In my (slightly biased) opinion, I think Margaret River is one of the most spectacular and unique regions in Australia. Where else can you dip your toes in sparkling clear water, sample world-class wine, explore an underground cave and dine on gourmet locally-grown produce, all in one day?
Welcome to the Margaret River Region, a region bounded by the Indian Ocean over 130 kilometres in the South West of Western Australia. A visit to Margaret River is popular with tourists and Perth locals who regularly head “down south” for a weekend getaway. I love this region so much that I decided to move here!
In this guide I’ll share my local perspectives and expert suggestions on how to make the most of a wonderful 3 days in Margaret River, exploring the forests, beaches and fabulous foodie offerings the region has to offer.
Understanding the Region: Picking the Best Area to Stay
Before I dive into the itinerary, it’s worth quickly setting out the context that the Margaret River Region is a large one. 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. Where you choose to stay may influence whether this itinerary is right for you.
These are the main areas to stay in the Margaret River Region. If following this itinerary, I recommend staying near Margaret River township.
Busselton
Busselton city is a large town situated on the shore of Geographe Bay, only 2.5 hours south of Perth.
There’s lots of accommodation available for a wide range of budgets, and many family-style resorts within walking distance of the calm ocean. You’ll find the iconic Busselton Jetty here, along with a large range of dining options.
Busselton has a large range of chain stores and supermarkets and numerous fast food outlets.
While Busselton makes for a great relaxed family beachside holiday, it doesn’t quite offer the same level of idyllic nature escape as Dunsborough and Margaret River. However, it is convenient, and if you don’t mind driving a little further, you could take day trips to explore some of the more untouched natural attractions closer to Margaret River.
Driving Time from Margaret River town: 45 minutes
Where to Stay in Busselton
- Budget: Ringtails Motel
- Mid-Range: The Sebel Busselton or Hilton Garden Inn
Dunsborough & Yallingup
The smaller coastal towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup offer a more relaxed vibe than Busselton, with Yallingup boasting million-dollar mansions in the small enclave nestled on the hill overlooking the famous Yallingup Lagoon and surf break.
You won’t find any large shops here, with smaller boutiques, fine dining restaurants and trendy cafes, although Dunsborough is home to both a Woolworths and Coles Supermarket. Dunsborough has some luxury resorts, like the award-winning Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, and you’ll find a range of holiday homes.
Driving Time from Margaret River town: 30 minutes (Yallingup), 40 minutes (Dunsborough)
Where to Stay in Dunsborough & Yallingup
- Mid-Range: Canal Rocks Beachfront Apartments Yallingup or Dunsborough Apartments & Suites
- Boutique Luxury: Barn Hives Yallingup
Margaret River
Lastly, we have Margaret River town and surrounding area. Situated slightly inland from the coast, but still a short 12-minute drive from the nearest beach, Margaret River town is nestled among its river namesake and is surrounded by tall trees and forest.
It’s a much more relaxed and earthy vibe compared to the polished and trendier coastal vibe of Dunsborough. For your first visit to the region, and if you are following this itinerary, I would recommend staying within a 15-minute drive of Margaret River town for your first visit to the Region.
Where to Stay in Margaret River
- Budget: Margaret River Resort
- Mid-Range: Margarets In Town Apartments
- Luxury: Chambre Estate
If you’re looking to completely disconnect and relax in luxury, I can highly recommend the beautiful Hidden Valley Forest Retreat. It’s about 25 minutes north of Margaret River but is one of the most relaxing and peaceful stays I’ve ever experienced. I spent 2 nights here on my wedding anniversary and loved every minute (just make to sure to book well in advance!)
Getting to Margaret River
The majority of people drive by car on the 3-hour journey from Perth to Margaret River. It is possible to get a bus, however, I recommend driving as you’ll need a car to get around on this itinerary.
If you need to hire a car, check out Discover Cars to compare rental options and get the best deal for car rental in Perth.
Where to Stop Along the Way
The drive from Perth to Margaret River can be done non-stop, but if you’d like to break up the drive with a few interesting stops, check out my Perth to Margaret River Road Trip guide for 7 fun ideas.
