Categories > Guides and Tips
A Guide to Margaret River Nearby Perth for Wine, Wave, & Whale Lovers
- How to Get Around Margaret River
- Where to Stay
- Margaret River Guest House
- Smiths Beach Resort
- Where to Eat
- Teddis Big Spoon
- Pizzica
- What to Do
- Savor the vino
- Watch whales atop Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
- Ride the tide at Surfer’s Point or the Margaret River Mouth
- Discover the secrets of Jewel Cave Augusta
- Swim the serene waters
- Revel with raptors
- Canoe your way to wonders
- Stroll through the ancient Ludlow Tuart Forest
- Meet deadly animals
To most, indulging in fine wine with whales and the Indian Ocean as the backdrop seems like a distant fantasy. For lucky souls in the Margaret River, it’s just another Tuesday.
The region’s magic is just palpable, with world-class vineyards, ancient caves, towering timber forests, heavenly coastlines, and rich wildlife.
If you’re dying for the 411 like the places to see or restos to hit in the area, our guide below will help map out your adventure. We’ve been fortunate enough to experience the land’s enchantment, and we’re stoked to share our discoveries!
How to Get Around Margaret River
Car Rental: Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around Margaret River. The wineries, beaches, and other attractions are sparse, so we recommend exploring at your own pace.
Bicycle: If you prefer a more eco-friendly and active way to travel, consider renting a bicycle from rental shops like The Hairy Marron and Life Cycle Bikes.
Guided Tours: Most tourists go with guided tours, as this option focuses on the region’s best aspects, like wine tasting and nature walks.
Taxi: The company South West Taxis operates round-the-clock, providing flexible transportation options across the entire Margaret River Region.
Where to Stay
Margaret River Guest House
From margaret_river_guest_house
Address: 5 Valley Rd
Contact Details: (08) 9757 2349
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
With roots tracing back to the roaring 1920s, the lush, flowery, and golden Margaret River Guest House is a heritage-listed retreat that brings a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to your stay.
Here, you have 7 stylish rooms to choose from, each one comes equipped with modern touches and conveniences like ensuite bathrooms, reverse cycle air-conditioning, and plush kings beds.
Your stay also features a snug guest lounge room kissed by crackling fire during winter and a complimentary buffet brimming with breakfast bites. The catch? You can’t bring any kiddos or infants.
Smiths Beach Resort
From smiths_beach_resort
Address: 67 Smiths Beach Rd, Yallingup
Contact Details: (08) 9750 1200
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
Since we’re beach lovers through and through, we had to stay at Smiths Beach Resort. This sunny crash pad is a family-friendly spot within reach of the majestic Indian Ocean.
We spent the night in a cozy beach shack, complete with all the essentials and a private courtyard area where we had an under-the-stars dinner. The room’s open layout also allowed us to bask in the natural light and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
For those who lean toward the luxurious, the villas are the perfect choice. Featuring balconies, freestanding tubs, ocean views, and a fireplace, it’s no surprise lovebirds flock to these dreamy (but a bit pricey) retreats.
Where to Eat
Teddis Big Spoon
From teddisbigspoon
Address: 113A Bussell Hwy
Contact Details: (08) 9758 8443
Pricing: $$
Our team can’t thank Teddis Big Spoon enough for existing. The moment we rolled into Margaret River, our palates begged for Korean BBQ—and this spot served it up just right.
The menu gave us a plethora of options to gobble, from buttery Wagyu rump and succulent king prawns to fiery free-range chicken and sweet pork. For the sides, the green salad in a kicky gochujang dressing (a thick chili paste) stood out the most.
We also couldn’t resist throwing in some prawn dumplings and spice-kissed rice cake (aka tteok) to elevate the feast. Luckily, the restaurant blends fruity mocktails and cold teas, or our taste buds would’ve gone up in flames.
Pizzica
From pizzicarestaurant
Address: 73 Bussell Hwy
Contact Details: (08) 9758 7361
Pricing: $$
With every pizza they bake, Pizzica brings a slice of Southern Italy right to Western Australia. Just take a look at their menu, a three-page selection loaded with staples, most of which burst with tomato sauce, herby toppings, velvety cheese, and savory meat.
Unsurprisingly, it’s their Margherita that pulls crowds. This pizza’s combination of creamy mozzarella fior di latte and nutty parmesan is timeless for a reason.
But if pizza isn’t on your mind, the beef brisket or chargrilled sirloin are your best bets. The Roman-style fisherman’s stew is also a fantastic option, especially for diners who love prawns, mussels, and fish simmered in a tomato-based broth.
What to Do
Savor the vino
From leeuwinestate
- Leeuwin Estate: Stevens Rd, Witchcliffe
- Domaine Naturaliste: 160 Johnson Rd, Wilyabrup
The wineries in Margaret River make it clear why the region’s pours are globally celebrated. We picked our top three favorites from the overflowing options.
To begin, we have Leeuwin Estate, the darling of the region, praised by critics and patrons for its Art Series wines and stunning gallery. Their 2012 Chardonnay is the must-sip, with its fruit-forward foundation and creamy notes of brioche and nougat.
Next up is Domaine Naturaliste, a winery with a posh cellar offering panoramas of stretching vineyards. The oak-scented 2022 Artus Chardonnay here is loved for its bold nectarine and candied pecan notes—a perfect match for their cheese boards.
