Local delights abound in the Margaret River region, with a seemingly endless supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, gourmet produce and eateries with sweeping vineyard, forest and beach views.
A favourite escape for nature-lovers, Margaret River is the only premium wine region in Australia where you can experience stunning beaches, tall-timber forests, dramatic sea cliffs, caves and world-class surf breaks – all within a three hours’ drive south of Perth.
From the first commercial vineyard planting in 1967, Margaret River’s natural assets have blended to create a region that is one of the best on the planet. It is currently home to more than 220 wine producers, 100 cellar doors and produces more than 25 percent of Australia’s premium wine.
Margaret River is also rising in the craft beer industry ranks as one of the fastest growing micro-brewery regions in Australia. Much to beer enthusiasts’ excitement, three new craft breweries have recently opened in the region – The Beer Farm, Black Brewing Co and Brewhouse – offering unique venues and personalised stories.
The chilled out surfing town has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of wineries, unique accommodation, high-quality local restaurants, art galleries and self-drive touring options.
Each year, Margaret River is home to WA’s annual premier food and wine event, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (MRGE). The annual event features an unparalleled line up of international and local food and wine celebrities, iconic and breath taking host locations, money can’t buy culinary experiences and a premium focus on ‘the world’s best’.
Those with a taste for adventure will find plenty to indulge in too. Margaret River is famous for its consistently spectacular surf with breaking waves across 40 scenic kilometres of coastline. Surf beaches alternate with secluded bays blessed with crystal clear water and pristine white sand, perfect for a cooling dip or a peaceful stroll.
The tranquil region is also ideal for canoeing, while four-wheel driving trails trace a path around the region’s remote cliffs and scenic waterfalls.
The 135-kilometre Cape to Cape Track is popular with cyclists and hikers as it winds its way between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The track offers spectacular views of lush forests, a wave of wildflowers in spring and Humpback and Southern Right Whales as they make a splash along the coastline annually from September to December.
For an experience of discovery below the ground, more than 150 majestic caves lie beneath soaring Karri forests. Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in WA, with four massive chambers. It’s also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in the world.
Artists are also attracted to Margaret River’s beauty and relaxed atmosphere, and the list of internationally and nationally acclaimed photographers, jewellers, painters, glass blowers and wood and metal working crafters is endless. Days are easily spent wandering the artisan trail and shopping for an original work of art bought direct from the artists themselves.
And when it comes time to rest, accommodation in the Margaret River region ranges from rustic wood cabins in the middle of the forest to five-star luxury resorts that will delight even the most discerning traveller.
For more information on the Margaret River region, click here.
Just Another Day in WA film: Down in a cave in Margaret River, all you could hear was…
Margaret River is just over three hours’ easy drive from Perth. In Margaret River, you’ll not only find incredible wine and fresh produce, but magnificent tall timber forests, pristine beaches and ancient caves.
Click here to discover more of Western Australia through the eyes of locals, travellers and experts.
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At Manjimup, black truffles are quietly growing beneath the orchards of oak trees. But what visitors find most astounding is that to find them, the local farm employs truffle dogs rather than truffle pigs. Watching the dogs uncover a truffle is almost as exciting as eating one of these delicacies.
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