The Margaret River Region is on the map for visitors to Western Australia for all the right reasons: incredible dining experiences, world-class wines and pristine natural wonders to explore.
Here is the perfect plan for those that like to enjoy it all in style. Spend five days and five nights staying in chic accommodation, indulging in life’s finer things and being shown around the region by those who know it best.
The biggest tip for travelling luxuriously? Let the pros take care of you so you can sit back and enjoy the ride…and the wine, the views and the dining.
Suggested Accommodation
There’s no shortage of luxurious places to rest your head in the Margaret River Region – why not consider switching up your accommodation mid-stay to discover more of them? You’ll spend the first few days of this itinerary exploring the southern end of the region, while the latter half will be spent in the north. You’ll cut down on driving time and get to see more of this spectacular region if you choose to mix up your stay. The best part? The move can be accompanied by winery stops along the way.
Cape Lodge
A little inland and surrounded by undulating vineyards instead of ocean views sits Cape Lodge. With some of the region’s plushest rooms and equally elegant gardens, there is no stone left unturned here. Both a country house hotel and a culinary retreat, this is a prime pick for foodies. The hotel is home to one of the finest restaurants in the region.
Private Properties
Peruse the impressive 110-strong Private Properties Holiday Homes portfolio and, no matter your choice, you’ll be set for a striking stay. Owners David and Jody Moyes provide more than just a booking service – they’re all about crafting experiences with care and attention to detail. From modern homes with ocean views to secluded, architectural spaces nestled into bushland, their portfolio offers many takes on luxury. If you are looking for something extra, their concierge service can also arrange anything from sophisticated in-house dining and degustations, to coastal helicopter rides and beach picnics.
Smiths Beach Resort
Towards the northern end of the cape in Yallingup, just off Caves Road, sits the luxurious Smiths Beach Resort. It’s bordered by the poster-perfect Smiths Beach and the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park. One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the resort offers a choice from cosy, self-contained beach “shacks”, a range of beachside villas, apartments or even an expansive 4-bedroom beach house. Here you’ll find all the mod cons and luxe touches including a swimming pool and tennis court, plus direct beach access for maximum summertime enjoyment.
Losari Retreat
Losari Retreat is another spectacular accommodation option, ideal for those that prefer a more intimate experience. Take your pick from their six boutique luxury villas, each complete with a king size bed and well-equipped kitchen. If you would like an outdoor BBQ or spa, be sure to select the appropriate option. You’ll be relaxing and unwinding in no time amongst the peaceful surrounds, elegant gardens and lakeside vistas.
Arriving
Let’s ease into things – it’s not a relaxing holiday if you are rushing about! Make your way down to Margaret River in the morning and settle into your chosen accommodation. If you would prefer to have a driver for the week, or require a transfer from the airport, then take a look at one of these approved transport providers.
After checking in to your chosen accommodation, it’s time to get situated and off to explore the town of Margaret River for dinner. Stroll along the boutiques on the main street before ducking into a local bar for a pre-dinner drink – the Happy Hour at Morries is worth making a bee-line towards, for incredible cocktails and a great local wine list. It’s only right to start your week as you intend to continue! For dinner, on offer is everything from Japanese and Italian woodfired pizzas, to modern Australian or tapas – take your pick from one of the town’s many night time dining options.
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast in bed. The team at both Private Properties and at Losari Retreat will be able to arrange a hamper and supplies, or even a private chef if you’d like to go all out.
Today might be a good day to jump in your organised transport. You’ll be seeing things from a different perspective; from a birds-eye view all the way to down below ground. Head southbound on Bussell Highway towards Augusta, about a 30-minute drive from the heart of Margaret River’s main street. This dreamy coastal town is home to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, situated at the most south-westerly point of the country. It’s also where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet – a fun fact you’ll be able to share when you get back home to astound with travel tales. Book a fully guided tour to learn this iconic building’s history and stories from the past.
If you are still savouring the morning’s breakfast you can pick up a light bite for lunch in Augusta, or book ahead for a three or five course lunch at Glenarty Road where they serve up wholesome and fresh (not to mention award-winning) food right next to the gardens where it is grown. It’s then back on the road and off to take a trip below ground. Lake Cave is the most ‘actively dripping’ cave in the south west and the only one that has a permanent underground lake. Take a fully guided tour and you’ll finish the afternoon inspired by the natural beauty of the cave’s formations, developed over thousands of years.
Return and relax in your accommodation. For dinner tonight, have a meal served to you in the comfort of your own accommodation. Let one of the highly skilled private chefs in the region whip up a feast in the kitchen and serve you a meal fit for royalty. It’s not complete unless you’ve paired your meal with a bottle of Margaret River cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay.
The destination today is Howard Park, located in Wilyabrup, just north of Margaret River. Take your time though; aim to arrive here at 12pm, allowing time for stops along the way if you fancy. Try another winery or two and several food producers along the nearby Tom Cullity Road Food & Wine Trail.
