A first timer’s guide to the Margaret River Region

You see so much more with a local showing you around, so make sure you book one of the fantastic nature eco-tours on offer. There are nocturnal animal tours, wildflower and orchid experiences, kayaking, scenic helicopter flights, and more. Check out these epic alternative tours for more inspiration.

Head south to climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and see where two oceans collide and meet Paul Sofilas, mainland Australia’s longest serving lighthouse keeper. Make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the award-winning interpretive centre, which gives a glimpse into life as a Lighthouse keeper and their families on the cape 100+ years ago.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse also has guided tours, an amazing interpretive centre, plus whale sightings in spring. There are a few different walking trails to explore from the carpark, including a paved pathway to the iconic (and much-photographed) Sugarloaf Rock.

The longest wood-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, walk the nearly 2 kilometre Busselton Jetty, or take a train ride to the end. The jetty is home to an Underwater Observatory with a view 8 metres below of the coral, sponges and fish that call it home. Also under the surface, the Underwater Sculpture Park features 13 sculptures by WA artists, forming part of the country’s largest artificial reef within the Marine Sanctuary zone. Enjoy a guided tour with Swan Dive.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is proud to be WA’s first Certified ECO Destination, and you’ll find a community of tourism operators committed to sustainable practices. Pick a quality nature-based experience and accommodation to reduce your impact.

Arts lovers, pop CinefestOZ and Margaret River Region Open Studios in your calendar, for a dose of indie film and a private peek into the studios of local artists and creatives. Sports enthusiasts be sure to get along the the Busselton Jetty Swim or the Cape to Cape MTB event. And for those who appreciate good food and wine (and a side of great times) don’t miss Cabin Fever and Pair’d Margaret River Region.

Beneath the coast lie over 100 limestone caves, each decorated with amazing crystal formations. Four are open to explore. Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience is adventurous; Mammoth and Lake Cave are set in breathtaking forest; Jewel Cave is the largest and most decorated of all. Not sure where to start? Self-guided, toured or family-friendly – find which cave is right for you.

Discover a breathtaking karri forest where glowing trunks tower 80 metres high. The Karri Lookout on the eastern side of Caves Road is an ideal spot to enjoy and photograph these giants. Experience Boranup or the incredible Wadandi Track on foot, a mountain bike tour or an eco quad bike adventure.

We have the longest whale-watching season in the world, running from June to December. Jump on a charter boat, or keep an eye out in Augusta (Jun-Aug), Point Piquet, Cape Naturaliste and along the Cape Track (Sep-Dec) for the migrating mammals.

One of the greatest walks in Australia, the Cape to Cape Track connects sandy beaches, clifftop walking tracks and national park. Pressed for time? Choose a short section and marvel at the ancient granite and aquamarine bays.

Not many people actually get to experience the actual Margaret River, so don’t miss a wine and adventure tour with Sean. Or hire a houseboat in Augusta where the Scott and Blackwood Rivers meet, and spend a few relaxing days marvelling at the bird life and dolphins, or try your hand at fishing. No skipper’s licence is required; the team will teach you everything you need to know and send you on your way.

The Margaret River Region is one of the most celebrated in Australia, so this is a great chance to dive deep into fine wine and go beyond the cellar door, with immersive experiences spanning guided vineyard walks to tutored tastings, degustation lunches, and trust-the-chef dinners.

The iconic, celebrated estates are absolutely worth a visit, and be sure to stop in at some of the smaller gems as well, where you may be chatting with the winemakers themselves.

It’s one of life’s pleasures, lunch overlooking picture-perfect vineyards. There are plenty of choices; from the family-friendly with woodfired pizzas to the wine-serious degustations and sustainable wineries raising their own animals and vegetables.

Whether you’re gazing over the ocean or picnicking by the river, there are plenty of places to dine with a view. Try dinner with ocean glimpses, brekkie at a beach café, or a winery or brewery lunch perched above a lush valley.

Cabernet and Chardonnay are king, but you’ll also find winemakers doing wonders with lesser-known varietals and lo-fi techniques.

With a thriving craft brewing and distilling scene, you’re spoilt for choice where to grab a frothy or a cocktail.

This is Wadandi Boodja, the land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People. Walk softly, and take the time to listen to and care for Boodja (Country). Join Wadandi cultural custodian Josh Whiteland as he shares stories and history.

From local acts to huge headline names, the region is a hotspot for live music all year round with a myriad of venues that play host. Here is where to catch all the live music.

There’s a range of things to see and do at the heritage-listed Old Courthouse Complex. Wander around the heritage-listing buildings – some of the oldest in Busselton. Browse and purchase local art on display in the Gallery Store. Learn local history by exploring two heritage exhibitions: Forgotten Voyages – Rediscovering the S.S. Georgette & Stories from the Gaol Cells. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat from the Old Post Office Cafe before strolling along the Settlement Art Walk on Queen Street admiring bronze sculptures.

Learn about and experience local flora and fauna that co-exist in our unique region. A must-do is a tour of the stunning Passel Estate bushland conservation sanctuary; learn about the family (a passel) of critically endangered western ringtail possums, all while tasting Passel Estate’s award-winning wine, of course. Check out Discover Deadly, Capes Raptor Centre, and Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary, too.