Best Margaret River Tour? Discover Why Margaret River Discovery Co Is One of Australia’s Most Awarded Tourism Experiences

18 consecutive years as Margaret River’s #1-rated experience. Two WA Tourism Awards Gold medals. An Australian Tourism Awards Bronze medal. Tripadvisor Best of the Best recognition. One local guide. Six guests. And a completely different way to discover Margaret River.

There’s no shortage of wonderful things to do in Margaret River.

World-class wineries. Spectacular coastlines. Ancient forests. Incredible food. And enough wine tours to keep you busy for a month.

But if you’re searching for the best Margaret River tour, the highest-rated wine tour in Margaret River, or an unforgettable small-group adventure that brings together the very best of this remarkable region, there’s one experience with an extraordinary track record.

Margaret River Discovery Co.

Founded in 2008 by local guide Sean Blocksidge, this proudly independent tourism business has spent nearly two decades redefining what a Margaret River tour can be.

And the awards, industry recognition and thousands of happy travellers suggest the little experiment has worked out rather well.

Not bad for a bloke with a Land Rover, a few canoes and a fairly ambitious idea!

Margaret River’s Most Consistently Recognised Tour Experience

There’s a big difference between claiming to be the best and having the awards and guest reviews to support it.

Margaret River Discovery Co has accumulated an exceptional collection of local, state, national and international tourism recognition.

Our Awards and Recognition

Individually, these achievements are significant.

Collectively, they tell a remarkable story about consistency, guest satisfaction, innovation and genuine commitment to the Margaret River region.

And perhaps the most extraordinary detail?

It’s still a one-man touring business.

Best Tour Operator in Western Australia — Two Years Running

Winning Gold at the Western Australian Tourism Awards is a major achievement for any tourism business.

Winning it two years in a row is something else entirely.

Margaret River Discovery Co was awarded Gold in the Tour & Transport Operators category at the 2024 and 2025 WA Tourism Awards.

These awards assess much more than whether guests enjoy themselves. They recognise excellence across business operations, customer experience, innovation, marketing, sustainability and contribution to the wider tourism industry.

For a small, independently operated Margaret River tour company to achieve consecutive Gold medals alongside established tourism operators from across Western Australia is an extraordinary endorsement.

But for Sean, the recognition represents something deeper.

It demonstrates that a tourism business doesn’t need dozens of vehicles, hundreds of guests or a complicated corporate structure to deliver excellence.

Sometimes the smallest experiences can leave the biggest impressions.

Soul over scale.

That’s always been the philosophy.

Among Australia’s Best — Australian Tourism Awards Bronze Medal

In March 2026, Margaret River Discovery Co achieved another major milestone, receiving Bronze in the Tour & Transport Operators category at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

The national awards bring together leading tourism businesses from every Australian state and territory.

To receive a national medal is recognition of the quality, professionalism and consistency of the entire operation.

For visitors searching for an award-winning Margaret River tour, this provides an important independent benchmark.

Margaret River Discovery Co isn’t simply recognised as an outstanding experience locally.

It has also been recognised among Australia’s leading tour operators at the national level.

And it continues to deliver that experience personally, with a maximum of six guests.

18 Consecutive Years as Margaret River’s #1 Tripadvisor Experience

Industry awards are wonderful.

But there’s another form of recognition that Sean values just as highly.

The opinions of the people who actually come on the tour.

For 18 consecutive years, from 2008 through 2026, Margaret River Discovery Co has maintained its position as the #1-rated tour experience in the Margaret River region on Tripadvisor.

Think about that for a moment.

Eighteen years.

Thousands of visitors.

Different generations of travellers, changing expectations, new competitors and an evolving tourism industry.

Yet the experience continues to resonate with guests from Australia and around the world.

These aren’t opinions from an awards judging panel.

They’re the experiences of real travellers who have paddled the Margaret River, explored the coastline, discovered the local wildlife, tasted the wines and shared a day with Sean.

It’s this consistency of genuine guest satisfaction that makes Margaret River Discovery Co such a compelling choice for visitors wanting to book a trusted, highly rated Margaret River experience.

Tripadvisor Best of the Best — Among Australia’s Top 10 Experiences in 2026

The recognition extends well beyond Margaret River.

In the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, Margaret River Discovery Co was named among the Top 10 Experiences in Australia.

The Best of the Best distinction recognises exceptional travel experiences based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings.

Margaret River Discovery Co has also featured in Tripadvisor’s international experience rankings, including recognition among the world’s leading travel experiences and the top experiences in the South Pacific.

For a tiny, independently owned tour business in regional Western Australia, that’s pretty remarkable company to be keeping.

