Is Margaret River Worth Visiting? What To Do, Stay + More! 2026
Margaret River. Just the name itself fills me with excitement! Beaches, nature and of course, delicious wine and food. But let’s be honest, with so many incredible spots to explore within Western Australia, you might be wondering: “Is Margaret River really worth visiting?”
As someone who’s visited the Margaret River region numerous times, along with visiting a vast majority of Australia’s amazing locations, I can say ‘Yes!!’ Margaret River is definitely worth the visit.
We’re going to dive deep into what makes this place tick, uncover those must-do activities (and a few local secrets!), share our favourite spots to refuel and recharge, and most importantly, chat about the best ways to get around.
We’ll also answer the big question: is Margaret River best explored by Caravan or RV, or with a hire car and motels?
Our Favourite Margaret River Resources
– Travel in style with a Star RV for both luxury and freedom
– Book the best tours with Viator (think – winery and someone else drives!)
– If motels are more your thing, hire a car with Discover Cars for the best prices and find the most awesome stays with Booking.com
About Margaret River
The Margaret River Region, roughly 270 kilometres south of Perth, is a gateway for adventure, relaxing or a bit of both! Picture this: towering karri forests (seriously, they’re giants!), dramatic coastlines where the Indian and Southern Oceans put on a spectacular show, and vineyards that roll out like a green carpet as far as the eye can see.
Known around the world for its world-class wines, Margaret River is a surprising mecca for surfers, cave explorers, food lovers and artists…. and much more!
It’s got a bit of everything: perfect for a romantic escape, a family road trip, a surf safari with your mates, or a solo mission to reconnect with nature and indulge a little. Although I can’t speak for the last part – we travel with our 2 young kids, but I could see this would be amazing for solo travellers!
Best Things To Do In Margaret River – Tours and exploring
Here are our top picks for the most awesome things to do in Margaret River – we’ll list all the top reasons why Margaret River is worth visiting.
Want the full list? We’ve rounded up 32 awesome things to do in Margaret River in a separate guide.
Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
You can’t come to Margaret River and not visit at least one winery or brewery. Even if you’re not a wine person, the food is amazing, and we didn’t visit a winery that couldn’t do a great coffee.
With over 200 wineries, from charming boutique spots run by passionate locals to grand estates known worldwide, there really is something for everyone. If you’re coming with kids, Margaret River would have to be the best host for families. Many wineries have great playgrounds to cater for everyone.
If you’re planning a tasting day (which we highly recommend!), do yourself a favour and let someone else handle the driving, like this full day, 5 star tour.
Explore the Jewel Caves
Okay, prepare to have your mind blown. Beneath Margaret River’s stunning surface lies a secret world of limestone caves, and Jewel Cave is possibly the best – we think anyway!
It’s Western Australia’s largest show cave, with an amazing display of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones – including one of the longest straw stalactites on the planet!
Guided tours are brilliant, offering fascinating insights into how these natural wonders were formed. Plus, it’s a wonderfully cool escape on a hot day! I would say it is a must to visit at least one cave while you’re at Margaret River.
Surfing at Prevelly or Gnarabup
If you’ve got a board (or want to learn!), Margaret River is the place to be. Beaches like Prevelly and Gnarabup are legendary, offering fantastic conditions for everyone from wobbly beginners (me!) to seasoned pros.
The annual Margaret River Pro draws in the world’s best, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the waves here. If you’re new to the surf scene, plenty of local schools offer lessons.
Indulge at the Margaret River Chocolate Company
Warning: this stop is for serious sweet tooths only (or anyone who just loves chocolate, so, I’m guessing, everyone!). The Margaret River Chocolate Company is the place to visit.
You can watch the chocolatiers in action, snag some free chocolate and browse an incredible array of delicious chocolatey goodness. It’s a fun, family-friendly detour that offers a perfect break from all that serious wine tasting and outdoor adventuring. Just try to leave without a bag (or three!) of treats – we dare you!
