Embark on an unforgettable five-day adventure through Western Australia’s Margaret River region, where pristine beaches, towering forests, and world-class wineries await. This itinerary blend relaxation, exploration, and indulgence, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveller.
This is just a suggestion. There is sooooooo much to see and do, this will just help set you up with a basic structure to work with. Checkout the www.margaretriver.com website for more detailed planning.
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival and Exploration in Margaret River
Morning:
- Drive from Perth to Margaret River: Embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive south, with optional stops at Bunbury or Busselton to stretch your legs and enjoy the coastal views.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Margaret River Brewhouse: Savor locally brewed beers and hearty meals at this popular spot nestled among the trees. Try the “In The Pines” IPA, recently wining best beer in WA!
- Explore the Town: Wander through Margaret River’s charming main street, visiting boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. The Margaret River Bookshop is a must visit for great local reading. The Margaret River Visitor Centre also has loads of great information and high-quality local merchandise.
Evening:
- Dinner in Main Street: A ridiculous number of great restaurant options. Be sure to book ahead. A few of our fabs include Morries, Mikis Japanese, Decendant, Teddies Korean, Pizzaca, El Toro, Settlers Tavern plus a bunch more! Check out Rhum Burgundy for a rippa little cocktail bar.
🗓️ Day 2: Adventure with Margaret River Discovery Co.
If you only do one thing in Margaret River, DO THIS TOUR! And do it early in your stay. You’ll probably see and do more in a day than most locals do in three months!
https://margaretriverdiscoveryco.rezdy.com/
Morning:
- Canoeing on the Margaret River: Begin your day with a serene paddle along the river, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Midday:
- 4WD Adventure and Winery Lunch: Travel off-road to a secluded waterfall before indulging in a gourmet lunch and wine tasting at a private estate.
Afternoon:
- Cape to Cape Track Hike: Embark on a guided walk along a section of this iconic trail, offering breathtaking coastal vistas and insights into the local ecology.
Evening:
- Relaxation: Return to your accommodation to unwind after an exhilarating day of exploration.
🗓️ Day 3: Caves, Forests, and Coastal Wonders
Morning:
- Boranup Karri Forest Drive: Take a leisurely drive through this majestic forest, home to towering karri trees and diverse wildlife.
- Hamelin Bay: Experience one of the most spectacular beaches in WA and say g’day to the local Stingrays as they casually swim by
- Jewel Cave Tour: Discover the largest show cave in Western Australia, adorned with intricate crystal formations.
- Check out the Capes Foundation website for bookings and listings of their attractions and activities throughout the region – https://www.capesfoundation.org.au/
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Glenarty Road: Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at this family-run winery and restaurant.
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Visit: Stand at the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans and learn about the lighthouse’s rich maritime history.
Evening:
- Sunset at Surfers Point: Witness a spectacular sunset over the ocean, a perfect end to a day of natural wonders.
🗓️ Day 4: Wineries and Coastal Scenery
Morning:
- Drive Caves Rd: Explore the Wilyabrup region and go venturing down the backroads to discover a few of the hidden gem Cellar Doors.
Lunch:
- Vasse Felix Restaurant: Indulge in a gourmet lunch at the estate’s acclaimed restaurant, offering dishes crafted from local, seasonal produce, perfectly paired with their wines. This is just a suggestion, there is an incredible number of awesome winery restaurants also listed on our Top 10 Best Winery Restaurant page – https://margaretriverdiscovery.com.au/about/margaret-rivers-top-10-best-winery-restaurants-for-2024
Afternoon:
- Injidup Beach: Known for its surf breaks and natural beauty. Take a leisurely walk along the beach or relax by the shoreline.
- Canal Rocks: Explore the dramatic rock formations at Canal Rocks. Walk along the wooden boardwalks and enjoy the stunning ocean view
Evening:
- Return to Accommodation: Head back to your accommodation to unwind after a day of indulgence and exploration.
🗓️ Day 5: Northern Cape Naturaliste Exploration
Morning:
- Dunsborough Town: Start your day in the charming town of Dunsborough. Enjoy breakfast at a local café and explore boutique shops and galleries.
- Meelup Beach: Visit Meelup Beach renowned for its white sands and calm, turquoise waters. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and picnicking. If you continue further on up the road to Point Piquet you might even see passing whales (in season).
Afternoon:
- Ngilgi Cave: Discover the ancient wonders and explore the stunning crystal formations and learn about the cave’s rich history. We highly recommend booking a cave tour with Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming. He offers an immersive journey into the rich cultural heritage of the Wadandi people.
- Busselton Jetty: Conclude your trip with a visit to the Busselton Jetty the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Walk or take the train to the end and explore the Underwater Observatory (booking required)
Late afternoon:
- Return to Perth
- Begin your journey home, carrying memories of an unforgettable Margaret River experience.
Note: For more information on tours and experiences, visit Margaret River Discovery Co. and Margaret River Region.
This Margaret River Drive Trails webpage and online booklet is also an EXCELLENT source of information and inspiration for seeing a bunch of awesome stuff in Margaret River –
https://www.margaretriver.com/plan-your-trip/self-drive-itineraries-and-routes/
https://www.margaretriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Drive_Trails_A4_booklet_Print.pdf
Enjoy your adventure through the Margaret River region!
