Margaret River, an Ideal Getaway

Nestled just a three hour drive South-West of Perth, Western Australia you’ll find the stunning coastline and magnificent beaches of Margaret River. The area, best known for its premium wineries and pristine beaches, also combines world class food, tall timber forests, spectacular bays and ancient limestone caves. You will find the dramatic cliffs and rocks, tranquil aqua waters of the many secluded bays and the rising mist in the early morning a dazzling tapestry of visual spendour.

Thirty years ago this diverse area was better known for its logging and agriculture. Today, Margaret River is an internationally renowned wine region and host to more than half a million visitors a year. Seems I’m not the only one who enjoys a spot of wine tasting! The ‘Margs’ as it is affectionately known, is blessed with crisp winters and refreshing sea breezes in summer, making it an ideal location for a getaway at any time of the year.

The scenic drive along the winding road gives an overwhelming sense of serenity amongst the soaring karri tree giants of Boronup Forest. Get out and walk along the narrow gravel road luring you through the stunning, scenic forest and prepare to feel super tiny as many of these trees are up to 60m in height. It’s truly a surreal experience to enjoy the peace and tranquillity wandering among the mystical scenery that undulates across the valley. Soaking up the forest ambience, listening to the sounds of the birds and leaves rusting in the breeze is a feast for the senses. Combined with the sounds of the native birds, sight of wildflowers on the forest floor (in season) and fresh smell of the eucalypts, meandering in the solitude of the towering Karri trees leaves you in in silent awe and is simply beautiful.

You’re not short of choices in the Margaret River region with over 150 wine producers and a gourmet food lover’s paradise of locally grown olives, freshwater marron, venison, chocolate and award winning cheeses. And nothing goes better with fine wine than cheese. Margaret River Dairy Company is worth dropping into for some creamy camembert, baked ricotta or pot set yogurts. Head to Vasse Virgin Olive Oil Farm for tastings or an array of hand made olive oil skin care products. The Farm House makes some of the tastiest bacon ever. The proprietor sources local pork and lamb, prepares fresh honey brines and uses freshly prepared shavings from apple tree logs from Donnybook to impart the smokey flavour and aroma in his specialty cured and smoked products.

Some of our favourite places are Berry Farm for fresh jams, fortified wines and great morning teas with the birds in the gardens. The Grove is a great place for a different experience tasting their distilled liqueurs and spirits like Gin, Vodka, Absinthe, Grappola, etc, in lovely surroundings. Margaret River Bakery offers the best breakfast and bakery goods with a touch of whimsy.

With Margaret River’s Mediterranean style climate, lacking extremes in summer and winter temperature, mixed with the humidity levels makes this an ideal growing area. Producing consistently high quality fruit of intense flavour Margaret River’s reputation as a premium wine producing region in the world is evenly split between producing red and white varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin blanc and Verdelho.

Happs, Gralyn, Beckett’s Flat, Lenton Brae, Brookland Valley, Stella Bella, Laurance  and Swooping Maggie are just some of our favourite boutique wineries in the area. Many of the local wineries have other attractions, with lakes filled with Marron and Silver Perch, beautiful manicured gardens, Pottery, B&B’s, arts and glasswares, wedding venues like Laurance and outstanding restaurants like Flutes at Brookland.

The abundance of local produce like organic fruit and vegetables and fresh fish and seafood caught offshore makes the Margaret River area home to many restaurants that showcase local specialties to create a taste of Margaret River on a plate. The chefs’ combination of artistry and gastronomy ensures whether for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner there is something for every palate, perfectly matched with some superior plonk to wash it down.

Whether you take a formal tour or take yourself on a walk along the beach or one of the many walking tracks you have a chance of seeing some fur seals or Humpbacks and Southern Right whales. Their annual migration brings them to region for a feed and play. With 130km  of immaculate coastline stretching from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin you can enjoy a long distance hike voted one of the best walking tracks in the world.

Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia’s tallest lighthouse, located on the most south westerly tip of Australia, where the Indian Ocean and Southern Oceans meet, the breathtaking views are hard to beat anywhere in the world and a visit here will reward you with one of the top 3 ocean views in the world. The nearby Water Wheel, now encrusted in calcified lime, was built in 1895 to provide water to the builders of the lighthouse, provided by a natural spring in the nearby wetland.

