Margaret River

Margaret River is situated in Australia’s South West premier wine region, just 10 kilometres from the Indian Ocean, and positioned on the banks of the stunning Margaret River. Some of the most picturesque scenery in Western Australia is found surrounding Margaret River, incorporating towering forests, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and lush green pastures that become a blaze of colour with wildflowers in spring.

Margaret River is centrally located amongst world-class wineries, awe-inspiring caves and world-renowned surf breaks. A vast range of accommodation exists to suit all budgets, from the humble caravan park to five-star luxury retreats. Arts and crafts are a big part of the Margaret River character, and can be viewed in the galleries and shops. There are also many trendy cafés and gourmet restaurants, and Margaret River is renowned for its relaxed, laid back atmosphere and friendly residents.

The coastline here is legendary, so take a drive to Prevelly Park. The road from the top of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge offers breathtaking views and leads you to a wide expanse of sea and coastline that stretches away on both sides. Adjacent to Prevelly is a safe swimming beach at Gnarabup.

The massive surf along the coastline has turned the coastal area of Margaret River into a surfing mecca. Watching the local surfers take on the ocean is a spectacular sight. Just 10 minutes from the town centre is the famed Surfer’s Point. This is where the Margaret River Pro is held: the major event attracts a host of pro-surfers every year and gets the town buzzing with excitement and visitors.

There are more than 40 places to surf, with conditions ranging from powerful reef breaks to fun beach breaks. Margaret River is one of the most consistent, scenic and laid back surfing destinations in the world.

Rotary Park at the entrance to Margaret River is home to a steam engine (named “Kate” and built in England in 1889) and superb barbeque facilities. It is also the beginning of a number of Heritage Walking Trails. On Wallcliffe Road you’ll find St Thomas Moore Catholic Church, which has been built of rammed earth and is a fine example of contemporary church architecture with interesting stained glass windows.

No-one visits Margaret River without tasting the delectable local fresh produce, choose from berries, fudge, preserves, olive oils and a large assortment of gourmet lines. One of the greatest attractions of Margaret River is its vineyards and wineries. The climate is classically mediterranean with cool frost-free winters, good soils which retain moisture, low summer rainfall and a long, slow ripening period this climate is perfect for grape growing.

There’s no better place to start a journey of discovery through the wine region than at the Wine Tourism Showroom at the Margaret River Visitor Centre. It features bottle and glass displays, occasional wine tastings, sensory display and wine making paraphernalia. The centre is fun as well as educational, and worth a stop before you set off to discover the local wineries and vineyards.

CaveWorks is not to be missed. It’s a fascinating visitor centre set amidst the famous caves and natural environment of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge located at Lake Cave. Just 20 minutes south from the town along Caves Road, it also serves as a regional centre for preserving the fragile living geology and ecology of the area. Mammoth Cave is also nearby and is the only cave in the region to offer universal access.

Boranup Karri Forest lies between Caves Road and the coast, and creates a powerful contrast with the rest of the coastline. Karri is the third tallest tree in the world and the tall pale-barked trees, reaching 60 metres or more high, dominate the hilly slopes and valleys. The Boranup Forest seen today is a regrowth forest and is just over 100 years old.

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