Things to Do in Margaret River – Wineries, Beaches, Caves & Attractions

Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s best-known tourism regions, combining wineries, surf beaches, caves, forests, food experiences, scenic drives and south-west coastal landscapes. The region includes Margaret River town centre, Prevelly, Gnarabup, Surfers Point, Caves Road, Wilyabrup, Boranup Forest and nearby coastal districts.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Margaret River, including wine region experiences, beaches, surf areas, caves, forests, lookouts, family-friendly activities and day trips across south-west Western Australia.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Margaret River include exploring wineries along Caves Road, visiting Surfers Point, Prevelly and Gnarabup beaches, touring Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave, driving through Boranup Forest and exploring nearby attractions such as Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Hamelin Bay, Canal Rocks and Injidup Natural Spa.

Top Attractions in Margaret River

Margaret River Wine Region

The Margaret River wine region is one of Australia’s most recognised wine areas. Vineyards, cellar doors and rural tourism experiences are spread across the region, especially around Wilyabrup, Cowaramup direction, Caves Road and surrounding farmland.

Caves Road

Caves Road is one of the region’s most important scenic tourism routes. It links wineries, beaches, caves, forests and coastal attractions, making it useful for visitors planning a Margaret River road trip.

Surfers Point

Surfers Point is one of Margaret River’s best-known coastal landmarks and surf viewing areas. It is located near Prevelly and is strongly associated with the region’s surfing identity.

Gnarabup Beach

Gnarabup Beach is a popular beach area west of Margaret River town centre. It is known for coastal scenery, swimming conditions when suitable, beach walks and nearby accommodation areas.

Prevelly

Prevelly is a coastal village and surf district west of Margaret River. It is useful for visitors exploring beaches, surf breaks, coastal viewpoints and accommodation outside the town centre.

Famous Attractions Near Margaret River

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Located near Augusta, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marks the meeting area of the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean and is one of the most recognised landmarks in south-west Western Australia. Many visitors combine Margaret River with a day trip to the lighthouse and surrounding coastal lookouts.

Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay is one of the region’s most photographed coastal locations and is known for clear water, scenic beach views and frequent stingray sightings. It is located south of Margaret River and is often included in coastal driving itineraries.

Injidup Natural Spa

Injidup Natural Spa is a naturally formed ocean rock pool near Yallingup. It is one of the best-known natural attractions in the broader Margaret River region and is popular with visitors exploring the coastline.

Canal Rocks

Canal Rocks is a dramatic coastal rock formation connected by boardwalks and viewing areas. The site provides ocean views and is a popular stop on scenic coastal drives.

Ellensbrook House

Ellensbrook House is a historic homestead offering insight into the early European history of the Margaret River region. It combines heritage, gardens and coastal scenery.

Caves, Forests and Natural Attractions

Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is one of the region’s best-known cave attractions and is located south of Margaret River along the wider cave and forest tourism corridor.

Lake Cave

Lake Cave is another major cave attraction in the Margaret River region, known for underground scenery and its position within the broader Leeuwin-Naturaliste landscape.

Jewel Cave

Jewel Cave is located toward Augusta direction and is one of the largest cave experiences in the region. It is often included in longer Margaret River and Augusta itineraries.

Boranup Forest

Boranup Forest is a scenic karri forest area south of Margaret River. It is popular for drives, nature stops, photography and access to nearby cave and coastal areas.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park protects large parts of the coast, caves, forest and headland landscapes across the wider Margaret River and Cape Naturaliste region.

Best Beaches and Surf Areas

  • Surfers Point — major surf and lookout area near Prevelly.
  • Gnarabup Beach — popular beach and coastal recreation area.
  • Prevelly Beach — coastal village and surf access point.
  • Redgate Beach — scenic coastal area south of Margaret River.
  • Gracetown — coastal village north of Margaret River with surf and bay scenery.
  • Yallingup direction — northern coastal area known for beaches, surf and natural attractions.
  • Hamelin Bay — southern coastal destination often visited on longer scenic drives.

