Margaret River is famous for its wineries, so if you’re planning a trip to this Western Australian region, there’s likely visits to a few on your agenda already. But if you’re looking to bookend days of cellar-door hopping with other activities, we’ve rounded up a list of other things to do in Margaret River.
Hit the beach
Margaret River is as famous for its postcard-perfect beaches as it is its world-class wineries. The region is home to famous surf breaks (including Surfer’s Point, where the World Surf League championships are held each year) and must-visit beaches, such as Bunker Bay, Smiths, Eagle Bay and Meelup. Whether you’re into surfing, snorkelling or sunbaking, there’s a beach or a bay to suit. Keep your eye out for whales between June and September, too.
Take a hike
As well as beautiful beaches, Margaret River offers a myriad of hiking, walking and biking trails. You can't miss the giant karri trees in Boranup, Pemberton, Manjimup (be sure to stock up on truffles here, too) and Porongurup, or tackle the exhilarating Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock or either the Treetop Walk or Ancient Empire Walk at Valley of the Giants. Between the Woodjitup, Creek, and Return of the Jedi trails in Margaret River, the Meelup Trails in Dunsborough, and the Middle Earth trails in Cowaramup, mountain bike riders are also spoiled for choice.
Go underground
There is a spectacular network of limestone caves that lie beneath the surface of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Jewel Cave is the largest show cave in the state and home to one of the longest straw stalactites in the country. Lake Cave, as its name suggests, features a permanent lake above which hangs the extraordinary crystal decoration known as the Suspended Table. The most accessible is the Mammoth Cave, which houses ancient fossil remains of long-extinct megafauna.
Eat and drink
You could spend a day driving between wineries, or you could head to Settlers Tavern in the centre of town and get stuck into the award-winning wine list. There are over 50 local and international wines available by the glass (and 600+ by the bottle) so you can sample the best of the region alongside classic gastropub dishes. The region is full of great options for drinking and dining, including Glenarty Road, which offers three or five courses of hyperlocal, farm-to-table fare with matched wines, or the Common which is perfect for an afternoon drink and a couple of fish tacos.For something more casual, grab a burger from Normal Van, which recently graduated from a truck to proper site on the town’s main street, or grab a pizza from Swings and Roundabouts. There are also brewpubs all over the region, such as Brewhouse in town, Cheeky Monkey, and Eagle Bay.
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