Margaret River is a small town in Western Australia’s southwest, about three hours’ drive south of Perth, and the name of one of the world’s best-known wine regions, stretching along a ridge between two lighthouses: Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south. The region packs a remarkable amount into an area about 100 km (60 miles) long: more than a hundred cellar doors known for cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, world-class surf breaks, white beaches and granite headlands, tall karri forests, and dozens of limestone caves beneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, several of them open for tours. It is the country of the Wadandi (saltwater) people. The town itself, home to about 8,000 people, has a relaxed main street of cafes, galleries and surf shops on the Margaret River, about 10 km (6 miles) inland from the coast at Prevelly and Surfers Point. The region is a favorite weekend escape for Perth residents, and a natural add-on to a trip to Perth. Its Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, the season for whale watching and log fires.
Right now in Margaret River
- Wed11–19°C52–65°F5 mm rain
- Thu11–14°C52–57°F4 mm rain
- Fri12–15°C54–59°F3 mm rain
Top tours in Margaret River
See all tours for Margaret River →
From local operators, with prices and reviews; you check availability and book on Viator, our partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money
Margaret River at a glance
- Best months: December to April for warm, dry weather, beaches and harvest (vintage) in February and March; June to September for whales at Augusta and cozy winery lunches; September to November for wildflowers.
- Time needed: two days for wineries, a cave and a beach; four to five days to cover the region from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin.
- Getting there: drive about 3 hours (about 270 km, or 170 miles) south from Perth, or fly to Busselton and drive about 45 minutes.
- Costs (as of October 2026): there is no entry fee for Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park; admission fees apply at the caves and lighthouses.
- Before you go: entry rules (ETA, eVisitor or visa), biosecurity and money are covered in our Australia travel guide.
Margaret River areas and who each one suits
Margaret River town
The hub, with the most restaurants, bars, shops and accommodation, and walking trails along the river. Stay here without a car or to be central for day trips.
Prevelly and Gnarabup
On the coast west of town, these small settlements sit beside Surfers Point and Gnarabup Beach, with a few cafes and beach houses. They suit surfers and beach lovers.
Yallingup and Dunsborough
In the north of the region, Dunsborough is a family beach town on calm Geographe Bay, and Yallingup has surf beaches, Ngilgi Cave and chic stays among the vines. Both are close to Cape Naturaliste.
Wilyabrup, Cowaramup and the wine strip
Between Yallingup and Margaret River, Caves Road and the side roads of Wilyabrup are lined with many of the region’s best-known wineries, plus chocolate, cheese and gin producers. Cowaramup is a small farm town with cafes.
Augusta and Cape Leeuwin
At the southern end, quiet Augusta sits at the mouth of the Blackwood River near Cape Leeuwin, with whale watching in winter.
Top things to see in Margaret River
The Margaret River caves
The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge is riddled with limestone caves, and several are open to visitors. There’s no park entry fee, but admission fees apply; the main show caves are run by the Capes Foundation, which publishes opening hours and prices.
- Jewel Cave: one of the largest caves in the area, about 45 km south of Margaret River off Caves Road. A one-hour guided tour leads through three main chambers with stalactites, stalagmites, straws and shawls.
- Lake Cave: one of the deepest caves in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Stairs descend through a huge collapsed doline with karri trees growing from its depths to a one-hour guided tour of a still lake and the rare “suspended table,” a slab of flowstone hovering above the water on two columns. The climb out needs moderate fitness.
- Mammoth Cave: 11 km south of Margaret River on Caves Road, explored on a self-guided audio tour through vast chambers with fossil displays; the first 30 meters are wheelchair accessible.
- Ngilgi Cave: at Yallingup in the north, a self-guided visit beginning with the interactive Ancient Lands Experience, with staff stationed in the cave.
