Top Things to Do in Margaret River in the Winter

Is this Western Australia's best winter getaway?

If you are looking for a winter getaway, The Margaret River Region is one of the best places in Western Australia. While its stunning beaches make the South West a popular tourist destination in the summer, the region has plenty of unforgettable experiences on offer during the cooler months.

We love visiting this area throughout the year, but there is something so special about Margaret River during the winter. Usually crowded and busy during the summer holidays, winter in Margaret River really is the best getaway. Even though the weather is colder, there are still so many things to do in the area that the whole family will enjoy!

Looking for a cute cabin to enjoy your winter getaway in Margaret River? These beautiful Margaret River stays are perfect for enjoying the cooler months down south.

This post was originally published in 2019 but has since been updated.

What to do in Margaret River during the Winter

• Go to a Margaret River Brewery
• Relax with a Coffee
• Go Hiking
• Explore Nature
• Look for Whales
• Go Wine, Gin and Liquor Tasting
• Sample Margaret River Produce
• Explore the Surrounding Towns
• Go Caving

Go to a Margaret River Brewery

There are plenty of breweries located in the Margaret River Region, each with their own distinctive style, making it the ultimate destination for craft beer lovers. With unique blends, ciders, seasonal beers and great food it is the perfect place to sit back and relax. They are also great for escaping the winter rain, with seating areas indoors!

All the breweries are family friendly, making them a great place to take the kids. They have large grassed areas and most have playgrounds. So grab yourself a tasting paddle while you watch your kids run around!

Margaret River breweries are family friendly!

Relax with a Winter Warmer

Sitting back with a good cup of coffee is the best way to appreciate the cooler weather. There are many cafes scattered throughout the Margaret River Region, leaving you with plenty of options for your caffeine fix.

Each café has its own unique attributes, from ocean views, quirky character and delicious breakfast options for you to enjoy. The café scene in the Margaret River Region is a must do, it is a beautiful place to grab a cup of coffee, especially during the winter!

Here’s a list of the best cafes to try in Margaret River:

• White Elephant Cafe
• Drift Cafe
• Margaret River Bakery
• Egberts Cafe

Go Hiking

Along the entire coastline from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin is the Cape to Cape Track. Hiking this track takes a couple of days. However, I highly recommend hiking a section of it and taking in the stunning coastal views along the way. 

There is even a wheelchair and pram friendly section of the Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste and Sugarloaf Rock. This is a great option for families who want to experience the coastline with young kids in a pram!

Explore the Natural Scenery

Even though the weather may be cooler and overcast, Australian winters have plenty of days where the rain stays away. If you are prepared to brave the cold, make sure you get outside and explore the natural scenery of Margaret River!

Brave the cold and get outside to explore the natural scenery!

The best natural attractions to explore during winter are:

Sugarloaf Rock: Located on Cape Naturaliste, Sugarloaf Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks in the region. It is an incredible spot to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Canal Rocks: Canal Rocks comes with its very own viewing bridge that takes you over to a rock island. You can watch the waves roll in and you may even get splashed!

Injidup Beach: Injidup Beach, or the “natural spa” is a popular place to swim during the summer months. However, the cooler weather doesn’t stop it from displaying its spectacular views as waves crash over the rocks and into the rock pools.

Quinninup Falls: Just a short detour from the Cape-to-Cape Track is Quinninup Falls. Water only flows here a couple of weeks out of the year, so if you are visiting the Margaret River Region during winter it is worth a visit.

Boranup Karri Forest: The Boranup Forest is full of magnificent karri trees, a unique change of scenery for this region. With lush greenery in contrast to the striking red dirt, it is a beautiful place to visit. There are plenty of easy walk trails to follow through the forest, making it a great place to explore with kids.

Look for Whales (Only in Winter)

Whale watching is a popular activity to do in Margaret River during the winter months. From June until early December, whales from the Antartic migrate through the region, a sight that can be seen from shore. Your kids will love trying to find splashes out in the ocean to see if there are any whales in the area!

You can also book a locally run Whale Watching Charter. This is a great option to see the gigantic whales up close while you cruise.

