Cosy campfires, fine wines and friendly locals, Margaret River or ‘Margs’ as its affectionately known, is the perfect winter getaway. It’s combination of towering forests, wild and rugged coastlines and idilic townships entices thousands of travellers to make the journey south each year.
With the summer buzz well and truly over, you’ll enjoy the spoils of nature without the crowds. Margaret River in Winter can be an intimate affair, and snuggling up by the fire with a glass of world class Margaret River red i is exactly what you need to recharge your batteries.
From ancient caves to epic whale watching experiences, gourmet food to quaint waterfalls, Margaret River has something to offer everyone in the cooler months.
If you’re planning to head to Margaret River in winter, here are our 15 unmissable activities.
Overview
- Discover ancient caves in Boranup Forest
- Witness the annual whale migration in Augusta
- Get cosy in nature at a glamping retreat
- Indulge at The Margaret River Chocolate Company
- Take a scenic drive through the forest
- Hunt for treasure at the Margaret River Truffle Farm
- Sip your way through the Wine Region
- Cook up a storm at Wildwood Valley Cooking School
- Kayak along the Margaret River
- Enjoy fireside brews at Cabin Fever Fest
- Hike the Cape to Cape track
- Grab brekky at Meelup Farmhouse
- Go mountain biking in Bramley National Park
- Explore Yallingup’s breathtaking coast
- Stroll through Cowaramup
Discover ancient caves in Boranup Forest
Escape the winter rain by heading underground to discover one of the region’s many spectacular caves.
Our two favourites are found in Boranup Forest and include Lake Cave, a dreamland of crystal formations reflected in the cave’s permanent lake, and Mammoth Cave which is home to a treasure trove of long lost Megafauna with over 10,000 fossils found in the cave!
Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup and Jewel Cave in Augusta are also great additions to add to your Margaret River in winter itinerary.
Make sure to wear walking shoes with decent grip as the ground may be slippery.
Witness the annual whale migration in Augusta
Now is the perfect time to head out on the water as Margaret River in winter sees the annual whale migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters in the north.
Head out on this Augusta Whale Watching Eco Tour to get up close and personal with Humpback Whales engaging in courtship displays and Southern Right Whales calving in the calm waters of Flinders Bay. You might even spot fur seals and dolphins if you’re lucky!
Hang around Augusta for a magical sunset at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Get cosy in nature at a glamping retreat
Margaret River in winter offers plenty of opportunities to snuggle up, and luxury glamping is your ticket to being immersed in nature while staying warm and cosy by the fire.
Some top picks of the region include:
Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping – luxurious lakeside bungalows surrounded by an organic olive farm.
Mile End Glamping – light-filled geodesic domes with outdoor hot tubs for a romantic getaway.
Wild Goose Camping – gorgeous bell tents equipped for fully customisable glamping across multiple locations.
Two Blind Cows – farmland vibes, rainfall showers, and relaxing in-tent massages.
Indulge at The Margaret River Chocolate Company
Chilly days in Margaret River in winter call for indulging and what better way to do that than a trip to The Margaret River Chocolate Company. With hundreds of mouth-watering chocolate products to choose from, plus free entry and tastings, you’ll be in chocolate heaven.
We recommend a stroll through the factory before warming up with a delicious hot chocolate and light lunch at their Chocolate Cafe.
Take a scenic drive through the forest
The karri trees of Boranup Forest are iconic to this region and a scenic drive through the forest is one of our favourite things to do in Margaret River in winter.
Credit: Tourism WA
Cruise along Boranup Drive, winding through towering karri trees that can grow up to 60 metres tall. Stop off at Boranup Lookout for a picnic with coastal views over Hamelin Bay before looping your way back to Caves Road to snap some pics from the Karri Lookout. Then stretch your legs on the Boranup Forest Loop or check out the Boranup Forest Maze.
Hunt for treasure at the Margaret River Truffle Farm
If you fancy yourself a bit of a foodie and love a good treasure hunt, then Margaret River in winter is the place to be as this the annual truffle season kicks off.
Follow along on a truffle hunt to learn about the world’s most exquisite mushroom, while helping the clever hunting dogs on their quest for treasure. Book your Margaret River Truffle Hunting Tour with Forage Safaris to customise your experience with wine tastings, truffle tastings, and visits to local gourmet producers to sample all their goodies.
Credit: Tourism WA
Credit: Tourism WA
Sip your way through the Wine Region
The Margaret River Wine Region boasts over 90 cellar doors that are surrounded by beauty at every turn. With rolling hills, charming farmland and picturesque coastal views, a day of scenic wine tasting is the perfect way to enjoy Margaret River in winter.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of wineries, here are a few we highly recommend:
Swings & Roundabouts – relaxed vibe, open fires, rustic dining and wood-fired pizza.
