Hotels in Margaret River

Margaret River: Caves, Surf, and Cellar Doors

Margaret River sits 277 km south of Perth in Western Australia's Leeuwin-Naturaliste wine corridor. The town anchors a region producing roughly 3% of Australia's wine output but around 20% of its premium varieties — notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Over 200 cellar doors operate within a 30-minute drive of the main street, with estates like Vasse Felix (established 1967, the region's first winery) drawing visitors year-round.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Accommodation clusters along Russell Highway through the town centre and in rural retreats across Wilyabrup and Cowaramup to the north. Visitors typically hire a car in Perth — no scheduled rail service reaches the region. The Cape to Cape Track, an 123-km coastal walking route between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses, draws multi-day hikers. Surfers Point at Prevelly hosts the annual Margaret River Pro WSL surfing event each April. Underground, Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave offer guided tours through limestone formations estimated at 350,000–500,000 years old.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Hire a car at Perth Airport; the drive south on Bussell Highway takes around 3 hours.
• Best time to visit: April–May for post-harvest cellar door deals and calmer surf; summer draws larger crowds.
• Caves: Book guided cave tours in advance during school holidays — capacity is limited.