Travel guide to Margaret River region: A perfect long weekend getaway

For a destination that encompasses the best features of a holiday – beautiful beaches, sunny weather, a thriving food and wine scene, stunning landscapes and a laid-back attitude – the Margaret River region has it all.

The area is only a few hours’ drive south of Perth and encompasses several towns including Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta and Margaret River.

If you’re a Melburnian or Sydney-sider in search of your next escape for a long weekend, Western Australia’s Margaret River region might just be the perfect destination.

Day 1

10am – Arrive in Busselton

With flights from Australia’s east coast direct to Busselton, you’ll arrive at the gateway to the Margaret River region with ease.

Drive just fifteen minutes from the airport, and you’ll arrive in the town of Busselton, a bustling regional city with a population of 41,000 residents.

The hero of the city is the Busselton Jetty – the longest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and stretching an impressive 1.8 kilometres into the ocean. You can walk the jetty or jump aboard the Red Train for a leisurely ride along the jetty.

At the end of this immense structure, there is an underwater observatory, a ticketed experience where you can spot some of the tropical fish and local coral or maybe see a visiting seal.

A new addition to the precinct is the Marine Discovery Centre, where you can learn about the fascinating marine life that inhabit the surrounding waters. This high-tech attraction has a selection of interactive exhibits which focus on the sustainability of the oceans and how we can all do our bit to preserve the ocean for generations to come.

1pm – Lunch

After exploring the Jetty precinct, head to Shelter, a brewery and restaurant, for a relaxed open-air lunch. Choose from a selection of locally crafted beers, wines and other drops paired with a simple yet tasty menu – the woodfired pizzas are a must and great for sharing.

The brewery is easy to access from the jetty and is perfect for refuelling before continuing your adventure.

3pm – Check into accommodation

Take the short drive from Busselton to Dunsborough, where you can settle into the stylish accommodation at Southcamp. There are 18 cosy cabins, complete with Scandi-style furnishings and tiny home vibes.

Each cabin can accommodate up to two people, with some adjoining cabins accommodating up to five people. They are semi self-contained with tea and coffee facilities, filtered water and a mini fridge. Each cabin has its own outdoor deck sitting area and there is a communal fire pit. The compact bathroom is complete with a glorious rainfall shower head and locally made guest amenities.

The cabin’s lights and curtains are tech-driven, operated with the push of a button. The in-room record player links to Bluetooth speakers with a selection of vinyl available to suit most tastes. It doesn’t stop there – to accompany the thoughtfully designed cosy cabins there are two on-site apartments perfectly suited for longer stays and larger groups.

Southcamp also features a contemporary brewery and restaurant, making for convenient dining after a full day of sightseeing. Grab yourself dinner on site and get some rest before continuing your WA adventure.

Day 2

7am – Explore the coast and country of Margaret River region

Start your day early with a trip to Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park and visit Point Piquet.

If you’re visiting between July and October, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales. Avid wildlife spotters and scientists are often found here and are more than willing to point out sightings, and maybe even share their binoculars for a magic moment or two.

Consider a refreshing morning swim at Meelup Beach – the crystal-clear waters are very inviting.

9am – Stop for breakfast

For a breakfast to remember, drive further down the coast to Lagoon Yallingup, a chic beachside cafe with a laid-back Hamptons vibe.

The fresh white interior and welcoming staff are a window into the attention that is also paid to the dishes created in the kitchen. Here, you can indulge in a generous menu that showcases local and seasonal produce, just a stone’s throw from the beach.

11am – Continue to the vineyards

Once you have filled your breakfast belly, continue along Caves Rd, known for its concentration of wineries. There are more than 95 wineries in the Margaret River region but your first stop should be Vasse Felix, one of the oldest and most renowned vineyards in the area. The temperate climate with the fresh ocean breeze makes it perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, plus a range of other varieties.

