Magic of: Margaret River ~

⟡Cover image taken at Cape Leeuwin on the first of many trips

📍Places to Stay

In WA's gorgeous south, there are beautifully hosted accomodations. 

For that luxury-feel and utterly romantic and relaxing ambience, Margaret River boasts enchanting stays - some may be premium priced, however if you know where to look, a lot of them come without the hefty price tag! 

A little bit of love 💛

Grape Juice Retreat

@kimberlywan

A charming stay with a gorgeously designed space. ✨ It boasts an absolutely stunning interior with lots of natural light, complete with a gorgeous outdoor bath to soak under the stars. 🛁 Being spotlessly clean with great facilities such as a huge shower and cosy nooks, this is the place for a relaxing and romantic getaway. It is perfectly located close to town, however far enough that you will still find yourself encapsulated in the heart of nature. 🌿 Easily accessible to all things Margaret River in a magical space - this beautiful stay is the one to secure!

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Chambré Estate

@kimberlywan

An elegantly designed and charmingly constructed stay - this is perfect to sink into the true holiday-feel with a touch of luxury. ✨ Connect with nature on this serene property, positioned in a secluded location but only a short distance from the town. It is a beautiful estate being close to dozens of wineries and scenic views, complete with a peaceful atmosphere to mellow out. 🍷 Sink into the luxurious comfort of the bed with gorgeous views all around - and at such an affordable price, it is the perfect stay.

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Cosy Corners ✨

Margaret River Retreat

@kimberlywan

A captivatingly tranquil space to relax into the serene atmosphere of the countryside. It is an easy drive into town, and also offers great access to Hamelin Bay and Augusta. Delve and discover more amazing views along Caves Road. Check out what these places have to offer under 'Adventures'! 🌊🐋 Enjoy the company of passing kangaroos, as the space is located between two nature parks. 🦘 If you’re lucky, on a cloudless night you may behold the Milky Way. Complete with an amazing view, sink into the swinging chair outside for a nice touch. 🌌 A beautifully decorated and a clean space, enjoy a fantastic morning coffee before beginning your adventures without worry.

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Rosewood - Short Stay Accommodation

@kimberlywan

A homely accomodation which feels like a warm hug. The gorgeous grounds gives a cottage-like feel, complete with a generous breakfast. This stay will make you feel nothing short of comfortable🪻 Gracious hosts offer beautiful breakfast options that change on the daily, and receives glowing reviews! From fresh waffles, buffet continental breakfasts, or choose from a hot breakfast menu. 🥞☕️ The location could not be any more perfect, positioned right in the heart of town a short drive away from key areas in town. Relax on the veranda with a glass of wine surrounded by candles and flowers. If you so wish, order a cheese platter! 🌸 Does it get any better that this?

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Chalet for the Posse 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

Chalet on Percheron

@kimberlywan

A mesmerising three bedroom chalet able to host up to 6 guests, for those who are travelling in larger groups 🛋️ It is in a superb location an extremely short drive into town, but in a cosy space where you can fully immerse yourself in the true nature of a relaxing holiday. With the big property, you may catch a glimpse of visiting animals such as kangaroos hopping about and chirping birds! 🦜 There are walking trails leading you directly to the beach or into town. Or if you wish, take your bikes along the bike trails! 🏖️ With a beautiful well-being studio on the property offering a range of services with your host - these include yoga, meditation and mindfulness nature walks and more. To top it off, they offer boho-styled picnic packages complete with games and a gourmet grazing board. 🧺 Relax in the large and spacious living areas or lounge around on the comfortable beds. Sit outside and enjoy the weather and stunning views from the veranda, or watch the stars amongst a velvet sky as they shine at night. An expansive property with ample room, you can guarantee your stay won't just be comfortable, but truly refreshing and one to return to.