- Calgardup and Giants caves: run by the state Parks and Wildlife Service. Calgardup is an easy, self-guided 300-meter cave explored by torchlight on boardwalks and stairs. Giants Cave is an adventure: an 86-meter-deep, self-guided, one-hour route with ladder climbs, rock scrambles and tight spots, for ages 6 and over, in enclosed shoes.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
At the southwestern tip of Australia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, at 39 meters (128 feet). It was opened in 1896, after 22 ships had been wrecked on the cape, and is open daily for tours. A 400-meter walk leads to an old water wheel, now encrusted in limestone.
Cape Naturaliste and the Cape to Cape Track
At the northern end, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse also offers tours, and short trails such as the 2.4 km (1.5-mile) Whale Lookout walk lead to cliff-top lookouts. The 3.4 km section of the Cape to Cape Track to Sugarloaf Rock is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The full Cape to Cape Track runs 130 km (81 miles) between the two lighthouses, usually walked in five to seven days.
Wineries and cellar doors
The region produces only a small share of Australia’s wine but a large share of its premium wine, especially cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and semillon-sauvignon blanc blends. Many cellar doors offer tastings, often for a small fee refunded with purchase, plus restaurants with views over the vines. Book lunches ahead on weekends, and use a tour or designated driver.
Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay
Between Margaret River and Augusta, Caves Road winds through Boranup Forest’s tall, pale karri trees, which reach 50 meters (165 feet) or more. A lookout gives views over the forest and coast to Hamelin Bay, known for the stingrays that glide in the shallows near the old jetty.
Surfers Point and the beaches
Surfers Point at Prevelly is the region’s famous big-wave break; watch from the lookout. Calmer swimming beaches include Gnarabup, Meelup and the Geographe Bay beaches near Dunsborough. Canal Rocks and Sugarloaf Rock are dramatic granite formations.
Planning a cave visit
If you only have time for one cave, choose by style. Lake Cave and Jewel Cave are guided, so you’ll learn about the formations and the region’s geology, but tours run at set times and can fill in school holidays. Mammoth and Ngilgi let you go at your own pace, and Mammoth’s fossil chamber is a good choice with children. Calgardup feels more like real caving while still on boardwalks, and Giants Cave is for the adventurous. The caves stay at a cool, constant temperature year-round, which makes them a good choice on hot summer afternoons and wet winter days. Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave are both close to Margaret River town; Jewel Cave is near Augusta, so combine it with Cape Leeuwin.
A day in the wine country
A relaxed wine day might start with a cellar-door tasting in Wilyabrup at opening time, then lunch at a winery restaurant overlooking the vines, a stop at a chocolate or cheese producer along Caves Road, and a late-afternoon tasting at a smaller family winery. Many wineries also make sparkling wine, rosé and fortified wines, and a growing number of breweries, cideries and gin distilleries offer an alternative. Ask cellar-door staff about the region’s sub-areas; the cooler south around Karridale is known for elegant chardonnay.
Wildflowers and wildlife
The southwest of Western Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot, and from about August to November the coastal heath and forests flower with orchids, kangaroo paws and banksias. Western gray kangaroos graze in paddocks at dusk, and dolphins are often seen at Gnarabup and in Geographe Bay.
Other things to do in Margaret River
- Surfing lessons: surf schools teach beginners at gentler breaks around Gnarabup and Yallingup.
- Walking: the Wardanup Trail, a 6.3 km (4-mile) loop around Yallingup, passes Ngilgi Cave; many day walks follow sections of the Cape to Cape Track.
- Busselton Jetty: one of the longest timber jetties in the southern hemisphere, with a small train and an underwater observatory, about 45 minutes north.
- Whale watching: humpback and southern right whales pass Augusta from about June to August and rest in Geographe Bay from about September to December.
- Canoeing and mountain biking on the Margaret River and in the forests.
Food and drink
Margaret River is as much a food destination as a wine region: winery restaurants, farm-to-table cafes, local marron (freshwater crayfish), venison, cheese, chocolate, olive oil and craft breweries and distilleries. Book ahead for top winery restaurants. Tipping is optional.
Day trips and nearby
Busselton and Dunsborough
The Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay’s calm beaches are about 45 minutes north of Margaret River.
