10.06.2024

Winter is a magical time of year in the Margaret River Region.

There’s a relaxed feeling in the air, as the crowds of the summer months dissolve and calm descends. Cellar door staff may have more time for a leisurely chat, and you have a better chance of scoring a table at your favourite restaurant.

The whales have arrived and getting out into nature has a truly invigorating effect – from exhilarating mountain biking to nourishing forest walks, or a refreshing swim in a sheltered bay. It’s also a time when the events calendar is full, as Cabin Fever lights up the region with gourmet experiences and good times, and in August Australia’s premier destination film festival CinefestOZ arrives.

To help get you started, we have compiled a list of 50 awesome things to do in the Margaret River Region this winter.

Whale jumping in Augusta. Credit Tim Campbell.
Whale watching needs to be on top of everyone's winter bucket list. Photo: Tim Campbell

50 awesome things to do this winter

1. Head to Augusta to see the majestic whales as they pass through on their annual migration. Book a whale watching tour to get out on the water and learn all about them from a local guide, or settle in at one of the coastal lookouts.

2. Warm up with a tasting of fortified wines at Gralyn Estate, and enjoy the flavoursome notes of raisin, roasted nuts, dates and coffee. The family-owned estate has been making award-winning wines for over 40 years.

3. Visit Origins Market in Busselton, the perfect winter stop with WA producers, creatives and growers all under one weather-proof roof. Wander the stalls, enjoy the tastings, and grab a delicious meal from one of the eateries while the kids burn off steam at the indoor playground.

4. Check out the brand new Marine Discovery Centre at the Busselton Jetty, all indoors. Then watch a famous South West sunset from the literal shelter of Shelter Brewing Co. Pairs perfectly with one of their beers and a pizza.

5. No matter the weather, it’s always dry underground, so head to one of the region’s four show caves. Find out here which one is best for you.

6. Rug up and head out on one of these winter walks in Yallingup and Dunsborough.

7. Get the crew together and enjoy a family-style lunch at Wild Hop Brewing Co (book ahead for the rotisserie chook).

8. Treat yourself by staying in and having an incredible meal by Tiller Dining catered at your accommodation — they even do the dishes.

9. Winter means truffles, so make the most of this indulgent ingredient being in season and try it whenever you can. Yarri and Vasse Felix are both solid bets for having it on their winter menus, and new for this season – experience a truffle hunt experience with The Margaret River Truffle Farm.

10. Find out if you have what it takes to be a winemaker, and spend an afternoon creating your own blend at Clairault Streicker.

Busselton Jetty
There's nothing quite like a Busselton Jetty sunset. Photo: Stephen Norman, supplied by Shelter Brewing Co.

11. Treat yourself to a spa day at BODHI Spa, where luxury treatments are delivered overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Gunyulgup.

12. Or for something different, bliss out with a relaxing sound massage at Uniquely Balanced.

13. Book one of these cosy stays for maximum relaxing vibes to come home to at the end of the day. Just to get you started, have a look at Rusticoq for heritage charm or Seine Luxe Retreat for magnificent views.

14. No trip to the region is complete without a long, leisurely lunch at one of the iconic wineries — try Voyager Estate for award-winning opulence, or Olio Bello for a true farm-to-table café experience.

15. Head south for a self-guided tasting and seasonal grazing board at Glenarty Road, or book for lunch and find out more about their focus on fresh seasonal produce and raising grass-fed meat.

16. Luxuriate in a bath under the stars, after a gourmet dining experience around the campfire at the Gourmet Glamping experience by Walk Talk Taste.

17. Visit Gabriel Chocolate in Yallingup for some of their famous warm chocolate chip cookies.

18. Then head next door for an organic wine tasting at Windows Estate, awarded Best Small Cellar Door in Margaret River by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine.

19. Pop into the smallest brewery in the region, The Sophisticated Beast, and taste their fun and flavoursome brews from a tucked-away location in Vasse.

20. Come face to face with a whole host of critters at Discover Deadly, where you can learn about our unique and special native wildlife.

A cosy place to relax in is key to your perfect winter getaway. Photo: Supplied by Rusticoq

21. Head to the quieter southern part of the region with Rob from MYDRIVER Tours, which takes in a mix of natural attractions and under-the-radar (but no less impressive) wineries. Bushtucker Tours is a fantastic Tour provider for anyone looking for the perfect blend of wineries, breweries and local produce.

22. Then toast your adventures in the cosy Wine Room at Bungalow Neighbourhood Social, who have a wide range of local wines by the glass and bottle.

23. Take the traditional marshmallows and cocoa experience up a notch at Bettenay’s. Rug up and sit by the campfire for a guided wine tasting, followed by indulgent fire-toasted nougat and a warming mug of Nougaretto, the adult version of a hot chocolate.

24. Book in for a workshop at Commonage Pottery, then head next door to the adjacent Happs Wine for a glass or two in their cosy lounge – be warned, they have more than 40 different wines to choose from so allow time to make your selection!

