Margaret River

Distance from Perth: 270km ( 3 hours 4 minutes)

Known for: World class food and wine. Stunning coastlines. Amazing surf.

The Margaret River Region is world-renowned for its coastline, gourmet food and award-winning wine, ancient limestone caves and world-class surf.

Famous for its premium wines and world-class surf, Margaret River is also home to plenty of restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries for foodies to enjoy. Visit cellar doors and meet the makers on guided tours with nature-meets-gourmet experiences. Adventure seekers can ride the waves, go rock climbing or abseiling, or take a kayak or canoe along the Margaret River.

In the Margaret River region, you can wake up to savour the natural surroundings with plenty of underground caves and the stunning Boranup Forest, and see the wild rays at Hamelin Bay near Augusta and climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

Boranup Forest

Drive south from Margaret River along Caves Road and watch as the sun sparkles through the karri trees. Our tip: Pull over at the lookout for a better view. Some of these trees are over 60 metres in height, truly making you feel dwarfed amongst this forest of giants. Just a 25 minute drive from Margaret River, this is a fantastic spot to take a break and marvel at the nature around you.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

As the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a must-see attraction in Your Margaret River Region. This historic lighthouse is situated just south of Augusta, at the tip of a spectacular peninsula - where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet - the most south-westerly point of Australia. Take a trip through maritime history and learn how this famous landmark was constructed from local limestone in 1895, and is still a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape. It's also one of the best land-based vantage points for spotting whales from May - September! Visitors can enjoy a coffee or delicious light refreshments in the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Cafe.

Hamelin Bay

A visit to the stunning white beaches of Hamelin Bay is definitely a must-do! Think white sand, turquoise waters and amazing hike trails. The sheltered bay is great for swimming, snorkelling and fishing, and divers can explore the nearby shipwreck. It's also possible that you will spot a stingray, as they sometimes swim close to the shoreline. Keep in mind that these are wild creatures, and maintain your distance to respect their space.