4 days · 700 km · Self-drive
Perth to Margaret River and back, with three nights in the wine country.
The Trip
Margaret River is three hours south of Perth on a strip of land between two lighthouse capes. The region is best known for premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, around 200 cellar doors, the country's most consistent left-hand point break at Surfers Point, and the karri forests inland.
This short itinerary covers the main reasons to visit. Four days is enough to taste enough wine, walk one of the famous coast tracks, see the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse where two oceans meet, and still have time for a slow last day. Most travellers fly in and out of Perth.
The region is busiest during school holidays and in March and April when the Margaret River Pro surfing event is on.
Day by day
Day
01
Drive south on the Forrest Highway, then the Bussell Highway. Around three hours direct, but worth a stop at Bunbury for the dolphin discovery centre or Busselton for the famous timber jetty. Arrive in Margaret River in the afternoon, settle in to the accommodation and have a quiet first dinner in town.
Day
02
Spend the morning visiting cellar doors in the northern half of the region (Vasse Felix, Cullen, Pierro, Voyager Estate). Lunch at one of the winery restaurants. Drive north to Cape Naturaliste for the lighthouse and the start of the Cape to Cape walking track. Return to town for sunset.
Day
03
Drive south through the Boranup karri forest to the Boranup Lookout. Continue to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse at the southern tip of the region, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Return via the surf beaches at Redgate, Surfers Point, and the Margaret River mouth.
Day
04
Take a slow morning at the Margaret River farmers market (Saturdays only) or one last cellar door, then drive back to Perth. Return the rental and either fly out or spend the evening in Fremantle.
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