15 Things to do in Margaret River that are actually worth it

If you’re planning a trip through Western Australia’s South West and searching for the best things to do in Margaret River, you’ve come to the right place.

Before visiting, we expected Margaret River to be all about wineries. And while the region is famous for its world-class wine, we did realise that wine is only one small part of what makes this place so special.

Over three weeks, we explored rugged beaches, drove through towering karri forests, hiked sections of the Cape to Cape Track, found the most spectacular swimming spots, and, of course, enjoyed our fair share of incredible food and wine.

We also learnt that Margaret River is a destination where the weather makes or breaks your experience. Some days you’ll be swimming in crystal clear water, while others you spent sheltering from wind and rain with a glass of local wine by the fire.

And that’s why we liked this region so much. When the sun isn’t shining, there’s still no shortage of things to do in Margaret River.

One thing we would highly recommend is having your own vehicle. Margaret River isn’t just one town, but an entire region stretching from Dunsborough in the north to Augusta in the south. Many of the best beaches, wineries, hikes and attractions are spread out, making it the perfect destination to explore as part of a Perth to Esperance road trip.

➤ In this guide, we’ll share our favourite things to do in Margaret River, along with practical tips, where to eat, where to camp, the best time to visit and a few honest opinions on which places we’d happily return to, and which we’d probably skip next time.

Where is Margaret River located

Margaret River is located around 280 kilometres south of Perth, or roughly a 3-hour drive, in Western Australia’s spectacular South West region.

Although many people think of Margaret River as just the town itself, the region is much larger than that. It stretches from Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste in the north to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin in the south covering more than 100 kilometres of coastline, forests and farmland.

It’s the variety that makes the region such a popular stop on a South West road trip. In one day, you can be swimming at some of the state’s most beautiful beaches, wandering through ancient karri forests, exploring underground caves and finishing the afternoon with a wine tasting overlooking the oldest vines in the region.

If you’re travelling with a 4WD like we were, you’ll also find a handful of tracks to add to your itinerary.

Is Margaret River worth visiting?

Absolutely. 

What surprised us most was how diverse the region is. We expected mainly vineyards, a few epic surf breaks, but after spending a few weeks here, we found ourselves just as excited about the entire coastline, the forests and hiking trails.

Margaret River has a way of slowing you down. You can race through it, but you’ll miss some of the incredible places that make this region so special. 

There are enough things to do in Margaret River to keep you busy for days. It’s a great destination for everyone, from couples to families, and as a luxury getaway or a camping trip.

How many days do you need in Margaret River? 

We’d recommend spending at least three to five days in Margaret River. 

This will give you the time to explore the region without feeling that you’ve missed out on something. You can visit a few wineries, spend time at the beaches, explore a cave or two, and hike a section of the Cape to Cape track.

If you only have a weekend, you can still see many of the best things to do in Margaret River, you’ll just need to prioritise your favourites.

Best time to visit Margaret River 

Margaret River is a destination you can visit all year round, but the experience changes depending on the season. 

For camping, hiking and spending time outdoors, we think late spring (October and November), summer (December to February) and early autumn (March and April) offer the best conditions. The days are generally mild, ideal for a beach day, the vineyards are beautiful and it’s the ideal weather to go camping.

However, don’t expect perfect weather every day.

We spent three weeks camping and exploring in Margaret River during November and probably had around 10 days of strong winds, rain and cold weather. Normally, that would have frustrated us (we’re not great at sitting inside a library days in a row) But Margaret River is a place where bad weather isn’t really a problem. 

When the beaches are too windy, we visited wineries, enjoyed long lunches or warmed up with a coffee at one of the many cafes around town. And after an active, endless summer up north, we embraced the cold weather and slowing down, instead of chasing sunshine and activities. 

If you’re planning a winter visit, don’t write Margaret River off either. Between June and November, migrating humpback and southern right whales pass the coastline. Winter is the best time of year for whale watching. Add cosy cellar doors, roaring fireplaces and excellent food, and it’s easy to understand why people prefer outside the peak summer season. Just not ideal for camping.