I recommend stopping in Busselton to visit the iconic Busselton Jetty, especially if it’s your first time in the region. Stroll the length of the 1.8 km jetty, ride the cherry red passenger train, or visit the underwater observatory beneath the jetty.
Go for a stroll along the foreshore, stopping at Shelter Brewery for a yummy lunch with scenic views of the ocean and the jetty.
3 Days in Margaret River Itinerary
Itinerary Map
Click the image to open a larger interactive version of the map
Day 1
Whether you’ve stopped in Busselton, or have driven straight down from Perth, you’ll know you’re getting close to Margaret River town when the vineyards and farmland begin to turn into dense forest lining the side of Bussell Highway.
Explore the Main Street
Begin your down south adventure by strolling along the bustling hub of Margaret River’s main street.
There are many charming boutiques, art galleries and artisan stores. Find a new book at the cosy Margaret River Bookshop, browse the quirky Enchanted Margaret River store, soak up the smells of the natural lotions and soaps at Vasse Virgin or browse the beautiful dresses at Marine & Co.
There are also lots of cafes and coffee shops if you need to grab a bite or afternoon coffee – just note that most of the coffee shops tend to open early and close early, around 2 or 3 pm. If you’re looking for a caffeine hit after that, your best bet is Margaret River Tuck Shop or Settlers Tavern.
Stroll through the Forest
To stretch your legs after the long drive, go for a walk through the tranquil forest. Starting from the Rotary Park, you can follow the trail along the winding river or seek out the weir on the opposite side of the highway.
For a casual and relaxed dinner on your first night, I recommend visiting the Margaret River Brewhouse (they often have live music) or Swings & Roundabouts (serving wood-fired pizzas).
Get a good night’s sleep, because tomorrow is going to be a big day of exploring!
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Day 2
Margaret River Farmers Market
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, make sure you visit the Margaret River Farmers Market. Held every Saturday morning from 7.30 to 11.30 am all year round. This bustling hub has a very friendly local vibe, and you’ll find a huge range of stalls with local produce, coffee vans, bakeries, artisan products and more. It’s also a great spot to grab a light breakfast while you wander the markets and browse the various stalls.
If it isn’t a Saturday, head to the eclectic Margaret River Bakery for a delicious bagel or almond croissant, or for a sit-down brunch I recommend Drift Cafe.
Admire Boranup Forest
After breakfast, make your way to Caves Road, where the picturesque and tranquil Boranup Forest awaits. This is one of my favourite places in the Margaret River Region, with its towering karri trees, with dappled sunlight filtering through their lofty heights.
Head to the car park here, and go for a stroll through the forest on the other side of the road. It isn’t a long stop, but it’s a very worthwhile one!
There’s a scenic loop drive on Boranup Drive that takes you deeper into the karri forest – this is unsealed, but generally 2WD suitable unless there has been heavy rains.
Visit Hamelin Bay
It’s beach time! From Boranup Forest, it’s a 15-minute drive to Hamelin Bay, home to the famous sting rays that are frequent visitors to the shoreline. Just a reminder to please not touch these friendly but wild animals – if the signs in place aren’t enough of a deterrent.
Your best chance of seeing the sting rays is on a calm day, and usually in the warmer months. If trying to visit in winter, the water can be quite choppy and lots of seaweed gets washed up. I haven’t had much luck spotting the sting rays at the beach in winter, personally!
If it’s bad weather, head straight to the next activity but afterwards, make your way into the charming small town of Witchcliffe (or Witchy, as we affectionately call it). This tiny town has no less than three vintage second-hand stores, as well as a record store and a fabulous cellar door for the Henry McHonen winery.
On a beautiful warm day, the beach at Hamelin Bay is a great spot for a dip. Otherwise, Redgate Beach is my all-time favourite as it has some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen!
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Explore a Cave
The Margaret River Region is littered with a network of underground limestone caves.
Six of these have been turned into show caves and are open to the public, with most of them found in the area near Boranup Forest. There’s also the stunning Jewel Cave near Augusta, a short drive from Hamelin Bay so you have plenty of options at your fingertips.
To decide which cave to visit, read my short guide here, including a summary of my favourite caves.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
An optional detour further south will take you to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, standing 40 metres tall on the southernmost cape of the Margaret River Region.