25. Visit family-run biodynamic winery Marri Wood Park, and enjoy a casual tasting experience next to the open fire. Or book an exclusive private tasting at Amelia Park overlooking the beautiful Wilyabrup Valley.

26. Or head a few minutes south down Caves Road to Swings & Roundabouts – a firm favourite in the summer months with their expansive lawns and playground, and winter is just as delightful with plenty of comfy seating areas and a woodfire to keep things toasty.

27. Join the locals in a refreshing morning swim at Gnarabup Beach, followed by a coffee from the White Elephant Café kiosk.

28. With mind-bending rooms, illusionary artworks, and walls that come alive, you are guaranteed to have an equally wacky and wonderful winter day at WOW Illusions. Child or young at heart, this is fun for all ages!

29. Immerse yourself in beautiful artwork at the newly opened Yallingup Aboriginal Art Gallery in the heart of Yallingup. Conveniently, The Yallingup Maze & Minigolf and Jilyara Wines are just a stone’s throw away.

30. Visit Vasse Virgin for indulgent skincare products and gourmet foods to stock your pantry. For the full experience book in for one of their classes, and head home with a new skill.

Swings & Roundabouts
Find a cosy spot near the firepit at Swings & Roundabouts. Photo: Tim Campbell

31. Stop in at Providore, a one-stop shop that includes delicious ingredients and ready-to-go meals, Margaret River Coffee Company, and Coward and Black wines.

32. Treat yourself to a Japanese degustation dinner at Miki’s Open Kitchen, a guaranteed highlight for any foodie — bookings essential.

33. Walk the Rotary Park loop, one of the many trails just north of Margaret River township. There’s also a playground for the kids, and BBQs available for public use. Or if you don’t feel like cooking, go on a Wednesday or Friday night for a delicious curry from the Spice Odysee food truck.

34. Feeling more adventurous? Hire a mountain bike from The Hairy Marron or from Bike Shed Dunsborough and head out to the world-class trails – there’s something for everyone, ask the friendly crew at the bike shops to point you in the right direction.

35. Do the region’s Craft Beer Trail – make sure to spread it across a few days, we’ve listed a fair few must-stops!

36. Weather looking clear? Visit Capes Raptor Centre, a birds of prey sanctuary where you can learn about the eagles, hawks, falcons and owls that live there. Try to time your visit at 11am or 1.30pm for the unmissable bird encounter experience.

37. Want to wake up surrounded by your favourite vines? Stay at one of these accommodation options that are situated at a winery.

38. But it’s not all about the wines — visit the region’s first-ever distillery The Grove, where you can taste their award-winning range or book in for a Talk & Taste Tour with Head Distiller James Read. Look out for their special release The Grove’s Collector’s Series bottles, and grab a bite to eat at their café.

39. Soak in some art and culture at one of the many galleries and art studios dotted across the region.

40. Plan your trip around CinefestOZ, Australia’s premier destination film festival, and enjoy the selection of carefully chosen films and events.

Private Owl Encounter
Don't miss the Birds of Prey Encounter at Capes Raptor Centre. Photo: Holly Winkle

41. Take in some live music, try The River, Settlers Tavern or Caves House Hotel for regular Sunday Sessions. Sea Shanties at Har Bar are perfect if you’d like to sing along, too.

42. Watch the sunset at Surfers Point, and grab dinner from a food truck if they’re around. Otherwise, grabbing a pizza at The Sea Garden Café or burger at The Common will do the trick.

43. Hankering for some meat and a pint? Book a table at Beerfarm on a Saturday and pick one of their famous tasting paddles.

44. If it’s Saturday morning, head to the Margaret River Farmer’s Market and pick up some fresh produce and gourmet goodies for breakfast.

45. Book in for happy hour at Morries, where the incredible cocktails and tapas-style plates are an ideal cosy spot to while away an evening.

46. Seek out some treasures to take home on this antique and vintage shopping trail.

47. Visit the quirky town of Witchcliffe just south of Margaret River – wine lovers shouldn’t miss the McHenry Hohnen cellar door or Amato Vino.

48. Book a tour with Forage Safaris and be taken off the beaten track to farm gates not usually open to the public.

49. Head for a walk around the Whicher Ridge wine sensory garden, followed by an educational tasting with owner and winemaker Cathy.

50. Definitely don’t miss the epic Cabin Fever Festival, when the region comes alive with incredible gourmet experiences and plenty of reasons to bust out of hibernation.

Looking for more inspiration?

Check out these 5 unmissable Coast & Country Drive Trails

Designed to take you down the road less travelled, to hidden gems, iconic attractions and breathtakingly beautiful natural highlights. There's one each for Busselton, Dunsborough, Cowaramup, Margaret River and Augusta, so you can select the ones that most resonate with you, or complete all five.

VIEW THE DRIVE TRAILS

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