Margaret River is the golden region of the South-West, it is a popular getaway for many as there is so much to do and see here.
You can choose to head inland to the vast variety of wineries and breweries or make your way to the coast and soak up the sun and surf.
And if this doesn’t float your boat then you can even head underground and explore some of the amazing caves that Margaret River has to offer. This is why Margaret River is a popular holiday destination for many, it has something for every traveller.
We have been to Margaret River many times and each and every time we discover something new.
One time we were in Marggies (as the locals call it) and there was an international surfing competition which had surfers from all over the world competing. On our next next visit we had seen whales splashing about along the shores very close to the coast.
We really do love Margaret River and we hope we can share some great tips to help you out on your trip.
Read below for the many things you can find, click on the contents to go directly to the section.
Table of Contents
WHAT TO DO IN MARGARET RIVER
Margaret River is very well known all the way around the world. Every year the World Surfing League is held and the town is busy with tourists and surfers ready to tackle the waves. The town vibe reflects the surfing vibe and feels very laid back.
As we entered the South West Region of Western Australia we knew straight away that we were going to love it. I think it was just a mixture of chilled vibes, breweries, wineries and the idyllic backdrop from the landscape of Western Australia.
The Mammoth Caves
Caves Road is the place to go! There are three main caves in Margaret River, all of them have their own interesting backstory backed by lots of history.
We chose Mammoth Cave and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This tour is self guided and upon arrival you will receive a set of head phones to listen to the audio guide as you make your way around the pathway inside the cave.
The Mammoth caves are well known for being the longest National Park cave system in Australia. Here you will see lots of pathways made from underground limestone walls within the cave. Keep an eye out for some underground animals that like to hide out in there.
It really is interesting and the sink hole at the end was stunning! We highly recommend doing a cave visit when going to Margaret River. Click here for pricing and more information.
***Tip- Bring a jumper as the temperatures do drop as you walk through the cave,
Prevelly Beach
Margaret River is very well known for its international surfing competitions.The World Surfing Titles to be exact who attract surfing profiles like Kelly Slater and our very Mick Fanning. This main event has put Margaret River on the map and has given the town an opportunity to grow to the wonderful place it is now.
One day we came down to Prevelly Beach and there was a junior surfing competition on. It was really cool to be witnessing a small snippet of what it feels like when the whole world comes here.
Even though it was small it still had a heavy crowd, with cameras, speakers, music and all the individual competitor stands….Margaret River takes their surfing very seriously.
Berry Farm
After a long day of exploring we like to drop into the Berry Farm for a cold drink and the kids had a play on the two playgrounds, plus many lawn games like chess and snakes and ladders.
The Berry Farm is located 13 kilometres from Margaret River, we highly recommend this place for families as it has ample space for children to run around and be free without the feeling like you have to ‘tell them to shoosh’.
We sat outside under a nice shady tree while the kids roamed, for us this is more relaxing than an inside winery or a fancy restaurant. We feel this is a win win for everyone in the family.
Unfortunately Dan couldn’t find a beer he liked so her settled for an Emu Export.
Margaret River Chocolate Factory
What!!! A chocolate factory?
Now its nothing compared to Willy Wonker’s set up but can definitely put a smile on any child’s dial upon entering.
Our three children headed straight for the chocolate samples, where you can spoon handfuls of chocolate into your hand and eat the chocolate buttons as you walk around looking at more chocolate to buy. It was a scorching hot day the day when we we went and those chocolate buttons melted quick!
We really liked the small fun size chocolate, they are $2 and have some really weird flavours. We ended up grabbing bacon and mango white chocolate, green tea fudge and the kids loved their cookies and cream chocolate. Thse didn’t break the bank and they were super tasty.
If you wanted to you could order lunch and have a whole chocolate fondue be brought to your table. Pop it on the list and stop in for morning tea! Margaret River Chocolate Factory
Margaret River Skatepark
We have probably been to over 100 skateparks! I know crazy right. But our kiddos really love the skate life and dropping into a half bowl is a considered a great day for them.
Margaret Rivers skatepark has to be the best skate park we have seen since we left Perth. If you or your children love to skate, scoot or bmx then this is the place to go. It’s new, it’s big and it has all the ramps and bowls.
Unfortunately for us our stay here was quickly dampened by the two boys colliding. Little C nearly knocked his two front teeth out, JordY cut his ear and had blood all over his face upon colliding with each other.
After this accident happened, everyone who was skating rushed over with first aid kits and helped our family out. We were so thankful to all the youngsters who ran to the boys aid, it really showed their true colours. Cheers to the Margaret River skaters for that day.
Waterfall on Kevill Road
Secret waterfall- Here is a secret place we like to go to have a picnic and swim. Please keep it tidy and take all your rubbish with you.
The waterfall is full during the winter, so in the months of June-September and has some really great cascades to see. We went in November and it had already started to dry up.
It was nice to watch the kiddos hop over the rocks and spot marron, while we sat back on the rocks, soaking up the heat that rocks store. In November the water was a beautiful temp and great for a paddle. You can find this hidden treasure on Kevill Road in Margaret River.
Sunflowers Animal Farm
The Sunflower Animal Farm is great for kids of all ages. Affordable to get in and there are times where you can feed the orphan animals. Located just six kilometres out of Margaret River, it makes for a really convenient place to visit.
