Margaret River and beyond
Southiwest Western Australia is full of adventure year-round, come rain or shine. With Margaret River only a three-hour drive from Perth, the weather should never get in the way of you exploring this beautiful destination. These four seasonal road trips will help you make the most of your time in this spectacular corner of Australia’s biggest state.
Summer
See: Summer is beach season, and the white sandy beaches and pristine coastline that surround Margaret River will please the fussiest beachgoer. Jump in your Mercedes GLB, which can be hired through SIXT, and drive to the iconic Meelup Beach – a sheltered bay with turquoise water that’s popular with swimmers and paddlers on stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.
Take a scenic drive down Caves Rd, and pop into not-so-secret locals spots such as The Aquarium or Yallingup Beach. End the day with a visit to one of the region’s many cellar doors, or beach hop and witness the sunset at Surfers Point.
In the evenings during the warmer months there are food trucks regularly stationed on the foreshore or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
Savour: Summer brings with it some of the most delicious produce. Pop down to the Margaret River Farmers’ Markets to meet local producers and sample artisan goodies. Some of Western Australia’s top restaurants are in Margaret River, but summer is a busy time for travellers, so book a table in advance.
Vasse Felix, Voyager, Leeuwin Estate and Cullen’s are some of the well-known options, but it’s worth balancing the biggies with the lesser-known spots. Chow’s Table, Frui Momento, and Bunkers Beach Café all have unique offerings with outstanding dining.
Next stop: Some of the county’s best beaches are nestled in and around Margaret River. Take a journey down to the picturesque town of Denmark. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour journey, but you’ll be rewarded with a dip in beautiful Greens Pool or the expansive Peaceful Bay.
On your way, stop by the Tree Top Walk in Walpole for a walk with a birds-eye view, and pop into a few of the local wineries to sample some cool-climate wine along with a picnic lunch.
Autumn
See: Enjoy the comfort of a Tesla Model 3, and take in the autumnal colours of Margaret River as the vines say farewell to their summer leaves. With the cooler days, it’s an ideal time of year to strap on hiking boots to traverse the region’s trails or hire a mountain bike and hit the track.
You can rent one from Hairy Marron in the heart of town, or book a guided ride with Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours.
Savour: There’s something about the cooler months that evokes rest and slowing down. There’s no need to worry about getting through those huge to-do lists. Instead, take the time to relax and recover from the busy festive season.
Reflect this in your dining choices, and instead of dressing up for fine-dining indulgence, try one of the many amazing casual eateries for lunch. Breweries in Margaret River take their food seriously, and you can get some of the best feeds alongside a pint at Brewhouse, Wild Hop or Shelter Brewery.
Next stop: Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year as the vines transition into shades of gold and ochre. Hit the road and head inland to some of the quaint county towns which are surrounded by rolling hills and European foliage that’s also ablaze.
Nannup, Balingup and Bridgetown are all easily accessible and only a couple hours’ drive from Margaret River. They also provide ample scenic picnic spots and little shops to fossick about in.