35+ Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Margaret River (2025)

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Planning a getaway to the vibrant Margaret River region? This corner of Western Australia is a special one, with towering karri forests, spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards. In fact, I love it so much that I spent last year living in Margaret River!

Sharing my local tips and perspectives, I’ve crafted this ultimate guide to the top things to do in Margaret River. Discover 38 unique experiences with a mix of outdoor adventure and more relaxed gourmet experiences, all while showcasing the rich diversity this remarkable region has to offer.

A Quick Note About Getting Around Margaret River

There is no shortage of exciting things to do in the Margaret River Region however, you’ll need a car to get around to most of them.

From the coastal city of Busselton, the region stretches over 130 kilometres with Margaret River town almost smack-bang in the centre, and the sleepy seaside town of Augusta in the south. Public transport is almost non-existent, and taxis are limited and fairly expensive.

To hire a car, check out the best prices on car hire from Perth or from Busselton here.

I recommend exploring Margaret River on a road trip from Perth, or as your first stop on a more extensive road trip around WA’s South West.

To help plan your adventures in Margaret River, I’ve broken down my list of things to do based on areas:

  • Yallingup, Dunsborough and Busselton (Cape Naturaliste end)
  • Margaret River and surrounds
  • Augusta and surrounds (Cape Leeuwin end)

If you need help putting all these ideas together in a day-by-day itinerary, check out my 3 days in Margaret River itinerary.

Map of the Margaret River Region

Things to Do in Margaret River Map

Click to open an interactive map in Google Maps.

Things to Do near Yallingup, Dunsborough and Busselton

Explore the Busselton Jetty Precinct

The main attraction in Busselton is the iconic Busselton Jetty. The second longest timber-piled jetty in the world, the Busselton Jetty stands at over 1.8 km long. Tickets are required to walk out along the Jetty ($4 Day Pass), or catch the Ferry train ($17 return per adult, 2025 pricing). 

The solar-powered jetty train is a fun way to traverse to the end of the jetty

There’s even an underwater observatory located at the very end of the jetty, where you can admire the vibrant sea life that calls the clear water home (advance bookings recommended).

The underwater observatory below the Jetty

Visit Sugarloaf Rock

Rugged, dramatic, and seriously photogenic – Sugarloaf Rock is one of Margaret River’s most iconic coastal landmarks. Rising sharply from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this striking granite rock formation is a must-see, especially at sunset as the sun sinks below the horizon and behind the rock.

Easily accessible from Cape Naturaliste, it’s perfect for a quick sightseeing stop, a scenic photo, or a dip in the rockpools at its base.

Girl standing in front of Sugarloaf Rock
Sugarloaf Rock

Explore Meelup Regional Park

Another remarkable natural attraction in the Margaret River Region is Meelup Regional Park.

To start with, Meelup Beach is a delightful swimming spot popular with families. Known for its calm waters, facilities include BBQ spots, toilets, and equipment hire for water sports including stand-up paddle boards.

Castle Rock is another must-see attraction in Meelup Regional Park. This quieter alternative has equally as crystal clear waters, plus the unusual shaped rock that grants the beach its name.

There is a coastal hiking trail connecting Meelup Beach and Castle Rock, which is part of the longer 7 km Meelup Reserve Trail. This trail offers scenic views of the small coves and bays between Eagle Bay and Old Dunsborough. Keep your eyes open for the native quenda bandicoots that frequent this area! We spotted one on an early morning walk.

Boat pulling up at Castle rock beach
Castle Rock

Fly Through the Forest on a Zipline Adventure

Nestled in the forest near Busselton awaits an exhilarating adventure. One of the best outdoor activities in the region, a trip to Forest Adventures will have you tackling their high ropes courses and swooping through the forest canopy.

With courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, everyone from novices to seasoned thrill-seekers will find their match. There are some unique obstacles on the course… like riding a bicycle over a wooden platform suspended between two trees!

Check out prices and available time slots here! (advance bookings recommended)

I had so much fun tackling this adventure, you can watch a short video from our experience here.