15 best things to do in Margaret River

There are so many things to do in Margaret River, but sometimes time isn’t on your side, and you depend much more on the weather than you’d realise. 

This guide has a list of both indoor and outdoor activities, for you to choose from. Covering the best things to do in Margaret River based on our own experience.

1. Spend a day at the beaches around Dunsborough

If you’re picturing wild surf beaches when you think of Margaret River, Dunsborough might come as a surprise. 

Dunsborough has some of the calmest, clearest water in the region. And very different from the wild west coast.

Located at the northern end of the region, the coastline here is sheltered by Geographe Bay, creating calm, crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or just spending a day at the beach.

If we had to choose one beach, Meelup Beach would be our favourite. The water is incredibly clear, the white sand is beautiful, and when you go early in the morning for that fresh morning dip, you’ll find no one else around, and it turned out to be one of our favourite things to do in Margaret River.

Just around the corner, Eagle Bay feels a little quieter and more secluded, while Bunker Bay is perfect if you’re after a long beach walk or want to watch the sunset.

Compared to the more rugged west coast around Yallingup and Margaret River, the beaches around Dunsborough have a completely different feel. 

2. Drive through Boranup Forest

One of the things that surprised us about Margaret River was just how quickly the scenery changes. Within half an hour, you can leave the coastline behind and find yourself driving through towering karri trees in Boranup  Forest.

For us, this is one of the most underrated things to do in Margaret River.

The Boranup Forest Scenic Drive winds through some of Western Australia’s tallest trees, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and creating an almost magical fairytale forest. It truly feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

The drive itself is suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos.

If you’re travelling in a 4WD, it’s also the perfect area to combine with a trip to Boranup Beach later in the day. 

3. Visit a Cave 

If there’s one thing we didn’t expect to find in Margaret River, it’s the caves. It seems that there’s an entire underground world waiting to be explored.

The Margaret River region sits on ancient limestone, creating a network of spectacular caves filled with enormous chambers, crystal formations and underground lakes.

If you only have time for one, we’d recommend Lake Cave. But if you’re looking for something larger, Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia and is packed with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Travelling with kids? We heard that Ngilgi Cave is a great option thanks to its interactive displays and easier walking trails.

No matter which one you choose, visiting a cave is one of the best things to do in Margaret River and deserves a spot on your itinerary.

4. Visit Indijup Natural Spa 

Indijup Natural Spa is one of the most photographed spots in the region, and you’ll find it on every list of things to do in Margaret River.

Visiting this place fully depends on conditions, but when it works, it’s unreal. When the conditions are right, waves wash over the rocks and fill the natural pool, creating the bubbling effect that gave the spa its name. You’ll need a little bit of swell, but not too much. It’s not safe in rough conditions.

Our biggest tip: go early to avoid the crowds. It’ll be cold, but worth it.

5. Walk and go for a snorkel at Bussolton Jetty

Although Busselton technically sits just outside the Margaret River region, we’d still include it on every itinerary and it deserves a spot on this Things to do in Margaret River list.

The Busselton Jetty stretches almost 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay, making it the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Most visitors either walk to the end or hop aboard the little train before visiting the famous underwater observatory.

But if you’re like us and prefer getting into the water, we’d recommend skipping the observatory and going snorkelling instead.

The jetty is home to colourful fish, soft corals, and more than a dozen underwater sculptures that make it a really unique snorkelling experience.

→ Do you want to see what’s hiding beneath Busselton Jetty? Hop on a boat and explore the underwater sculpture tour and colourful marine life on a guided snorkel tour. Book your tour here.

6. Hike part of the Cape to Cape Track

The Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia is a spectacular 135 km coastal hike stretching between the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses. The trail winds past rugged limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, forests and some of the best coastal scenery in Western Australia.

Completing the entire walk usually takes five to seven days, but the good news is you don’t need to hike the whole thing to experience it.

There are plenty of shorter sections you can hop on as a day walk. 