Wander Through Boranup Karri Forest
Step into a scene straight out of a fantasy novel when you drive or walk through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest. These towering eucalyptus trees, unique to the southwest of WA, create an absolutely awesome canopy.
There are various walking trails for all fitness levels, offering a chance to truly immerse yourself in this ancient and incredibly serene environment. It’s a photographer’s dream and the perfect spot for a tranquil picnic – just listen to the quiet, it’s amazing.
Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Standing proudly at the very tip of mainland Australia’s southwest, where the mighty Indian and Southern Oceans collide, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse offers views that will simply take your breath away.
You can join a guided tour to climb to the top for an even more spectacular vantage point and soak in the fascinating maritime history of this iconic landmark.
Mountain Bike in Margaret River
If you’re looking for more adventure, jump on a mountain bike to explore the amazing forests. Although this is more for the epic trails – suitable for all experience levels! I’m loving the mountain biking at the moment, so had to include this!
There is an e-bike option to choose from also, either way, as I said, Margaret River has something for everyone! Check out this 3 hour guided tour here
Where To Stay in Margaret River
After all that exploring, you’ll need a comfy spot to rest your head, and Margaret River has plenty of options. The region boasts a fantastic variety of accommodation options to suit every style of travel and budget.
If you’re travelling with a caravan or tent, our guide to camping in Margaret River covers our favourite caravan parks and campgrounds in detail.
The hardest part will be working out, do you hire a luxury campervan and stay nestled amongst nature (or at stunning wineries that also offer accommodation), or do you hire a car and find some lovely accommodation?
- For those wanting the flexibility of travel in an RV, but still have the luxuries, you can’t go past StarRV.
- If you want the flexibility but want to save for all the tours, check outJucy Campers.
- If camping doesn’t appeal to you (even though it can’t really be called camping when you have a luxury RV!), we always hire our cars with Discover Cars for the best rate and book with Booking.com
Highly Rated: Eight Willows Retreat
- Location: 266 Metricup Rd, Margaret River Town
If you want a secluded, native retreat minutes from Margaret River town, then you must check out Eight Willows Retreat. You’ll find chalets with different configurations, ranging from king bed chalets to four-bedroom houses – all with modern amenities.
These chalets are very popular, so make sure you book in advance.
Romantic: Grape Juice Retreat
- Location: 4 Trinder Drive, Margaret River
If you’re looking for something a little different, romantic, and rustic, you need to check out the Grape Juice Retreat!
Located centrally in Margaret River, the Grape Juice has all the modern amenities, including a coffee machine and a unique outdoor bathtub!
Check out the Grape Juice Retreat and book your romantic getaway now!
Caravan Park: Margaret River Tourist Park
- Location: 8-10 Willmott ave, Margaret River
For caravanners, campers, or anyone travelling on a budget, the Riverview Tourist Park is a fantastic option. They offer a great range of cabins, powered sites for your caravan or RV, and unpowered campsites.
It’s centrally located, really family-friendly, and has excellent facilities, making it a brilliant base for all your Margaret River explorations.
Book your stay with the Riverview Tourist Park today to be part of the Margaret River action!
How to Get Around Margaret River
Margaret River is a large region of South West Australia, so, to truly unlock all its wonders, having your own wheels is pretty much essential. While you can certainly jump on a tour for specific activities, the real magic happens when you have the freedom to roam at your own pace.
Here are the best ways to navigate this incredible region, each offering its own unique flavour of adventure.
RV Travel: The Ultimate Freedom
For us, there’s nothing quite like the ultimate freedom of exploring Margaret River by caravan or RV. Imagine waking up to a different breathtaking view every morning, with your comfy bed, kitchen, and coffee always right there with you.
The region is RV-friendly, with loads of fantastic caravan parks and designated spots where you can immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying all the comforts of home.
