The Ultimate 5-Day Margaret River Itinerary

How to explore, sip, paddle and unwind like a local

Planning a trip to the Margaret River region? You’re in for a treat. This is a place of big flavours, bold landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. But with so much to see and do, it helps to have a little local guidance. That’s where we come in.

Here’s our ultimate five-day itinerary to help you discover the very best of the Cape—from forest to coast, cabernet to coastline. Whether you’re a wine buff, foodie, nature lover or just here for the sunsets, this guide will set you on the right path.

Day 1 – Chardonnay, Caves & Coastal Forests

Welcome to Margaret River—where the wine is world-class, the forest touches the sky, and the coastline feels like the edge of the world. Today is all about easing into the rhythm of the region with a day that’s indulgent, scenic, and just the right amount of adventurous.

🍷 Start with the Golden Triangle of Chardonnay

Begin your day immersed in elegance and flavour by exploring the famed “Golden Triangle” of Chardonnay—home to three of Australia’s most iconic wineries: Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate, and Cape Mentelle.

Each estate offers a distinctive experience:

• Leeuwin Estate: Famed for its Art Series Chardonnay and onsite art gallery. Book a seated tasting or arrive early for their morning concert series if you’re lucky. The setting is serene, the service polished, and the wine unforgettable.

• Voyager Estate: With its Cape Dutch architecture, lush rose gardens and organic wine ethos, Voyager is a feast for all the senses. Their Discovery Menu lunch experience is a standout—a multi-course journey through Margaret River on a plate.

• Cape Mentelle: One of the original pioneers of the region. Their barrel hall and historic surrounds speak to a deeper winemaking legacy. If you’re visiting in summer, look out for their legendary outdoor cinema evenings under the stars.

Yes, you’ll want a designated driver—or better yet, book a local wine tour to enjoy every drop guilt-free.

🚗 Scenic Drive Through the Forest of Giants

After your tasting adventures and a lingering lunch, it’s time to hit the road. Head south along Caves Road, arguably one of the most scenic drives in Western Australia.

This winding stretch takes you deep into Boranup Karri Forest, where the trees tower 60 metres above the forest floor. Roll the windows down, breathe in the earthy eucalyptus, and stop for a photo (or ten) under the green canopy. It feels ancient, magical—and almost too beautiful to be real.

🕳️ Descend into the Earth

Choose your underground adventure:

• Jewel Cave: One of the largest show caves in WA, with cathedral-like chambers and glittering crystal formations that look like nature’s chandeliers.

• Lake Cave: A stunning chamber beneath the forest floor, with a suspended table formation and tranquil reflections on an underground lake. The descent via a wooden staircase into a mossy sinkhole feels like stepping into a fantasy novel.

Both are breathtaking and tell a story of millions of years in the making.

🌊 Seaside Wanderings & Colliding Oceans

As the day mellows, continue south to Hamelin Bay. This sheltered beach is a local favourite, known for its resident stingrays, which glide gracefully through the shallows—sometimes right up to your ankles. It’s a rare and intimate encounter with wildlife, best experienced in the late afternoon when the water is calm and clear.

If you’re still feeling curious, push on to the sleepy seaside town of Augusta and finish your day at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This is where the tourism marketing teams suggest  Southern and Indian Oceans meet, colliding in a dramatic dance of currents and colour (not quite true, but does make for a good story!  The limit of Southern Ocean is actually defined at latitude 60degrees south. Wayyyyy down closer to Antartica than Australia) . The historic lighthouse, perched on the rugged point, is the tallest on mainland Australia—and offers a panoramic view of the wild southwest coast.

Insider Tip: Bring a jacket—it can get breezy down south even in summer. 

Day 2 – The Tour for People Who Don’t Do Tours

Forget big buses, name tags, and cookie-cutter cellar door crawls. This is the Margaret River Discovery Tour—a behind-the-scenes adventure that’s more like being shown around by a mate than following a script.

Run by award-winning local guide  Sean Blocksidge, this tour has earned its cult status as the #1 Margaret River experience on TripAdvisor for over a decade. And for good reason—it’s a hands-on, boots-dusty, glass-half-full kind of day that gives you a genuine connection to the land, the people, and the drop in your glass.

Here’s what your day looks like:

🌿 Paddle the still, peaceful waters of the actual Margaret River on a gentle canoe ride (no experience needed, just a sense of adventure).
🍇 Sip and swirl inside a working barrel room at Fraser Gallop Estate, one of the region’s most exclusive and elegant wineries. No tour buses here—just you and some of the finest Chardonnay and Cabernet in the country.
🍽️ Feast on a long table lunch among the barrels at a working winery, tasting how terroir expresses itself on the plate and in the glass.
🚙 Kick up some dust on a 4WD journey into the heart of the Wilyabrup ridge, through private farmland and remote bushland.
🥾 Hike a jaw-dropping section of the Cape to Cape Track, with views that’ll have your camera working overtime and your jaw on the sand. Along the way, learn how millions of years of geology, climate and culture have shaped the story of this incredible place.