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Fall in love with Margaret River by first falling into these mesmerising abodes 🏡 

🥐 Restaurants & Bakeries

1. On the drive

The Crooked Carrot 🥕

The Crooked Carrot

@kimberlywan

If you’re making the drive down from Perth, you will drive pass a quirky cafe’ on the side of the road known as The Crooked Carrot. 🥕 Be sure to be on the lookout - you won't miss it! But you will need to keep an eye on where to turn in. This is a perfect stop for a break in the drive to grab some breakfast if you started the journey early, or a lovely lunch stop with refreshing beverages on your way down. Rejuvenate in the outdoor seating if the weather permits and gander at the unique vintage collection of trams and cars on display. 🚃

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Bunbury Farmers Market 🍎

Bunbury Farmers Market

@kimberlywan

Driving down you will come across the beloved Bunbury’s Farmers Market. This is always worth a stop every time I’ve travelled anywhere along the south coast, and will always be one of my favourite stops. Awe at the large array of the juiciest fruits and generous selection of fresh meats. 🥩 I love to snag a piece of prime steak on my way to cook a dinner on a night we don’t feel like eating out, or to bring back home after my trip. The gorgeous selection of rich cheese is irresistible and the delectable desserts on display as you walk to the cashier will always catch your eye. Psst! The vanilla slice is a fan favourite. 🧀 It’s a well-organised space full of market fresh produce. Grab a beautifully packaged yoghurt dessert in a mason-jar for a gift or a treat for yourself. I’m in love! 💛

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11. Breakfast and Coffee

Margaret River Bakery 🍞

Margaret River Bakery

@kimberlywan

The Margaret River Bakery is a must-do when you're in town. Serving fresh bread, pastries and delicious food to start your day right, it is rated as one of the best in this region. 🥐 The bakery showcases a gorgeous interior, making the place feel nothing short of homely. 🪴 Remember to stop by to pick up a fresh loaf on your way home! Parking is may be scarce in front of the bakery at peak times of the morning or on weekends, but there is accessible parking across the street or nearby. 

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Wyl and Co. ☕️

Wyl and Co Cafe in Margaret River

@kimberlywan

Simple but delicate, small but welcoming. A beautifully inviting cafe warming you from the inside-out. Wyl and Co is the perfect place for your morning before you set out to your adventures. 🫖 Grab a latte or a hot chocolate paired with their savoury or sweet breakfast options. I love stopping by here on a beautiful misty morning for breakfast and a hot chocolate before I set off. 🌥️ Open early morning to afternoon everyday, you can count on Wyl and Co before you go! 🫕

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111. Restaurant feeds

La Scarpetta Traittoria 🍝

La Scarpetta Trattoria

@kimberlywan

My personal favourite in the Margaret River region! La Scarpetta Traittoria boasts a menu of delectable home-made Italian pastas and desserts in a exquisite dining space, harmoniously providing a beautiful ambiance✨ Order an antipasti to share with the table and make a selection of their fresh, home-made pasta before indulging in a delicate dessert. 🍝 I’m in love with the Linguine all’arrabbiata + stracciatella and the Casarecce alla Genovese. But regardless of anything that you select, you can feel each dish is made with the love and care that is in your grandmother’s home. 👵 Make sure you book a table before you go. They’re a popular destination - and for good reason!

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Pizzaca Italian Restaurant 🍕

PIZZICA ITALIAN RESTAURANT, Pizzeria & Charcoal Grill Cuisine

@kimberlywan

Just located below La Scarpetta Traittoria lies home to the warm wonder that is Pizzaca - another Italian favourite. 🍕 I shared an absolutely amazing dish of antipasti and indulged with the amazing pizzas served. If you don’t fancy a pizza, take a stab at their tender meats on the charcoal grill. 🍖 I finished the night with a beautiful Affogato at 9pm with no regrets! Pizzaca takes a number of walk-ins as well. If you come before the dinner rush or as a pair, it won’t be difficult to snag a table. 👫 If you are prepared for a small wait during busier times, you will thank yourselves when you taste the dishes.

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Vasse Felix Winery🍷

Vasse Felix

@kimberlywan

Vasse Felix winery is the home to the first vines ever planted in Margaret River and continues its legacy to this day. 🍇 Dine in their beautiful establishment with a taste of modern dining, paired with a range of wines. Their dishes are one that have many people coming back for more. Taste the dishes with their assortment of wines. Be it oaky, full-bodied, smooth or dry - Vasse Felix offers everything including private wine tours and tastings that won’t break the bank. 🍲 Flick to ‘Adventures’ below for an insight on the enchanting history about the very first vines of Margaret River. ✨