Augusta and the Blackwood River
About 45 minutes south, Augusta has river cruises, whale watching in winter and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Pemberton and the southern forests
About 2 hours southeast, Pemberton’s karri forests have tree-top walks and climbing trees, cellar doors and trout farms.
Perth and Fremantle
The region is a road trip from Perth, passing Bunbury, where dolphins visit the shallows. See our Perth guide for the city.
Nearby destinations
- Perth234 km
Getting there and getting around
By car from Perth
Drive south on the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway via Bunbury and Busselton, about 3 hours (about 270 km). Most visitors rent a car in Perth; it’s by far the easiest way to tour the region.
Flights and coaches
Busselton Margaret River Airport, about 45 minutes from Margaret River, has flights from Melbourne and some other eastern-state cities; check current routes. Regional coaches run from Perth to Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta several times a week; check schedules.
Getting around the region
A car is essential for exploring independently, since cellar doors, caves and beaches are spread along Caves Road and Bussell Highway. Winery tours with a driver are popular, and some include a cave visit. Roads are good but narrow in the forest; slow down at dusk for kangaroos.
When to go and how long to stay
Margaret River has a Mediterranean climate. Summer (December to February) is warm and dry, with highs around 25–27 °C (77–81 °F), sea breezes and almost no rain; it’s peak season. Autumn (March to May) is harvest time, with mild, settled days. Winter (June to August) is mild and wet, with highs around 16–18 °C (61–64 °F) and most of the year’s rain, but also whales, big surf and cozy restaurants. Spring (September to November) brings wildflowers and green paddocks.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Rain days (≥1 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 °C (80 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 2 |
| Feb | 27 °C (81 °F) | 14 °C (58 °F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 2 |
| Mar | 26 °C (78 °F) | 13 °C (56 °F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 4 |
| Apr | 22 °C (72 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8 |
| May | 20 °C (67 °F) | 10 °C (49 °F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12 |
| Jun | 18 °C (64 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 15 |
| Jul | 16 °C (62 °F) | 8 °C (47 °F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 19 |
| Aug | 17 °C (62 °F) | 8 °C (47 °F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17 |
| Sep | 18 °C (64 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 15 |
| Oct | 20 °C (67 °F) | 9 °C (49 °F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 9 |
| Nov | 23 °C (73 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 6 |
| Dec | 25 °C (77 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 3 |
| Year | 21 °C (71 °F) | 11 °C (51 °F) | 997 mm (39 in) | 112 |
Figures are the Bureau of Meteorology’s 1991–2020 statistics for Witchcliffe, about 8 km (5 miles) south of Margaret River town (22 years of records, 1999–2020).
Events worth planning around
- Margaret River Pro (around April): a world championship surfing event at Surfers Point, in years when it’s on the tour.
- Harvest (February to April): vintage events at wineries.
- Gourmet food festivals (around November): check current dates and status.
Dates vary; check the organizers’ websites.
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 5 days
- Two days: wineries around Wilyabrup, Lake or Jewel Cave, and sunset at Surfers Point.
- Three days: add Cape Leeuwin, Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay, or Cape Naturaliste and Ngilgi Cave.
- Five days: add Busselton Jetty, a section of the Cape to Cape Track, a surf lesson and Augusta.
Where to stay in Margaret River
- Margaret River town: motels, hotels, apartments and hostels within walking distance of restaurants.
- Among the vines: luxury lodges, cottages and winery stays around Wilyabrup and Yallingup.
- Dunsborough and Yallingup: beach resorts and holiday houses, good for families.
- Prevelly, Gnarabup and Augusta: beach shacks, a caravan park and quieter stays.
Book well ahead for Perth school holidays, Christmas to January and Easter.
Typical costs in Margaret River
| Item (as of October 2026) | Australian dollars | About US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park entry | Free | Free |
| Guided cave tour, adult (Jewel or Lake Cave) | about $25–35 | about $17–24 |
| Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour, adult | about $20–30 | about $14–21 |
| Cellar door tasting | free to about $20 | free to about $14 |
| Small-group winery tour (full day) | about $150–250 | about $105–175 |
| Rental car from Perth, per day | about $70–120 | about $50–85 |
| Mid-range hotel or cottage, per night | about $200–380 | about $140–260 |
The free national park entry is official; other prices are typical ranges, not official prices. Conversions use about US$0.69 to A$1.