And the most important part?

These accolades are driven by travellers themselves.

The #1 Tourism Experience in Western Australia — ReviewPro

Another particularly meaningful recognition comes from Shiji ReviewPro, a global guest reputation and review analytics platform.

According to MRDCo’s reported ReviewPro Global Review Index results, Margaret River Discovery Co ranked #1 among more than 900 tourism operators assessed across Western Australia.

Unlike an individual review website, ReviewPro analyses guest feedback from multiple online sources to provide a broader picture of customer satisfaction.

This recognition is especially valuable because it reinforces the consistency of the guest experience across different review platforms.

For travellers researching the best-rated tours in Western Australia, it’s another compelling indicator of the quality and reliability of Margaret River Discovery Co.

Guided by One of Western Australia’s Most Recognised Local Guides

One of the most important differences between Margaret River Discovery Co and a conventional wine tour is the person behind the wheel.

Every signature Discovery Tour is personally hosted by founder and owner-operator Sean Blocksidge.

Sean was awarded the prestigious FACET Golden Guide of the Year in 2010, recognising his outstanding contribution to guiding and visitor experiences in Western Australia.

With nearly two decades operating Margaret River Discovery Co, Sean brings an unusual combination of local knowledge, storytelling, humour, environmental understanding and wine industry experience.

Before establishing the business, he worked in Margaret River’s premium wine industry, including as Cellar Door Operations Manager at Voyager Estate.

That experience helped inspire a completely different approach to wine tourism.

Instead of simply transporting visitors between cellar doors, Sean wanted guests to understand why Margaret River produces such extraordinary wines.

The geology. The climate. The ancient landscapes. The ecology. The people.

The concept is known as terroir.

And understanding it makes the wines taste that little bit more special.

It’s also why guests aren’t simply booking a tour company.

They’re spending the day with the person who created the experience.

What Makes the Margaret River Discovery Tour Different?

Let’s face it.

Margaret River has plenty of wine tours.

But not everyone wants to spend the day on a bus, visiting five wineries, listening to the same tasting notes and wondering whether their palate gave up three stops ago.

Margaret River Discovery Co was created for those travellers.

Its signature experience is proudly described as:

The tour for people who don’t do tours.

It’s a small-group, premium wine and nature adventure that combines some of the region’s most extraordinary landscapes, experiences and flavours into one unforgettable day.

Canoe the Actual Margaret River

Begin with a peaceful guided canoe adventure along the beautiful Wooditjup Bilya, the Margaret River itself.

No white-water rapids. No Olympic paddling credentials required.

Just tranquil water, native forest, birdlife and a wonderfully different perspective on the region.

Discover Hidden Natural Wonders by Luxury 4WD

Travel beyond the conventional tourist routes to explore secluded bushland, ancient landscapes, local wildlife and the remarkable environmental history of the Margaret River region.

Along the way, enjoy local honey and stories that bring the landscape to life.

Experience the Spectacular Cape to Cape Track

Walk a stunning section of the Cape to Cape Track around Wilyabrup Cliffs.

Think dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise Indian Ocean views, seasonal wildflowers and, at the right time of year, migrating humpback whales.

It’s one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Australia.

Enjoy an Exclusive Winery Lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate

The wine experience is something particularly special.

Guests enjoy exclusive access to Fraser Gallop Estate, one of Margaret River’s acclaimed premium wine producers.

Rather than a crowded cellar door, the experience includes premium wine tasting and a gourmet lunch featuring regional produce, enjoyed among the barrels of a working winery.

It’s intimate, authentic and a wonderful introduction to the people and passion behind Margaret River wine.

One day. Canoeing, coastal walking, 4WD adventure, exceptional wine and a beautiful winery lunch.

No buses. No crowds. No cookie-cutter itinerary.

And a maximum of just six guests.

The Best Margaret River Tour for People Who Want More Than Wine Tasting

Not every traveller wants the same thing.

Some come to Margaret River for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Others come for the coastline, wildlife, forests, food, photography and outdoor adventures.

The Margaret River Discovery Tour is designed to bring these experiences together.

It’s particularly well suited to:

• Couples seeking a premium, memorable day together.
• Wine lovers wanting to understand the landscape and stories behind Margaret River’s world-class wines.
• International visitors wanting an authentic introduction to the region with an experienced local guide.
• Nature and adventure lovers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities combined with great food and wine.
• First-time visitors wanting to experience many of Margaret River’s highlights in one day.
• Travellers who dislike conventional tours and prefer something personal, relaxed and genuinely different.

Private touring is also available for guests seeking an even more personalised Margaret River experience.