Go Wine, Gin & Liquor Tasting

The Margaret River Region is famous for its quality wines. Pass the wintery days visiting the wineries by a self-guided tour or booking in with a local wine tour company. Most cellar doors offer free tastings, so be sure to have a designated driver!

Besides wine, you can also find places to sample local gin, whiskey and liquor. Visit the Margaret River Distilling Company, where you can taste award-winning whiskey and gin. At The Grove Distillery, you can sample a range of liquors that they mix into mini cocktails for you to try!

Just note: tastings at these companies do come at a small cost.

Sample Margaret River Produce

While you are driving around to various wineries, be sure to sample some of the local produce along the way. What better way to warm up your body from the winter cold, than with some delicious comfort food such as chocolate and cheese? Here are some of the best places to discover local produce:

• Margaret River Chocolate Factory: If you are travelling with kids, they will love The Margaret River Chocolate Factory. They have FREE chocolate tastings, as well as a viewing window where you can watch the product be made.
• Margaret River Farmers Market: The Farmers Market is held at the Margaret River Education Campus every Saturday from 7:30am – 11:30am. The stalls are operated by the locals who produce and sell everything from fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, wine, honey, nougat and jams.
• Providore: This company sells an array of products, including jams, preserves, olive oils, dressings and desserts. It is a great place to taste test some local produce.
• The Margaret River Dairy Company: Enjoy free tastings of award-winning cheeses and yoghurts!
• Vasse Virgin: An olive oil company, that produces a variety of flavor infused olive oils. They also have a Soap Factory, that develops natural and organic body products using the finest extra virgin olive oil.
• Simmo’s Ice Creamery: Made from locally sourced full-cream milk, Simmo’s is a great place to sample local produce with the whole family.

Explore the Surrounding Towns

Winter is a great time to explore the towns of The Margaret River Region. During this time of year the crowds are much smaller than during the summer months. Your family can stop over at most of these town while driving to other attractions in Margaret River.

Crowds are smaller during winter in the towns of The Margaret River Region.

Here are the top things to do in each town around Margaret River:

• Margaret River: The rural town of Margaret River has some of the best boutique shops in the region. Browse the shops as you walk through the one street town centre. Be sure to stop for a coffee at the eclectic Margaret River Bakery.
• Busselton: Famous for its iconic 1.8km long Busselton Jetty, the waterfront is a great place to eat fish and chips. Let the kids play on the ship-themed playground or enjoy a family walk on the jetty.
• Dunsborough: Dunsborough is a great place to do some shopping, with plenty of boutique clothing and homewares stores to browse. Make sure you stop for a sausage roll at one of the local bakeries.
• Augusta: A popular place for fishing, it is a great town for a family holiday. You can also visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse or grab a bite to eat at the local bakery.
• Cowaramup: Often referred to as “cow town,” be sure to count how many life size fiberglass cows are scattered around town. Visit the Candy Cow and try some of their delicious fudge and other treats!
• Yallingup: Yallingup is a small coastal town, with a beautiful beach that is popular for surfing. It is a great place for a beach walk or let the kids play at the creative nature playground.
• Gracetown: A popular little surf town, it is a great place to watch the waves roll in. It is also one of the few towns along the Cape-to-Cape Track, so there are plenty of walking trails nearby.

Read More: Australia’s South West 2-Week Road Trip Itinerary

Go Caving

The Margaret River region is home to many cave systems. You can even book a tour and go on an adventure through them! Caving is great for both adults and children alike. Some caves even allow you to take your baby, though you may just want to put them in a carrier for the experience.

We’ve found that the best caves for families in the Margaret River region are:

• Mammoth Cave, Boranup
• Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup
• Jewel Cave, Augusta

Caving is a great winter activity for families visiting the Margaret River region. They’re a great way to escape the rain but still provide the opportunity to explore some of the local sights.

Overall

Whether you are travelling with kids or on a romantic getaway, The Margaret River Region is a great place to relax. Cosy up by the fire with a nice cup of coffee or brave the chance of rain with your family. The cooler weather offers smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere for you to enjoy. This makes it a great destination for an Australian winter getaway!

Looking for more things to do in Western Australia? Read our guide to the Best Free Things to Do in Australia’s South West!