Safety in Margaret River
- Surf and rips: the region’s beaches face powerful Indian Ocean swells with strong rips. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags in summer, or at sheltered beaches on Geographe Bay. Freak “king” waves have swept people off rocks at Canal Rocks, Sugarloaf Rock and other headlands; never turn your back on the sea, and wear a life jacket if rock fishing.
- Sharks: sharks are present along WA’s coast; check SharkSmart alerts before swimming or surfing, avoid dawn and dusk and murky water, and follow beach closures.
- Bushfire season: roughly December to April, with planned burns in spring and autumn. Check Emergency WA, obey total fire bans and harvest and vehicle movement bans, and follow evacuation instructions.
- Caves: follow guides’ directions; Giants Cave involves ladders and scrambles and needs enclosed shoes.
- Driving and wine: Western Australia’s drink-driving limit is a blood alcohol level of 0.05; use a tour or designated driver. Watch for kangaroos at dawn and dusk.
- Snakes: tiger snakes and dugites are active in warm months; stay on paths.
- Emergencies: call 000 (112 also works from mobile phones).
Practical tips for Margaret River
- Time zone: Australian Western Standard Time (UTC+8), the same as Perth, with no daylight saving.
- Cellar door hours: most open daily from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; some close midweek in winter.
- Cave visits: guided tours run at set times; arrive early in school holidays.
- Plugs and money: type I plugs at 230 V; cards accepted almost everywhere.
What to pack for Margaret River
Pack beachwear, a hat and sunscreen in summer, a warm jacket and rain gear in winter, sturdy shoes for caves and coastal walks, and smart-casual clothes for winery restaurants. A warm layer helps inside the caves, which stay cool all year.
Margaret River travel FAQ
Which Margaret River cave is best?
Lake Cave for its suspended table, Jewel Cave for its large decorated chambers, Mammoth Cave for a self-guided visit, and Giants Cave for adventure.
Do the Margaret River caves have guided tours?
Yes. Jewel Cave and Lake Cave are visited on one-hour guided tours; Mammoth, Ngilgi, Calgardup and Giants caves are self-guided.
How far is Margaret River from Perth?
About 270 km, or roughly 3 hours by car.
Do I need a car in Margaret River?
It’s strongly recommended. Otherwise, join winery and cave tours from town or from Perth.
Is there a fee for Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park?
No park entry fee applies at the main sites, but caves and lighthouses charge admission.
What is Margaret River famous for?
Premium wine, especially cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, plus surf, caves and food.
When is the best time to visit Margaret River?
December to April for warm, dry weather; June to September for whales and winery lunches by the fire.
Can you swim at Margaret River beaches?
Yes, at patrolled or sheltered beaches. Many ocean beaches have strong surf and rips.
What is the tallest lighthouse in mainland Australia?
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, at 39 meters, open daily for tours.
How long is the Cape to Cape Track?
About 130 km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, usually walked in five to seven days.
Plan your trip
Partner links: TravelerCenter may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Sources · last reviewed 5 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 5 October 2026. Cave descriptions, locations, tour types, accessibility and admission arrangements, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse facts, Cape Naturaliste walks, the Cape to Cape Track, Boranup Forest, Hamelin Bay and the Wardanup Trail come from Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Explore Parks WA); climate from the Bureau of Meteorology’s 1991–2020 statistics for Witchcliffe; population and coordinates from Wikidata. The Capes Foundation’s website could not be read from this environment, so cave opening hours and prices, along with winery numbers, drive and flight details, coaches, festivals, whale seasons, Busselton Jetty, shark and bushfire guidance and typical prices, are general references and flagged for checking. For entry rules, biosecurity and money, see our Australia travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · Wikidata (CC0)