Day 0 & Day 9 - Margaret River
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Come early or stay after your Ride in Margaret River - where locals will make you feel at home
Welcome to the Augusta-Margaret River Region
The iconic region of Augusta-Margaret River is Western Australia’s premier tourism destination.
An enticing blend of spectacular natural wonders, a renowned surfing history, productive farmland and interspersed with famous vineyards, this exquisite area is a favourite among travellers from around the world.
Located in the far southern end of Western Australia, thirty years ago the region comprised little more than struggling dairy farms. Today it’s a surfing, wine growing mecca with a tapestry of culture and sophistication all its own.
Home to some 11 thousand people, the perfect Mediterranean maritime climate greets the half a million visitors each year. They participate in some 47 activities including whale watching, bush walking, cycling, surfing, kite sailing, caving, horse riding, four wheel driving, aboriginal heritage, gourmet wine tours, diving, abseiling, rogaining, canoeing, fishing, river cruising, golf, massage, sun baking and more.
Internationally recognised for its natural charm and beauty, this fabulous corner of Western Australia will welcome you like no other part of the country.
Be enchanted by life’s simple pleasures – tranquility, sublime wines, fine cuisine, opulent accommodation, exquisite works of art, pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and an untroubled lifestyle whispering for you to relax, unwind and enjoy.
Once you discover the magic of this special place - you’ll want to return again and again. Make sure you set aside more than just a few days to truly appreciate the region’s many sensory delights. With over 100 cellar doors, five breweries, dozens of art galleries, boutique stores, gourmet food producers and growers, cafés and restaurants (a year’s worth of grazing), 138kms of spectacular coastline and a diverse range of natural attractions…you’ll need some time!
Margaret River
Margaret River is a relaxed, colourful and vibrant town where locals are more than happy to make you feel at home.
Like its name suggests, the town lies along the banks of a river, believed named by early settler John Bussell after a friend in England.
The town was formally gazetted in 1913 and in the early days was a changing post for coach horses making the journey from Karridale to Busselton.
Today the town’s main street, Bussell Highway, is lined with art galleries, cafes, restaurants, adventure and surf shops, and a variety of specialist boutiques.
Here surfers and farmers relax alongside international guests and sophisticates in what can only be described as an intriguing mix of life.
Music, art and culture feature highly in Margaret River life. Scrumptious food and a great selection of wine, some internationally acclaimed, combine to give you the perfect holiday which you can enjoy at your own pace.
Surfing and wine making have placed Margaret River on the world map as a must see destination. It’s the diversity which makes our town intriguing. We know once you have experienced a stay here you’ll be keen to come and visit us again.
Things to see and do
- The Margaret River region is famous for its caves, hence the name of its popular tourist drive - Caves Road. There are over 100 caves that lie beneath the forest floor of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge. These caves are some of the youngest caves in the world and belong to a complex series of Karst systems which are formed by the flow of water underground. Mammoth, Lake and Jewel Caves are open to the public daily offering guided/self guided tours to help you discover their unique stories and stunning crystalline formations. Cave CaveWorks interpretative centre allows you an educative experience on cave formation.
- 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. With a stunning blue backdrop of the ocean meeting the sky the lighthouse appears to glow in white splendor during summer, whilst during winter the awesome force of the fierce Southern Ocean and powerful Indian Ocean crashing against the Cape makes a visit to the Cape a unique, awesome and contrasting experience year round. Guided tours are conducted daily at the Lighthouse. A visitor centre, café and retail shop are contained within the Lighthouse precinct. Enjoy a light lunch or cappuccino in one of the heritage cottages overlooking Flinder’s Bay.
- Cruise the main street. No visit to Margaret River is complete without a good exploration of the main street and adjoining lanes. Enjoy a coffee or lunch alfresco and browse all the goodies in local shops. An evening drink at a Pub or Tavern followed by a wonderful dinner to savour our local fresh produce is a must.
- Get Wet:You can hire surfboards to test the waves or just relax and sunbathe at the variety of beautiful beaches on our coastline. Stay dry if you prefer and watch some of the best surfers show off their talent at Surfers Point, Prevelly. It’s exhilarating to watch even from the shore. Walk along South Point in Gracetown to capture the true beauty of an incredible bay. Canoe the Margaret River.
- Ride out to historic Ellensbrook homestead and take the short walk to the beautiful Meekadarabee waterfall. Alternatively, visit the town of Witchcliffe to the south of Margaret River or take a ride through the forest to the town of Cowaramup, to the north of Margaret River, to enjoy lunch, a cappuccino and browse the local shops.
- Get on your bike or take a tour to outlying art and craft galleries which reflect the true colours and creativity of our region. There are bike and walking trails throughout the area and exploring is one of the best ways to get to know the place. There are many walking and biking trails in the area that travel through the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park.
- Visit the Wineries. There are some 200 vineyards in the region and more than 78wonderful wineries. Go wine tasting, talk to the wine makers, walk amongst thevines or have a picnic in true Margaret River style. Why not try some of the local gourmet delights such as cheeses, berries and olive oils.