Navigating the high ropes course at Forest Adventures

Snorkel the Natural Aquarium 

One of the unique swimming spots in the South West, the Aquarium is a naturally formed sheltered lagoon with crystal clear calm water. Bring your snorkel if you have one!

This spot is very busy in summer and over the school holidays, so come early if you are visiting during this time. A short hike is required to reach the lagoon, which helps keep the crowds away (somewhat!).

For more information on where to park and what to expect from the hike, see my dedicated guide here.

There are no facilities here, so come prepared and please conserve this beautiful spot by taking all your rubbish home with you!

The Aquarium, Yallingup

Dine at Meelup Farmhouse

Meelup Farmhouse is a fantastic restaurant located within a charming hobby farm.

Located near Meelup Beach, this venue has fast become a popular spot thanks to its relaxed Australian dining and gorgeous furry team members, like Lizzie the Highland cow. You’ll also find chickens running around in the chicken coop and a llama near the car park. 

You’ll need to reserve a table in advance as this is a popular spot thanks to its relaxed Australian dining experience and aesthetic farmhouse vibes.

The same owners of Meelup Farmhouse opened a gorgeous new spot overlooking Bunker Bay in early 2025, it’s on my list to check out Ilma Beach House on my next trip down south!

Cool Off at Injidup Natural Spa

A visit to Margaret River would be incomplete without a dip in the invigorating waters of the Injidup Natural Spa. This pristine natural rock pool, continually replenished by waves cascading over the surrounding rocks, offers a unique “spa” experience for swimmers.

Read these essential tips for visitors before you go.

Overhead drone shot of the Indijup Natural Spa
Injidup Natural spa from above

Walk Across Canal Rocks

Canal Rocks is another unique outdoor attraction in the Margaret River region. The forces of nature have created a canal amidst the rock formations. You can walk between them on the timber walkway spanning across the ocean.

Explore the Coastal Gems in Yallingup 

When exploring the best things to do in Margaret River, a day out in the picturesque town of Yallingup should be on your list. Situated near Dunsborough, this small coastal community is renowned for its family-friendly beach with a sheltered lagoon.

Children will love the large nature playground and spacious grassed areas at the top of the beach.

If you work up an appetite, pop into Lagoon Yallingup. Start your day with their morning coffee offerings before diving into a modern, fresh Australian menu rich in local seafood for lunch or dinner.

Make sure to visit Caves House Hotel, a longstanding venue offering live music on selected nights, providing the perfect backdrop for vibrant evenings all year round. I also highly recommend a stop at the charming Yallingup Gugelhupf bakery next door!

The Yallingup Lagoon beach

Things to Do near Margaret River

Sample Fine Wines

As a premier wine region globally renowned for its rich variety of wines, Margaret River is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. With over 90 cellar doors in the region, each promises a unique experience with an array of wine varietals. Many of the wineries include restaurant offerings, showcasing the fabulous fresh produce that is grown in the region.

Plan your own self-guided visit, or level up your wine-tasting journey by booking a guided tour. This allows the whole group to sip and taste to your heart’s content while avoiding the hassles of arranging a designated driver.

A wine tasting and picnic at Passel Estate

Recommended Margaret River Wine Tours

Margaret River Wine Adventure: One for the wine lovers and aficionados! This tour begins with a visit to 3 award-winning boutique wineries, before getting hands-on in an exclusive Wine Blending experience.
Create your own wine to enjoy with lunch! The day ends with a visit to a local micro-brewery and the chocolate factory. Pick up is available from accommodation in Margaret River.

Margies Big Food & Wine Tour: explore Margaret River’s wide diversity of attractions with this small-group tour that includes transfers.
Start the day with a visit to a local farm, enjoying homemade scones and locally roasted coffee before visiting an organic olive farm for a lakeside lunch after sampling their delicious olive oils.
You’ll then visit 3 handpicked, locally-owned wineries, showcasing the varietals of the region while getting a glimpse at life on a working winery.