This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s sense-making. It’s the ‘why’ behind the wine, the land beneath your boots, and the stories that don’t make it into the brochures.

🔥 Why it’s a must:

• Intimate, small group (no more than 6 people)

• Hosted by one of the most passionate and experienced locals in the region

• Access to places no other tours go

• Perfect for wine lovers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to skip the tourist trail and actually feel the region

“The best tour I’ve ever done. Anywhere.” – basically everyone who’s ever been on it.

🚨 Heads up:

This one sells out well in advance, especially in peak season. Plan ahead if you can—you won’t want to miss this.

👉 Book your spot: https://margaretriverdiscoveryco.rezdy.com/

Day 3 – Cabernet Country & Coastal Cool

Today’s all about iconic reds, backroad beauty, and salty sea air. You’re heading into the beating heart of Wilyabrup, the region’s unofficial Cabernet capital—and one of the most scenic and soul-stirring corners of Margaret River.

Start your morning winding along the lesser-known gravel roads off Caves Road, flanked by marri trees, farmland, and undulating vineyards. This is where the real wine magic happens—away from the tour buses and into the realm of small producers with big personalities.

Pop into Cape Grace Wines, a true hidden gem run by a passionate family team who’ve been quietly crafting exceptional, small-batch reds for decades. Then swing by Pierro, where Bordeaux-inspired blends meet serious winemaking pedigree. If time (and appetite) allows, Fermoy Estate offers a boutique experience with award-winning Cabernets in a serene, understated setting.

🍷 Linger longer over lunch

Book yourself into Vasse Felix, the founding winery of the region, for a food and wine pairing that will ruin you for all other lunches. The art gallery, architecture and vine-framed views are worth the visit alone—but it’s the menu that seals the deal. Think seasonal, creative, and proudly local.

Travelling with little adventurers in tow? Head to Hay Shed Hill instead. The cellar door pours some seriously tasty wines, while Rustico serves up generous Mediterranean plates in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Kids can run around on the lawns while the adults indulge.

🌊 Coastal cool-down

After your wine adventures, it’s time to swap vines for vistas. Make your way to Canal Rocks, a dramatic granite rock formation where the Indian Ocean funnels through ancient channels, spraying and crashing below timber walkways. It’s raw, rugged beauty at its best—and a photographer’s dream.

Just down the road, Injidup Beach beckons. Grab your towel and soak in the stunning natural spa pool, a rocky enclave where waves tumble over the ledge and swirl into warm, crystal-clear water. It’s nature’s jacuzzi, and it’s utterly glorious.

Bonus: If you’re visiting during whale season (May to December), keep your eyes on the horizon—humpbacks and southern right whales love this stretch of coast, and their acrobatics are nothing short of spectacular.

Day 4 – Beyond the Vines: North Cape Adventures

After a few days of wine and wild coastline, it’s time to explore some of the more playful, quirky and offbeat corners of the northern Cape. This is a day for curiosity, creativity, and a touch of indulgence—with a mix of family fun, artisan treasures, and coastal wow-factor.

🫧 Start with something a little different…

Kick off the morning at the Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory in Metricup. It’s not just about soap—it’s a celebration of local, skin-loving goodness. Watch the soap-makers in action, browse shelves stacked with olive oil body products, beeswax balms, and natural lotions, and maybe treat yourself to a little self-care souvenir. They also stock gourmet olive oils, dukkah and chutneys, so your pantry can come home a little fancier too.

🧩 Time to play

Next, let the kids (or your inner child) take the reins. Head over to Yallingup Maze for brain-bending puzzles, outdoor mazes, and a great little café. It’s a refreshing change of pace—and a good chance to let everyone burn off some energy.

Alternatively, check out WOW Illusions, a quirky and colourful attraction packed with optical illusions, mirrored tunnels, and perspective tricks that’ll have your camera working overtime. Great for families, great for laughs—and even better for those Instagram shots.

🍦 Scoop, there it is

By now, you’ve probably earned a treat. Pull into Simmo’s Ice Creamery, a true Margaret River classic. With over 60 flavours (from classic vanilla bean to liquorice and bush honeycomb), a shady playground, mini golf and picnic lawns, it’s the kind of place you can easily while away an hour. Try the roasted macadamia or mango sorbet—local favourites for good reason.

🌊 Now for the coastline showstopper

Make your way west to Bunker Bay, one of the most pristine beaches in the South West. Think squeaky white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and often not a soul in sight. It’s perfect for a barefoot wander or a refreshing dip—just be warned, the Indian Ocean doesn’t always play warm.

Just around the bend, you’ll find the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. The walk up is gentle and scenic, and the reward at the top? Sweeping 360° views across Geographe Bay, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge, and out to the horizon. If you’re lucky, you might even spot migrating whales cruising past from the lookout.

