Margaret River Honeymoon Guide
Nestled discreetly amid ferns, palms and native jarrah trees, Margaret River is a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern day stress and offers newlyweds an unforgettable romantic honeymoon getaway.
Margaret River is one of the world’s great wine-making regions, so if sipping delicious wine while snuggling up to your partner by the fire sounds like a good idea, then this could be your perfect honeymoon destination.
With a choice between stunning natural landscapes and award-winning architecturally designed wineries, restaurants and boutique accommodation houses, there is a perfect romantic getaway to suit your honeymoon style.
Stretching some 100km (60mi) from north to south and about 27km (17mi) wide in parts, the Margaret River region is bounded to the east by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, and to the west by the Indian Ocean.
Margaret River's coast region to the west of the town is a renowned surfing location, with some 75 breaks along 130km of coastline.
What to do and see
From a chilled-out surfie town, Margaret River has grown into the ultimate smorgasbord of good food, fine wine and spectacular scenery.
The Margaret River wine region covers an area from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south, east to Busselton.
The region is home to more than 60 vineyards as well as 15 per cent of Australia’s premium wine. The local towns and villages, each known for their distinct personality, sit in a region renowned for its ancient limestone caves, such as Jewel Cave (photo), magnificent surf breaks and thriving arts scene – there seems to be an art or craft gallery on every corner.
There is so much to do in this region. Just 10 minutes from the town centre is the coast and the famed Surfer’s Point.
The serene aqua water of Hamelin Bay (photo) provides the perfect ambience for relaxing in the sun, beach combing, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving out on the shipwrecks.
See large stingrays and schools of dolphins playing in the waters of Hamelin Bay and lookout for pelicans, black swans, red necked stints, egrets and cockatoos along the Blackwood and Margaret rivers' meandering waterways.
But if the spectacular surf, sea and pristine beaches aren’t enough to grab your attention, try the spectacular caves, rocks and cliffs at Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Or, if you love walking or cycling, then explore the many tracks that snake their way through the forests and coastal heath – the Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia’s greatest walks.
Along the way, drive through rolling green fields, farmlands and towering forests, past rocky coastal outcrops and beaches awash with spectacular surf. Choose accommodation options that range from boutique hideaway to eco-resort.
Trip length from Perth 3 days
Total distance 640km (397mi)
Road conditions All sealed roads
Segment distances: Perth to Margaret River – 275km (170mi), allow 3hrs; Margaret River to Augusta – 45km (28mi), allow 40mins; Augusta to Perth – 320km (1980mi), allow 5hrs
Suggested overnight stops: Margaret River and Augusta
Major attractions in and around Margaret River include…
Busselton
Twice voted Western Australia's top tourism town, Busselton is best known for its iconic 2km-long jetty and calm turquoise bays. The historic 143-year-old jetty is the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere.
Don’t miss the Underwater Observatory (8m below sea level) at the jetty's end for a close up view of more than 300 marine species enjoying the warm waters of the Leeuwin current.
To the north and south of the town lie 30km of immaculate beaches and crystal clear water – perfect for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing or sailing in the calm waters of Geographe Bay.
Mammoth Cave
Experience a fascinating underworld of majestic chambers that are home to the ancient fossil remains of extinct animals.
Don’t miss strolling the nearby Marri Walk Trail. Located just 15 minutes south of Margaret River.
Dunsborough
Overlooking the crystal clear waters of Geographe Bay, the pretty seaside town of Dunsborough is a haven of secluded coves and coastal walking trails where you can often spot bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the calm turquoise waters.
Browse the well-respected art galleries, enjoy a gourmet meal at one of award-winning restaurants or pack a picnic with local fresh produce and head to some of WA's best swimming beaches at Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay.
Facing north to the Indian Ocean, these beaches boast calm and sheltered waters. Or dive the largest accessible dive wreck in the southern hemisphere, the HMAS Swan, a former destroyer.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Enjoy the scenic drive to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, just 13km from Dunsborough and situated on a rugged promontory.
Climb to the top of the lighthouse for an awesome panoramic 360° view across Geographe Bay, the Indian Ocean and Cape Naturaliste.
Augusta
Weave your way through tree-lined country roads and abundant wineries to Augusta, a picturesque fishing town set on Cape Leeuwin.
Take a relaxing ferry cruise up the Blackwood River to explore historic caves and discover the area's bird life.
Go waterskiing or focus on the rolling green hills, rocky coastal outcrops and brilliant white lighthouse for a memorable photograph. From June to September you can spot whales in Flinders Bay.
Explore Jewel Cave (photo), a 10-minute drive north of Augusta, along Jewel Caves Road, Deepdene.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Stroll out to Western Australia's tallest lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern oceans merge at the most south-westerly tip of Australia.
Learn about the maritime history of the area, climb to the top to check out the wind speed and look out for dolphins, whales and seabirds.
