Discover Margaret River

The town of Margaret River is located in the south west of Western Australia around 280 kilometres south of Perth. It is named after a river which begins about 45 kilometres to the east and the whole of the surrounding region is referred to as the Margaret River region.

The region has a perfect Mediterranean maritime climate and is a wonderful holiday destination famous for its wine, surf, and caves. There are four distinct seasons with something to offer at every time of year. From August to November the area abounds with thousands of wildflowers that attract eco-tourists eager to see the rich colours and wide variety of blooms.

The Margaret River region is probably most well-known for its wines, although it is only forty years since the first vines were planted there. There are around 200 vineyards and 90 wineries in the region which produce more than 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wines, although the wine only contributes 3 per cent of Australia’s total grape production. Many of the wineries have restaurants attached where you can have a gourmet experience combining superb wines with the local culinary offerings.

The stunning coastline of the region has clean large waves that attract surfers from all over the world during the summer months, and the Margaret River Classic and the Margaret River Pro, a four-star World Qualifying Series event, are held annually. With over 130 kilometres of surfing beaches you can be guaranteed a wave to yourself. For those who prefer a quiet ocean dip, there is a great mix of swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving at Hamelin Bay, which is also perfect for the avid sunbather.

Margaret River has several hundred caves, and six of them are open to the public. The most famous is the multi-chambered Mammoth Cave, 21 kilometres south, which contains fossils over 35,000 years old. The other caves open to the public are Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, Ngilgi Cave, Calgardup Cave and Giants Cave. Many other caves can be accessed by experienced cavers with a permit.

Margaret River lends itself to a self-drive holiday as it has plenty of attractions spread over a fairly wide area where you can escape the hectic life of the city. Take a few days to explore the magnificent beaches, the top quality wineries, the great forests and the stunning caves. The region has something for everyone and you will be glad you did.