50 Of The Best Things To Do In Margaret River

Margaret River. Margies. Margs. Call it what you like, but there is no question, it’s a home away from home for most Perthites and probably the number one destination for those of you visiting WA from interstate or overseas.

There’s heaps to choose from; whether it’s the annual holiday with the fam, a girls trip or a last minute romantic getaway.

From the quintessential activities you've almost certainly done already to the hidden gems you're yet to discover, here are 50 of the best things to do in Margaret River, according to someone who actually lives there. Be sure to check them out on your next trip “douth”.

1. Start your day in Eagle Bay with a stroll on Meelup Beach and a bite to eat at Meelup Farmhouse. 

2. Fix that appetite with brekky overlooking the bay at the locals' fave spot at the White Elephant.

3. Splurge on the ultimate private wine tour with South West Luxury and let someone else take the wheel as you sip through the region's best wine in ultimate comfort. Expensive? A little, but honestly it's worth every penny.

4. Set off on a bar crawl through the main strip of Margs. Start at Morries and take advantage of their two cocktails for $30 happy hour deal between 5pm and 6pm, then grab a tommy taco cocktail (like a tommy's margarita, but packed with taco flavours like coriander, chilli and sour cream) at newbie Rhum Burgandy before ticking Pearl's Bar, Yonder and Rio’s off your list all in one night—cheers to that!   

5. Go for a Parisian high tea at Rivendell Winery and devour fancy French bites from pastry chef Romain Lassiaille in a lush garden setting.

6. Get a good burn at Skhulpt pilates.

7. Roll out a picnic blanket among the vines at LS Merchants in Cowaramup and split a bottle (or two) between friends. If you're lucky you might catch the legends from Normal Van too—they often park up and sling fried chicken, burgers and other delish comfort food at the cellar door on long weekends and holidays.

8. Pull past Sugarloaf Rock. Yes, it is a rock in the ocean. It’s a spectacular one though.

9. Learn the principles of regenerative farming before backing it up with a fresh farm-to-table feast at Glenarty Road.

10. Time your trip with one of the region's best food and wine fests—try Fine Vines in Spring or Cabin Fever in winter.

11. Outdoor movies are a summertime ritual. Enjoy the magic of the movies by starlight at Cape Mentelle and Caves House in Yallingup.

12. Become a master of gin by blending your own bottle with Giniversity at the Margaret River Distilling Co.

13. Fight the locals for a table at Pizzica, the most authentic pizza joint you will find outside of Italy.

14. Bring an empty basket and an empty belly to the Margaret River Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning it’s full of local produce, and it’s earned itself the title of Australia’s top Farmers Market.

15. Get a history fix at the first winery in the Region. Vasse Felix will give you the lowdown on the wine history of the region, and it has a fab art gallery and restaurant for those with time to spare.

16. One for kids—big and small. Hang about in the treetops and conquer your fear of heights at Forest Adventures South West.

17. Take a trip down under…ground that is! Take your pick from one of the many caves in the region. Each with its own special features. Lake Cave has an ethereal beauty while Ngilgi plays an important part in the history of the area.

18. See things from a different perspective. Scenic Helicopters will give you a trip to remember and a totally different viewpoint of Margs.

19. Get on ya bike! Margaret River is home to some of the state’s top mountain biking routes. Bring your own or hire one from The Hairy Marron. The staff are super helpful if you need tips for your ride, plus they have a cafe so you can grab a post-ride coffee and feed.

20. Raise a glass at Settlers Tavern with one of the best wine lists in the country. P.S. They make a mighty fine bloody mary as well for the morning after.

21. Sink into a vintage couch at the Margaret River Bakery and try to take your pick from their menu. Warning: you will need to save room for a sweet treat after the main meal.

22. Bored? Grab a board. Learn to surf with the Margaret River Surf School. You can’t knock it until you’ve tried it. There’s a reason it has become a way of life down here.