On the northern cape is one of the most spectacular sights, Sugarloaf Rock. Anytime of the year, on the way to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse you can see this bold craggy rock’s points and crevasses being pounded by the surrounding ocean. The might and power of the Indian Ocean is incredible and the sheer size of the rock has to be seen to be believed. Sugarloaf Rock can also be seen further along the coast in Yallingup.

You can enjoy the brilliant white sands and stunning turquoise waters of Hamelin Bay or explore nature’s most exquisite and delicate rock formations in ancient caves open to the public, the most famous being Mammoth, Jewel and Lake Caves. The caves contains fossils dating back over 35,000 years and like the other caves, Ngilgi, Calgardup and Giant caves is located within Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.

The sheer diversity of natural landscapes you can encounter near Margaret River will truly blow your mind. Not only is this area blessed with mild weather and abundant sunshine, it has breathtaking scenery along some of the world’s best beaches, renowned surf breaks, majestic tall tree forests and walking trails with unique plant species found nowhere else on earth. When Spring is in the air it is the perfect time to head down and enjoy the warmer weather to see the colourful wildflowers, beautiful beaches, and relish the long winery lunches and incredible natural beauty of the region.

Whether it’s a summer family holiday, a romantic winter getaway, hens’ weekend with the girls or a ‘mancation’ for the lads you can explore ancient caves, go whale watching, stroll through forests of giant timbers, visit a winery or three or head to the beach. Is there anything more you could possibly need to give you reason to go to Margaret River?

Hugh Jackman has been quoted as saying ‘Margs’  is the best place he’s ever been to, citing the surf, the beaches, the food, the wine, the people and the air as his reasons. And if it’s good enough for Hugh, it’s enough for me. Onya Hugh!

PS. Princess Cruises have now added the Margaret River region to their Western Australia cruising itinerary as from April 2015 and A Hole in my Shoe sailed in the inaugural season.

Update: In October 2019 Jetstar announced their plans to launch direct flights from Melbourne commencing in March 2020. So now Victorian residents can be enjoying this beautiful region and the local wines within 4 hours. Check out the calendar of events for 2020.

Does Margaret River sound like an ideal place for your to relax and getaway? Is this somewhere you would have like to spend a long weekend, or longer?

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35 Responses

  1. Elena says:

    Going there for a long weekend at the end of September. I guess, it’s becoming a tradition – every time we are in Perth (which is roughly every 6 months or so) we have to go to Margaret River region. Really looking forward to do it this time. Cheers!
    Elena recently posted…Stockholm Lunch for 100KrMy Profile

  2. Yesh says:

    This is an amazing post – beautiful pictures and well written info. Would definitely want to visit!

  3. We love the Margaret River Region so many things on offer for a short getaway or even a longer break. Our favourites include the Berry Farm, the caves, all the great food tasting, oh and the wineries 😉 Next trip we hope to explore the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, more caves and no doubt stop to admire “the cows”.
    Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…Top Family Friendly Hotels in MalaysiaMy Profile

  4. Chloe says:

    How gorgeous and what a fun trip you two took!! Gotta love a place with great weather and WINE tasting!! Haha!! Thank you for sharing on #FlyAwayFriday and welcome to the linkup!! We’re so happy to have you and can’t wait to see what you share this next week 🙂

  5. We have just spent two days at Margaret River and loved every minute of it.
    Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields recently posted…Springtime tulips at Araluen Botanic Park, Western AustraliaMy Profile

  6. Kana says:

    Such a gorgeous area! I love the photos, it seems so cozy. I need to start joining your linkup too! I’ll set myself a reminder. Thanks for sharing and joining Fly Away Friday! xo

  7. Corinne says:

    Lyn, Everytime you write up the things to do not so far from Perth it makes me want to buy tickets immediately. The Margaret River looks and sounds amazing. I will go…someday.

    Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!

  8. Mara says:

    You had me at it’s “a gourmet food lover’s paradise.” ? #FlyAwayFriday

  9. Great wines, fantastic walks and the chance to see whales? I’m definitely in! #TheWeeklyPostcard
    Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) recently posted…Is Santorini really worth the hype?My Profile

  10. Rhonda Albom says:

    I am looking at Western Australia and up north for an autumn break. Margaret River may work into this nicely.
    Rhonda Albom recently posted…Musket Holes in New Zealand’s Oldest ChurchMy Profile

  11. Kim says:

    Wow that’s a great guide!! My husbands from Australia and I’ve been there for 8-years but we haven’t yet ventured across to Margaret River. Must go!

