3 Day Family Holiday In Margaret River

Bussells Bushland Cottages

If you are looking for a picturesque and tranquil spot to retreat to at the end of the day, Bussells Bushland Cottages ticks all the boxes. The rammed earth cottages are all fully self-contained and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Kids and adults alike will love exploring the property and its signposted trails, and if you keep your eyes out you could spot kangaroos, possums, bandicoots, and a whole array of different birds – including the stunning bright blue splendid fairywren. It’s the kind of place that families come back to year after year, to enjoy being in nature and create treasured memories.

Redgate Beach Escape

One of the only accommodation options set right along the coast with superb ocean views, Redgate Beach Escape offers total relaxation – the perfect feel for relaxed family fun. Four contemporary chalets sit on a rise overlooking Redgate Beach. Bedrooms are generously sized and the living area is wide open to make the most of those uninterrupted big blue views. This is where the bush meets the sea.

Margarets In Town

To be in the heart of the region’s top hotspots, you can’t ask for a better location than Margarets In Town. Situated a stone’s throw to the town centre, you’ll find choices of standard hotel rooms, studios, and self-contained one or two-bedroom apartments. The hotel features all the preferred facilities and amenities you’d expect from a 4.5 star hotel complex, including a swimming pool, daily housekeeping service, parking, and free Wi-Fi.

Margaret River Tourist Park

Margaret River Tourist Park is in the centre of Margaret River and is perfectly situated for visitors looking to explore the stunning countryside and local attractions. The Park has a great range of accommodation options with a swimming pool, jumping pillow and nature playground for kids, as well as spacious renovated cottages (some with dishwashers!) and large shady powered, powered ensuite and unpowered sites – making it the perfect choice for families.

Margarets Beach Resort & Margaret River Beach Apartments

For a seaside stay, Margarets Beach Resort & Margaret River Beach Apartments offers a stunning location within walking distance to Gnarabup Beach, the only beachside resort in this area.  An easy 10-minute drive from town, this apartment-style accommodation offers various room styles (including a four-bedroom beach house) and stand-out facilities such as a heated outdoor pool, children’s playground, bike rentals, complimentary DVD hire, and free Wi-Fi.

Margaret River Eco Retreat Lodge

Tucked away in the bushland, yet only 5km from town is Margaret River Eco Retreat Lodge. With a focus on conservation and wildlife sanctuary, this is the perfect holiday accommodation for animal lovers. There’s an excellent chance of seeing some of the region’s endangered possums, as well as kangaroos, bandicoots, black cockatoos, ring-neck parrots, and their growing owl community too. The Lodge’s Family Room has a king bed for parents, and bunk beds for the kids. A shared kitchen and sitting room is available onsite.

If you’re staying in town, start your day right with a healthy breakfast at Blue Ginger Fine Foods & Cafe. Specialising in gourmet fare cooked and presented in a made-at-home style, you’re guaranteed to leave full and satisfied. You can’t go wrong with the Big Brekkie or for something lighter, a freshly baked muffin and coffee. For those wanting to try more of the township’s brekky and brunch offering, jump on a Walk Talk Taste walking food tour instead – veteran journalist Kellie Tannock will get you behind the scenes at some of her favourite local spots.

Otherwise, explore south of town with a leisurely drive to Rosa Brook. Stop for a morning feed in the town of Witchcliffe, where locals pack out Yardbyrd Café every morning without fail. Or, grab on the go from Yahava Koffeeworks Kwik Koffee Drive-thru before jumping on a Beginner’s Bushride with Jesters Flat Horse Riding. No horse riding experience is necessary, just a keen sense of adventure. What a way to see the Margaret River countryside!

By now, you’re all probably hungry. Have lunch at The Berry Farm for not only homemade meals but also the beautiful grounds. Kids will love the little birds who insist on being welcomed lunch guests, the gorgeous gardens, and the fantastic play area. The cafe is famous for their homemade scones, but if your appetite needs something more substantial, the Beef & Red Wine Pie is always a good choice.

