Luxury Escapes Guide to Margaret River

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Margaret River - Introduction

A coveted treasure trove boasting some of the country’s slickest drops, most creative microbreweries and award-winning eats, Western Australia’s Margaret River region is no longer the hidden jewel it once was. An easy three-hour drive from Perth, now with its own dedicated airport in the heart of wine country, Margaret River has well and truly been put on the map.

Take the scenic route past windswept beaches, brave it through ancient forests and frolic through rolling hills and grape vines, sipping the fruits of rich Bordeaux-worthy soil that’s made Vasse Felix and Cullen Wines household names. Effortlessly breeze into award-winning restaurants where farmgate produce is championed, a sculpture park comes as stock standard, and killer views await.

Exploding with pristine waves that have been graced by Kelly Slater, a gourmet food festival that’s welcomed Nigella Lawson and Heston Blumenthal, weekend markets that always draw a crowd and limestone caves filled with ancient legends, ‘Margs’ is not to be underestimated as just another wine region.

Our tip: Plan your escape around the acclaimed Western Australia Gourmet Escape where world-class chefs meet the finest Australian produce, award-winning wine flights and one-of-a-kind gastronomic creations.

Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.

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Things to see and do

Sample award-winning vino at Vasse Felix

A visit to Margaret River would be incomplete without a visit to its founding vineyard, Vasse Felix. Led by wine-aficionados specializing in award-winning cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, a welcoming cellar door, wine lounge, wine museum and one of Australia’s most acclaimed restaurants, this multi-talented vineyard is the ultimate place to kickstart your Margaret River discovery. Revel in the pristine isolation and Mediterranean climate with a glass of one of the four specialty vinos in hand. Walk through the sculpture park, contemplate the seasonal artwork from the Homes a Court Collection and enjoy the high design surrounds of the lounge area, complete with a hanging fireplace. Cheers.

Walk the walk at the Cape to Cape Track

The true definition of the ‘scenic route’, the 135km Cape to Cape Track begins at the white lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste and leads all the way to Cape Leeuwin. The entirety of the walk is an equally impressive and ambling journey through nature. Along the way, you’ll pass everything from rocky cliffs to isolated stretches of sand dotted with kangaroos and soaring karri trees. Each pass reveals something new. It’s best enjoyed during migration season when you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of whales over the coastline.

Descend into crystal-studded caves

There’s nothing quite like descending into cavernous crystal chambers beneath the earth, and Western Australia has its pick. Descend through karri forest into the enormous Jewel Cave or be dwarfed by Mammoth Cave’s secret world of ancient fossil remains, Ngilgi Cave’s massive chasm or the permanent shimmering lake in the eponymous Lake Cave. Each underground wonderland has its own appeal, but the ancient Ngilgi Cave, with its Aboriginal legends and dripping crystals, is seriously spectacular. Visitors are encouraged to lie down on a rubber mat in the main underground amphitheater and close their eyes. When you reopen them, you’ll experience an optical illusion that can only be described as flying through space. Guided and self-guided tours are available.

Enjoy a soak at Injidup Natural Spa

Follow Wyadup Road right to the end of the parking lot and you’ll find amazing Indian Ocean views. A little hike from the gravel parking lot and you'll reach Injidup Natura Spa. This hidden rock pool is surrounded by an enclave of rock walls and filled with fizzy saltwater, perfect for a natural massage and, for the more daring, shallow rock diving. While little-known outside of Margaret River, this natural spa is slowly garnering attention, so it’s best enjoyed in the early morning as the sun rises over the horizon.

Stock up on goodies at Margaret River Farmer’s Market

More than just a place to pick up your weekly dose of fresh produce, the Margaret River Farmer’s Market has become a foodie haven. It’s been a firm favorite of the region for the past decade thanks to the eclectic line-up of stalls — tents are chock full of artisanal loaves from Yallingup Woodfired Bread, gourmet delicacies, hot coffee and freshly baked goods like Claudio Biscotti. Located on Bussell Highway and open every Saturday the market lures visitors and locals alike who come for the produce but stay for the bustling atmosphere.

Blend a bespoke gin at Giniversity

Margaret River Distillery Company has lifted the lid on what goes into its multi-award-winning signature gin with their Giniversity masterclass. Hidden away among peppermint trees, Giniversity invites you to immerse yourself in a four-hour distillation class that’s guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning gin fiend. Indulge in a tasting flight and select your favorite raw botanicals from over 40 jars to distill in your own personal miniature still. Whether you like aromatic and fruity or pungent and peppery, this class will help you curate a gin that’s entirely unique to your palate. Graduate with a bespoke 500ml bottle.

Find the best big-wave surfing locations

With over 75 breaks to choose from, we suggest you make a beeline for spots that are guaranteed heart-pumping surf. Yallingup Beach has an exposed reef that creates stellar waves when the swell is up, and serene snorkeling when it isn’t. For the seasoned surfers among us, The Box — renowned for its intense waves that break on shallow reef — and Main Break at Surfers Point are the pinnacle of surf breaking. Come autumn, the latter is where heavyweights like Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore battle it out in the Margaret River Pro.