Famous Margaret River Wineries to Visit

  • Leeuwin Estate — internationally recognised winery known for wine, food and events.
  • Voyager Estate — popular destination featuring vineyards, gardens and dining experiences.
  • Vasse Felix — one of Margaret River’s founding wineries.
  • Cape Mentelle — well-known winery close to the coast.
  • Xanadu — established winery and tourism destination.

Even visitors who are not focused on wine often visit these estates for scenery, architecture, gardens, food experiences and regional produce.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Margaret River

  • Explore Margaret River town centre.
  • Visit Gnarabup Beach or Prevelly Beach.
  • Drive part of Caves Road.
  • Visit Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave.
  • Explore Boranup Forest.
  • Stop at family-friendly food and farm-style attractions.
  • Visit Cowaramup for a small-town stop north of Margaret River.
  • Take a scenic drive toward Hamelin Bay or Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

Best Areas to Explore

  • Margaret River Town Centre — shops, accommodation, cafés and visitor services.
  • Prevelly and Gnarabup — beaches, surfing and coastal accommodation.
  • Wilyabrup — major vineyard and cellar door district north of town.
  • Caves Road — scenic route linking beaches, wineries, caves and forests.
  • Cowaramup — rural town and northern gateway to winery areas.
  • Boranup Forest — karri forest and scenic drive area.
  • Augusta direction — southern route toward Cape Leeuwin, Jewel Cave and Hamelin Bay.

Markets, Food and Local Experiences

  • Margaret River Farmers Market — popular local produce and food experience.
  • Margaret River town centre — cafés, bakeries, local shops and visitor services.
  • Wine region experiences — cellar doors, vineyard scenery and food tourism.
  • Farm-style attractions — local produce, cheese, chocolate and regional food experiences.
  • Cowaramup — small-town food stops and rural visitor atmosphere.
  • South-west produce — regional food and drink experiences across the wider area.

Day Trips from Margaret River

Augusta and Cape Leeuwin

Augusta lies south of Margaret River and is commonly visited for Cape Leeuwin, coastal scenery, lighthouse views and access to the southern end of the region.

Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay is a popular coastal day trip south of Margaret River, known for beach scenery, clear water and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cowaramup

Cowaramup is a small town north of Margaret River and is useful for visitors exploring wineries, rural scenery and local food experiences.

Yallingup and Dunsborough

Yallingup and Dunsborough are north of Margaret River and are known for beaches, surf, coastal views and access to the Cape Naturaliste area.

Busselton

Busselton is a major coastal town north of Margaret River, known for its jetty, waterfront and family-friendly visitor areas.

Boranup and Hamelin Bay

Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay can be combined into a scenic southern route with forest, beaches and coastal landscapes.

Suggested Two-Day Margaret River Itinerary

On day one, explore Margaret River town centre, Caves Road, wineries around Wilyabrup or Cowaramup direction, then finish at Prevelly, Gnarabup or Surfers Point for coastal views.

On day two, visit Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave, drive through Boranup Forest and continue toward Augusta, Jewel Cave, Hamelin Bay or Cape Leeuwin depending on your interests and available time.

Related Margaret River Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Margaret River best known for?
    Margaret River is known for wineries, surf beaches, caves, forests, food tourism, scenic drives and south-west coastal landscapes.
  • What are the best things to do in Margaret River?
    Popular things to do include visiting wineries, exploring Caves Road, seeing Surfers Point, visiting Gnarabup and Prevelly beaches, touring caves, driving through Boranup Forest and visiting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse or Hamelin Bay.
  • Is Margaret River good for families?
    Yes. Families can enjoy beaches, caves, forests, town centre walks, scenic drives and local food experiences.
  • What beaches are near Margaret River?
    Gnarabup, Prevelly, Surfers Point, Redgate Beach, Gracetown, Hamelin Bay and Yallingup direction are among the best-known beach areas.
  • What are the best day trips from Margaret River?
    Popular day trips include Augusta, Cape Leeuwin, Hamelin Bay, Cowaramup, Yallingup, Dunsborough, Busselton, Boranup Forest and Canal Rocks.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, opening hours, tour operations, cellar door access, road conditions, beach safety, surf conditions and visitor information may change over time. Verify important details with official sources or individual venues before travelling.