Leeuwin Estate – award-winning restaurant, cellar door and art gallery.
Wise Eagle Bay – fantastic ocean views framed by the Meelup forest.
Voyager Estate – certified organic wines, gorgeous grounds and boutique experiences.
Take the hassle out of planning with this Hidden Gems Full Day Wine Tour or Build your own Unique Winery Tour for an unforgettable experience tailored to you!
Cook up a storm at Wildwood Valley Cooking School
Nothing warms the soul like a home cooked meal which makes a cooking class the perfect rainy day activity for Margaret River in winter.
Wildwood Valley Cooking School in Yallingup offers a delicious day of cooking, with plenty of options from Thai to Italian, vegan or kid-friendly classes, and even a lesson on crafting creative canapes. Your experience includes a 4-hour practical lesson, 6-course feast, take home recipes, and a coffee on arrival. Make sure you book ahead as spots sell out fast.
Kayak along the Margaret River
Kayaking the Margaret River in winter is a special experience and one you wont forget. The winter rains bring with it pristine flowing waters which causes and explosion of life both under the surface and along the banks, with plenty of wildlife to be spotted in the forests and limestone cliffs that line the river.
Hire your equipment directly from Margaret River Kayaks or splash out on a Guided Kayaking and Winery Tour that even includes a trip to the Berry Farm for a gourmet lunch.
Tip: kayaks are easier to paddle, especially in strong winds, but a canoe will keep you dry!
Enjoy fireside brews at Cabin Fever Fest
Nothing screams Margaret River in winter like the annual Cabin Fever Festival which brings ‘fire, food and fun’ to margs with over 40 events across 10 days accross the wider Margaret River Region.
This festival is designed to get you out and about on those cold winter nights by providing fireside feasts, live music, quirky quiz nights and plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s finest wines and brews.
Make sure to grab your tickets well in advance so you don’t miss out.
Hike the Cape to Cape Track
The Cape to Cape Track is an epic multi-day hike stretching 130 km from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin and traversing lush forests, coastal cliffs, and turquoise bays.
The whole track takes around 7 days, but many sections can be tackled as day walks which is perfect for soaking up the raw beauty of this region while still enjoying a warm and cosy bed each night.
Hiking Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup will show you the best of the coastline and takes 4-6 hours, while the Quinninup Falls Trail is much shorter (around 1-3 hours) and takes you to the best waterfall in the south west.
Top Tips: hike north to south to avoid having the sun in your eyes. The weather can be pretty wild in Margaret River in winter so make sure to download a good weather forecast app and the Cape to Cape app for a full guide to all trails and amenities.
Credit: Tourism WA
Grab brekky at Meelup Farmhouse
Meelup Farmhouse is the perfect place to cosy up in Margaret River in winter and it just happens to be our favourite breakfast spot in the south west.
They’ve mixed rustic and bohemian vibes with the cutest farm animals for a true farmhouse experience. Make sure to pop in and say hi to the alpacas and Highland cows on your way out!
They’re open Thursday to Monday so plan ahead.
Go mountain biking in Bramley National Park
We can’t think of a better way to keep warm this winter than an adrenaline pumping bike ride, and Margaret River has some of the best mountain biking trails in the state.
Hit the newly opened Wooditjup trails in Bramley National Park which cater to every level from beginner bikers to absolute daredevils, or take it slow on the Wadandi track which showcases the heritage of the Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway built in the 1880’s.
Hire your bikes from The Hairy Marron Bike Cafe where the staff will be happy to help you plan out your route.
Explore Yallingup’s breathtaking coast
While the forest and vineyards are typically the go-to in winter months, Yallingup’s coast is worth braving the cold for.
The town is well-known for surfing so if you’re skilled on a board we highly recommend hitting the waves here, otherwise head on over to Injidup Spa to watch the waves crash over a hidden rock pool. Make sure to also visit Canal Rocks, which is simply breathtaking during a big winter swell.
After a day of coastal exploring, hop on over to Sugarloaf Rock for an unforgettable WA sunset.
Stroll through Cowaramup
Cowaramup (known to locals as “Cowtown”) is a quirky little town just 10 minutes north of the Margaret River township. The streets are lined with a series of life-size fibreglass cows which make for some very memorable travel photos.
Stroll through the centre and pick up plenty of gourmet goodies to graze on later from places like the Gourmet Food Merchant, Candy Cow, Seven Seas Tea and Temper Temper Chocolate.
Keen to explore more of the South West this winter? Check out the comprehensive list of our favourite places to visit in WA’s colder months!