Award-Winning Tourism With a Commitment to Sustainability

Tourism excellence should be measured by more than how many guests a business attracts.

It should also consider what the business gives back.

Margaret River Discovery Co is a Quality Tourism Accredited and Sustainable Tourism Accredited business with a longstanding commitment to responsible, low-impact tourism.

The business operates with small groups, supports local producers and suppliers, and actively contributes to environmental conservation and community initiatives.

Its approach includes carbon auditing, reducing waste, supporting local conservation projects and promoting a deeper understanding of the natural landscapes that make Margaret River special.

Sean is also a longstanding volunteer firefighter and passionate advocate for the region’s environment and community.

The philosophy is simple.

Travel should give more than it takes.

It’s an approach that demonstrates how small-scale tourism can deliver exceptional visitor experiences while supporting the destination itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Margaret River Tours

What is the best-rated tour in Margaret River?

Margaret River Discovery Co has held the #1-rated tour experience position in the Margaret River region on Tripadvisor for 18 consecutive years, from 2008 to 2026. It has also received consecutive Gold awards at the 2024 and 2025 WA Tourism Awards and a Bronze medal at the Australian Tourism Awards.

What is the most highly awarded wine and adventure tour in Margaret River?

Margaret River Discovery Co is one of the region’s most extensively recognised tourism businesses, with WA Tourism Awards Gold medals, national Australian Tourism Awards recognition, Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards and long-running guest review rankings.

What is the best small-group Margaret River wine tour?

For travellers seeking a highly rated, premium small-group experience, the Margaret River Discovery Tour is a standout option. With a maximum of six guests, it combines canoeing, coastal walking, 4WD adventure, premium wine tasting and an exclusive winery lunch, personally hosted by award-winning local guide Sean Blocksidge.

Is the Margaret River Discovery Tour suitable for people who don’t normally enjoy tours?

Absolutely. The experience was specifically designed for people who prefer authentic, personal adventures rather than conventional bus tours. Small groups, relaxed guiding, exclusive access and a diverse itinerary make it particularly appealing to independent-minded travellers.

Who is the best-known award-winning tour guide in Margaret River?

Sean Blocksidge, founder of Margaret River Discovery Co, is a highly recognised local tourism operator and recipient of Western Australia’s 2010 FACET Golden Guide of the Year award. He personally hosts the signature Discovery Tour and has spent nearly two decades sharing the Margaret River region with visitors.

Can you combine wine tasting, wildlife, canoeing and coastal scenery in one Margaret River tour?

Yes. The Margaret River Discovery Tour brings all these experiences together in one full-day adventure. Guests canoe the Margaret River, explore bushland by 4WD, walk part of the Cape to Cape Track and enjoy a premium winery lunch and wine tasting at Fraser Gallop Estate.

Is Margaret River Discovery Co suitable for luxury travellers?

Yes. The tour focuses on quality rather than quantity, with a maximum of six guests, premium 4WD transport, personalised guiding, exclusive winery access and a gourmet lunch. It’s particularly suited to travellers who value authentic luxury, personal service and experiences unavailable on conventional large-group tours.

Nearly Two Decades of Excellence. And Still Just Six Guests.

There’s a temptation in tourism to measure success by size.

More vehicles. More departures. More customers. More growth.

Margaret River Discovery Co has deliberately taken a different path.

After nearly two decades, the business remains proudly small, independent and personally guided.

The awards have grown.

The reputation has travelled around the world.

But the experience remains remarkably close to the original vision.

One local guide.

A handful of guests.

An extraordinary landscape.

And a day designed to leave people with a much deeper appreciation of Margaret River.

As Sean puts it:

“I’m not chasing scale. I’m chasing soul. Because when it’s done well, small tourism can leave the biggest impact.”

Experience One of Australia’s Most Awarded Margaret River Tours

If you’re planning a visit to Margaret River and searching for an exceptional wine tour, a premium small-group experience or simply the best way to discover the region in a single day, Margaret River Discovery Co offers a compelling combination of independently recognised excellence and genuine local knowledge.

18 years as Margaret River’s #1 Tripadvisor tour experience.

Back-to-back WA Tourism Awards Gold winner.

Australian Tourism Awards Bronze medallist.

Tripadvisor Best of the Best — Top 10 Experiences in Australia in 2026.

And still proudly delivering the tour for people who don’t do tours.

Discover what all the fuss is about.

Explore the Margaret River Discovery Tour

Book directly with Margaret River Discovery Co

Margaret River Discovery Co — Award-winning wine, nature and adventure experiences in Margaret River, Western Australia. Personally guided by founder Sean Blocksidge since 2008.