Watch whales atop Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
From capeleeuwinlighthouse
Address: Leeuwin Rd, Augusta
Contact Details: (08) 9757 7411
From Canal Rocks to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Margaret River has stellar spots for whale-watching. For us, though, none could top the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, literally and figuratively.
The lighthouse’s 39-meter height was a huge boon during our whale-watching escapade, giving us primo views of the majestic giants without ever leaving dry land.
In addition, it’s situated by Flinders Bay, where humpbacks and southern right whales love to hang out. We spotted a few, most of which were courting and doing acrobatics.
Ride the tide at Surfer’s Point or the Margaret River Mouth
From jordysmith88
Margaret River is a surfing mecca, whether you’re a “wizard of the waves” or a rookie trying not to faceplant on a board.
If you’re the former, hitting up Surfer’s Point is a no-brainer—just make sure you’re not faint-hearted. You’ll find the area south of the river mouth, where serious waves hit heights of 6.1 meters to 7.6 meters (20 to 25 feet).
For those still finding their sea legs, the Margaret River Mouth is a safer but kind of crowded option. The good news is it’s just a stone’s throw from town and consistently attracts newbies with its rideable waves.
Discover the secrets of Jewel Cave Augusta
From westernaustralia
Address: Jewel Caves Rd, Deepdene
Contact Details: (08) 9757 7411
Not all of Margaret River’s charm is on display; some is hidden by the earth, like the wonders of Jewel Cave Augusta. Laden with crystals, this tourist magnet has more sparkle than a Hollywood red carpet.
Inside, we explored 3 massive chambers brimming with nature’s artwork, ranging from delicate helictites to dazzling pendulites. However, the real show-stopper is the Karri Forest,” a massive stalagmite formation with tree-like shapes.
Flowstones dressing the cave’s corners also dropped our jaws. These are also networks of stalagmites, just with a shape resembling stone cascading down a slope—hence the name.
Swim the serene waters
From flowersncaramelle
Margaret River’s coastline sprawls over 200 kilometers, so swimming here is as easy as cannonballing into a pool. The real challenge? Deciding where to take the plunge.
Flinders Bay is our first recommendation, with a clear, shallow, and peaceful lagoon that kids and paddle-boarders love. It gets added points for being pup-friendly and having a jetty, playground, BBQ, and a leafy foreshore for post-swim lounging.
Hamelin Bay Beach and Point Piquet are also ideal for taking dips, especially if rugged cliffs, ochre rocks, and marine life pique your interest. The former even has several shipwrecks, adding a dash of intrigue to its tranquil waters.
Revel with raptors
From capesraptorcentre
Address: 341 Boodjidup Rd
Contact Details: (08) 9780 5979
Spotting the elusive hunters of the sky can be a real wild goose chase—unless you follow our route and head to the Capes Raptor Center.
Our team encountered birds of prey at every twist and turn along the sanctuary’s tree-shaded trails. Specifically, we found ourselves face-to-beak with eagles, falcons, owls, and hawks.
We also attended their Birds of Prey Encounters, running daily from 11 am and 2 pm. This experience let us observe the raptors’ unique adaptations and behaviors, and we even snapped a selfie with a barn owl!
Canoe your way to wonders
From bushtucker_tours
Address: 20 Auger Way
Contact Details: (08) 9757 9084
Some of Margaret River’s well-kept secrets are best uncovered by paddling along in a canoe with Bushtucker Tours. Through their non-motorized boats, you’ll relish in the region’s crystalline waters, Australian wildlife, chaos-free surroundings, and native trees.
The tour meanders through the river valley, past towering cliffs and significant Aboriginal landmarks. It’s not just a visual treat, too, as guides share insights into the area’s history and wildlife, specifically the behaviors of kangaroos and the Bussell family’s story.
Stroll through the ancient Ludlow Tuart Forest
From shelbythekelpie
Address: 21 Ludlow Rd N &, Tuart Dr
Walking among the century-old trees of Ludlow Tuart Forest made us appreciate nature’s serenity while disliking the urban bustle even more. Here, we only heard sweet birdsong and gentle rustling leaves.
Open picnic spots with wildflowers also dot the area, allowing us to take breathers and indulge in bites while watching mobs of kangaroos. Reptiles and amphibians roam, too, but you have to drop by the Wannerup wetland to spot them—bring your boots.
The standout moment, however, was when the stars came out. A myriad of nocturnal animals got busier during this period, and the team even managed to spot the rare and elusive brush-tailed possum and a couple of tawny frogmouths.
Meet deadly animals
From discoverdeadly
Address: 10 Wildwood Rd, Carbunup River
Contact Details: (08) 9755 1771
If you’re a fan of all things slithery and crawly, Discover Deadly is where your fascination and curiosity will thrive. Over 40 species of fierce critters star in this center, from snakes and spiders to dragons and skinks.
You can check out these “deadly” creatures while the caretakers share myth-busting talks and fascinating facts, like why some reptiles aren’t actually threats. Plus, there’s a life-sized 3D snakes and ladders game that’s a hit with both kids and the young at heart.
In addition, reptile enthusiasts can take a pic with a python or even buy one. Those not ready for both can just swing by their shop, where life-like rubber snakes and cuddly crocodile toys are up for grabs.
