7 days of winter in the Margaret River Region

Start your stay in style, waking up at the beachside surrounds of Smiths Beach Resort. Situated in Yallingup, this luxury accommodation option is the ideal launch pad to start exploring the region. Upon waking, work up an appetite and head down to the long stretch of white sand at Smiths Beach. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a swim in the ocean for a bracing winter dip to wake up! With a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at the on-site Lamont’s Restaurant, you’ve got plenty of time to get into holiday mode.

This beachfront accommodation is also located on the Cape to Cape walking track, so lace up your boots, pack a snack and explore this famous walk in all of its winter glory. If your map reading skills are not up to speed, get in touch with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, or ask the team at the resort to arrange a guide for a little trekking help. Along the trail, don’t miss a stop at Ellensbrook at Mokidup – a serene heritage site rich in Wadandi and settler history. It’s a powerful, peaceful place to pause, reflect, and connect with the deep stories of this land on a self-guided tour.

After a day on the track, rejuvenate the body with a sauna session with MEND in Margaret River on your way back. Once back at your accommodation, it’s some well-deserved room service tonight, or alternatively, head out to nearby Caves House for a wholesome meal and live music.

For those seeking a quieter winter retreat, swap a town stay for Tree Chalets. Hidden amongst more than a thousand rosegum trees just outside Busselton, the adults-only chalets are made for winter escapes, with crackling wood fires, outdoor cast-iron baths steaming beneath the stars, misty forest views and generous breakfast hampers showcasing local produce.

Rise and shine as the sun glistens over the Indian Ocean and get ready for a taste of what lies ahead for your week in the region. The best way to learn about a new destination is to let the locals show you the way – and to taste their creations, of course. Today, take your pick from one of the region’s best winery tours and experience the best the region has to offer.

Or book a full-day tour with Tannin Road or Bushtucker Tours. Both will pick you up and take you to their handpicked favourite spots as they fill you in on the region’s background. Whether it’s wine, craft beer or local produce you’re most interested in, you’ll find the tour that’s just perfect for you.

Serious wine lovers also have the option to stay right at the source, at a winery stay. Cherubino is one of the regional wineries that feature lovely guest houses not far from their cellar door and stunning vineyards.

If you’re more interested in the local art scene, check out the newly opened Yallingup Aboriginal Art. Hear the stories behind contemporary Indigenous art from all over Australia and immerse in the world’s oldest living culture. Browse their diverse range of original works for sale from local emerging artists to award-winning long-time painters. They also have a great range of prints, books, crockery, clapping sticks, scarves and more.

After exploring Dunsborough’s boutiques and galleries, warm up at La Lah Cafe with its cult-favourite deconstructed hot chocolate. Equal parts drink and experience, it’s become a winter tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Cold winter days call for indulgent treats, so Cape Lodge’s scrumptious afternoon tea will round off your day perfectly. Glazed custard tartlet anyone?

Hands up who has always had a hankering to get a bird’s eye view of things? Well, today is your chance to swing through the trees and scale heights that are normally reserved for our feathered friends. Jump in the car and take a leisurely drive up to Forest Adventures, just 10 minutes north of Busselton.

Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy multiple courses of sky-high adventure. There are 77 activities to try, including 11 flying foxes, a high wire BMX, tarzan ropes, and even an adrenaline-pumping 13-metre base jump, all set within 8 acres of natural forest beauty. During winter you’ll also have the ideal winter refuelling option – marshmallows over an open fire.

After a morning of heart-racing fun, head back through the town of Busselton for some lunch and explore the awesome public artwork. Hidden down laneways and throughout the streets and foreshore, there are numerous paintings and sculptures to find. Speaking of local art and crafts, a visit to Busselton’s arts and craft mecca simply can’t be missed: Origins Market. Sheltered from the weather, here you’ll find an array of local farmers, producers, winemakers and artisans all under the same roof.

Of course, you need to squeeze in a walk down the Busselton Jetty before heading back for the night. The 1.8km heritage-listed jetty is the longest of its sort in the Southern Hemisphere. Sore legs can relax and take a train ride out to the underwater observatory at the end of the jetty. Head down the spiral staircase 8 metres to the ocean floor, and finish the day’s adventures at the other end of the spectrum. Check out their new Marine Discovery Centre as well – a fantastic indoor alternative for a particularly woolly day.

After a fun and action-filled day, unwind by the pool of The Timotheé Resort or Aqua Resort, if you picked Busselton as your base.

It’s time to take things easy after the previous day’s action. Start the morning at Vasse Virgin’s soap factory for a sensory experience and to learn all about the health and beauty benefits of their extra virgin olive oil products. Owners Edwina and Louis Scherini first discovered the natural wonders of olive oil when they began looking for a natural and chemical-free option to help heal their children’s sensitive skin.