23. Soup secrets. Get in line early on Mondays and Wednesdays, for ‘soupie’, or the Margaret River Soup Kitchen for those that haven’t discovered its joys yet. Some of the freshest vegan food in town and definitely a community fave.

24. Tick off a seriously unforgettable multi-course dining experience at Frui Momento, Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate or Rustico at Hayshed Hill. 

25. Sip on some tasty natural drops of vino at Si Vintners. 

26. Chocoholics will get their fix of bean-to-bar goodness at Gabriel Chocolate or the classic Margaret River Chocolate Company. The very insta-worthy new kid on the (chocolate) block Yallingup Chocolate is also a must-visit.

27. Indulge in a cheese fest at Yallingup Cheese Company. 

28. Devour a hot loaf of sourdough fresh from the oven at the famous Yallingup Wood Fired Bread or stay local and grab some bread from Margaret River Wood Fired Bread, which is only a couple minutes south of town.

29. Fish and chips on the beach can’t be beat. Hooked Up can be found at Surfers Point on select nights, and Squid Lips in town should be your go-to for any lunch or dinner seafood cravings, every day of the week. 

30. Dumplings, roast duck and deluxe dim sum with sprawling vineyard views. Oh my. Check out Chow's Table.

31. Learn all about the art of wine at Leeuwin Estate with a food and wine flight. Be sure to check out the gallery downstairs while visiting.

32. Grab a snorkel and go for a swim in the crystal clear rock pools at the Aquarium—located halfway between the surf breaks at Smiths Beach and the popular Canal Rocks.

33. Bring the fur baby along on your next wine tour with Grape Escape’s Pawesome Tours.

34. Get your dancing shoes on for a boogie at The River. Whether it’s a silent disco or a night of live music, there’s always something cool going down.

35. Buy literally anything you could ever want at Gracie’s General. It’s got a cafe, post office, groceries, bait and tackle, and a newsagent all in one. P.S. they do amazing brekkie rolls. 

36. Walk off the carb fest with a stroll through Boranup Forest and take a minute to breathe in the serenity.

37. Get lost! At A’Mazen Margaret River that is. Let the kids (and kidults) loose in their half hectare hedge maze and set the timer.

38. Smell as fresh as a daisy by creating your own signature scent with a perfume workshop at Vasse Virgin. Their new store in town is right in the middle of the main shopping strip, so get ready to do some damage. 

39. Enjoy a dip with a difference at the Injidup natural spa. Enjoy a massage from mother nature in the secluded rock pool. 

40. Have some beats with your brews at a Sunday sesh at the Brewhouse Margaret River.

41. Enjoy a stroll in the garden and learn about biodynamic winemaking at Cullen. Of course, it goes without saying you will sample their award winning wine too!

42. Lighten up with a trip to a lighthouse. Pick from Cape Leeuwin or Cape Naturaliste.

43. Paddle down the actual Margaret River on a day trip to remember with the Margaret River Discovery Co.

44. Spend an afternoon filled with hot air and walk away with an exquisite creation from Melting Pot Glass Studio. Or, hit up a pottery spot.

45. Take a break from wining and dining and indulge in a feast for the eyes at one of the many art galleries in and about town.

46. Camping for those that don’t do camping. Try a luxe glamping experience at Olio Bello amongst the olive groves.

47. Rummage amongst the vintage gems at The Flying Wardrobe in nearby Witchcliffe.

48. Take a walk on the wild side. Park your car, pull on your boots and trek some of the Cape to Cape Track.

49. Take your shoes off and get the beachy sand between your toes. We personally love seeing the stingrays at Hamelin Bay beach. It’s not a trip to Margs if you don’t head home with a bottle of wine and sand on the car mats.

50. If you're still stuck for ideas, visit the Margaret River Visitor Centre for top tips from their legendary staff.

Want more? Check out these awesome Margaret River accommodation options.

Image credit: LS Merchants