Guided tours are available that take you to the top of the lighthouse. You can book upon arrival, but if the next slot is full, you might have to wait (or you can always book online here). There’s a small cafe and gift shop to browse to pass the time if you need to wait. Otherwise, you can explore the lighthouse grounds at your own pace without a tour, with a small entrance fee payable.
For lunch, check out Dear Darnells in Witchcliffe with its quirky decor and woodfired pizzas, or there’s a classic small-town bakery in Augusta near the Lighthouse. For a sit-down meal in Augusta, the Colour Patch is a delightful spot located by the river. There’s also a new cafe near Boranup Forest, where Pies and Ales used to be, called the Boranup Forest Cafe. I haven’t been yet, but it’s on my list!
For dinner, check out my Where to Eat recommendations below.
Day 3
Brunch at White Elephant Cafe
Start your day with brunch by the beach. Drive to Prevelly, a tiny seaside town near where the Margaret River Mouth meets the sea. White Elephant Cafe is located footsteps from the water’s edge at Gnarabup Beach and is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. It can get busy, so to avoid the rush get there early on weekends or visit mid-week for a more relaxing experience.
Head up the stairs to the lookout for a great view over the bay before you leave. You can go for a leisurely stroll to Surfers Point, but I’d recommend coming back for sunset today so you could save this for later.
Explore Some Natural Wonders by the Coast
Jump in the car and drive about 40 minutes north to Yallingup, where you’ll explore a few natural attractions tucked away on the coastline.
Firstly, make a stop at Canal Rocks, where the forces of nature have carved a canal amidst the granite rock formations. You can walk between them on the timber walkway spanning across the ocean. Just up the road, you can taker a short hike through natural bushland to reach the hidden Natural Aquarium, a beautiful swimming spot.
There are no facilities here, it is a very raw and natural place so please keep it that way by taking all your rubbish with you when you leave.
On the way to the next spot, grab morning tea at the delightfully quaint Cape Lavender tea house, best known for their purple lavender ice-cream and yummy scones.
The next spot is Injidup Natural Spa, where if you visit at the right time, a natural spa-like effect is created by the churning sea rushing through a gap in the rocks. Read my full guide for everything you need to know about visiting this popular spot.
Wine Tasting
Spend the next few hours driving along Caves Road, visiting a few wineries and sampling the renowned wines of the region. There are hundreds of cellar doors scattered across the region, from large estates to small boutique or family-run producers. Most cellar doors charge a small tasting fee of $10-15 to taste five or six wines from their range.
Remember to decide who will be the designated driver, or consider booking a wine tour so everyone can indulge in a few tastings.
Wineries worth putting on your list to visit:
- Prestigious winery estates: Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate
- Wineries with Restaurants: Aravina Estate, Hay Shed Hill, Xanadu Wines, Will’s Domain, Cullen Wines, Amelia Park
- Some of my personal favourites: Stormflower Vineyard, Si Vintners, Walsh & Sons, Fermoy 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.
Continue the Food Adventures
For the afternoon, continue sampling more of the amazing food and wine of the region. Visit the Margaret River Chocolate Factory to sample chocolate and pick up some goodies, pop into Margaret River Distilling Company for a gin tasting or visit one of the fabulous brewpubs in the region (my favourites are included below in the Where to Eat section).
If you need to stretch your legs, consider a visit to A’Mazen, home to a giant hedge maze and mini golf or go for a hike along the Wadandi track or tackle a section of the Cape to Cape trail.
For more ideas of things to do in the region, check out my list of 30+ ideas right here.
Sunset at Surfers Point
Head back to the coast for sunset, to Surfers Point which is the go-to sunset spot in Margaret River.
There’s a large grassed area atop a hill, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, wrapping up the end of your memorable 3 days in Margaret River.
For dinner, head back to town and munch on pizzas at Pizzica, or tuck into the American BBQ slow-cooked beef brisket at the cosy Settlers Tavern.
Where to Eat
Here are some of the best restaurants and cafes around town worth checking out:
- Margaret River Brewhouse: one of my favourites for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Everything I’ve tried on the menu has been brilliant, and their range of beers are all excellent.