Guided wine tour
Take an escorted tour around some of the region’s best wineries. Taste a vibrant sauvignon blanc, fruity semillon, sublime chardonnay, complex cabernet or intense shiraz. Relax and enjoy a premium wine over a delightful lunch at one of the many prestigious eateries.
Where to stay in Margaret River
Choose from a range of honeymoon escape options that include boutique hideaways, lakeside villas and eco-resorts.
Margarets Beach Resort
Location: Gnarabup Beach
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD264 per room
Description: This property is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Overlooking Australia’s Southwest Coast, the 4-star Margarets Beach Resort has beachside accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy a large outdoor pool, a restaurant and bike rental service. It is located a 10-minute walk from Gnarabup Beach. The self-contained apartments have views of either the pool area, gardens or the beautiful coastline. Each apartment includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a DVD player. Some feature a spa tub. For leisure, guests can explore the surrounding region on a bike or use the sauna. Other amenities include a children’s playground, BBQ facilities, a tour desk and free on-site parking. An extensive wine list accompanies fresh seasonal specialties at the award-winning Gnarabar Restaurant. The bistro has a casual dining environment with comfortable couches and a laid-back atmosphere. Just a 10-minute drive from the center of Margaret River, Margarets Beach Resort is a 50-minute drive from Busselton Airport. It is a 3-hour drive from the center of Perth.
Grand Mercure Basildene Manor
Location: Margaret River
Rating: 4.5-star
Prices: from AUD213 per room
Description: In the middle of landscaped grounds in the Margaret River wine region, Grand Mercure Basildene Manor features spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a terrace and a tennis court. Each morning, a buffet and a breakfast menu are served in the manor conservatory. Devonshire tea is also available daily. You can enjoy lunch and dinner at a number of restaurants within a 10-minute drive of the hotel. Guests can choose between refurbished rooms with a large double bed and a private bathroom, or spacious suites with a lounge area, a private bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, and a private courtyard or balcony. The Grand Mercure Basildene Manor Hotel is just over a mile from the center of Margaret River. It is a 15-minute drive from the Leeuwin Estate and a 20-minute drive from Lake Cave. Busselton is a 45-minue drive away.
Margaret River Resort
Location: Margaret River
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD207 per room
Description: Just an 8-minute walk from the river, the Margaret River Resort offers air-conditioned rooms with TV, an outdoor swimming pool and an on site pub serving meals and local wines. Free car parking is available. All rooms at Margaret River Resort feature a private bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms also feature cooking facilities. Facilities include a sauna, tennis court and a children’s play area. A guest laundry is also available. The Knights Inn pub is constructed in a traditional English style. Guests can relax with an ale or a glass of wine from the famous Margaret River region. Guests are welcome to dine at the Maharaja Indian Restaurant located behind the pub. It offers a wide range of traditional Indian cuisine. Margaret River Resort is located less than than 10 minutes' walk from the vibrant town centre. It is a 10-minute drive to Margaret River Airport.
Quality Inn Margaret River
Location: Margaret River
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD184 per room
Description: The Quality Inn Margaret River provides spacious guest rooms in a quiet garden setting. This 4-star hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Margaret River region. The hotel includes a range of guest rooms, including family suites, all of which are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. All of the guest rooms have a spacious porch, many of which overlook the gardens. Recreational facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, mini golf and a children’s playground. There is also an on-site barbecue area. Barbecue packs are available from the hotel upon request. The restaurant at the Quality Inn Margaret River is open daily for breakfast. Dinner is available 7 nights a week, where the seasonal cuisine can be enjoyed on the outdoor deck overlooking the lake.
Bina Maya Yallingup Escape
Location: Margaret River
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD395 per night for 2 guests (2 night min)
Description: Bina Maya Yallingup Escape’s luxury villa accommodation is set amid 7.5 acres of picturesque native Australian forest and is conveniently located close to Dunsborough town and the famous Yallingup surf breaks and beaches. The architecturally designed accommodation, Villa and Residence, newly built in 2018 by the award winning Adrian Zorzi are modern & spacious with a Scandinavian influence. Bina Maya Yallingup Escape (https://binamayayallingupescape.com.au/) is approximately 3 hours south of Perth city, an easy commute by coach transfer or private vehicle.
Best time to visit Margaret River
Anytime; but for warm-weather activities the best time to visit is from mid-December to late-March.
The Margaret River region has a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is windy and mostly clear year-round.
More information about the best time to visit the Margaret River…
How to get to Margaret River
Margaret River is located in the Margaret River valley, about 270km (168mi) south of Perth, the state capital of Western Australia.
The town of Margaret River is located 9km (6mi) inland from the Indian Ocean at a point about halfway between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the south west region of Western Australia.
The most convenient route, from overseas or interstate, to Margaret River is by air to Perth Airport (PER) located about 12km (7.4mi) east of the city centre. By car, Perth to Margaret River is around 3 hours.
More information on how to get to Margaret River…
Latest update: Margaret River: 3 October, 2022
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