Margaret River Guide
This is a very informal guide to the Margaret River region. There are countless versions of the same thing so the following are just some quick recommendations from us both.
Sugarloaf Rock
Weather
Month-to-month temperature and rainfall graphs
7-Day Forecast (Weather Zone)
Climate Statistics (BOM)
Beaches & other things to see
Heading south from Busselton, turn right at the Vasse roundabout and follow Caves Rd through to Dunsborough. Head out towards the Cape on Cape Naturaliste Rd and turn left to visit Sugarloaf Rock. Drive back to Eagle Bay and drive along the coast on Eagle Bay-Meelup Road to Gannet Rock and the beautiful Meelup Beach.
Be sure to visit Canal Rocks as well. It’s amazing in beautiful weather, but it’s even better when it’s stormy.
Prevelly Beach, Grace Town, Gnarabup, Surfer's Point and Redgate Beach are all worth a visit as are the various caves. Lake Cave is particularly striking.
Be sure to also visit the Boranup Forest lookout as well as Hamelin for the Stingrays.
Canal Rocks Panorama
Suggest Day Trips (via Google Maps)
Day Trip 01: food, a bit of wine, some animals, surf/beaches and beautiful forest. Lunch at either Olio Bello or Hay Shed/Rustico.
Day Trip 02: gardens, wine, bit of food, chocolate, etc... Lunch at Hay Shed/Rustico.
Day Trip 03: Margaret River 'Theatre'... this is an opportunity to experience wine theatre at its best. Lunch at Amelia Park although keep in mind that it is quite expensive.
Maps
Margaret River Region (simplified PDF)
This is our 'truncated' map of the region that includes some highlights. You can get much more thorough - and complicated - free maps from the visitors' centre at the bottom of town.
Injidup Natural Spa
Beaches, Surfing & other water 'stuff'
Bread
Blue Ginger Fine Foods (limited)
IGA Supermarket has a good local selection
Breakfast
Blue Ginger for its 'local' vibe
Wine
A $25+ bottle of wine from most Margaret River wineries is a ‘safe bet’. $50 bottles of wine have a habit of being extraordinary.
Ashbrook (Verdelho, Semillon late harvest)
Brownhill Estate (Fimiston, Perseverance & 2 x Rosés)
Juniper Estate (Small Batch Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Larry Cherubino (The Yard)
Willespie Wines (They have 'older' wines in their palette which makes for an interesting contrast)
Restaurants (Lunch)
It's more fun to have a nice lunch then a small dinner as the wineries have some amazing food on offer. The wineries are closed from 4-5pm and food service normally stops around 2-3pm. Bookings recommended.
Fishbone (Japanese/Korean)
Hay Shed Hill (Tapas, Pizza)
Olio Bello (Gluten Free Options)
Will's Domain (amazing views)
Restaurants (Dinner)
Keep in mind that many places in town shut quite early.
Pizzica (more than just great Pizza)
Cheap Eats
IGA Supermarket has various take-home meals that you can warm up.
Burger Baby
Cakes & Desserts
Harlequin Dessert (Margaret River Farmers’ Markets. They also supply Yahava and a few other cafes too)
Cheese
Blue Ginger Fine Foods (good selection of local and imported cheeses and other small goods)
Cambray (Sheep/Cow's Milk Products: Margaret River Farmers’ Markets. You could also visit their farm door outside Nannup)
Gourmet Food Merchant (Cowaramup, small selection)
Koonac (Goat's Milk Products: Margaret River Farmers’ Markets)
Chocolates & Sweets
Coffee
Coffee Beans
Two Cracks (Margaret River Farmers’ Markets... some times ... as well as at Temper Temper)
Events
Event Guide on the Margaret River website
Margaret River Region Open Studios
Gluten Free/Dairy Free/Paleo/Vegan
Harlequin Dessert (Margaret River Farmers’ Markets. They also supply Yahava and a few other cafes too)
Olio Bello (Gluten Free Pizzas and Pasta)
Markets
Margaret River Farmers’ Markets (Saturday Mornings)
Meat
Margaret River Farmers’ Markets (Saturday Mornings)
Margaret River Venison (also often have a few exotic meats in their freezer)
Olive Oil
Small Goods
Gourmet Food Merchant (Cowaramup)
