Margaret River – Western Australia’s Wine, Surf and Wilderness Region

“Margaret River is where the ocean crashes against ancient limestone cliffs, and somewhere nearby a winemaker is doing something extraordinary.”

Western Australia’s Wine, Surf and Wilderness Region

The Margaret River region stretches along the southwestern tip of Western Australia, approximately 270 kilometres south of Perth,  a journey of around three hours that rewards every minute of the drive. It is a region of rare abundance: world-class surf breaks that have hosted international competitions for decades, a wine industry producing some of Australia’s finest cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, ancient karri forests rising 60 metres overhead, and a coastline of caves, cliffs and crystalline surf beaches that takes the breath away.

World-Class Wine and Cellar Doors

Despite producing just 3% of Australia’s wine by volume, Margaret River accounts for around 20% of Australia’s premium wine. The region’s maritime climate and ancient gravelly soils are ideal for the Bordeaux varieties — cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sauvignon blanc-semillon blends in particular — and the quality of the best producers rivals anything produced in Bordeaux or Napa Valley. Over 200 cellar doors operate in the region, from famous estates like Leeuwin, Vasse Felix and Cullen to small boutique producers where the winemaker pours your tasting themselves. Many cellar doors also offer exceptional restaurants, making a day of touring the wine region one of the great Western Australian experiences.

Surf, Caves and the Natural Coast

Margaret River’s surf heritage is as deep as its wine culture. Surfers Point at Prevelly hosts the Margaret River Pro surfing competition each year, and the powerful, consistent breaks along this coast are world-renowned. Swimmers and snorkellers favour the sheltered bays around Hamelin Bay, where gentle rays glide in the clear water close to shore. Beneath the ground, the limestone caves of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge,  Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, contain extraordinary formations that have been developing for over 350,000 years.

Getting to Margaret River

Margaret River is a 3-hour drive south of Perth on excellent roads. Busselton Airport (50 minutes north of the town) offers direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney. Driving is recommended for exploring the region, the distance between attractions is significant and public transport is limited. The best time to visit is spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), though the region is pleasant year-round.

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