Beyond the Cellar Door: Discover the Margaret River Most Tourists Miss
Here’s the thing—most visitors roll through Margaret River, tick off a few cellar doors, snap a vineyard selfie, visit a cave, a beach and a lighthouse and reckon they’ve “done” the region. But they’ve barely scratched the surface.
At Margaret River Discovery Co., we’re all about ditching the crowds and digging deeper. This isn’t your standard wine tour. This is off-road tracks, ancient landscapes, hidden river trails, and private barrel rooms, all served up with a side of good yarns and a glass of something exceptional.
You’ll explore the region in a luxury 4WD with award-winning guide Sean Blocksidge—a bloke who knows the area like the back of his hand and isn’t shy about sharing a few special secrets. The aim? To give you the most memorable wine and nature experience of your life, no fluff, no crowds, and no cookie-cutter itineraries.
We call it experiential touring. You won’t be peering out of a hire car window—you’ll be in the thick of it. Canoeing the river. Walking coastal clifftops. Tasting wine where it’s made, with the people who make it. Learning how geology, ecology and culture shape everything from the landscape to the glass in your hand.
If you’re the kind of traveller who craves connection over convenience, and prefers dirt tracks to gift shops, then you’re our kind of person.
Jump in. We’ll take you down the back roads and into the heart of Margaret River.
Meet Sean Blocksidge: The Bloke Behind Margaret River’s Most Un-Touristy Tour
Before swapping neckties for hiking boots, Sean Blocksidge ran the show at a five-star Perth hotel and a prestigious Margaret River winery—racking up national tourism awards like they were frequent flyer points. But eventually, the suits and spreadsheets gave way to something a little wilder: the bush tracks, river bends and cellar doors of Margaret River.
In 2007, Sean launched Margaret River Discovery Co., a one-man-band tour operation that’s as personal as it gets. No buses. No crowds. Just small groups, big landscapes, and a good dose of cheeky banter.
This isn’t just a wine tour. It’s a canoe down the ancient Wooditjup Bilya. A hike on a hidden slice of the Cape to Cape Track. A rugged 4WD through country you’d never find without local intel. A long lunch in a private barrel room with a winemaker who actually wants to have a yarn. And all of it stitched together with Sean’s deep knowledge, dry humour, and a very serious commitment to not taking himself too seriously.
He calls it “the tour for people who don’t do tours.” And after 17 years at #1 on TripAdvisor, it seems a lot of people agree.
Luxury Travel Magazine summed it up like this:
“Sean’s objective is to offer his guests a truly unique insight into the region—and he achieves this effortlessly through his professional and authentic approach. He has created tours that are exceptionally well-designed with a real difference… the unexpected aspects along the way make for an outstanding day.”
In 2010, he was named Western Australia’s Top Tour Guide with the FACET Golden Guide Award. But really, the greatest award is the grin on your face after a day you’ll never forget.
If you’re into tour buses and tight schedules, this ain’t it. But if you want to see Margaret River through the eyes of someone who lives and breathes it—then hop in. Sean’s got a seat waiting.
Your Chariot Awaits: Luxury Touring in a Land Rover Discovery 5
Let’s be honest—half the fun is in the ride. And we don’t muck around when it comes to comfort or capability.
Your tour takes place in the legendary Land Rover Discovery 5, arguably the most awarded 4WD on the planet—and for good reason. This beast is purpose-built for the back tracks of Margaret River, but smooth enough for a cruise through wine country with a glass waiting at the other end.
Inside, it’s all leather and legroom. Six stadium-style seats mean everyone scores a cracking view out the big panoramic windows—no neck craning or awkward elbow fights required. It’s like a luxury lounge on wheels, with just enough rugged grunt to climb a goat track if we feel like it.
We also walk the talk on sustainability. The fuel-efficient turbo diesel engine is backed by a carbon offset program—we’ve been planting trees longer than it’s been trendy—and the whole experience runs almost carbon neutral. It’s about doing the right thing while still having a bloody good time.
Safety-wise? She’s got all the bells and whistles: airbags galore, anti-lock braking, traction control, active roll mitigation… not that we plan on needing any of it. But it’s nice to know you’re in good hands—especially when we’re headed somewhere that doesn’t show up on Google Maps.
How we are Recognised
Your day of Margaret River highlights
Begin by floating—not driving
We start with a peaceful canoe journey along Wooditjup Bilya—the Margaret River—surrounded by towering trees, mirror-calm water and local wildlife.
This is relaxed “luxury canoeing,” not an Olympic qualifying event. You won’t get wet, dirty or fall in. In fact, the guests least enthusiastic about canoeing are very often the ones who love it most.
Coffee overlooking the ocean
After canoeing, we head to the coast for excellent local coffee at White Elephant Café. Watch the waves, check the surf and settle into the gloriously demanding rhythm of Margaret River life.
Waterfall, honey and connection to Country
Travel by luxury 4WD to Yalgardup Falls, a peaceful place rich in natural and cultural history. Taste locally sourced honey produced from native tree blossom while learning more about the landscapes, seasons and stories of Wadandi Country.
It’s a small sensory experience with a powerful connection to place.
Lunch among the barrels
Next, we disappear behind the scenes at Fraser Gallop Estate—one of Margaret River’s most exciting and highly awarded wineries.
Enjoy exclusive access to the working winery and private barrel room, where premium wines are matched with a generous lunch featuring local produce. You won’t be elbowing your way along a crowded cellar-door counter. You’ll be seated among barrels of ageing wine, experiencing the people, place and winemaking story properly.
Finish on an absolute high
The final adventure begins with a private 4WD track leading to the remote Wilyabrup Cliffs.
From here, we walk a spectacular section of the Cape to Cape Track high above the Indian Ocean. Depending on the season, we may spot whales, dolphins, kangaroos, soaring eagles and wildflowers—but the extraordinary coastal scenery is guaranteed.
It’s a pretty difficult way to finish a mediocre day.
Why this Margaret River tour is different
- Maximum six guests: Genuinely small-group touring—not a “small group” of 24 people.
- Personally hosted by the owner: Every Discovery Tour is hosted by founder, local guide and storyteller Sean Blocksidge.
- Special access: Private tracks, national park permits and behind-the-scenes winery experiences take you beyond the usual visitor trail.
- One winery, experienced properly: Premium tasting and lunch in a working barrel room rather than a rushed cellar-door crawl.
- A complete Margaret River experience: Canoeing, coast, forest, wine, food, culture, 4WD adventure and the Cape to Cape Track in one beautifully paced day.
- Completely inclusive: Canoeing, coffee, honey tasting, gourmet lunch, premium wine and professionally captured tour photographs are included.
- No buses. No crowds. No cookie-cutter commentary: Just six guests, one local host and an exceptional day.
Is this tour right for you?
This is the perfect Margaret River tour for travellers who:
- Want to experience far more than wineries alone.
- Prefer small, personal experiences over buses and crowds.
- Love great food, premium wine, nature and local stories.
- Want to discover places they would struggle to find independently.
- Have limited time and want the best possible overview of Margaret River.
- Usually insist that they “don’t do tours.”
Especially that last group.