Hotels in Margaret River

Exploring Margaret River

When many Australians think of regional wine, they think of Margaret River. This gorgeous corner of southwest Western Australia is both wild and sophisticated, boasting some of the country’s best surfing breaks as well as dozens of world-class wineries. At the heart of all this fun is the town of Margaret River, a charming little getaway just inland from the Indian Ocean.

This is the only place in Australia where you can jump from stunning beaches to ancient forests and chic wineries in a single day. There are ancient caves in the area, like Jewel Cave, which offer subterranean adventure and loads of cool amenities in this quaint surf town. Best of all, the equally fun city of Perth is just a few minutes along the coast for even more to do. Travelers can choose from five-star resorts like the Margaret River Guest House or reliable chains such as the Quality Inn Margaret River for their lodging.

Sights nearby

This part of Western Australia is home to a wealth of amazing natural attractions, from beaches and towering forests to surf breaks and limestone caves. Travellers who like a mix of nature and outdoor recreation in their holiday will discover a real treasure at Margaret River.

- CaveWorks

One of the most impressive natural features around Margaret River is its underground cavern network. CaveWorks is a superb interpretive centre set right in the middle of some of the best-developed caves in the area. After learning about the underground realm here, visitors can tuck into wonders like Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Jewel Cave for a truly memorable adventure.

- Boranup Karri Forest

Between the coast and Caves Road is one of the planet’s most mind-blowing forests. This forest is home to the karri tree, the third-largest tree on earth. Visitors can spend hours walking the paths that wind through this forest or simply drive to the nature centre and enjoy the towering giants.

- Prevelly

Just minutes to the west is the Indian Ocean and a series of lovely little towns like Prevelly that provide the perfect base for a day on the beach. Whether you surf or not, there are 40 world-class surf breaks in this area. It’s amazing to watch surfers ride the waves, but the beaches themselves are just as impressive. Gnarabup is a popular beach for swimming, while Prevelly’s Surfers Point offers an excellent vantage spot to watch surfers hit the waves at this powerful break.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Margaret River is one of those Australian towns that seems trapped in its own wistful bubble of happiness. Part surfer cool and part winery chic, the compact historic downtown offers dozens of options for a quality meal, wine tasting, or boutique shopping. Walk along the main Forrest Street and venture along its side streets to discover the many businesses catering to visitors and residents alike. The town is peppered with quaint inns like the Rosewood Guesthouse and Margarets Forest for an added dose of charm.

Public transport

The best transport option in Margaret River is a car. The regional bus network really only serves town to town travel, so without a car of your own it will be hard to see much outside the town centre. Much of the downtown is walkable and bikes are a good way to get around. But to visit the beaches, caves, and forests, you should consider renting a car from one of the international car hire firms located around Margaret River.