Next, something for the grownups. Beeline for Arlewood Estate, a slightly left-of-centre, family-run winery with an all-new tasting experience. For just $10 (redeemable on wine), you can get a mouthful of their La Bratta wines paired perfectly with locally made Temper Temper chocolate. Included in the tour is a tasting of the 2014 Bianco paired with salted caramel and almond chocolate, as well as the 2014 Rosso, paired with crunchy pink peppercorn, raspberries and cacao nib in dark chocolate.

Like the wines, golden hour in Margaret River is truly something to be savoured. The perfect vantage point? Nearby Redgate Beach. It’s worth a bit of a detour for a late afternoon dip – and if it’s a little chilly, appreciating the view is just as good.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can treat yourselves to an elegant evening at one of the region’s most celebrated wineries, Leeuwin Estate. Their award-winning restaurant offers a well-executed a la carte menu of seasonal selections from the land and sea. A degustation menu with or without wine pairing is also available.

Plan for an early start with a delicious breakfast of free-range eggs and Farm House bacon at Golden Café or take away ham & cheese toasties to have breakfast at your accommodation before heading off on a fun half-day tour with Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours. From there, a bike journey through the Boranup Forest amongst towering karri trees will set the tone for the day.

After a morning cycling in the forest, factor in a rest or a swim at your hotel, or if energy is still high, a short walk around the property in search of birds and kangaroos.

A late lunch or early dinner at Brewhouse Margaret River will complete your busy day with refreshing craft beer and tasty, gastropub-style food. Delicious thin-crust pizza and chilli salt squid are great for sharing. Kids will be entertained at the table with crayons and colouring-in pictures which can be entered into the weekly contest. The nautical-meets-nature-themed playground will encourage them to play before and after dinner.

On your last day in Margaret River, explore some neighbouring communities to the north. Drive to Cowaramup, a quirky, cow-loving town a mere 13km from Margaret River. Stop into Black Sheep Deli for breakfast created from fresh, organic, local produce served with a smile in a warm, homely setting. Try the gluten-free pancakes; you’ll be surprised at how tasty gluten-free can be.

Work off stuffed bellies with a walk around town to visit and photograph the 42 ornamental cows that line the streets and parks. Pop into favourite retailer Mukau Giftware & Gallery for gorgeous giftware, toys, and a browse through the second-floor art gallery featuring local artists and photographers too. Don’t miss a sweet treat from Millers Ice Creamery, a short drive from Cowaramup townsite. The extensive, manicured lawns and playground here allow children to play after having a yummy ice cream cone.

When beer o’clock rolls around, wet your whistle at Cowaramup Brewing Company while the kids wreak havoc on the playground. Taste their range of hand-crafted ales and lagers, or settle in with a brew for a game of Petaque or Jenga on the lawn.

Head to Wilyabrup for a fam-friendly late lunch at Black Brewing Co. Here, you’ll find a bunch of tasty wine, beer, gin, and food in a huge venue for the like-minded and curious. Kids will love their own menu featuring pulled pork buns, pasta, and the old stand-by, chicken nuggets.

Upon leaving your lunch spot, travel south along Caves Road for a scenic drive along the tree-lined country road passing rolling vineyards, pretty wineries, popular breweries, and massive paddocks. If you have the time, stop into the historic Cullen Wines who have been making exquisite top-level wine for more than 40 years. A tasting here is quintessential Margaret River: sipping on their biodynamic wines whilst looking out over the rolling vineyards. It’s priceless.

Spend the late afternoon walking the beautiful beaches (part of the Cape to Cape Track) and boardwalks of Gracetown. Watch surfers waiting for the perfect set at Huzzas and South Point, or if it’s warm enough, take a swim at the beach.

Finish off your Margaret River family holiday with an incredible dining experience at Miki’s Open Kitchen in the heart of Margaret River township. Choose from three degustation menus featuring phenomenal food fusion made from local produce. Think paddock to plate with a Japanese twist. There’s even a special menu, especially for kids. Reservations are highly recommended.

A family holiday to Margaret River will never be dull or without things to do. The biggest issue you’ll probably have is that it wasn’t long enough. How does another three days in Augusta sound?