Self-Guided Wine Tour

Some of the region’s oldest estates and “big names” include Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate. These are worth a visit, but I love to support the smaller, family-run and boutique Margaret River wineries – they create wines that rival the big three!

Some of my recommended wineries in the Margaret River region to consider visiting include:

  • Prestigious wineries: Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate
  • Organic and biodynamic wineries: Cullen Wines, Stormflower Vineyard, Blind Corner
  • Wineries with Restaurants: Swings & Roundabouts, Aravina Estate, Hay Shed Hill, Xanadu Wines, Will’s Domain
  • Some of my personal favourites: Windance Estate, Si Vintners, Amelia Park

Australia has many incredible wine regions – another favourite is the Barossa Valley in South Australia. Read all you need to know about exploring this renowned wine region.

Enjoy a Mind Blowing Meal

As a premier food and wine region, you can expect to eat some seriously delicious food while in Margaret River. There are several fine dining degustation experiences available in Margaret River for the ultimate foodies.

Voyager Estate is the stand-out option for a memorable experience. Choose either a 4-course Discovery menu, or upgrade to their sensational seven-course Discovery degustation, each course paired to their exceptional wines.

For those wanting a more casual option, the five-course Mediterranean-inspired degustation at Rustico Hay Shed Hill is great value. Winery degustation experiences are also available at Will’s Domain and Vasse Felix.

In 2024, I had the pleasure of dining at d’esendent, one of the newest additions to Margaret River’s main street and a spectacular gourmet fine dining experience. You can read about my experience in my article for the UrbanList here.  

Sampling our way through the chef’s menu at D’esendent

Go Chasing Waterfalls

Did you know Margaret River is home to a waterfall, the stunning Quinninup Falls?

Tucked away on a section of the Cape to Cape track, this 10-metre-high waterfall is a spectacular sight, especially after rainfall.

Reaching the falls involves a picturesque coastal hike, which you can read all about in my guide here.

Quinninup Falls Waterfall Margaret River

There’s another lesser-known waterfall found just a 5-minute drive from the centre of Margaret River town. Kevil Road Waterfall is small but easily accessible by car and is a picturesque place to stop by particularly if visiting Margaret River in winter.

Kevill Rd Waterfall

Watch an Outdoor Movie Under the Stars

One of the most memorable attractions in Margaret River is watching an outdoor movie on a warm summer night.

Popular venues include Movies at Cape Mentelle, which transforms into an outdoor cinema from December to February, and the historic Caves House Hotel in Yallingup offering a BYO seating arrangement.

Soak in a West Coast Sunset

Unwind at the end of a fruitful day of exploring by witnessing Western Australia’s renowned sunsets in the heart of the Margaret River region.

Grab a picnic rug or blanket and head to one of the many splendid sunset spots available. A few already mentioned in this article include Sugarloaf Rock and Yallingup Beach.

For those closer to Margaret River town, Surfers Point in Prevelly is the local favourite, boasting a large grassy knoll ideal for a laid-back sunset viewing spot.

Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock

Cheese & Chocolate Tasting

Is it a coincidence that the Margaret River Chocolate Company is around the corner from the Margaret River Dairy Company… I think not!

Take it as a sign to enjoy both a cheese and chocolate tasting while in the area. If your sweet tooth calls, the Margaret River Nougat Company is also in the vicinity…

Gabriel Chocolate, located on the same property as House of Cards wines, is another chocolatier in the area offering indulgent treats.

Visit Margaret River’s Lighthouses

A popular attraction in Margaret River is visiting one of the lighthouses in the region.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is located near Dunsborough. Further south near Augusta, you’ll find Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse.

Both lighthouses are operational to this day and offer guided tours to learn about their importance in the history of the region.

Otherwise, for a small fee, you can stroll around the complex on a self-guided exploration.

Treat Yourself at the Margaret River Bakery

The Margaret River bakery has become a must-do for visitors and locals in town alike.

Located on the main road heading into the centre of Margaret River town, this small European-inspired bakery serves up a huge range of delicious bakery treats as well as freshly cooked breakfasts.

