1. Experience a ‘long lunch at a leading winery restaurant
Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, Voyager or Aravina to name just a few of the best or you may prefer to go to a boutique winery like ‘Woody Nook’.
2. Taste some of Australia’s best Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon.
Book one of the many wine tours available South West Creative Tours or ‘organise your skipper’ for the day; maps available at Waters Edge.
3. Visit some of the best world renowned surf beaches.
Head to Surfers Point and take in a beautiful WA sunset or take a 30kms drive to the south of Margaret River to the majestic Hamelin Bay. Beautiful swimming beach with resident stingrays to greet you. The best time to see these fascinating creatures are when the fishing boats come into shore, as the stingrays like to feed off the scraps left by the fishermen. This happens usually early in the morning or late afternoon and is a must-see attraction.
4. Canoe the tranquil Margaret River
Paddle down the beautiful Margaret River – Bushtucker Tours is well known with many accolades over the past 20yrs. Paddle down the Margaret River, visit a must-see cave, walk the beautiful cliff, see wildlife, wildflowers and untouched wilderness. All ages and abilities welcome .
5. Walk a section of the top-rated ‘cape to cape track’ or other cycle/walk trails
Section maps are available at Margaret River Visitors Centre or Waters Edge.
6. Encounter the underground wonder of the caves (Jewel, Mammoth and Lake Caves) one of the best activities in the region.
The Augusta Margaret River Visitors Centre operates three spectacular show caves. Jewel cave a personal favourite.
7. Visit the art and craft galleries of the region.
The Margaret River region is inspirational and home to many internationally and nationally acclaimed painters, jewellers and craftsman. The main street of Margaret River hosts Jahroc and a further 10min drive minute drive down Boodjidup Road is the Payet Gallery (jewellery, blown glass and artworks). All of the art galleries are vastly different and equally exquisite. Further afield you will find Yallingup Gallery and the Gunyulgup Gallery, all are on the ‘must see’ list.
8. Go off road exploring in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park
Drive through the Majestic Boranup Forest. The Boranup Forest sits in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 20kms south of Margaret River. You don’t need a 4WD to get ‘off road’, there’s an excellent scenic drive through the forest and beautiful walking tracks, excellent for wildflowers best seen in the spring months.
9. Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta
Historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet – 8 kilometres west of Augusta and 40min drive from Margaret River
Map and information available at Margaret River Visitors Centre
10. Whale watching (seasonal)
Migrating Humpback and southern right whales leave the cold, food rich Antarctic waters and begin arriving in Augusta around June.
Augusta and Busselton are perfectly placed to view these spectacular animals as they make their way past, often stopping off for a rest and play . To get up close and personal, whale watching tours can be booked with two local tour companies, Naturaliste Charters or Legend Charters, another must-see attraction to experience.
The Margaret River region is blessed with a stunning array of natural attractions & activities worth visiting year round. I have listed my ‘top 10 things to do in Margaret River’ but if you google ‘Top 10 in Margaret River’ you find so many more options to choose from.
