Read on for the top things to tick off your to-do list on your first visit to the stunning Margaret River region. Aside from a hike on the Cape to Cape Track, there are plenty of other awesome experiences in this food, wine and nature paradise!
PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP
The Margaret River Region is BIG; think Melbourne to Mornington, or Sydney to Wollongong, packed with incredible food, wine and scenic stops. The best way to get around is by car so that you can venture outside town centres.
To make it easier to explore, there are five recommended drive trail maps available, each focusing on a section of the region and incorporating a mix of iconic attractions, hidden gems, and beautiful natural spots.
You see so much more with a local showing you around, so make sure you book one of the fantastic nature eco-tours on offer.
There are twilight woylie tours, wildflower and orchid experiences, kayaking, scenic helicopter flights, and more. Check out these epic alternative tours for more inspiration.
Head south to climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to see where two oceans meet, and make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the award-winning interpretive centre, which gives a glimpse into life as a Lighthouse keeper and their families on the cape 100+ years ago.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse also has guided tours, and whale sightings in spring. There are a few different walking trails to explore from the carpark, including a paved pathway to the iconic (and much photographed) Sugarloaf Rock.
Walk the nearly 2km Busselton Jetty, or take a train ride to the end, where you’ll find an underwater observatory with a view of the coral, sponges and fishes that call it home. Under the surface, keen snorkellers and divers can explore the new Underwater Sculpture and Artificial Reef Trail with a guided tour from Swan Dive.
Augusta Margaret River Shire is proud to be WA’s first Certified ECO Destination, and you’ll find a community of tourism operators committed to sustainable practices. Pick a quality nature-based experience and accommodation to reduce your impact.
Beneath the coast lies over 100 limestone caves, each decorated with amazing crystal formations. Four are open to explore. Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience is adventurous; Mammoth and Lake Cave are set in breathtaking forest; Jewel Cave is the largest and most decorated of all.
Discover a breathtaking karri forest where glowing trunks tower 80 metres high. Experience Boranup or the incredible Wadandi Track on foot, a mountain bike tour or an eco quad bike adventure.
We have the longest whale-watching season in the world, running from June to December. Jump on a charter boat, or keep an eye out in Augusta (Jun-Aug), Point Piquet, Cape Naturaliste and along the Cape Track (Sep-Dec) for the migrating mammals.
One of the greatest walks in Australia, the Cape to Cape Track connects sandy beaches, clifftop walking tracks and national park. Pressed for time? Choose a short section and marvel at the ancient granite and aquamarine bays.
Not many people actually get to experience the actual Margaret River, so don’t miss a wine and adventure tour with Sean (voted #1 experience in Western Australia by TripAdvisor).
Or hire a houseboat in Augusta where the Scott and Blackwood Rivers meet, and spend a few relaxing days marvelling at the bird life and dolphins, or try your hand at fishing. No skipper’s licence is required, the team will teach you everything you need to know and send you on your way.
The Margaret River Region is one of the most celebrated in Australia, so this is a great chance to dive deep into fine wine and go beyond the cellar door, with immersive experiences spanning guided vineyard walks to tutored tastings, degustation lunches, and trust-the-chef dinners.
The iconic, celebrated estates are absolutely worth a visit, and be sure to stop in at some of the smaller gems as well, where you may be chatting with the winemakers themselves.
It’s one of life’s pleasures, lunch overlooking picture-perfect vineyards. There are plenty of choices; from the family-friendly with woodfired pizzas to the wine-serious degustations and sustainable wineries raising their own animals and vegetables.
Whether you’re gazing over the ocean or picnicking by the river, there are plenty of places to dine with a view. Try dinner with ocean glimpses, brekkie at a beach café, or a winery or brewery lunch perched above a lush valley.
Cabernet and Chardonnay are king, but you’ll also find winemakers doing wonders with lesser-known varietals and lo-fi techniques.
With a thriving craft brewing and distilling scene, you’re spoilt for choice where to grab a frothy or cocktail.
This is Wadandi Boodja, the land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People. Walk softly, and take the time to listen to and care for Boodja (Country). Join Wadandi cultural custodian Josh Whiteland as he shares stories and history.
These places pack a triple punch; awesome wine lists, great food, and the best touring bands. Also keep an eye out for winery concerts, as watching your fav Aussie artists under a twinkling sky can’t be beat.
There’s a range of things to see and do at the heritage-listed Old Courthouse Complex. Wander around the heritage-listing buildings – some of the oldest in Busselton. Browse and purchase local art on display in the Gallery Store. Learn local history by exploring two heritage exhibitions: Forgotten Voyages – Rediscovering the S.S. Georgette & Stories from the Gaol Cells. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat from the Old Post Office Cafe before strolling along the Settlement Art Walk on Queen Street admiring bronze sculptures.
Learn about and experience local flora and fauna that co-exist in our unique region. A must-do is a tour of the stunning Passel Estate bushland conservation sanctuary; learn about the family (a passel) of critically endangered western ringtail possums, all while tasting Passel Estate’s award-winning wine, of course. Check out Discover Deadly, Capes Raptor Centre, and Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary, too.
Arts lovers, pop CinefestOZ and Margaret River Region Open Studios in your calendar, for a dose of indie film and a private peek into the studios of local artists and creatives. Sports enthusiasts be sure to get along the the Busselton Jetty Swim or the Cape to Cape MTB event. And for those who appreciate good food and wine (and a side of great times) don’t miss Cabin Fever and Pair’d Margaret River Region.
How to book your Cape to Cape track adventure
Book your self-guided adventure on the Cape to Cape Track or walk with our expert guides on our 8-Day Guided End-to-End adventure. And we’ll see you on the Track soon!
* This article was written for the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and published here with permission.