We hiked two sections during our stay and our favourite was near Cape Naturaliste, where the view of the coastline was absolutely breathtaking.

Another beautiful section starts near Conto Campground and heads towards Bob’s Hollow. A nice walk combining beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a beautiful wooden boardwalk. 

Even if you’re not a keen hiker, we’d still recommend walking at least a small section as it’s one of the most unique things to do in Margaret River, and it’s a great way to appreciate just how spectacular this coastline really is.

7. Go on a 4WD track

If you’re travelling with a 4WD, driving to Boranup Beach is one of the more adventurous things to do in Margaret River.

There are a couple of ways to reach the beach, and the right option will depend on your experience, the current track conditions and whether you want to take your 4WD onto the sand.

One option is Bob’s Track, which leads all the way down to Boranup Beach. However, when we visited, we heard a few stories about vehicles getting into trouble along the track. We joined the local Facebook group to check the latest conditions, and at the time, people were advising drivers not to tackle it alone.

As we usually travel by ourselves and didn’t have another vehicle with us, we decided it wasn’t worth taking the risk. Track conditions can change quickly, so we’d always recommend checking recent reports before heading out and avoiding it if you’re not confident or properly equipped.

Instead, we took the easier Boranup Track to the car park above the beach. You can’t drive onto the beach from this route, but it’s only a short walk down to the beach. We still enjoyed a small 4WD adventure without committing to a more difficult track and worrying about getting stuck somewhere on our own.

Boranup Beach itself is wild, open and far quieter than many of the better-known beaches around Margaret River. Pack what you need for the day, and enjoy a day at this picturesque beach.

8. Snorkel the aquarium & visit Canal Rocks

The Aquarium near Yallingup is one of the most popular swimming and snorkelling spots in the Margaret River region, and on everyone’s list of things to do in Margaret River.

It’s a small natural lagoon protected by large granite rocks, creating much calmer conditions than you’ll usually find along the open west coast. When the weather and swell are right, the water can be clear and sheltered, making it a good option for families, less confident swimmers and anyone wanting a relaxed snorkeling experience.

Getting there involves a short walk along part of the Cape to Cape Track, so wear proper shoes.

To be completely honest, The Aquarium wasn’t one of our personal highlights. It was packed when we visited and because we’re not particularly fond of crowded swimming spots, it didn’t feel as peaceful as we’d expected. On the other hand, friends of ours visited under quieter conditions and absolutely loved it, so your experience may be completely different.

If you’re hoping to see it at its best, we’d go early in the morning and choose a calm day. 

Just down the road you’ll find Canal Rocks.

This wasn’t our favourite attraction either. If you see drone views, they may seem impressive, but standing on the boardwalk itself didn’t quite live up to the hype. 

I don’t say it’s not worth visiting. If you’re already exploring Yallingup, it’s an easy stop and only takes 15 to 20 minutes. We just wouldn’t drive across the region specifically for it. 

9. Visit the WA surf gallery

For a rainy day, or when you feel like you need a break from beaches and walking trails, head to the WA Surf Gallery at Aravina Estate. Something completely different, but one of our favourite things to do in Margaret River.

The gallery celebrates the history of surfing in Western Australia, which feels especially fitting in a region surrounded by legendary breaks such as Yallingup, Gracetown and Margaret River.

Inside, you’ll find historic surfboards dating back to the 1950s, 60s and 70s, along with surfing photographs, trophies and memorabilia connected to some of Western Australia’s best-known surfers and competitions. 

Even if you’re not a serious surfer, it’s an interesting way to understand how deeply surfing is connected to the identity of this part of the coast.

Entry to the gallery is free, and because it’s located at Aravina Estate you can easily combine your visit with a wine tasting or lunch. 

10. Go for a surf or watch from Surfers Point

Margaret River is known around the world for its surf, so of course it’s part of our favourite things to do in Margaret River.

The coastline is home to powerful waves, exposed reefs and major surfing competitions, making it a bucket-list destination for experienced surfers. However, this isn’t necessarily the place to overestimate your abilities.

