Margaret River is Perth’s not-so-secret favourite escape for the weekend – and I’m about to show you why. Known for its top-notch wineries, stunning beaches, and arguably the best local food scene in WA, this area is always worth the journey.
This gorgeous slice of southwest Australia is one of the go-to weekend breaks from Perth, but there’s so much to do it can be tricky knowing where to start. I’ve been down to Margaret River more times than I can count and, armed with tried-and-tested recommendations, I’m here to share my 3 day Margaret River itinerary. Trust me, you’re going to want to steal it!
So, whether it’s your fiftieth time in Margaret River or your very first trip, this guide is packed with insider tips to make your trip one to remember. Let’s get started!
How to Get to Margaret River from Perth
- The direct drive from Perth to Margaret River takes approximately 3 hours.
- Consider adding a few extra stops along the way to really soak up the great areas along the coast and turn your quick getaway into a Margaret River road trip. Our favourite stops along the way are:
- Busselton: to walk along its famous jetty, and
- Dunsborough: many people stop here just to get a pie from the Dunsborough Bakery. The town also has some top-tier surf shops and boutique clothes shops.
Margaret River Itinerary for 3 Days
With getting here covered, let’s dive into my suggested itinerary for Margaret River:
Day 1: Arrival, Caves & Surfers Point
Morning
Kick off your adventure by dropping your bags off at your accommodation. We have stayed at Margaret’s In Town Apartments, Higgins Lane Motel, (I recommend them both) and a range of Airbnbs. It’s worth noting that during summer holidays accommodation costs in Margaret River skyrocket, so be warned!
After you’ve checked in, there’s only one thing for it: breakfast! My favourite is the White Elephant Cafe overlooking Gnarabup Beach. Their breakfast menu is a delight (I love the Brisket Benny!), and the sea view is just icing on the cake. Then, caffeinated and fuelled up, take a walk to the Gnarabup Lookout for more fabulous views over the beach and ocean.
Afternoon
There are quite a few caves near Margaret River, but Ngilgi Cave is one of the most popular and best. If tight spaces aren’t your thing, don’t worry – me neither! Luckily, the area around the cave is worth a visit for its beautiful walking trails alone, and the members of your travel group who do want to enter the cave will be blown away.
Inside, they’ll find stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations that glow under the cave’s gentle lighting. It’s so cool!
Later, grab lunch back in town at Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., a must-visit for beer lovers. This is one of our top picks for lunch in Margaret River, especially in summer when you can enjoy the sunny weather in its huge outdoor area.
Evening
Make your way to Surfers Point in the late afternoon. This spot is not just for surfers – in fact, it’s only for really, really good surfers. The rest of us just enjoy watching the incredible Margaret River sunsets from here. After a laid-back hour watching the sun sink into the horizon, heading back into town, grabbing a locally-produced beer or two at Margaret River Brewhouse before continuing on for dinner.
If your appetite isn’t too big, Morries is home to some of the best Aussie tapas in the area or, for some serious seafood, you can’t go wrong with the Margaret River Tuck Shop. Here, you’ll find what feels like every fish in the sea on the menu. Oh, and they also have the best oysters ever! It’s the perfect end to your first day.
Day 2: Wineries and Breweries Tour
Morning
You can’t go to Margaret River without checking out a few of its many famous wineries and breweries, but most of them aren’t in the town centre so you’ll need transportation. That’s where Margies Big Day Out comes in. We’ve done this tour six times now, so it’s safe to say we absolutely love it!
The tour runs seven days a week and lasts from 11am-5:30pm. It includes tastings at three wineries, lunch at a boutique brewery, and local cheese and chocolate tastings! The wineries the tour will take you to vary depending on the day, but don’t worry – all the top spots are on the list.
Afternoon
Your wine tour lasts the entire afternoon, so kick back and enjoy the ride; there’s more great wine and good times ahead!
Evening
After a day of wining and dining, take the evening to relax, returning to your accommodation to freshen up or to have a quick nap. For dinner, it’s back into Margaret River town, or, if you’re feeling super tired, consider eating at the restaurant at your accommodation (if there is one) or ordering delivery. Goodnight!
Day 3: Beach-Hopping
Morning
Rise and shine for your last day in Margaret River with a coffee and a croissant at Egberts, which serves some of the best pastries in town – and that’s saying something! The first activity of the day is to take a scenic drive to Boranup Forest. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with towering karri trees forming a leafy tunnel over the road. Once there, hit the Boranup Lookout to take in the sweeping views of the forest meeting the sea.
On the way back, make a quick stop at Witchcliffe, a small town where you’ll find McHenry Hohnen and Amato Vino, two boutique wineries I highly recommend. Stop in for a tasting if you’re feeling up to it – you might just come away with a purchase or two.
Afternoon
Next, grab your trainers and a picnic, because it’s time to tackle a chunk of the Cape to Cape Track. You’ll be walking the stretch from Redgate Beach to Contos, which offers around 6 kilometres of stunning coastal scenery and usually takes around 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
Redgate Beach is one of the best beginner surf spots in the area, and this is where you’ll join the trail to walk along fields of wildflowers with the ocean on your other side until you reach the finish line at Contos, the perfect spot for your picnic. Then, you can either hike back to the starting line or arrange a taxi to pick you up.
Evening
As the afternoon cools down, drive to Hamelin Bay to meet the locals – friendly stingrays that often glide right up to the shoreline. It’s always a thrill to see these guys up close!
After you’ve had your fill of stingray selfies, finish your final day with dinner at a nearby seafood spot. Dive into the day’s freshest catch, maybe a grilled snapper or some juicy prawns, and toast to the end of your 3 days in Margaret River. What a trip!
Our Top Tips for Margaret River
Before you dive in, I have a few essential tips to make your adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
- Plan Your Route: Margaret River’s got lots to see, but it’s pretty spread out. For this reason, it’s important to sketch out your daily hit list to make sure you squeeze in all the cool spots without rushing, doubling back on yourself, or being stranded without transportation.
- Stay Safe on the Roads: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife when you’re driving, especially at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos are notorious for surprise appearances, so stay sharp to keep your road trip to Margaret River accident-free!
- Pack for the Weather: The weather down here can be a bit of a wildcard, especially in winter. Evenings might get chilly, especially by the coast, so pack a mix of layers and toss a waterproof jacket in your bag – you’ll thank me if the weather decides to flip!
See You in Margaret River!
And that’s a wrap on your whirlwind Margaret River getaway! Whether you’re sipping your way through gorgeous vineyards, catching world-class waves, or watching local wildlife, these three days are sure to be packed with memories. I can’t wait for you to experience all the magic that Margaret River has to offer!
Safe travels, and have a blast!