The eclectic décor just adds to the vibe here. They are open Monday to Saturday from 7 am. On weekends, they get BUSY! Be prepared to queue to order (but the line moves quickly).

Haloumi bagel at Margaret River Bakery

Whale Watching Experience

The Margaret River region sees an estimated 35,000 whales migrate through its waters between June – November each year.

Head to Point Picquet for one of Margaret River’s best whale-watching spots in September. Here you will catch a glimpse of humpback whales and quite often, their babies, close to shore.

The lighthouses in the region also make for great whale-watching lookouts, or for the most memorable experience, book a whale-watching cruise to see the whales up close. 

Book a Whale Watching Cruise Tour here

On our whale-watching tour in Augusta

Attend a Seasonal Event or Festival

The Margaret River Region has no shortage of events and festivals celebrating the renowned food, wine and art produced in the region.

Margaret River Pro (April): Margaret River annually hosts this world-class surfing event, drawing visitors from across the country to witness the World Surfing League pros compete. Join the crowds at the beach to watch surfing legends do their thing in the fabled waves of Margaret River.

Cabin Fever (July): When it starts getting wintery and cold, what better way than warming up with delicious comfort food, great wine and maybe a fire or two? The annual Cabin Fever Festival gives you a reason to brave the chill and take in one of the curated food and wine events held over a 2-week period in some of the South West’s best restaurants, wineries and producers.

Taking part in a Fine Vines Masterclass

Margaret River Open Studios (September): Get ready to be creatively inspired! In its 11th year, the annual region Open Studios event sees artists across the region open their doors to the community for an inside look into the creative process. Follow the trail of signs leading to the 150+ artist studios that open daily to visitors, or check out the program of workshops and special events.

CinefestOz (September): The CinefestOz festival brings red-carpet events, gala nights, short films, community events and more to the region in September. Over five days there are a range of film experiences at cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries.

Fine Vines Festival (October): The wonderful team that brings you Cabin Fever gear up to celebrate Spring with another food and wine-orientated 10-day festival in October. Attend one of the many ticketed events, or pop into wineries that aren’t usually open to the public for a tasting and chat with the winemakers.

MRR Open Studios

Learn to Surf

Margaret River is known for its legendary surf, and hosting the annual Margaret River Pro surfing event. If you’ve ever been curious to try your hand at surfing, now might be the time.

Learn the basis during a 2-hour group surfing lesson from an expert instructor at one of Margaret River’s best surf spots.

Get ready to hit the waves like the pros

Navigate a Giant Hedge Maze

Get lost (for fun) at A Maze’n Margaret River. This giant hedge maze is a spectacular sight at over half a hectare in size. The property also has a cafe, mini golf, outdoor games and an immaculate garden to explore. It’s a great activity for the whole family.

There’s also a timber maze at Yallingup Maze, as well as a mini golf course and nature play areas.

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Craft Beer Breweries

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply enjoy a chilled brew, a visit to one of the many breweries in the Margaret River region should top your list. The area has an abundance of breweries, each with unique brew offerings and enjoyable spaces.

Here’s a rundown of some of my personal favourites:

  • Wild Hop Brewing Co: this chilled spot in Yallingup has become a fast favourite thanks to its great range of brews and delicious meals
  • Eagle Bay Brewing Co: One of the first breweries in the region, Eagle Bay is a great spot for the whole family with a large grassed area and a little veggie garden too.
  • Margaret River Brewhouse: A great option on the outskirts of Margaret River town. There’s usually live music on weekends.
  • Beerfarm: A funky venue located in an old dairy shed with an awesome range of beers.
I love all the meals at Margaret River Brewhouse

Other popular breweries in the region include Cheeky Monkey and CBCo. 

Shelter Brewing in Busselton is another personal favourite, with delicious meals, a fantastic range of fresh beers and views of the Busselton Jetty from its waterfront location.

Shelter Brewing Busselton
Shelter Brewing located at the Busselton Foreshore

Saturday Mornings at the Farmers Market

A tradition for many visitors (and a Margaret River must-see) is a trip to the local farmers market. Held every Saturday morning, the markets bring fresh seasonal food directly from farms to consumers.

