Margaret RiverAustralia

Wineries, beaches, forests and gourmet food and drink are some of Margaret River's biggest attractions. Situated in the eponymous wine region, this small town is surrounded by picturesque splendour. Go for countryside walks, relax on a beach and sample premium wines in the places where they are made.

Begin your visit with a walk down the town’s long main street, which is lined with cafés, boutiques, galleries and curiosity shops. On Saturday mornings, stock up on fresh produce from the farmers market.

Stop by the Margaret River Gallery to see the work of emerging local and national artists. Extend your wanderings further, by taking a stroll along tracks that run by the river and through the nearby forest.

Make time to visit a few of the area’s other natural attractions. Just 20 minutes outside of Margaret River are Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave, large subterranean spaces that are part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. View spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Head out to one of the beaches near the town for sunbathing and watersports. There are several good surfing spots in the vicinity, including Surfer's Point in Prevelly, about a 10-minute drive from Margaret River.

When you want to try some of the wines that the Margaret River Wine Region is so famous for, you’ll find many within easy reach of the town. These include the Voyager Estate Winery, Leeuwin Estate and Xanadu Winery. Go to cellar door tasting sessions, learn how the wines are made and stay for something to eat in the wineries’ restaurants. The centre of Margaret River also offers a number of good dining spots.

Reach the town and its wineries and natural attractions by flying into the international airport at Perth. From there, you can drive to Margaret River in about 3 hours. Alternatively, arrive by taxi, bus, coach or airport shuttle.