It’s perfect for those longer trips, family adventures, or anyone who wants some peace and quiet. Plus, it can be a super cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re planning an extended stay.
➡️ Dreaming of an RV adventure that sets your spirit free? Compare and book your perfect home on wheels with Star RV or Jucy Campers and hit the road – your adventure starts here!
Hiring a Car: Convenience and Control
For many of our overseas travellers, or those who prefer a bit more agility, hiring a car is hands-down the most practical and popular way to explore Margaret River.
A rental car gives you all the flexibility you need to hop between wineries at your leisure, discover those secret, pristine beaches, and wander through charming towns off the main drag.
The roads here are generally well-maintained, and signage is clear, so you won’t get lost (unless you want to!). It means you can craft your own perfect itinerary, pull over whenever a photo opportunity strikes, and easily access every single one of the region’s amazing attractions, from the northern tip right down to the iconic lighthouse.
➡️ Ready to hit the road and explore at your own pace? Compare car hire deals and book your vehicle for Margaret River today with DiscoverCars – your adventure awaits!
Staying in Hotels: Comfort and Ease
While we love the freedom of an RV or the flexibility of a hire car, sometimes you just want to kick back in a hotel, resort, or self-contained apartment. And Margaret River has some absolute stunners!
Choosing this option provides a really comfortable and convenient base. Many hotels are perfectly located near key attractions or right in the heart of Margaret River town, making it super easy to stroll to restaurants and shops.
While you’ll still need transport for wider exploration, returning to a serviced room, enjoying on-site amenities, and often getting fantastic local tips from staff can make your holiday feel extra special. It’s a brilliant choice if you prefer not to worry about cooking or cleaning on your well-deserved break.
➡️ Find your perfect slice of comfort and relaxation: Explore and book the best hotels and accommodations in Margaret River with Booking.com
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit to this incredible region.
How long should you spend in Margaret River?
To truly soak up the best of Margaret River, we reckon a minimum of 3-4 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore a few wineries, venture into a mystical cave, enjoy the stunning beaches, and really get a taste of the amazing local food scene.
But, if you can, a week or even longer lets you settle into the region’s relaxed pace and discover all its diverse offerings without feeling rushed. Just remember, it is a few hours drive from Perth, so I recommend more than one day.
For a day-by-day plan, check out The Perfect Margaret River Itinerary.
What is special about Margaret River?
Margaret River is special because it simply has so much to see! It’s a place where you can go surfing in the morning, explore a cave in the afternoon, enjoy a five-star meal paired with exquisite wine for dinner, and then stargaze from your campsite or hotel balcony.
It truly offers a unique blend of adventure, indulgence, and natural beauty all wrapped up in one stunning package – and, it’s suitable for everyone.
When’s the best time to visit Margaret River?
The “best” time really depends on what kind of adventure you’re after! Spring (September-November) is gorgeous with wildflowers blooming and pleasant weather.
Summer (December-February) is perfect for beach lovers and surfers, though it can get busy.
Autumn (March-May) brings the grape harvest (super cool to see!) and beautiful colours, while winter (June-August) is all about cosy fireside wine tastings, gourmet food, and fantastic whale watching opportunities. Every season has its own charm!
Do you need a car to get around Margaret River?
While there are some fantastic guided tours for specific experiences like wine tasting (which we highly recommend for obvious reasons!), having your own set of wheels is pretty much essential to truly explore the Margaret River Region.
The attractions are wonderfully spread out, and having your own transport gives you the ultimate flexibility to discover all the hidden gems and move at your own pace.
Our thoughts
So, back to the big question: Is Margaret River worth visiting? Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s a big YES! This amazing region offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, culinary delights, and adventurous exploration that truly sets it apart from anywhere else.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a wine lover or not, Margaret River will impress!
With the flexibility of your own RV, the convenience of a hire car, or the comfort of a fantastic hotel, exploring this diverse and incredible landscape has never been easier.