Many of the breaks around Margaret River are better suited to confident surfers who understand reef conditions, strong currents and changing swell. If you’re still learning, choose a more sheltered beach like Redgate or Boranup Beach, book a lesson, or speak with a local surf school before heading out.

Some of our favourite breaks we enjoyed were:

• Smiths Beach in Yallingup
• Gas Bay near Margaret River
• Redgate Beach
• Boranup Beach 

Even if you have no intention of getting into the water, make time for Surfers Point in Prevelly.

This was probably our favourite coastal lookout in the region, and we returned several times during our stay. There’s plenty of parking, public toilets, grassy areas and a fantastic view over the surf breaks.

11. Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

12. Go Whale watching

If you’re visiting in winter, whale watching is one of the most memorable seasonal things to do in Margaret River.

The whale-watching season generally runs from June until early December. You can hop on a tour from Augusta during the earlier part of the season, when humpback and southern right whales travel through Flinders Bay. Later in the year, tours move north to Dunsborough and Busselton as whales and their calves pass through the calmer water of Geographe Bay.

13. See the stingrays at Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay is best known for the wild stingrays that sometimes swim close to the shoreline. Over the years, Hamelin Bay has become very popular is on many people’s list of things to do in Margaret River.

On a calm day, you may see them gliding through the shallow, clear water near the beach. Some are surprisingly large, and watching them pass only a few metres away can be an incredible experience.

Hamelin Bay is a beautiful beach and had some Greek vibes, It does tend to get really busy here, so come early if you want to avoid the crowds.

14. Stop at the Famous Margaret River bakery

A visit to Margaret River isn’t complete without stopping at the Margaret River Bakery.

This European-style bakery has become something of an institution in town, known for its pastries, fresh bread, cakes, coffee and generous breakfast and lunch options.

The bakery is super popular, so don’t be surprised if there’s a queue. It’s not the place to just grab a croissant. I guarantee you that you’ll end up ordering several other things from the cabinet. 

15. eat and drink your way around Margaret River

You could visit Margaret River purely for its food and wine and still leave completely satisfied. Even though it’s mentioned at the end, it turned out to be in our top 3 of best things to do in Margaret River.

The region is filled with wineries, cellar doors, breweries, restaurants, cafes, farm shops and local producers. For us, this was the cherry on top. 

When the weather wasn’t cooperating, we’d visit a cellar door, order a tasting with a cheese board, or finish a full-on day of exploring at one of the restaurants in town.

→ If you want to explore more of the Margaret River region or hop on a guided tour, you’ll find winery tours, cave adventures and coastal experiences. There’s plenty to choose from. Have a look at the tours and experiences available and find something that suits you best.

Our Favourite Margaret River wineries

No guide to the best things to do in Margaret River would be complete without mentioning the wineries.

Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, we’d still recommend visiting at least one or two cellar doors. Many have beautiful gardens, excellent restaurants, grazing platters, scenic views and an incredible atmosphere during the weekend. 

These were our favourites:

Vasse Felix 

As Margeret River’s founding winery, Vasse Felix is well worth a visit.

We loved grabbing a bottle of wine and a charcuterie platter in the Wine Lounge overlooking the vineyards. On cooler days, the fireplace makes it an even better place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Domaine Naturaliste 

If you love cheese as much as wine, don’t skip Domaine Naturaliste.

Their cellar door has a relaxed atmosphere, and the cheese boards paired with a wine tasting made this one of our favourite stops during our trip.

It’s smaller than some of the better known wineries, which we actually preferred.

Aravina Estate

Aravina Estate is more than just a winery.

Besides the cellar door, you’ll also find the WA Surf Gallery, beautiful gardens and a great restaurant. You can easily spend half a day here.

Our favourite Margaret River restaurants

After a day exploring the coastline, nothing beats a good meal. There are hundreds of places to eat around Margaret River, and trust me, we’ve tried a few places… No list of things to do in Margaret River is complete without mentioning our favourite places to eat:

Best Pasta

The Spot Italiano. Here you’ll find authentic Italian food and delicious pasta, great for lunch.

