Things to Do in Margaret River

Things to Do in Margaret River

Last Updated: 27 Aug 2018
Nicole Schreck

Almost every conceivable activity is available in MR

Almost every conceivable activity is available in Margaret River, most often with equipment, tours and experienced guides all available to help out. Enjoy endless sunny days on the coast swimming, surfing, wind surfing, fishing, climbing, diving, sea kayaking, stand-up-paddle boarding and the list goes on. Or enjoy the stunning caves, mountain biking and walking trails.

If you don't want to do it yourself the region is packed with ocean eco-adventures, aerial, walking, biking, hiking, parachuting, wine, beer, food, whale watching, wildlife and indigenous tours. And for those who want more there are plenty of schools to show you how to scuba dive, snorkel, fish, ride a horse, cook, paint, sculpt and blow glass! Or just sit and enjoy the world-class food and wine. The choice is yours!

Check out the nature

Enjoy the forests. Augusta - Margaret River Shire has 998sqkm of state forest, with karri, jarrah, marri and tingle trees in abundance. There is also a huge variety of birdlife includes cockatoos, blue wrens, rock parrots, and willy wagtails. The region also has 66 species of rare and endangered flora, and five rare animal species.

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Whale watching

Every year, from June to early December, more than 35,000 southern right, humpback, minke and blue whales pass through on their annual migration. Whale-watching tours are the most spectacular way to see these gentle giants. Tours depart Augusta (June-August) and Dunsborough (September-November).

Explore the forests

The Augusta-Margaret River shire has 998sqkm of state forest, with karri, jarrah, marri and tingle trees in abundance.

Do a section of the Cape to Cape

Going with a guide from a local walk-tour company is strongly recommended. It is awesome!

Fishing at sunset

Pack some local craft beers and go for a fish at sunset – that’s generally when they bite. Riflebutts, Boodjidup and Boranup are favourite spots.

Check out the wineries

Margaret River is the most picturesque wine region in Australia and while the percentage of national production is small, the quality amongst the 120+ cellar doors is outstanding.

Around 50 wineries cater for children, with awesome playgrounds, treehouses, outdoor games, drawing materials and great kids’ menus. Some even allow pooches and you can mix it up further by exploring the wineries by bike or horse-drawn carriage. A complete list can be found on our wine guide.

Explore Caves Road

One of the main roads in the region, leafy Caves Road goes straight from Yallingup, through Margaret River to Augusta, with breweries, galleries, a profusion of excellent wineries and some amazing views along the way. Explore the many stunning drives though the forests and bushland that run off Caves road – take your time, and watch out for kangaroos at dawn and dusk.

Sunset on the beach

Don’t leave the region without taking the time to enjoy the simple things in life. The sunsets in the Margaret River region are capable of moving you to tears with their extraordinary beauty. All you have to do is find a spot, sit back and soak it all in.

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Farmers markets

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

The world's best waves

Once a sleepy surf village, Margs has built a global reputation as a surfing Mecca. Hit the waves, or just be mesmerised by the any of the 75 breaks in the region, known to be the most consistent year-round, big-surf waves in the world. In July 2015, the ‘swell of the decade’ saw only a handful of very experienced brave surfers ride 70-foot waves. The coastline resembled a stadium, with locals flocking to watch in awe.

Underground wonderland

The Margaret River Region is home to more than 100 stunning caves, nestled in the spine of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. These caves were formed over the last million years by the constant movement of water through limestone. They are simply amazing, and a great way to escape the sun or rain. Experiences range from easy walks and guided tours along boardwalks, to hard-hat adventure caving. Visit Mammoth, Lake and Jewel caves, and experience Aboriginal customs and stories at Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup, where you’ll learn about the history of the Wardandi Noongar people, the first inhabitants of the southwest.

Afternoon drive

One of the main roads in the region, leafy Caves Road goes straight from Yallingup, through Margaret River to Augusta, with breweries, galleries, a profusion of excellent wineries and some amazing views along the way. Explore the many stunning drives though the forests and bushland that run off Caves Road – take your time, and watch out for kangaroos at dawn and dusk.

For kids

Explore the caves, pet baby animals, climb the lighthouses, build a sandcastle, splash and snorkel, take a surf class, boogieboard, bush bash, pony ride, sample ice-creams and fudge, listen to Dreamtime stories, get lost in a maze, play mini golf, try the fun-park rides, and gaze at the stars.

[gallery columns="1" size="full" link="none" ess_grid_gal="" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/08/MargaretRiverMiniGolf1200x6.jpg|Amazen Mini Golf Margaret River"]

Photo credit: Margaret River Mouth (Ryan Crawford), Kangaroo (Estaben Cestranze)

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