Margaret River and its premium wine region is the place for indulging many passions. It’s the only wine region in Australia where you can hop from award-winning wineries and restaurants to stunning beaches, tall-timber forests, world-class surf breaks and ancient caves.
From Perth, it’s an easy 3-hour-and-20-minute drive via coast or country. Budget travellers can catch the coach that departs daily. Or, you can opt to arrive in style, taking a direct charter flight to nearby Busselton.
Blessed with mild weather and abundant sunshine, Margaret River has evolved from a chilled-out surfie town into a popular base for enjoying the region’s fine flavours and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.
Producing over 15 per cent of Australia’s premium wine, the tastings are top notch. And besides over 100 wineries, you’ll be spoilt for choice with many fine restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and fresh produce, from divine cheeses to chocolate. Time your visit to coincide with the annual wine and food festivals and you’ll get to savour many of these flavours in one hit.
Those with a taste for adventure will find plenty to indulge in too.
Known internationally as one of the best big-wave surfing locations on Earth for consistently spectacular breaks, there are over 40 top spots along Margaret River’s coast, with conditions ranging from powerful reef breaks to fun beach surf.
Venture inland and you’ll be dwarfed by some of the world’s tallest hardwood trees, and awe-struck by the longest straw stalactite on show when you plunge into Jewel Cave – one of many ancient limestone caves open to the public.
More thrills can be found with rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, canoeing and whale watching tours. You might even be tempted to throw in a line and chase some snapper at one of the designated fishing spots.
Your bed for the night can be as opulent or basic as your budget allows. The region boasts a fine array of luxury retreats and private beach houses, through to hotels, motels, backpackers, caravan parks and camping grounds.