Get to know this world-class wine region that's rich with natural beauty.
The Margaret River region is three hours' drive from Perth and stretches roughly 100 kilometres, from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south.
The region has everything you could ask for in a country escape. It's best known for internationally recognised wines, amazing local produce and first-class dining. But it’s also home to some of the most diverse and beautiful natural destinations in the country. We’re talking pristine beaches, world-class surf breaks, dramatic cliffs, idyllic bays, tall-timber native karri forests and ancient cave systems. The region is also dotted with luxury spas, artist studios and artisan producers of everything from olive oil and chocolates to soaps and surfboards.
There are over 200 vineyards and 187 wineries. The region produces just three per cent of Australia’s overall wine production, but more than 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wine. Wine here isn’t just good – it’s excellent. The region is particularly renowned for cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. There are also plenty of breweries, so beer drinkers won’t miss out.
A visit to the Margaret River Farmers’ Market is a must for anyone serious about food. The region’s produce includes grass-fed beef, pork and lamb; line-caught fish and fresh seafood (including abalone); and pasture-raised free-range poultry and eggs. There’s more: venison, marron, native bush foods, a multitude of fruits and vegetables, olives and olive oils, wood-fired bread, artisan cheeses, chocolates, coffee, ice-cream and other dairy.
Australia’s premier food festival, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape, attracts global culinary superstars each November and is just one of the region’s major events. Each autumn, the World Surf League Championship Tour sees the world’s best surfers compete at Surfers Point. Then there’s the Cinefest Oz film festival, the South West Beer Festival, Ironman WA, the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, Cape to Cape MTB, Forest Rally and the winter Cabin Fever festival. You’d be hard pressed to find any other region in Australia that can boast such a diverse and culturally rich events calendar.
Welcome to Margaret River
EAT
When it comes to food, the region covers a lot of ground.
DRINK
Chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon are the stars here, but there's plenty more to try, including beer and small-batch spirits.
DO
Explore some caves, paddle into the surf or go shopping.
STAY
There are hundreds of places to stay in the Margaret River region catering for a wide range of budgets. But when it comes to a luxury escape, these three are standouts.
Itinerary
Explore Western Australia's most renowned wine region
You'll need a car to see this expansive region properly. Our itinerary covers three-quarters of the 100-kilometre drive from Busselton to Augusta, but don't be afraid to get lost. Turn down a random road and you're liable to discover unsung family wineries, marron farms, artisan chocolate makers, secluded beaches and more.
