience in itself.
19) Experience Whale Watching Season (August–November)
Tours run from Busselton, Dunsborough or Augusta and run for approximately 2-3 hours.
We recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
Check available whale watching tours here
If you’re visiting in the off-season, All Sea Charters have partnered with the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury and offer swim with dolphin tours and dolphin eco-cruises.
20) Visit the Quirky Cowaramup
You’ll immediately recognise once you’ve reached Cowaramup as they’ve placed sculptures of cows all over town.
This little town is packed with local charm – think quirky stores, beaches, lolly and coffee stores.
FAQ:
Where to Stay in Margaret River
Margaret River has stays to suit every traveller – from romantic retreats to cosy cabins and family friendly holiday parks.
How to Get to Margaret River
Located around 270 km south of Perth, the drive takes roughly 3 hours via Busselton or Bunbury.
The best way to explore the region is by car.
Best Time to Visit Margaret River
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Beach days, surf, peak crowds.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Milder weather, great for hiking and less crowded.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Cold and rainy, perfect for a cosy wine retreat with no crowds.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers, whale watching and comfortable temperatures.
Is Margaret River Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely, the weather might be chilly and not ideal for outdoor activities.
There’s still a lot of charm to the region during winter and you’ll be able to explore without the crowds.
Is Margaret River kids friendly?
Margaret River is one of the best destinations for kids.
With fun beach days, underground caves and magical forests to explore, Margaret River is a great option for a little family vacay.
Margaret River Highlights
Final Words
Whether you’re here for world-class wine, adventure or a relaxing coastal escape, Margaret River always delivers something special.
It’s a favourite amongst Perth and WA locals for a good reason.
If you’re heading further down towards Denmark and Albany, don’t miss our 5-day Albany and Denmark itinerary, our list of best things to do in Albany and Denmark and our list of the best places to stay in Denmark and Albany
