The Margaret River region is famous worldwide for its food and wine, but that isn't all Margs has to offer. Beautiful beaches are bordered by gorgeous raw landscapes, spread over 120 kilometres from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. With five key regions to explore, outdoor adventurers and lovers of luxury are impressed by the landscape, the flora and fauna, produce and wine, hikes, and epic surf.
Busselton/Vasse
Busselton is a rite of passage for those travelling 'down south.' Geographe Bay's surf is calm compared to the wild surf often found at other points along the Margaret River coast. Busselton town is well-established, with a bustling precinct of seaside cafés and restaurants. Here, you'll find the heritage-listed 1.8-kilometre jetty, both an opportunity for learning some history about the area and a photo! Pack a picnic to eat at the foreshore or dine nearby at the bistros or waterfront brewery. The Marine Discovery Centre is perfect to cap off your jetty walk, where you can visit one of only six underwater observatories worldwide at the jetty's end.
Dunsborough to Yallingup
This region is well-loved, especially when we can get away for a long weekend. The north-facing beaches are some of the most pretty in the area and perfect for beginner surfers or those simply wanting to sit back and relax. Meelup Beach is a fan favourite, with plenty of facilities for swimming and fun in the shade, as well as barbeques and picnic tables. Dunsborough Beach and Yallingup Beach respectively hold reputations for being calm (although most Yallingup surf is best for those with experience), providing opportunities for fishing and snorkelling. While you can try to spot or catch fish, squid, and sharks, Dunsborough is also a premier whale-watching spot from September to December. The best place is the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse balcony, about 13 kilometres from Dunsborough, or even Point Picquet if you're ready to join the local experts with your chair and binoculars.
Attractions to visit include Sugarloaf Rock, a magnificent granite formation to spot dolphins from made better at sunset, and walking even a section of the Cape to Cape track is strongly recommended. This 135-kilometre track starts at Cape Naturaliste and continues to Cape Leeuwin in Augusta. The access points are numerous, so take a 20-minute stroll or take a multi-day guided tour to see the best the coast offers.
Margaret River Central / South
This once sleepy town has evolved to become known internationally as a food and wine destination on par with some of the best in the world, not to mention the picturesque views and surf.
The centre of Margs is rich with everything you could possibly want, with wine bars, pubs, restaurants, cafés, and gift shops alike. Despite this bustle, the town is known for its laid-back attitude and coastal lifestyle. It's no wonder it's seen as the prime getaway destination in Western Australia.
The cellar doors and breweries can't be missed, and we recommend making the most of it by having your skipper provide by booking a wineries and breweries tour. The wines in this region are celebrated for how the 'Mediterranean maritime' climate affects the grapes, often compared to the famous Bordeaux region in France. This climate is unique from other Australian wine regions and is a must for even a casual wine drinker.
Obviously, check out the beach, but know the caves in Margaret River are something to behold. The three main caves, Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave, and Lake Cave, are wonders of the natural world, with Mammoth Cave being a favourite. Its apt name also indicates the impact the visit has on you, with the massive cavern boasting beautiful structures, megafauna fossils, and an audio tour to explain just why and how it forms.
Travelling south toward Augusta provides just as many things to do and see, with the typical water sports and walking trails abundant. Kite and windsurfing are popular where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean, and whale watching here is just as promising as in Dunsborough. The Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is the perfect vantage point.