After sampling the tasty gourmet delights in their tasting room, step into the workshop space and spend a few relaxing hours learning a new skill. Craft your own natural lip balm in a DIY class, perfect for soothing those chapped lips in the midst of winter. Alternatively, discover the joy of making your own natural perfume.

You’ll no doubt be feeling hungry after the workshop, so head to the beautiful Meelup Farmhouse at Cape Naturaliste. This August, the beloved brunch spot is serving up its special August Roast – a hearty roast beef with all the trimmings, perfectly paired with a bottle of red and seat by the fire.

If you have more wine (and gin) on your mind, stop in at Wise Wine around the corner, and take the scenic Caves Road back south. This iconic road is dotted with plenty of wineries and cellar doors, such as Windance and Snake + Herring Wines.

As you’re working your way south on Caves Road, be prepared for a breath-stopping moment as you enter Boranup Forest. There is no doubt when you have arrived. The towering, almost ghostly karri trees are a sight to behold and it’s well worth stopping for a gentle stroll amongst them.

For a touch of adventure, book a tour with Ecoadventures Margaret River. See the forest as never before on the all-terrain electric quad bikes where you hear the forest but the forest doesn’t hear you. The tour encompasses a diversity of environments from magnificent Karri forest, hidden leafy lanes, caves and incredible views of two oceans. For everyone from 4 to 94 years old, this unique, family fun and safe tour will showcase 18 km of the very best forest trails.

Head back up Caves Road to spend the afternoon at Mammoth Cave. There are over 150 caves in the region on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge, each with its own unique features. Settle in and allow yourself to be awed by the tranquil beauty created by mother nature over millions of years.

If adventures above ground are more your style, make a detour to the Capes Raptor Centre. Wander through native bushland and come face-to-face with more than 50 birds of prey during a Bird of Prey Encounter, while learning about the conservation work helping protect these remarkable species.

It’s time to immerse yourself in the elements today. A mere 30-minute drive away, the charming town of Augusta is abundant in natural splendour and, set on the Southern Ocean, showcases a different kind of oceanic beauty. Visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and learn about the history of the maritime landmark that has been sitting here since 1895. Located on the tip of the peninsula, a climb up to the viewing platform is a must – it’s also one of the best spots on land to catch sight of the 35,000 whales that migrate up the coast from May through until September each year.

Today is the day to get out on the water and see the whales up close! Whale Watch Western Australia, Naturaliste Charters or All Sea Charters will get you front-row seats to the action, departing from the Augusta Boat Harbour throughout winter to spot Humpback whales, Southern Right whales and maybe even fur seals. Don’t forget your camera – or your wet weather gear.

After your tour, opt for a late lunch at The Colourpatch Cafe & Bar with gorgeous views over the Blackwood River, or head back up the region again. This time, take the freeway, and stop in at cute-as-a-button towns such as Karridale and Witchcliffe. In Witchcliffe, a major highlight you can’t miss is the unique and historic Witch & Windmill building on Redgate Road. The building is a vintage piece of art in itself, and within the building, you can warm up with coffee at WitchyBrews Espresso Bar and stay for wine tastings and cheese plates at Amato Vino, or for a fireside lunch at Dear Darnell’s. Add a leisurely stop at Willespie Estate, one of Margaret River’s founding wine estates, recently reopened under new ownership. If visiting on a winter weekend, chef Melissa Palinkas’ fireside dining experiences offer another reason to linger a little longer.

Slowly making your way up to Margaret River, for a truly invigorating finish to your Margaret River Region holiday, join the locals down at Gnarabup beach for a morning swim – guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Afterwards, the whole family can enjoy breakfast with a view at the exceptionally located White Elephant Cafe, or grab a takeaway hot chocolate and head up Surfers Point to check out the surfers shredding waves.

Prefer to stay dry this morning? Treat yourself with a deeply relaxing infrared yoga session at Gnarabup Yoga Studio, or unwind with a soothing massage and infrared sauna at Margaret River Massage – the ultimate winter wellness combo.

Afterwards, head into Margaret River town to explore its beautiful boutiques and artisan stores. When hunger strikes, make a beeline for Normal Van, a local favourite with a cult following. Their mouthwatering burgers – crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients – are some of the best in the region. Bonus points for the mulled wine in winter too: spicy, warming, and absolutely delicious.

Winter is also truffle season – and while our neighbouring town has long been know for its prized truffières such as Truffle Hill, our region is now serving up its own slice of truffle heaven too.

Join The Margaret River Truffle Farm and Margaret River Gourmet Truffles on a truffle hunt and decadent tasting experience, complete with (cute) professional truffle dogs. It’s a deliciously indulgent reason to linger a little longer this winter.