You’ll find a range of market stalls, from fresh fruit and vegetables to locally made arts and crafts. The Farmers Market is an important part of the local community and is a worthwhile experience for all weekend visitors to the region. 

Cowaramup has recently started a small farmers market at the Cowaramup Primary School. This fortnightly market is held on Sundays and is a lot smaller than the one in Margaret River town, but is growing each week.

The place to be on Saturday morning in Margaret River

Paddle your Way Along the Margaret River

Experience a more adventurous side of Margaret River, with this highly rated half-day Margaret River Discovery tour.

Begin your adventure with a short paddle along the river before enjoying a private lunch at one of the winery estates with premium wine. The adventure continues after lunch with a 4WD to the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs, a visit to a local waterfall and a short hike along the Cape to Cape.

Go for a tranquil paddle along the Margaret River

Gin Tasting & Spirit Sampling

In recent years there have been a number of distillery additions to the burgeoning Margaret River wine scene.

Gin lovers are spoilt for choice with the following distilleries in the region:

  • Margaret River Distilling Co (Ginversity): On the outskirts of Margaret River town you’ll find Ginversity nestled on the edge of the forest. Try a seated gin tasting, or enquire about a gin masterclass. Native botanicals feature in all the gins here, giving them a distinctive, local twist.
  • The Grove Distillery: Drop in for a tasting and try the small-batch spirits, including vodka, whisky, rum, bourbon and of course, gin. This one tends to get larger group tours visiting on weekends, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to visit.
  • West Winds: this new purpose-built distillery in the heart of Cowaramup is the place to try West Wind’s range of unique gins, vodkas and whiskies. Plus the tavern serves cocktails, local beers and wines alongside tasty meals.
  • Wise Distillery: Wise Winery in picturesque Eagle Bay has a small distillery that uses their grapes for its spirit base. Admire the custom-built column stills whilst having a tasting of the hand-bottled premium spirits of this small-run distillery.

Visit Charming Cowaramup

A short drive 15 minutes north of Margaret River takes you to the charming town of Cowaramup. It’s hard to miss it, thanks to the number of life-sized fibreglass cows scattered around the town.

Pop into one of the local boutiques; browse locally made wares at Mukau Giftware & Gallery or satisfy your sweet tooth at the Candy Cow. A new addition to town is the West Winds Distillery and Tavern, serving up hearty meals and one of Australia’s best gins.

A short drive from the main street of town you’ll find the tasty Millers Ice Creamery shop with, you guessed it – more fibre-glassed cows!

Working our way through a gin tasting at Westwinds Distillery

Start Your Day by the Beach at Gnarabup

Kickstart your day at the idyllic coastal town of Gnarabup.

Mere footsteps from the ocean, the White Elephant Cafe is the hub of this area, with a vibrant local clientele. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with a fresh brew in hand, or tuck into a delicious brunch as you watch the locals take morning dips in the calm bay.

Breakfast by the beach at White Elephant Cafe

Redgate Beach

Redgate Beach is one of my personal favourites in the Margaret River Region.

The beach is scattered with a rocky outcrop that creates natural swimming holes and hides small rock pools to explore. Plus, the water clarity here is next level.

This beautiful beach is close to Mammoth Cave and some lovely small boutique wineries, like Redgate Wines and Mr Barval Fine Wines.

Redgate Beach

Olive Oil Tasting

So far we’ve explored chocolate, cheese, wine and gin tasting… the last one for this list is organic olive oil tasting at Ollio Bello.

It’s a fun visit to the tasting room and farm shop at Olio Bello, where you can savour their range of organic extra virgin olive oils and other produce. There are a range of interesting flavours and tastes for all cuisines, ranging from citrus to chilli concoctions.

They have a rustic Mediterranean-style café serving meals, coffee and home-baked goodies daily.

