Destination guides > Australia > Western Australia > Southwest Western Australia > Margaret River
Margaret River
Margaret River lies at the heart of Western Australia’s top winegrowing and gourmet dining region and has easy access to forests and beaches. In earlier days the region surrounding and containing the town was known for hardwood timber and agriculture, but today tourism and wine are the main industries.
Wine is one of the reasons for how the Margaret River region became such a tourist-magnet, and today it produces about 20% of Australia’s premium wine. About 90 vineyards have their cellar doors open for wine-tasting and there are over 110 vineyards in the region.
Beautiful beaches are also associated with Margaret River, and there are hundreds of caves within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park - although only four of them are open to visitors.
The town itself has a good selection of cafés and eateries available. There is also good backpackers’ accommodation, which definitely makes Margaret River worth a visit.
Practical information
Margaret River Visitor Information Centre
Corner Bussell Highway & Tunnbridge Street, Margaret River
Tel (08) 9757 2911
Website www.margaretriver.com
Open 9am-5pm daily
Coming & going
There are daily coaches to Perth although it is best to have a car to explore the area around Margaret River. Transwa (tel 1300 662 205) coaches stop on Charles West Road near the visitor information centre.
Hostel accommodation
Inne Town Backpackers
93 Bussell Highway, Margaret River
Tel (08) 9757 3698 or 1800 244 115
Margaret River Backpackers
66 Town View Terrace, Margaret River
Tel (08) 9757 9572
Margaret River Lodge YHA
220 Railway Terrace, Margaret River
Tel (08) 9757 9532
Surf Point Resort
Reidle Drive, Gnarabup, Margaret River
Tel (08) 9757 1777 or 1800 071 777
Eating & drinking
Margaret River is a popular destination for foodies, but it most of the town’s eating establishments are quite expensive. Some of the more affordable places include Goodfella’s Cafe (97 Bussell Highway, Margaret River), which does good pizza and Margaret River’s local pub, the Settler’s Tavern (114 Bussell Highway, Margaret River). There is a Coles supermarket at 132-138 Bussell Highway.
