The Margaret River Region in Western Australia is just over three hours south of Perth, a favourite road trip for locals and visitors to the region. Encompassing the thriving tourist towns of Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River and the many attractions in between, this part of Western Australia is truly unique.

The Wadandi region is home to some of Australia’s best surf breaks, eateries and wineries and the incredible, ancient Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park. Visitors come to the Southwest for nature and adventure or simply just to kickback and relax. Let's look at what this region can provide.

While in this neck of the woods, one of Locay’s favourite places to stay is Southcamp in Dunsborough. Located halfway between Busselton and Margaret River, Southcamp is the ideal launching site for your Southwest vacation! 

18 stylish tiny cabins and two luxury apartments nestled into a welcoming village hub, provide the best of both worlds - taking advantage of being close to nature but also in the thick of Southwest holiday vibes.

Outdoors

Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park

Explore Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park from the forest to the sea. The National Park sits atop the ancient Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, which is as old as history itself. The ridge is significant to the original inhabitants of the land, the Wadandi people.

Conservation International recognises the park as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots with over 7000 plant species and a variety of unique and sometimes endangered fauna.

The renowned Cape to Cape hiking trail is one for the bush walkers - you can challenge yourself and walk the whole 123 km over a few days or take it easier with a shorter day hike, returning to your own accommodation at the end of the walk.

There are several operators in the region that offer fully catered treks with accommodation and transport at the end of each day.  

Cape to Cape Explorer Tours offer a fully guided eight day trek with food and accommodation included. Or for the complete luxury experience - Walk into Luxury does a four day signature Cape to Cape experience.  

Don’t forget to check out the Naturaliste Lighthouse - Australia’s shortest lighthouse with the highest elevation above sea level. The view from the top is amazing!

Caves & Climbing

Get down and underground in one of the many caves open to the public. Ngilgi Cave has recently opened its fantastic above ground experience facilitated by local Noongar man and Wadandi custodian Josh Whiteland and his tour company,  Koomal Dreaming.  The tour includes a bush tucker feast and a tour of the cave with didgeridoo and Noongar storytelling. Josh also holds a cultural tour at the Naturaliste Lighthouse. 

Or explore the Ancient Lands Experience yourself with a self-guided tour of the cave. Other caves in the region include Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Caves. Feeling adventurous? Margaret River Climbing Co. will lead you on a rock climbing, caving or abseiling adventure in and around the ridge.

Beaches

With its breathtaking location on the Indian Ocean, the Southwest region is renowned for its gorgeous beaches. From the incredible calm of Geographe Bay to the wild coastal regions of Gracetown and Surfer’s Point, sought by surfers from all over the world, the beaches in ‘Margs’ are pretty spectacular. Some of our favourite beaches:

Meelup Beach - known to local Wadandi people as ‘Place of the Moon Rising’ has pristine sands and turquoise waters close to Dunsborough and is popular with visitors to the area.

Injidup Beach for rocky pools and the infamous Injidup Spa - a favourite spot for relaxation and some incredible photos!

Surfer’s Point for wild waves and surf breaks and occasional world stage for surfing comps - a great place to hang ten or just hang out and watch the action.

Bunker Bay for long stretches of white sand perfect for swimming, snorkeling and fishing. Showers, toilets and nearby cafes make this beach a gem.

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Watch for Whales

If you find yourself on the coastal stretch between Busselton and Augusta between September and November, you may be in luck and catch sight of some migrating humpback and Southern right whales off shore.  Want to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures? Take a whale watch tour with Whale Watch WA from Dunsborough.  Or venture down to Augusta for an orca tour. Find out more about whale watching on the Margaret River Region website.‍

Wineries

Margaret River Region - Wineries

The Margaret River Region is world famous  for its wines and offers you an abundance of choices. Self-drive with a  skipper or put yourself into the hands of some of the region's best wine  tours!

For a list of wine tours - check out this  selection of full and half-day tours.

Some of our favourite winery experiences  include a visit to  Voyager  Estate for a tasting in their Wine Room and then  stay on for a gourmet lunch; or book a ‘Black Glass Challenge’ at Stella Bella Winery  where you can experience award-winning  wines with a blind tasting challenge.

If you seek wine with an ocean view, Wise Eagle Bay  is the place to satisfy both those requests! The winery is popular with  wedding groups or suitable for a romantic meal for two with sweeping views  over Meelup Reserve and Geographe Bay.

If you would like to find out more about the  wineries, check out the Margaret River Region website  for a comprehensive list.

Art and Culture

Yallingup Aboriginal Art Gallery  is a destination worthy of a visit. Owners Sara and Tim Greay are extremely  knowledgeable about Aboriginal art of local Noongar artists, as well as  national artists.  

Members of the Aboriginal Art Association,  the couple collect art from all over Australia and take time to get to know  the artist's stories, so when you purchase a work of art, it is as much about  the story that goes with it.

Right on Caves Road in Yallingup, the  gallery has a collection of paintings, limited-edition prints, books,  earrings, locally made towels, clapping sticks, and didgeridoos for sale.

If you are looking for pottery, you can’t go  past Happs Pottery Studio on  Caves Road. A family-owned business, Happs Pottery makes fine practical  pottery and holds regular workshops should you wish to turn your hand at  ceramics!

For a comprehensive list of local artists  and galleries, refer to the Margaret River Region  website.

These are just some ways you can make the most of a trip ‘down south’ and we reckon that if you spend enough time in Western Australia’s Margaret River Region, you will be planning your return very soon!