Olio Bello

Wander Witchcliffe

The charming small town of Witchcliffe (or Witchy, as we affectionately call it) is 10 minutes south of Margaret River and has no less than three vintage second-hand stores! It’s worth stopping by to browse the eclectic wares, as well as the record store, sip on wines at the cellar door for the Henry McHonen winery or grab a bite to eat from the quirky and eclectic Dear Darnells restaurant.  

The quirky small town of Witchcliffe

Visit a Birds of Prey Sanctuary

It wasn’t until a recent visit that I discovered that Margaret River is home to one of Australia’s largest bird of prey sanctuaries at Capes Raptor Centre (formerly Eagles Heritage).

Dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds, this unique wildlife centre is set amongst the natural bushland in Margaret River.

There are twice daily Birds of Prey Encounters at 11 am and 1.30 pm (online bookings are recommended). During your visit, take a self-guided walk to spot some of the eagles, hawks, falcons and owls that call the sanctuary home.

A must-visit for wildlife lovers

Explore Underground at the Margaret River Caves

Beneath the picturesque landscapes of Margaret River lies a hidden world of limestone caves. With over 100 spectacular formations, they make for a unique attraction in Margaret River and a memorable visit.

Exploring Mammoth Cave

There are four caves open to the public; tickets are required. Each of these four caves has its own unique aspects.

Ngilgi Cave: this cave offers semi-guided tours leading you through its distinct aspects, including awe-inspiring stalactites hanging overhead and secret nooks to crawl through and explore.

Mammoth Cave: immerse yourself in a self-guided tour showcasing the cave’s vast chambers while you learn its rich history through an informative audio guide.

Lake Cave: this cave has a permanent underground lake with a distinctive stalactite and stalagmite formation joining to meet in the middle. Guided tours are provided to access this remarkable attraction.

Jewel Cave: Situated near Augusta, join the guided tour of three large caverns displaying mesmerizing flowstone resembling frozen waterfalls.

The caves are a must-do in Margaret River!

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to choose just one to visit, Lake Cave would be my recommendation. For full details and a comparison of each of the caves, check out my dedicated guide to exploring Margaret River’s Caves here.

Here’s a short video from our last visit to Lake Cave to give you an idea of what to expect!

Admire the Margaret River Rivermouth

The river that has provided the namesake for the town. Head to the small seaside town of Prevelly to watch where the river meets the sea at the Margaret River Rivermouth.

In summer, this is a popular swimming spot and water sports are usually available for hire.

Crossing the Margaret Rivermouth when hiking the Cape to Cape

Wander Through Boranup Forest

A visit to the Boranup Karri Forest is nothing short of magical as you wander amidst giant karri trees, seemingly touching the sky at 60 meters tall.

The easiest spot to explore is from the Boranup Forest View Point parking area.

From here, take a walk through the forest on the other side of the road. Visitors can also take the scenic gravel road through the middle of the forest (suitable for 2WDs) on Boranup Dr which runs parallel to Caves Road.

The picturesque Boranup Forest

Take a Scenic Coastal Hike 

The Margaret River Region is renowned for its stunning coastal hikes.

The most famous of them is the iconic Cape to Cape track, spanning 130 kilometres from Cape Cape Leeuwin to Cape Augusta. I completed this hike over 7 days in 2022, which you can read about here.

While many choose to complete the entire track, you can tackle small sections of it for a taste of the vivid coastal scenery. My recommendations are;

  • Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock: This 3.5 kilometre (one-way) section of the Cape to Cape is accessible thanks to the wooden boardwalk and sealed pathway along the track. This is a great area for whale spotting around September. 
  • Torpedo Trail Yallingup: A short but scenic 3km loop starting from the Yallingup Beach car park. 
  • Contos Beach to Bob’s Hollow: Quite possibly the most scenic section of the Cape to Cape, walk along the Conto cliffs along the coast to a small cave at Bob’s Hollow (7km return approx). 

There are also more trails along the coastline from Cape Leeuwin to Dunsborough, including the Meelup trail mentioned above that passes Meelup Beach and Castle Rock.

Hiking the Conto Cliffs

Stroll the Heart of Margaret River

The main street of Margaret River town is a charming strip of boutiques, cafe’s, restaurants and local shops.

