Things to Do in Perth & Margaret River Region: Your Ultimate Itinerary

Lovers of year-round sunshine, incredible beaches and world-class winery trails will find endless things to do in Perth – and this is the ultimate itinerary.

With epic Indian Ocean sunsets, an electrifying bar and restaurant scene, the famous Cottesloe Beach and winery regions galore, there’s a never-ending list of things to do in Perth. There’s an experience for every type of traveller in this laidback city: from luxe five-star hotel stays to Rottnest Island adventures and bush tucker food tastings, it truly has it all. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Perth during your stay, read on for our ultimate six-day itinerary, including an unforgettable day in the Margaret River region.

Want to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying Western Australia’s incredible sights? If you’re coming from Melbourne, hop on Jetstar’s new direct flight to Busselton-Margaret River and dive straight into Margaret River’s wonders.

Check out Luxury Escapes’ handpicked escapes and experiences. 

Day 1: Arrive in Perth

Touch down in Perth and feel the coastal magic take hold: life moves at a leisurely pace here, where city slickers benefit from close proximity to the cobalt ocean and enjoy ever-present sunshine. First things first, on arrival make a beeline for your five-star hotel, Pan Pacific Perth. In the heart of the city, this luxurious hotel not only places you moments from Perth’s best sights, but offers award-winning dining at leading restaurant UMA, an outdoor heated swimming pool and spacious suites that will leave you feeling like you’re not in a city at all.

Drop off your bags, freshen up and head straight back out to experience Perth’s gourmet wonders on a six-course truffle tasting experience with paired wines at Will St. – a hot new restaurant that marries Asian flavours with native Australian ingredients.  

Day 2: Perth

Rise and shine for a day ripe with adventure. Just 19 kilometres offshore from Fremantle you’ll find the off-grid island paradise of Rottnest Island, a haven for smiling quokkas and outdoor enthusiasts. Take a ferry out to the island before boarding a high-powered Eco Express jet boat for a 90-minute adventure cruise. Circumnavigate the island’s rugged coastline and keep a look out for spectacular wildlife. Spot New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a dolphin racing alongside the boat, or an osprey circling overhead. 

Day 3: Perth 

For something different, join a Karrgatup (Kings Park) Aboriginal tour and learn about Kings Park’s significance to Perth’s traditional landowners, the Noongar people. Be guided through the park by a Noongar guide and hear Dreamtime stories, traditional songs and the Aboriginal Noongar language while exploring the vibrant floral displays and intriguing cultural artefacts.  

Or, head 25 minutes north of Perth to the Swan Valley‘s rolling hills for an exceptional dining experience at Sandalford Wines. Peel back 180 years of winemaking history with a fascinating one-hour guided tour followed by a sampling of the most coveted wines and European cuisine from a seasonally inspired menu from Chef Alan Spagnolo. Pop a complimentary bottle of Estate Reserve wine and taste your way through an exceptional three-course lunch that showcases Western Australia’s produce.

Day 4: Perth – Margaret River region

Follow the Kwinana/Forrest Highway towards Bunbury and make a pit stop at Bunbury Farmers’ Market for a coffee and homemade piece of cake or vegetable pie before forging ahead to Margaret River, just three hours south of Perth. If you don’t have access to a hire car, opt to join one of Luxury Escapes’ day trip experiences. First-time visitors can experience the region’s finest attractions including wineries, galleries, breweries, local produce, forests, caves and lighthouses all in one trip.  

If you’re exploring Margaret River at your own pace, be sure to lock in incredible accommodation. The Amalfi Resort is a slice of heaven just a short stroll to the beach and the cycling and walking tracks of Geographe Bay. Perfect for families, the resort features fantastic facilities including a tennis court, self-contained villas, an outdoor heated swimming pool and children’s playground. Or, turn the luxury up a notch at Eight Willows Retreat and stay in a self-contained chalet, where you can indulge in a range of health and wellness experiences.  

Day 5: Margaret River

You simply can’t visit Margaret River without stopping at a handful of its acclaimed wineries for a tipple or tasting. Let the organising be done for you when you join a private full-day winery tour. This bespoke experience includes a four-course lunch at Voyager Estate and endless wine tastings.

Or, join an Ultimate Winery Experiences adventure to Margaret River’s founding wine estate, Vasse Felix, for behind-the-scenes insight on winemaking, tastings and a five-course lunch with paired wines. Art aficionados might prefer to visit Leeuwin Estate for a day of fine wine, a three-course farm-to-fork feast and a tour of the Leeuwin Art Gallery to admire contemporary Australian artwork. 

Day 6: Margaret River – Depart Perth

With hearts and bellies full to the brim, it’s time to say goodbye to Margaret River and head back to Perth for your returning flight. Suitcases jangle with the sound of Margaret River wines (after all, how could you resist buying a bottle or two after tasting the region’s finest drops), while camera rolls are chock-full of memories. If you’re flying to Melbourne, save yourself the three-hour drive back to Perth and head to Busselton Airport, where you can hop on Jetstar’s brand-new direct flight from Busselton-Margaret River to Melbourne. 

Looking for more Margaret River inspiration? This is the Perfect Margaret River Weekend Itinerary 

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