🚁⛵ Finish with a bang (or a buzz and a breeze)

Ready to dial things up? You’ve got two unforgettable options to wrap the day in style.

Option one: Take to the skies. Book a scenic flight with Scenic Helicopters  and witness the full grandeur of the Cape from above. Soar over rugged cliffs, turquoise bays, and rolling vineyards—all while getting a bird’s-eye view of the region’s wild beauty. Whether it’s a quick buzz or a more extended loop along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste coastline, it’s guaranteed to be one of your standout memories.

Option two: Set sail into the sunset. Join Luke from Sailing Charters WA for a twilight cruise on the Indian Ocean. Departing from the Dunsborough foreshore, Luke’s catamaran is the stuff coastal daydreams are made of—plush beanbags, smooth tunes, local wine in hand, and the sun melting into the sea as dolphins cruise alongside. It’s the ultimate Margaret River wind-down: salty air, zero crowds, and just the gentle hum of sails catching the breeze.

Insider Tip: Cap the day with a sundowner at Eagle Bay Brewing Co. or Meelup Farmhouse, both just down the road. Cold local beer or rosé, a plate of share-style goodness, and a golden-hour glow? Yes please.

Day 5 – Adventure or Indulgence? Your Call

It’s your final day in Margaret River, and the choice is yours—go big with an adrenaline hit, or go blissful with full-body relaxation. Either way, today is about soaking up the last moments of Cape magic, your way.

⛰️ For the Thrill-Seekers

If you’ve still got fuel in the tank, Margaret River’s outdoor playground has plenty to get your heart racing.

Book in for an abseiling or rock climbing adventure with local guides who’ll take you to the region’s dramatic limestone cliffs—whether it’s sea cliffs near Wilyabrup or hidden bush escarpments. These experiences are equal parts challenge and jaw-dropping scenery, with the roar of the ocean below and the rustle of karri leaves above.

Prefer your thrills a little saltier? Lock in a surf lesson with the legends at Redgate Beach or Smiths Beach, where the waves are reliable and the coaches know just how to get you standing (or at least grinning wildly). Conditions are often perfect for beginners in the morning, with warm shallows and a backdrop that’ll make your Instagram explode.

Mountain bikers, today’s your time to shine. Explore the Wadandi Track, an old timber rail line turned scenic cycling route, stretching from Cowaramup to Witchcliffe. For more challenging terrain, hit the South Carters trails, where purpose-built singletrack winds through native forest, complete with jumps, berms and a real sense of wilderness.

💆 For the Indulgence Seekers

If your idea of a perfect day includes plush robes and essential oils, you’re in luck—Margaret River is quietly becoming a wellness haven.

Start your day with a massage or spa ritual at BODHI Spa (set among the vines in Injidup), or check out OM Day Spa in town for a nourishing facial, hot stone massage, or full pamper package. Many treatments incorporate local botanicals and Indigenous techniques, making it a deeply grounding and restorative experience.

Want something more low-key? Grab a book, a coffee from Yahava Koffeeworks, and head to Gnarabup Beach for a morning of seaside serenity. Swim, read, snooze. Repeat.

🌅 Finish With a Local Ritual: Sunset at Surfers Point

No matter how you’ve spent your day, there’s only one way to finish—with salty air, sandy feet, and a front-row seat at Surfers Point.

This is the spot where locals gather at day’s end. Bring a picnic rug, a bottle of local Chardonnay or sparkling, and a bundle of fish and chips from:

• 🐟 Hooked Up Food Truck – parked oceanside with fresh catch and cult-level aioli

• 🐟 Sea Garden Café – with beers on tap, music and balcony views

• 🐟 The Common – great for groups and casual bites with a bit of buzz

Watch as the surfers carve their final lines, the sun slips into the Indian Ocean, and the sky turns every shade of fire. It’s the kind of farewell that makes you start planning your return before you’ve even left.

For the Kids (and Young at Heart)

Margaret River is a giant nature playground. Ditch the screens and go hands-on with:

• 🦅 Eagles Heritage Raptor Centre – Watch birds of prey fly right overhead

• 🦎 Discover Deadly Reptile Centre – Safe, interactive reptile encounters

• 🕳️ Jewel or Ngilgi Cave – Underground adventures 

• 🍦 Millers & Simmo’s Ice Cream – Locally made and ridiculously good

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Hot Tip for the Drive Down

Don’t rush the road trip from Perth. Make a pit stop at the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Ride the train or walk the 1.8km stretch out to the Underwater Observatory for a sneak peek into the vibrant marine life below.

Feeling extra adventurous? Book a swim with wild dolphins in Bunbury, or test your nerves at Forest Adventures South West, one of the best high rope courses in the state.

Want help planning your trip or booking the Discovery Tour?
Visit margaretriverdiscovery.com.au and get in touch—we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.

Note: For more information on tours and experiences, visit the website  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

See you down south! 🍷🌿🛶