Regions of Margaret River

Regions of Margaret River

Last Updated: 27 Aug 2018
Nicole Schreck

Margaret River is a huge region, stretching some 120km from north to south. The region is often divided into the four sub-regions of Busselton & Vasse, Dunsborough to Yallingup, Margaret River Central and Margaret River South. Each sub-region has its own unique characteristics and attractions, from  Busselton's iconic jetty, the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, to the stunning jewel caves in Margaret River South.

Margaret River is a huge region, stretching some 120km from north to south. The region is often divided into the four sub-regions of Busselton & Vasse, Dunsborough to Yallingup, Margaret River Central and Augusta & Margaret River South. Each sub-region has its own unique characteristics and attractions, from  Busselton's iconic jetty, the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, to the stunning jewel caves in Margaret River South.

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Busselton & Vasse

The pretty seaside town on Busselton is popular with families and couples alike, thanks to the beautiful, calm beaches of tranquil Geographe Bay and the surrounding resorts. Busselton is famous for its 1.8km heritage-listed jetty, with a bustling precinct of seaside cafes, restaurants and recreation spots at the shore end and an under water observatory - with hundreds of tropical fish - at the other.

Dunsborough to Yallingup

The north-facing beaches of Dunsborough are some of the prettiest you'll ever see, with clear waters and white sand, surrounded by shady lawns and bushland. The tip of the peninsula between Dunsborough and Yallingup is Cape Naturaliste, starting point for the 135km Cape-to-Cape Track.

Climb the lighthouse for spectacular views across Geographe Bay and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Yallingup is a surfer's dream, yet has a sheltered lagoon. The sweeping Smith's Beach and unique Canal Rocks are gorgeous sites. Wineries are just minutes away, and art gallery precincts are waiting for you to explore.

Tip: Take a guided tour with Koomal Dreaming.

Margaret River Central

The heart of the region, with beautiful country vistas of vineyards ribboning across the valleys, and tall stands of jarrah and karri trees among the cow paddocks. There is a plethora of wineries, farm gates, spas, galleries, breweries, caves, trails and attractions dotted through the countryside.

The main street offers boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, pubs and supermarkets. Next to the mouth of Margaret River, the seaside town of Prevelly is where the famous surf can be found, and to the north, in the tiny town of Cowaramup, you'll see fiberglass cow sculptures as you drive through.

Tip: Visit the Saturday farmers markets and see where the chefs and locals shop.

Augusta & Margaret River South

Augusta is the most south-westerly point of Australia, and on a clear day you can look out from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. Hold on to your hat, it's windy at the top. Flinders Bay in Augusta is the best vantage point in the southwest to spot southern right and humpback whales from June to August.

Hamelin Bay is a gorgeous sheltered spot, and the tall-timber Boranup Forest is stunningly beautiful - be sure to look up! Jewel Cave will also dwarf those who enter its lofty chambers.

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Image credit: Busselton Jetty (Frances Andrijich)

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