11 Amazing Breakfasts in the Margaret River Region

Drift Café is tucked just off the main street, but it’s a go-to spot for a delicious breakfast in Margaret River for locals and in-the-know out of towners. Owners Colin and Gaye have designed a space where they would want to hang out, and the cosy vibes definitely encourage lingering over a second coffee.

The menu has all of the classics but with an elevated twist, for example their house-made native pepper berry tomato chutney. But would you expect anything less when their chef previously led the Cullen Restaurant team?

Their supplier list also reads like a who’s who of the local farmers market; Burnside Organics avocadoes, Margaret River Woodfired Bread, and Bannister Downs milk.

1/72 Willmott Avenue Margaret River

At White Elephant Café you’ll line up with locals to order, because not only do they have show-stopping views of one of the best beaches around, the food is top-notch too.

Perched above the sand of Gnarabup Beach, bring your bathers and tuck into a brekkie burger for a traditional bacon and egg fix (sandwiched into a luscious milk bun) or grab the smashed pumpkin with avo, feta, dukkha and poached egg for a colourful, nutritious fix.

Stay warm and dry in their stylish glass-fronted room when the cooler weather rolls in. Views are equally fab when the weather is wild.

Gnarabup Beach

Bunkers Beach House also fits the breathtaking beach views category – with bonus points if you spot a seal or dolphin frolicking in the waves.

They have a takeaway kiosk where you can grab a breakfast bite (Thurs – Sun) after your stroll along the white sand, and coffees made with local Cape Effect beans are so good you’ll want a second… or third.

Farm Break Lane, Naturaliste

Lamonts secured a reputation for outstanding dining decades ago, before Margaret River was on the foodie trail, and Lamonts Smiths Beach does quality beachside brunch with finesse.

A generous stack of pancakes came topped with berries and vanilla-flecked mascarpone and the coffee was spot-on. We’re coming back to work our way through the rest of the menu – potato rosti with roasted mushrooms and poached egg, and Shakshuka baked eggs with tomato & fire-roasted capsicum sauce are calling!

67 Smiths Beach Road, Yallingup

Goanna Bush Café’s Indo Breakfast should come with a health warning; “highly addictive, even the grommets will demand a return visit.” Spiced coconut rice with a fried egg, spinach, avocado and coriander pesto sounds like an unusual combination but it works perfectly.

Chef Duncan Timmons made a treechange from a Michelin-starred London restaurant to buy Goanna in 2008 and the word is out – the food here is awesome. Set in picturesque bushland near Dunsborough, you’ll also find Australian giftware in the gallery space.

278 Hayes Road Dunsborough

The Equinox Bar + Restaurant boasts sweeping Geographe Bay and Busselton Jetty views – I’ve even spotted a dolphin. And Christmas came early when a stupendous new adventure playground opened.

Wolf down a tasty big brekky at Equinox, then stroll over and let the kids burn off some energy.

Foreshore Parade, Busselton

Yardbyrd is a little gem of a café with a wood fire inside the shop, and a pretty courtyard filled with plants. Everything is made in-house except the bread from Margaret River Woodfired Bakery, and ingredients are sourced locally. Try the breakfast tortilla with plenty of scrambled eggs, nitrate free bacon and relish – even the tortillas are made on-site.

Coffee made with Pound beans is some of the region’s best; owner Rob Mayberry used to run Little Willies and The Dancing Goat cafes in Perth.

10413 Bussell Highway, Witchcliffe

Follow up your morning swim at the Busselton Foreshore with a delicious bagel and coffee from the window at Shelter Brewing Co. Open 7 days a week from 7am, they also have a few sweet treats available for those who prefer to start the day on a (sugar) high. Snap up one of the picnic tables outside, or find a shady spot under the trees.

11 Foreshore Parade (opposite Busselton Jetty), Busselton

Ideally your Cape Lodge breakfast follows a night in their luxurious lakeside suites, but it’s a little-known fact that you don’t have to be a guest to dine here. Dinner is reminiscent of your best French bistro experiences, and breakfast is blissful, served overlooking a lake and peppermint trees.

Panna cotta with perfectly formed pieces of French toast and caramelised banana is a dish I’ll remember for years.

3341 Caves Road, Yallingup

Margaret River Farmers Market is an exciting place to grab a feed for breakfast in Margaret River, plus ingredients to cook up something special.

My kids make tracks for Claudio Biscotti’s mixed biscuit bag while I can’t resist the apricot raspberry Danish from Margaret River Bakery’s stall. Stock up on Margaret River Woodfired Bread, goats’ cheese haloumi, Burnside Organic avocadoes, bacon, free range eggs and more.

Ragged Robin in Augusta is a delightful café and vintage shop, with river views and a charming homegrown vibe. The locals are just as friendly as the staff, and a family gave us tips for best beaches and playgrounds.

Grab a takeaway coffee from the 1967 VW beetle coffee van out front on weekends, or pop in for an amazing toastie on pumpkin bread.

93 Blackwood Ave, Augusta