  12. Laura says:

    Sounds like a plan the next time I go to Perth! #theweeklypostcard

  13. David says:

    I had heard of Margaret River before because of its wine, but if you had asked me to point to it on a map I wouldn’t have known. Glad to hear there’s also other things to see and do in the area. I love a good country bakery. Will have to visit out west again sometime. #TheWeeklyPostcard
    David recently posted…Where to Stay on Bulgaria’s CoastMy Profile

  14. alex says:

    Hey Lyn – what a fabulous post of information. So much food and drink on offer, I wouldn’t know where to start, but hey – if Hugh says its his favourite, who am I to argue 😉
    PS. I read your concerns over travelling to Europe 2017 – I hear ya, and recent events have certainly put many of my firends off making plans, however, in my opinion – we’ve just decided to forgo France (although we’re definitely considering some small towns) and the main cities. It’s definitely always in the back of your mind though, especially the times we’ve travelled with the kids. Such a shame eh.
    alex recently posted…North SeaLand – The Holiday Destination The Danes Want To Keep To Themselves My Profile

  15. Oooh…we love the photos! We keep piling up more and more things to see and do in Australia. One of these days, we’re going to have to get there and get started! 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
    Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) recently posted…Dinner at Florida’s Legendary Mai-Kai RestaurantMy Profile

  16. Lolo says:

    This kind of reminds me of Oregon! Beautiful cliffs, large red woods and stunning ocean scenery! #TheWeeklyPostcard

  17. Kreete says:

    I have heard a lot about Margaret River and I love wine from that region. Can’t wait to visit it for myself. All the fresh, local produce makes my mouth watering just by thinking about it and the wine!! I can’t wait to sample all the great wines from the region. Thanks for sharing!

  18. RealGunners says:

    I’ve read about this place, but first time from an Australian’s perspective. I’ve read from the blogs of many migrants to Perth from Asia that mentioned this place, it is sort of like: you can only claim to have lived in Perth AFTER you visited Margaret River 😀 .
    RealGunners recently posted…Lazy Man Bakes Quarter Pound CakeMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It is a lovely spot, a relaxing drive and great place for many different types of getaway… and then there is the wine!

  19. Sounds like my kinda place! Who can complain about lots of delicious wines and yummy food? Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
    Adelina // Pack Me To recently posted…Visiting the Toketee Falls en Route to Crater LakeMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for commenting Adelina. Margs really is a great place… and the wineries are a bonus

  20. Wineries, caves, food, beaches, whales…. what more can you ask for? This seems like an amazing region. I haven’t made it that far south in Australia yet but I will one day. Thanks for the great inspiration to visit!
    Adrian of Adrian’s Travel Tales recently posted…Travel Partner Wanted: Inquire Within!My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Adrian I can’t recommend this region enough, it is truly spectacular. Thank you so much for your comment.

  21. Anda says:

    What a beautiful little area! Little restaurants and boutiques, gorgeous scenery … Reminds me a lot of the beautiful costal towns in Northern California and Oregon … I’ve never been in Australia.
    Anda recently posted…The Weekly Postcard: Château du Clos LucéMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I have never been to the US so can’t compare, but it truly is a beautiful area with so much to offer. Thanks for your comments Anda.

  22. Jane says:

    I agree with Hugh too! Spent a glorious few weeks in the region years ago after driving across the Nullarbor. The Cape to Cape walk is one I want to go back for again, plus a revisit to the whole area. Loved the Tall Trees Walks, a great stat to live in with so much diversity.
    Jane recently posted…Mt Donna Buang to Warburton Hike, VictoriaMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks Jane, you are so right about Western Australia being a diverse state and a great place to live with areas like Margs close enough for a weekend getaway. I hope you get back for that Cape to Cape hike soon.

  1. […] early to visit the Margaret River Visitor Centre, pick up some maps and a bit of local knowledge. Armed with a well detailed map we […]

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  5. […] little further and you’ll be see the stunning coastline and magnificent beaches of Margaret River. Pristine beaches, premium wineries and world class food, combined with timber forests, dramatic […]

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  8. […] one particular good reason – for exploring! There’s no better place for adventure seekers than this awesome place down […]

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