Our three children loved this place, we spent nearly three hours here exploring. We took a picnic lunch and the day was very enjoyable. If your children love animals as much as ours then the Sunflower Animal Farm is a definite must see!
Candy Cow
Just outside of Margaret River is a small town called Cowaramup. The town is a quirky little town and as you drive through you will see loads of life size cows. Also in this town is the Candy Cow shop, which is 11 kilometres from Margaret River. We stopped in and the children had a ball choosing some lollies. They each were given $3 and they were able to fill up a bag of treats. Let’s just say they were over the moon.
If you time your visit well you can watch the candy making show at 11.00 am.
Cowaramup Kids Bike Park
Yes another bike park. We like to encourage our kids to get outdoors as much as possible. So we are glad they all have a passion in BMX and scooters, they love stopping in each town and practicing their tricks at the skate parks.
This bike park was right where we needed to fill the caravan up with water so it worked out well. The kids played while we organised our liquid gold.
The Margaret River Dairy Company
I mean seriously who can go past the dairy company. I am a sucker for gourmet cheese and paired up with a nice wine, sounds like an afternoon in heaven. Dan on the other hand cannot stand cheese and refuses to eat it, I know he’s crazy but I eat enough cheese for the both of us.
The dairy company was great, it was nice to taste lots of the cheeses and some yoghurts too. I did walk out with some brie and Camembert. Tasters available!!!!
The Beer Farm
If you have been following our travels then you will know we like to stop and test out the pubs a long the way. It’s nice to stop and enjoy a few cold bevvies after a day of exploring.
We usually do our research before heading out to a winery or pub and the reason we chose The Beer Farm was the 200 metre supervised water slide they had set up on the grass. It was brilliant!
Our kids wore their bathers and we sat back while they had a blast. The vibes at the pub were awesome and we didn’t want to leave. Check the website for the events and for when this kicks of each year. It is usually the first week of November.
Millers Ice-Cream Store
The name says it all. An ice-cream store, the best bit is that you can taste all the ice creams first before you choose which flavour to settle on.
The kids felt like ice-cream testers, the had a try of nearly all the ice creams before they got bored and wanted to sit and enjoy their own.
Our favourite flavours were- white chocolate and mango, cookies and cream and rocky road.
FREQUENTLY QUESTIONS
Best Time Of Year To Visit Margaret River?
Margaret River is really one of those places that is good to visit all year round. The town is always buzzing with tourists and is a popular destination.
November to April- This is a combination of nice weather.You can expect to see sunny days with minimal rain. The day time temperatures range from 14 degrees at night and 25 degrees during the daytime.
May to October- The cooler weather brings daytime temperatures of a low 16 degrees and night time temperatures of below 8 degrees. The rain will be on and off during the months of June, July, August.
What Time Of The Year Can I See Whales In Margaret River?
Spotting whales is a fantastic experience for the whole family. The whales start to migrate from the top of Australia and can be seen in Margaret River from June to late November.
Every year is a little different but when they are in the area they are very visable from the coast, some coming very close to the shore and splashing about with their calves nearby.
Accommodation In Margaret River?
Margaret River has plenty of accommodation for road travellers. With ample caravan parks, low cost camping options and even some free camping options.
We love it when a town is RV friendly, it just makes for a more friendly experience.
Caravan Parks-
The biggest caravan park is just outside of the town centre in Bramley at the RAC Margaret River Nature Park. It is exactly what the name explains ‘a nature park’. You will find the caravan park among the trees and bush land, with plenty of mountain bike trails throughout.
If you are looking for a quiet little caravan park with friendly staff then look no further from River-View Tourist Park. This caravan park is a little smaller and the sites are a little tighter than the other competing caravan parks.
Nestled right in the town centre is the Margaret River Tourist Park. This park caters for couples and families and an added bonus is the family TAWK card. If you are a travelling family then you really should get your hands on a TAWK card. Which will give you 2 nights free camping for kids. Winning!!!!
Free or Low cost Camping
These are the options we like and the ones we usually book in for. Whe we were staying in Margaret River we parked our van at Olive Hill Estate. Keep in mind this is for self contained vehicles only. For a low cost camping fee we were able to explore Margaret River and keep our van safe on Benji and
What Are The Best Family Friendly Wineries In Margaret River?
When we think of wineries we often don’t think of bringing our kiddos. But don’t stress because I have found some really family friendly wineries in Margaret River that will suit all families.
I know for our family we want somewhere our kids can run around and not disturb others, and a playground is a bonus!
Xanadu
Xanuadu Wineries Margaret River
Top of our list is the family friendly winery- Xanadu Winery Margaret River. This is our most family friendly winery in the Margaret River, it has a children’s playground and a yummy children’s menu.
Aravina
Aravina
Aravina Winery is a short drive from Margaret River and is another family friendly place to visit. With plenty of green grass for the children and plat this is another great place to add to the list of places to visit when in Margaret River.
Swings and Roundabouts
Swing and Roundabouts
The place on the list is Swings and Roundabouts Margaret River, I mean even the name suggests fun for kids! This winery has a large grass area for children outside plus a shaded play area for the children to play. These guys have even thought about those cold winter days and have an indoor play corner.
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