The undulating driveway of Howard Park provides the first inkling that you’re in for something special. This architecturally award-winning cellar door is home to a number of different winemaking styles, but we are here with one thing in mind: bubbles. It’s impossible to set out on an itinerary of luxury without at least one stop for a sample of sparkling wine, and Howard Park is the largest producer of traditional champagne-method wines in the state. The Wine Chapel Experience will enable you to sample a wide range of wine produced by Burch Family Wines in the estate’s private tasting room. You’ll need a bite to eat after all of those delicious drops, so sit back and enjoy a local charcuterie selection while enjoying the sophisticated surrounds.
Another option for a luxury winery stop is Voyager Estate. The Origins Tasting takes you behind the scenes, giving you an in-depth look at Voyager wines and viticulture. You have the option to add lunch to the tour at the on-site restaurant and if you are going complete deluxe, the 7-course degustation paired with wine is recommended. Each dish is inspired by the wines while celebrating pristine local produce.
After chilling out, take a short drive into Dunsborough for your evening meal. You’ll be able to select from several options including super fresh seafood and local delicacies, along with modern Australian and several casual dining eateries.
Be certain to feast at the breakfast table nice and early this morning as you’ll have a spectacular three hour guided walk ahead with the team from Walk Into Luxury. A pre-ordered hamper from Gourmet Food Merchant is advisable so that breakfast is easy. They can deliver hampers of local produce right to your door. Once you’re ready to go, your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to meet your Walk Into Luxury guide on the Cape to Cape track. You’ll hike past lagoons, secret coves and swimming spots, with your private guide there every step of the way to share insights about the region’s incredible biodiversity.
Refresh yourself at the end of the walk and get set for a transfer to a four-course late lunch at Wills Domain. Your post-hike feast will, of course, be accompanied by a selection of premium and very well-deserved estate wines.
Your Walk Into Luxury tour includes a complimentary private transfer back to your hotel, so you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Dipping in the pool, reclining on the deck or simply resting in bed are all valid ways to wind the day down.
Keep things nice and easy by dining in-house at your hotel this evening. Lamont’s Smiths Beach Restaurant can be found within the accommodation at Smiths Beach Resort, or you can arrange for a hamper or in-room dining if that fluffy robe is beckoning. Staying at Cape Lodge? Indulge in a bath in your hotel room and order some room service if you’d like to laze about– there’s an incredible meal awaiting you in the restaurant tomorrow, so you’ll not miss out.
After the energic adventures of the past few days, it’s time for a bit of lazing about. Sleep in and roll around to breakfast when you are ready, there’s no rush today. Pop your swimmers on and pack a nice set of clothes in a day bag – you’ll know why shortly.
If you’re visiting in summer and feel like a swim, you’ll be rewarded with some of the clearest and smoothest waters in the region at Meelup Beach. The turquoise bay is a divine place to spend a morning relaxing and soaking up the sunshine and salty water. After you’ve had enough of the dazzling waters, lunch is a bite from one of the local eateries in Dunsborough, or an informal feed at one of the local breweries.
Head back down the coast to the tucked away Bodhi Spa Retreat in Yallingup for the ultimate experience in relaxation. Whether your idea of a pamper session is a massage, a facial or a bit of both, you’ll find a treatment on their list that will melt you into a state of bliss. Feeling loved up? You can also enjoy the calm factor with your other half in a couple’s spa journey. It’s heaven.
After your treatment it’s time to brush up and pull on a change of clothes for a special supper on your last night in wine paradise. Head off to Cape Lodge, the destination in Margaret River for a special date night dinner and classically prepared, French-influenced cuisine. Time your entrance as the sun is setting and you’ll be able to capture the full beauty of this country lodge. Let the experienced chef treat your tastebuds to a menu filled with impeccable produce sourced from the region and from right under your nose in the estate’s kitchen garden. Be sure to save room for dessert – it’s worth it.
It might be your last day in paradise – or it might not be. Either way, you’re seeing it out in serenity and style: on the water with Sailing Charters WA. Aboard a gorgeous and very comfortable 41ft Beneteau Oceanic Cruising Yacht, this exclusive charter will show you the Margaret River Region coastline like you’ve never seen it. You can either cruise in the pristine turquoise of Eagle Bay, or opt for a lunch and swim cruise to Meelup and Castle Rock – two of the most photographed spots on the region’s 175km-plus stretch of coast. Food and drinks can be arranged for you, or if you’ve stocked up throughout your stay, you can BYO everything.
Since this is possibly your last full day – it is worth making it memorable. Book an afternoon of Wine and Food Pairing at Passel Estate. It’s a sensory journey indulging the palate with wine and gourmet produce. Passel Estate’s award-winning wines are paired with a handcrafted chocolate encased bonbon. Designed and handmade by Margaret River’s premier chocolatier, each flavour-filled delight compliments and amplifies the sensory experience of its accompanying wine. Booking for the Wine & Food Pairing Discovery experience is essential, and part of the cost goes directly towards further conservation efforts at Passel Estate.
If you’re staying another night, it might be dinner in-house. If you’re moving on, you’ll be doing so with more than enough incentive to return.