Best Pizza

Woodfired pizzas at Sons of Naples

Best Pub

Dear Darnell’s is a great place for a casual dinner and a drink

Best Chinese

Dunsborough Chinese might not be the sort of place you’d necessarily expect to recommend in a travel guide, but sometimes we crave good Chinese food, and this place delivered.

Best cafes in Margaret River

There are plenty of cafes throughout the region, and they deserve a spot on your list of things to do in Margaret River. We like to start our day with a coffee and do some laptop work. Our favourite cafes in the region were:

Riversmith

This was our favourite place. Great coffee, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere.

White Elephant Cafe

This cafe probably has one of the best locations in Margaret River, overlooking Gnarabup Beach. 

But… to be honest, it wasn’t our favourite…. Everyone seems to rave about it, but we personally preferred the cafes in town.

Sora Cafe

Located in Dunsborough, Sora Cafe has a great atmosphere, excellent coffee and delicious breakfast options.

If you’re spending the morning exploring Meelup Beach, it’s well worth stopping beforehand.

Visit the Margaret River Farmers’ Markets

If you’re lucky enough to be in Margaret River on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the Margaret River Farmer’s Market. A must when you’re putting together a list of things to do in Margaret River.

Unlike many markets in Australia, this isn’t filled with souvenirs or imported products.

Everything sold here comes directly from local farmers and producers. That means the person selling you fresh strawberries probably grew them, and the cheesemaker behind the counter likely made the cheese themselves.

It’s one of the reasons the market has become so highly regarded and why locals continue to support it every week.

We always enjoy markets while travelling through Australia, as they give you a genuine taste of the region rather than simply another tourist attraction.

Where to camp or stay in Margaret River

Not camping this time? Margaret River has some lovely places to stay, from cosy cottages to boutique hotels. Have a look at the accommodation options here and find somewhere to make yourself at home.

If you are camping, we’ll have to admit… Camping is one of the better things to do in Margaret River – if the weather’s on your side – and a great way to experience the region. Everything here is so accessible, meaning you’ll find spots for a camper trailer, a campervan, or a 4WD. 

Boranop forest campground

Surrounded by towering karri trees, close to Boranup Forest, the scenic drive and 4WD track to the beach. If you’re travelling in spring, you might be lucky enough to enjoy a campfire here. Check the fire restrictions before you’re going.

Conto Campground

One of our favourite campgrounds thanks to its bush setting and easy access to beaches and the Cape to Cape Track.

Winery Stays

Several local wineries welcome self-contained travellers

Caravan Parks

Ideal if you’re looking for more comfort, power and facilities

➤ We’ve written a complete guide covering all the best campgrounds and caravan parks in the region. Check out our Camping in Margaret River Guide for all the details.

Our suggested 4-Day Margaret River itinerary

Looking back, with everything we’ve seen and done, we believe that four days are ideal to explore the region and tick off the best things to do in Margaret River. Here’s exactly how we’d spend them.

Day 1: Dunsborough

• Meelup Beach
• Eagle Bay
• Bunker Bay
• Cape Naturaliste
• Sunset at Castle Rock

Day 2: Yallingup

• Smiths Beach
• The Aquarium
• Canal rocks 
• Indijup Natural Spa
• Afternoon wine tasting 

Day 3: Margaret River

• Breakfast in town
• Surfers Point
• Prevelly
• Gracetown
• Dinner at one of the local restaurants

Day 4: Southern Margaret River

• Visit one of the caves
• Boranup forest Scenic Drive
• Boranup Beach
• Hamelin Bay
• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse if time allows

Best things to do in Margaret River

We expected to spend most of our time visiting wineries, but instead we explored beaches, forests, hiking trails, and went surfing.

We found that whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a couple of weeks exploring the South West, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Margaret River.

Planning a trip to Margaret River?

If you’re planning a camping trip to Margaret River, check out our camping in Margaret River Guide.

And if Margaret River is part of a larger Western Australia Road Trip, read through our Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide.

FAQs about Margaret River

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