Located in Australia’s South West, Margaret River is a nature-lover’s paradise of biodiversity, coastline, forest, caves and rivers – bolstered by incredible food and wine.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Augusta-Margaret River

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2022.

Located three hours south of Perth in Australia’s South West, the Margaret River Region is a living and breathing embodiment of ancient geography and Wadandi song lines.

Natural beauty, abundance of space, fine wine and fresh coastal air make a holiday here the remedy to modern life. A place of timeless memories and continued stories. Natural adventure awaits in Western Australia’s surf and mountain biking mecca. Immerse yourself in crystal caves, towering forests, breathtaking beaches, tranquil rivers and rolling vineyards – framed by sunset-hugging coastline accessible to hikers along the Cape to Cape track. Experience whale watching, wildflowers, surfing and sailing, festivals and family fun.

Top 5 Natural Wonders of Augusta-Margaret River

Cape to Cape Track
The Margaret River
Boranup Karri Forest
Blackwood River
Cape Leeuwin
The Townships of Margaret River & Augusta

The area’s main townships each possess a distinctive character whose natural assets have given rise to communities founded upon a pervasive sense of place and unwavering charm:

Margaret River | Wooditjbilyup

Tall timbers and rich soils give us a wealth of fine wine and incredible produce, but also grow creativity. Fuel up at the Farmers Market or visit one of the galleries to meet some of the vibrant souls who call this place home. Find tranquillity of the Margaret River by canoe or deep underground at Mammoth Cave. Finish the day watching the sunset and swell at Surfers Point.

Augusta | Tallinup

A charming hilltop town with a close-knit community and sweeping river views. Relax in the untouched environment; witness the annual whale migration, taste abalone fresh off the boat, hire a houseboat and find sanctity in the majestic Boranup Forest. Learn the fascinating maritime history at the award-winning Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct and discover ancient wonders below ground at Jewel Cave

Regardless of how you fill your time, you’ll find that the Margaret River Region will leave you feeling connected to the people and place. Remember to walk softly, taking the time to listen and care for Boodja (Country).

About the local community

The Wadandi (Saltwater) People have been custodians of this land for over 60,000 years. In the early 1800s settlers arrived from England. These settlers tried their hand at farming – dairy and horticulture – and struggled against adversity in a climate and country that did not respond the way it had back home.

When the region was identified as having growing conditions similar to Bordeaux, the first commercial vines were planted in 1967, and visitors began to arrive to sample the astoundingly good wines. The stunning natural environment and isolation started to attract waves of new people in the 1970s – “surfies” and “orange people” (followers of Indian guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh).

Today, the community has evolved into a hotpot of different people drawn to the rural and natural lifestyle in a place that does things differently.

Sustainability Commitment

From the growing number of organic and biodynamic vineyards, to the farmers engaging in regenerative agriculture, from Earthship and strawbale houses to rammed earth cafes, the Augusta Margaret River Shire has a surprise around every bend.

Once you leave the townsites there are three National Parks to explore, numerous bicycle and walk tracks, surf breaks to brave, reefs to dive, and the 135km Cape to Cape hiking track to explore.

Tour operators will take you to some of the most beautiful spots, cultural tours will leave you with a profound respect for the knowledge and resilience of the Traditional Owners, and after a long day exploring there are certified Accommodation providers that are doing their bit to tread lightly on the earth.

More sustainable travel information

Eco travel tips

How to sort your organic waste

All organic waste in the Shire is sent to a facility to be turned into compost – the perfect way to complete the cycle! Please put food scraps, biopak containers, even napkins and anything that once grew in the ground into the FOGO bins (they have green lids).

Stick to paths to protect vegetation

Our ancient soils and dry summers have driven a fascinating evolution of flora, but they are very fragile. Walk softy by sticking to paths to protect vegetation and stop the spread of dieback.

Bring a refillable water bottle

Bring a refillable water bottle and reduce consumption of single use plastics – we have refill stations throughout the townsites of Margaret River, Cowaramup, and Augusta.

Accessibility overview

The Margaret River Region has a range of experiences for visitors with access and special needs to enjoy. For specific advice on what might suit your needs, or to provide feedback on this page, contact one of our local visitor centre consultants by phone (08) 9780 5911 or email [email protected].

Some examples of recent work include:

The grand, sweeping scenic experience that is the famed Cape to Cape Track is easily accessible to more people, thanks to an upgraded section between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and the Sugarloaf Rock car park. Built jointly by the Department of Parks & Wildlife and the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track, the 3.7 km section caters for wheelchair access and for visitors with limited mobility such as the elderly, people in gophers and parents with prams or pushers.

Upgrades to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse complex and Sugarloaf car park have included universal access toilet facilities at each end which are accessible to the public 24 hours a day. There are also other sections of the Cape to Cape track that accommodate wheelchairs, prams, walking frames and other mobility devices.

More accessible travel information