Things to do in Margaret River
Things to do in Margaret River
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There are so many things to do in Margaret River. Along with the Cape to Cape track, Margaret River is considered to be one of Western Australia’s top tourist destinations. White sand beaches, world class surf breaks, caves, galleries and over 100 wineries make for good times in a stunningly beautiful place.
Here is our Inspiration Outdoors guide for things to do in Margaret River. (See many of them on our 4 day tour!)
Best Swimming Beaches in Margaret River
Margaret River is quite rightly known as a surf destination, so sometimes it is hard to find a beach that doesn’t have huge swell. Fortunately, the swell is fairly predictably from the South West, so northerly bays facing are usually protected.
Gnarabup Beach is one of the more popular swimming beaches. Partly because there is a fantastic cafe overlooking the beach, but also because it is well protected compared to the nearby, and more well known Margaret River Mouth. Most people actually swim in the river when at the river mouth.
Another popular swimming beach near Margaret River for those in the know, is Gracetown. Whilst North and South point are gnarly surf breaks, the Gracetown beach or Cowaramup Bay is actually quite protected and a great swimming spot.
Another popular beach that is nice and close to Margaret River is Redgate Beach. Redgate is actually a popular surf break as well, but as long as the swell is not a straight westerly, the beach has some protected spots at either end.
Probably the most protected beach of the lot however is the delightful Hamelin Bay. With it’s resident population of sting rays, Hamelin Bay is popular with young families who come for the flat still ocean and the kilometres of empty white sand.
Whilst technically not Margaret River, Meelup Beach (my favourite), Yallingup, and Bunker Bay are all fantastic and worth the short drive (approx 40 mins)
Gallery things to do in Margaret River
If you are interested in wildflowers, hands down the best gallery in Margaret River (Western Australia?) is Patricia Negus’s Swallow’s Welcome. Her fantastically detailed artwork is found in a number of books about the Cape to Cape track as well as her own publications. This is not your usual, glossy Margaret River gallery but a functioning studio with dogs running around, birds in every tree and a couple of eccentric characters who are an absolute treasure. Definitely worth a visit.
In the township itself on Charles West Avenue, there is Margaret River Gallery which house local artworks as well as pieces from further afield. They have some stunning works in a mix of mediums including photos, sculpture, painting and jewellery.
A couple of the wineries have galleries attached to them. Most notably Vasse Felix (try the Cab sauv while you are there) and Happs Winery with their pottery and gallery.
Winery things to do in Margaret River
Where do we start! Wine is such a personal thing we are loath to judge a winery based on taste alone. For the overall experience our top winery has to go to Voyager Estate. Tastings at Voyager is like being transported to a different time. It has that old worldly feel of yesteryear and a fabulous garden.
Leeuwin Estate winery is just near Voyager as is of the same quality and feel. Top shelf!
For the family, Cheeky Monkey/Killerby Wines can’t be beat. Aside from decent wine there is also a great restaurant with good coffee and a playground out the front. Where as most of the wineries in Margaret River go for the exclusive (read expensive) look and feel, Killerby’s understand people don’t necessarily want a glass of wine at 11am.
Cave things to do in Margaret River
There are four caves open to the public in the Margaret River region. Ngilgi Cave was the first to open and there is an aboriginal themed tour that departs
daily except for the usual holidays.
Mammoth Cave is the most accessible cave of the lot and has a self guided audio tour that is a good way to occupy (okay, quieten) the kids.
You can also check out Lake Cave which is aptly named as well as Jewel Cave which is not so aptly named. They should have called it, “the biggest show cave in Western Australia Cave”.
Other things to do in Margaret River
Everyone goes to Margaret River Dairy Company to sample the artisan cheeses… It is almost a right of passage! Add the Margaret River chocolate factory and you have a high calorie but delicious day.
See many of the wonderful sites of Margaret River on our 4 day Highlights of the Cape to Cape track tour.
