Margaret River Surf & Source Trail

20.04.2026

Like the beginning and end of something much greater, the fresh waters of the Margaret River flow through land, forest and out to sea, sharing life and vitality to all who encounter it.

It’s a magic felt in the earth and the people. The experiences are as varied and unique as the inhabitants. But that’s the common thread in Margaret River: a connection to place and a contribution to the culture, no matter your background. It’s an area of character and characters. Here, legacy wine producers rub shoulders with salty surfers, tree changers, nature lovers, enterprising families and artists.

Visitors come to grasp a slice of this life, but many stay to add their own thread to the intricate tapestry. Trickle, current, vine, forest, rivermouth, ocean.

Your story starts here

The Margaret River / Wooditjup Bilya

The Margaret River is a vital waterway, a 60-kilometre-long source around which much life and abundance occur. It passes of course through the Margaret River townsite itself, where it’s deeply loved for the verdant bush that it brings, the thriving wildlife, walk trails, waterfalls and picnic spots. To the west, the river grows and widens as it reaches its River Mouth, just north of Prevelly, creating a natural border within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Wooditjup Bilya is a place of immense cultural significance for the Wadandi People. It’s named after the magic man, Wooditj who created the river in the Nyitting (cold times when the land was soft). The river was of vital importance to Wadandi People for camping, hunting, foraging and fishing, and as a focal point for traditional ceremonial activity. Today, Aboriginal people continue to protect and conserve the ecological importance and spiritual significance of the river. (Courtesy of the Undalup Association.)

Gnarabup Beach

Despite bordering Margaret River’s most famous surf breaks, Gnarabup Beach (just south of Prevelly) is an oasis of calm waters, boating, fishing, paddling and snorkelling. It’s certainly the locals’ drop-in spot for their daily swim, walking the dog or popping down for a coffee and a bite at the ever-popular White Elephant Café. The swell of the west coast is hampered by an outer reef, which creates lagoon-like conditions at the beach, sheltered on one side by a spectacular limestone headland. A walking trail over the top gives vivid views of the whole area.

Surfers Point

When you think of surfing in Margaret River, you should be thinking of Surfers Point. The World Surf League’s Margaret River Pro is held there every year. Name your favourite Australian or international surfer, and we guarantee they have gotten wet at Surfers Point. In addition to its desirable conditions, the Point is arguably the most popular sunset spot in the area. A grassy hill lies high above the water, making a natural grandstand to sit and watch the surfers (or when the wind is in, kite and windsurfers), the sun setting, or to enjoy a picnic from a local food truck.

Stand Up Surfing

Join Stand Up Surfing for a morning paddle at one of Margaret River’s best-loved beaches. There are 60 or 90-minute sessions available to everyone from eight years of age, with instructors to help you every step of the way (each with a world-standard qualification and being trained lifeguards). Otherwise, join a small tour followed by breakfast at the beachside White Elephant Café. Stand Up Surfing is family-run, with three generations involved.

Ellensbrook at Mokidup

Ellensbrook at Mokidup is a peaceful place of historical and cultural significance, set into the coastal landscape and surrounded by lush forest. This is where nature and cultures merge, run by the National Trust of Western Australia. The house was built in 1857 and is a testament to traditional Wadandi knowledge and settler ingenuity. Their stories tell of dispossession, hard work, resilience, perseverance and changing ways of life. The grounds have a large lawn area and shady trees by a waterway, with bush walk trails leaving from the site.

Miss Chow’s Margaret River

Miss Chow’s Margaret River is a premium pan-Asian destination restaurant, set among the vines in Cowaramup. Here, region-fresh produce meets signature modern Asian flavours, with dishes designed to share alongside a curated list of estate, regional and international wines. With sweeping vineyard views, a private dining room, and spaces for weddings and large celebrations, it’s a dining experience where wine country charm meets Miss Chow’s style.

Margaret River Old Settlement

Margaret River Old Settlement offers an immersion in the life of the region’s early working families through history, artefacts and photography. Find the Museum on the forested banks of Margaret River right in town, in the original 1925 Bramley School and Group Settlement buildings. There is a great collection of paraphernalia and changing displays dedicated to the 1921 – 1935 time period. The grounds are dotted with farming implements, tools, carts, an old dairy, ‘dunny’ and a milk shed. The Hairy Marron Café next door is perfect for a cuppa after your visit.

Margaret River Tuck Shop

Margaret River Tuck Shop offers a modern Australian menu with a focus on bold flavours and fresh, local Western Australian produce. It highlights sustainable seafood, native/West-Australian ingredients and creative takes on classic dishes. You’ll love their strong pizza offering from a wood-fired oven alongside more refined mains and share plates. Their drinks list is spot on too: craft rotating tap beers, cocktails and local wines.

REDSEA Gallery

Discover fresh artistic finds from thoughtfully curated artists from Australia and around the globe at REDSEA Gallery. The gallery is easy to find on Margaret River’s main street in a 100-year-old heritage building. Add a REDSEA visit to your next Margaret River Region holiday itinerary for a fix of creative inspiration, and possibly even an art piece to always remind you of your stay in this glorious part of the world.

Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River

‘Swings’ in Margaret River captures all the laid back, jovial spirit of the Yallingup headquarters, right down to its wine barrel inspired interior and warm, friendly service. It’s the perfect place to rest weary feet after a long day exploring the region. Expect casual but comforting woodfired pizzas and modern Australian share food on offer, Swings and Roundabouts wines, WA spirits and Swings craft beers. Swings is the locals’ local, where everyone is welcome.

Margaret River Farmers Market

The award-winning Margaret River Farmers Market is a firm weekly fixture and a must-do, to be immersed in one of the most authentic local experiences. The market connects hard-working farmers within Margaret River (or just beyond; specifically within the southwest appellation) with consumers. Shop according to the seasons, supporting local, connecting to the community, lowering food miles and cutting out the middle man. The market took out the 2018 Delicious Awards Most Outstanding Farmers’ Market in Australia and boasts only fresh food and cut flowers, with stallholders personally involved in the production of their food.

Jarvis Estate

Offering something a bit different on top of the usual cellar door visit: Free wine tasting, including barrel tasting. Jarvis Estate is a small, family-owned premium boutique winery off the beaten track (but still just 10 minutes from Margaret River). Single vineyard, only 22 acers on vine, work in organic practices and dry grown. Try their special oaked Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Limoncello or WTF (Wine That’s Fortified). They also offer off-grid camping.

Jesters Flat

Jesters Flat is a rural equestrian farm specialising in horse riding experiences on and off the property. The rustic country clubhouse and play area was designed for non-riding guests to enjoy themselves; the campfire in winter or the shady gardens in summer. For everyone else, this is the premium horse-riding adventure destination in the South West. Treks visit beaches, breweries, wineries and secluded waterholes with all equipment supplied, run by knowledgeable and experienced guides. Riders of all levels are welcome to spend some time upon the herd of beautifully trained Australian stock horses.

Brown Hill Estate

Brown Hill Estate is a proudly small single site, family-owned and run winery that lies 12 minutes from Margaret River near the rustic village of Rosa Brook. The cellar door is set up right in the winery itself and operated by members of the family. See the winemaking process firsthand according to the comings and goings at different times of year. Try one of the three ranges in a wine tasting, book a winery tour or barrel hall tasting. See and learn why ”great wine is made in the vineyard”.

McHenry Hohnen & Vintners Wine Bar

Step into the McHenry Hohnen Cellar Door – a relaxed and welcoming space where their wines come to life. Enjoy a guided tasting of their biodynamically farmed, single-vineyard wines, showcasing a true expression of Margaret River. Settle in with a glass or bottle and savour something seasonal from the Vintner’s Kitchen, made to complement what’s in your glass and what’s growing nearby. Vintners Wine Bar is a celebration of Margaret River’s winemaking history and the next chapter for one of its founding families. With cosy indoor spaces, a beautiful garden, pétanque court, local beer and cocktails, and a warm, welcoming vibe, Vintners is as fancy or as casual as you want it to be.

Voyager Estate

A second-generation family-owned estate in Margaret River. Amidst a sanctuary of lush gardens and rolling lawns, the Cellar Door is housed in a beautiful, white-washed Cape Dutch Manor House, all ringed by Estate vineyards and the majestic Marris beyond, setting the tone for the visit. Inside is the base for Voyager Estate’s extensive wine tasting options, behind-the-scenes tours and immersive lunch experiences. The luxurious yet intimate Wine Room is a focal point for vinous-focused visits. The vineyard and winery are certified organic, cementing the reputation of its cabernet and chardonnay varieties.

Capes Raptor Centre

A bushland sanctuary which offers the rare opportunity to get closer than you ever imagined to Australia’s birds of prey. Stop by for one of the twice-daily Birds of Prey Encounters, a compelling experience that allows you to observe the birds’ natural behaviours and have your photograph taken with a barn owl. Take an easy hike down one of the native forest trails to meet the resident eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Capes Raptor Centre cares for injured, orphaned and displaced raptors, and the admission price supports the centre’s education, rehabilitation and endangered species breeding program.

Private Owl Encounter — Capes Raptor Centre. Image: Holly Winkle

Cape Mentelle Vineyards

One of the founding wineries of Margaret River (and closest to the township itself). A true pioneer, Cape Mentelle was a first in the region to offer Behind the Scenes visits to guests. Their award-winning wines are defined by the vinyards’ pristine coastal location, unique soils and 50 years of viticultural history. The beautiful cellar door has a range of tour and tasting options, including picnics and wine flights in the native gardens. The famous outdoor movie cinema ‘Movies at Cape Mentelle’ is an iconic event on the summer calendar.

Local guides

Margaret River Discovery Co

Margaret River Discovery Co specialises in personalised touring for people who ‘don’t do tours’, chaperoned by award-winning guide Sean Blocksidge. It’s luxury touring for nature and wine lovers aboard Sean’s Landrover Discovery 4WD for a maximum of six guests. Canoe the actual Margaret River (without getting dirty or wet). Visit the Cape to Cape Track, with a side of cliffs, wildlife-spotting and lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate, with VIP access into the winery and vineyard. Rated as the number one Margaret River tour experience on TripAdvisor for over 13 consecutive years, they also won Best Tour Operator at the 2024 and 2025 WA Tourism Awards.