Vasse Felix has a romantic story of the first owner and wine maker, Dr Tom Cullity and his friend David Gregg, who began the winery as a hobby and somewhat of a science experiment – a story of passion, dedication and commitment. The winery was named after French explorer Thomas Vasse who is rumoured to have been lost at sea, possibly survived, and lived happily with the local Aboriginal people or found and imprisoned in England.

The second part of the name is, ironically, Felix – the Latin word for fortunate or happy. At Vasse Felix, visitors can enjoy a wine tasting at the luxury cellar door and learn all about the wine making process on a dedicated tour. The Original Tour offers visitors the chance to get a deep insight into the history of the vineyard and gain an understanding of how the prestigious wines have developed over the years and grown into one of Australia’s leading brands. The Cellar Experience and Epicurean Tour include meals in the award-winning restaurant. There is an on-site gallery and lush grounds with native gardens, a perfect spot for taking in the expansive grounds and the local architecture of the cellar door building.

1pm – Head to Hamlin Bay

After an indulgent and educational stop at Vasse Felix, continue along Caves Rd to Hamlin Bay. The picturesque beach, with its white sand and turquoise water, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a swim. If you’re lucky, you will spot the resident stingrays who call the bay home.

Along the way, stop at Mammoth Cave, where you can take a self-guided tour through the cave network along boardwalks. It is the only accessible cave in the region suitable for wheelchairs and walking aids. If visiting in September, you’ll be lucky enough to coincide with the Margaret River Region Artist Open Studios, where local artists open their studio doors and welcome visitors to see them at work and offer the opportunity to purchase artworks directly.

3pm – Drive to Dunsborough

As you drive back inland toward Dunsborough, hunt out Dear Darnell’s in Witchcliffe. It’s a surprising find in a sleepy little village, hidden among an eclectic collection of bric-a-brac and antiques in the town’s old trading post. There is delicious food and drinks on offer and down to earth, friendly staff are happy to share their foodie recommendations that will fill your entire weekend in the region.

6pm – Continue to Cape Naturaliste

As the daylight fades, make your way to Cape Naturaliste and drive down to Windmills car park for a breathtaking sunset granting you a front-row seat as the sun dips into the ocean while the waves crash on the shore.

Once the sun goes down, settle in for dinner at Lady Lola, a small restaurant within walking distance from the cosy cabins at Southcamp. The menu is succinct and delicious and showcases local produce in each dish. Dishes are designed to be shared and to make it easy there is even a ‘feed me menu’ where you can take the thinking out of it and let the chef choose the dishes. The drinks are all about the region’s best wines and carefully crafted cocktails. The intimate setting and subtle lighting will allow you to gently wind down and reflect on the spectacular day that was.

Day 3

8am – Check out and enjoy breakfast

Rise to birdsong at the Southcamp site and take advantage of the express checkout so you can make the most of the morning. Dunsborough is a quiet seaside town but don’t be fooled by its size. The coffee machines are working overtime here to service the early risers – surfers, dog walkers and joggers can all be found lined up at Merchant and Maker to get the best coffee in town and some of the tastiest breakfast dishes. It’s also an incredible store selling food items, gifts and hard-to-refuse sweet treats for dine in or take away.

9.30am – Final beach visit

Take one more moment to visit the local beaches, such as Castle Rock or Half Moon Bay, before you make the 30-minute drive back to Busselton airport for the flight home.

If you have the opportunity to extend your stay there are many options for activities and dining experiences, natural attractions and wineries. For all the details visit margaretriver.com

Getting to the Margaret River region

Western Australia is now more accessible than ever, thanks to direct flights to Busselton operated by Jetstar from Melbourne, and more recently Sydney.

While the flight to Busselton takes just over four hours from Melbourne and five hours from Sydney, the journey is well worth it. Flight timings allow you to leave in the morning and be in region for lunch due to the time difference.

Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore this breathtaking region at your own pace. It is highly recommended to book in advance to ensure a vehicle is available upon arrival.

Public transport, rideshare and taxis are limited so having your own vehicle is necessary to explore beyond the immediate township of Busselton.

Disclaimer: The writer was a guest of Vasse Felix and Southcamp. All other expenses were paid for by the writer.