Hit the pavement on Bussell Highway and take in the bustling hub that is the main strip of town.

Check out the Fudge Factory, grab a coffee at Sidekick Cafe, browse the Margaret River Artisan Store and cosy Margaret River Book Shop, and pop into the Visitors Centre for some souvenir shopping.

The quirky and cosy Margaret River Bookstore

Things to Do near Augusta

Meet the Hamelin Bay Stingrays

A worthwhile detour while in Margaret River is a visit to Hamelin Bay to meet the local marine residents.

Hordes of manta rays are known to frequent the shallow shores of Hamelin Bay Beach. Your best chance of seeing them is on a calm day as they glide by. While they may appear friendly, local authorities ask visitors not to touch these wild creatures.

Your best chance of seeing them is during the warmer months – I have visited twice in winter and didn’t see a single ray!

The famous Hamelin Bay sting rays

Explore Augusta Town

Perched at the southwestern tip of WA, Augusta is where the wild Southern Ocean collides with the Indian Ocean, creating a dramatic and breathtaking coastline. Home to the iconic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, this laid-back coastal town is a different pace to the bustling Margaret River.

Go for a walk along the river, have a delicious meal at the Colour Patch or grab a pie from the Augusta Bakery, go whale watching or take a dip at Granny’s Pool.

The Blackwood river in Augusta

Where to Stay in Margaret River

Within the Margaret River Region, you can choose to stay in the coastal area of Dunsborough & Yallingup, or near the forest in Margaret River Town.

Here’s my top picks for accommodation in the area.

Margaret River & Surrounds

  • Budget – Margaret River Resort
    Comfortable accommodation with an on-site pub, just minutes from Margaret River’s town centre.
  • Mid-Range – Margarets In Town Apartments
    A great spot on the edge of town, still within walking distance to all the restaurants on the main st close to walking trails and the river
  • Luxury – Chambre Estate
    A tranquil retreat set on a stunning 3 hectares of bush and farmland, offering boutique accommodation, some with hot tubs.
  • Best for Families – Margaret River Hideaway & Farmstay
    Perfect for families, Margaret River Hideaway offers a children’s playground and interactive animal feeding sessions on a vast 58-acre property, with homey accommodations just minutes from the heart of Margaret River township.

Dunsborough & Yallingup

  • Budget – Lanterns Retreats
    Quaint accommodation in the heart of Dunsborough, and a 10-minute walk away from the beach
  • Mid-Range – Canal Rocks Beachfront Apartments
    Enjoy self-catering accommodation with sea views, amenities such as fully equipped kitchens just a short drive to many of Yallingup’s main attractions
  • Boutique Luxury – Barn Hives Yallingup
    Cute eco pods located in the middle of a vineyard! Only a 5 minute drive from Canal Rocks.

Final Thoughts

Margaret River isn’t just about world-class wine (though that’s definitely a highlight!). From epic surf breaks and underground caves to forest hikes and gourmet food experiences, this region has something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, you’ll find no shortage of incredible things to see and do. So, grab a glass of local vino, soak in those breathtaking coastal views, and start planning your ultimate Margaret River getaway!

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4 thoughts on “35+ Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Margaret River (2025)”

  1. Great work Tess. This is a very thorough and useful guide of Margaret Rivers Attractions.

    I especially like the google maps “things to Do” . So many people find it difficult to understand how big the region actually is so this is helpful!

    Should get in touch for a coffee and a vino next time you are in town!

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  2. Absolutely loved working my way through Tess’s recommendations for Margaret River. A few favourites included, Hamelin Bay sting rays (incredible!), Redgate Beach, Lake Cave, White Elephant cafe, West Winds distillery – the snapper was delicious the Karri forest and Gnarabup. Still so many places we didn’t get to but I couldn’t be more grateful for these recommendations Tess! Thank you for the thought and effort that goes into your blogs.

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    • Hi Claire! This comment made my day! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience – it sounds like you had a great trip and I’m glad the guide was helpful 🙂

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