Visit Margaret River & The South West

Situated at the tip of southern Western Australia, the Margaret River Region and its surrounds is home to attractions and experiences in one convenient location.

From Perth, it’s an easy 2.5-hour south to Busselton then onwards down to Augusta following our Margaret River Region self drive itinerary, we have you covered so together you can get the best deal on your trip to Western Australia.

Best places to visit in Australia's South West region

Busselton

Seaside cafes, kiosks, bars and restaurants give way to bike paths, large shady grassed areas and a calm tranquil white sandy beach in Busselton. With the jetty as a focal point, the waterfront is brimming with activity.

Take a walk or train ride to the end of the Busselton Jetty to the Underwater Observatory where you can see amazing marine life. The bustling main street has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with superb alfresco restaurants, cafes and pubs and boutique shops. As one of Western Australia’s favourite tourism towns and as the gateway to Your Margaret River’s premium wine region, tourism is at the heart of this seaside town. There’re so many things to do in Busselton and plenty of accommodation options ranging from five star beachfront resorts to family friendly holiday parks or B&Bs and everything in between.

Dunsborough

Located on the stunning turquoise banks of Geographe Bay, Dunsborough is one of the most tranquil and magnificent beachside locations in the world.

Sparkling calm clear water and white sandy beaches are linked to town by lush green grass and shady paths. Beachfront cycle ways and walking paths turn into a hiking trail through the regional park along the bay. With ideal beaches for swimming it is also a great location for snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports. In town there is a bustling café scene along with plenty of gorgeous boutique shops. At night there’s a great vibe with brew houses, wine bars and pubs with live music. Out on the most north-western point is the top end of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, home to Dunsborough’s working lighthouse, Cape Naturaliste and the starting point of the Cape to Cape Track.

Margaret River

A visit to this region would not be complete without a stay in Margaret River town itself, home to some of the most celebrated cellar doors of the surrounding vineyards.
During the day the town is a bustling hub of visitors and locals alike. Spend time indulging in the cafes, gourmet restaurants, curiosity shops, boutiques and galleries that line the long main street before heading out on foot to enjoy stunning walking and cycling tracks that meander along the river or through the surrounding forest to the vineyards and farms. Visit on a Saturday to enjoy the farmers market and taste artisan cheeses, chocolates & fudge. At night the town comes alive with a different scene of fantastic foodie restaurants, wine bars and pubs with live music. Decadent food, premium produce and internationally renowned wine combine to be the soul of the town.

Augusta

Augusta is the most south-western town in Australia nearby to Boranup Forest, home to the 3rd highest tree species in the world, the impressive chambers of Jewel Cave and friendly stingrays at Hamelin Bay.
One of the highlights of a visit to Augusta is Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, a working lighthouse where from the top you can enjoy impressive views of the Southern and Indian oceans. Driving to the lighthouse from Margaret River take Caves road, this scenic route passes through the pretty Boranup Forest and the Jewel Cave.
The town itself runs along the top of a hill with the southern end hugging the coast of Flinders Bay. From June to August, the bay is the first stopping point for many southern right and humpback whales that come to feed, breed and play. Don’t miss out on seeing these spectacular creatures during their migration.

Top 10 things to do in the South West region