- Morries: Modern Australian dishes are served with a big cocktail menu in this small but chic restaurant with local artwork lining the walls
- Amelia Park Winery Restaurant: We had the most delicious meal here at the stunning Amelia Park Winery. Reservations are essential! The cellar door here is seriously impressive, so it’s worth stopping by for a wine tasting even if you don’t dine at the restaurant.
- La Scarpetta Trattoria: From the flower-filled outdoor tubs to the eclectic wooden exterior, La Scarpetta is fully booked every night with locals and visitors tucking into their handmade pastas. The homemade arancini is to die for, too!
- Pizzica: Tucked away underneath La Scarpetta, the large pizza oven occupies the heart of this restaurant which serves tasty woodfired pizzas.
- Settlers Tavern: With a large range of indoor and outdoor seating, and walls lined with surf memorabilia, the food and drink selection at Settlers Tavern doesn’t disappoint, with live music on weekends too.
- Drift Cafe: One of the best brunch spots in Margaret River!
- Egberts: Small coffee and bakery stop with relaxed outdoor seating in the middle of the main street
- Sea Garden Cafe (Prevelly): Another great spot for a relaxed lunch or sunset dinner, with views of the ocean from the elevated outdoor seating. Try their fish tacos – yum!
Tips to Make the Most of your Trip
- As a buzzing tourist town, making reservations for lunch at winery restaurants and restaurants in town for dinner is highly recommended. Even mid-week in town, most of the popular restaurants can be fully booked with dinner reservations.
- If your travel dates are during the Western Australian school holidays, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance
- Avoid driving on rural roads between dusk and dawn, as this is when wildlife (and especially kangaroos) are most active
- There are two large supermarkets and petrol stations in Margaret River, so you don’t need to worry about bringing supplies with you.
- Check to see if any seasonal events or festivals are on during your visit, or if your visit coincides with the whale watching or the wildflower season.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up this epic 3 day Margaret River itinerary. Despite living here for a year and being a regular visitor over the last ten years, if you love nature and good food, you will always find ways to entertain yourself in this wonderful region!
If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you! And don’t forget to check out my other guides for inspiration and things to do in the region.
If you found this free guide useful, you’ll love my new Western Australia Road Trip & Travel Guide eBook! It’s jam-packed with over 90 pages of useful destination guides, essential tips and custom day-by-day itineraries to make planning your Western Australia adventures a breeze. Check it out here.
Margaret River Guides:
- Best of South West WA: One Week Road Trip Itinerary
- 7 Must-See Stops on a Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
- An Insider’s Guide to Exploring the Margaret River Caves
- 35 Best Things to Do in Margaret River
- The Aquarium, Yallingup: Complete Visitors Guide
- Injidup Natural Spa: Essential Tips For Your Visit
- Quinninup Falls: Hiking to Margaret River’s Secret Waterfall
More Perth Guides:
I am 72 yr old solo traveler from Bundaberg QLD and planning a trip to Darwin, Broome and Perth in May. I have 3 days to spare 16,17,18 May . Have always wanted to visit Margaret River region . Should I look for a self guided tour of the region with hire car or van or book accom ahead. I This trip is to do the places I have not seen. I will be doing Perth in October with my cousin from UK. ( she only has 2 weeks starting in Sydney and Indian Pacific .) I have done Perth before and also Broome but will be showing my cousin around the west. I need to be back at my hotel in Perth for the 19th as I start a package holiday to Adelaide from Perth then. your advice would be helpful.
Hi Heather, I think hiring a car and exploring at your own pace will work well if you’re comfortable with it! Gives you a lot more freedom to explore, it’s very easy to navigate around the region (similar to Perth in that regard). I would book a few nights in or around Margaret River town, and stop in at Busselton on the drive down to see the Busselton Jetty if you haven’t before.
Wishing you all the best with your upcoming travels!
Cheers,
Tess
Thanks Tess, for your impressive guide. I love hearing from locals where the best places are to see as there are often little gems not put on the tourist brochures. I’ll be hiring a car and doing my own trip in March and looking forward to seeing all
the region has to offer. Cheers Viv
Hi Viv, that sounds awesome and I’m sure you will have a blast! It’s a very beautiful region, and even the more popular things are still very worth checking out – they are popular for good reason 🙂 but you will still be able to find a few quiet corners and tranquility when exploring the region. Thanks for reading my guides!