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Swings & Roundabouts 🥘

Swings & Roundabouts Margaret River

@kimberlywan

Come in swinging! Swings & Roundabouts has a location in Yallingup and one in Margaret River, so be sure to plug into your maps the correct one. The Margaret River location is less than a minute walking distance from Margaret River Bakery! 🪵 Waltz into the rustic decor and get swept up in the delicious smells. Walk-ins are welcome so bookings are not necessary. However, during the busy periods for dinner prepare for a small wait if you don’t have a reservation.  Have a look at their extensive menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options at their door or online. 🥗 Try the fragrant pizzas (offering a gluten-free base if required) or the delectable roast potatoes with rosemary salt. Or if you’d fancy their larger plates serving perfectly cooked venison or pork chops. 🥩 It isn't one to be missed!

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Beerfarm 🍻

Beerfarm

@kimberlywan

As the Aussies like to say - Get on the beers! 🍻 In between Busselton and Margaret River, make sure you plan a stop at this incredible establishment. Situated on 160 acres of countryside, the farmland is the very heart of this independently owned brewery. Not to mention they serve mouth-watering dishes - crispy fried lamb ribs, a classic Angus burger and even red chicken curry. Relish in the perfectly cooked, tenderness of the meats. 🍖 If this isn’t your style, they offer vegetarian and many gluten-free options that are just as enticing! 🥗 And of course - the beers. Offering a large range of Beerfarm beers, try some of their unique flavours and if you like it, buy a pack home! 🍺 The specific one that I tried was the Beerfarm Milk Stout - a beer made with chocolate and coffee flavours! Sound interesting? Hesitant perhaps. But hell, I even know of someone who bought a whole carton back home! If thats a little too adventurous, sip on their amazing ciders or the safer options. They do offer your classic brands and standards beers and ciders. You’re spoilt for choice. If you want to try an array, order from their choices of beer paddles to try a variety from light to dark. Could a brewery get any better? Yes it can. Book a tour of the brewery if you’re interested in their rich history! If you don’t have the time, buy a t-shirt. 👕 I recommend stopping for lunch if you’re on your way back towards Perth, as a great final stop on your drive back up after an amazing trip. Alternatively, you could make a stop on your way down. Sitting halfway up to Busselton, you may also fit it in your schedule if you’re heading there for a day trip. Make it a point to go!

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🐚 Adventuring

List ~

1. Underground Caves 🪨

Caves

www.margaretriver.com

A little more story ...

There are four stunning underground caves to explore in this region. Namely, Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Ngilgi Cave. 

Some of these caves allow you to take yourselves on the journey with self-guided tours. Where others offer fully guided tours to explore and learn about the fascinating stalactites. 

Mammoth Cave and Ngilgi Cave are fully self-guided tours. Jewel Cave and Lake Cave are ones where you will follow experienced guides. 

Each cave is unique in its own way with individual characteristics. However, Jewel Cave in Augusta is the biggest one, and my personal favourite. Book the guided tour to see the three chambers of the cave with a gorgeous light display. ⟡

⟡Image taken at my second trip to Mammoth Cave

Don't forget to book your tickets before you go for a small fee. There are passes for the individual caves, or bundle deals if you'd like to visit all or multiple caves on your trip! 

2. Margaret River Chocolate Factory 🍫

The Margaret River Chocolate Company

@kimberlywan

A trip to the chocolate factory is simply a must-do! Take an afternoon stroll through the picturesque landscape and enter the world of smooth running chocolates of all kinds. 🍫 Grab samples of dark, white or milk chocolates as soon as you enter chocolate heaven (or even all three!) and take a gander of their impressive range of products - from delicate pralines in the display window to carefully crafted gifts or even quirky merchandise. 💝 If that isn’t your style, you may simply sit and enjoy the smell in the air as you sip on a beverage at their cafe or take a walk within the property. 🌳

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3. Wineries & Wine Tastings 🍷🍇

Vasse Felix

@kimberlywan

Vasse Felix winery is the home to the first vines ever planted in Margaret River and continues its legacy to this day. 🍇 Dine in their beautiful establishment with a taste of modern dining, paired with a range of wines. Their dishes are one that have many people coming back for more. Taste the dishes with their assortment of wines. Be it oaky, full-bodied, smooth or dry - Vasse Felix offers everything including private wine tours and tastings that won’t break the bank. 🍲 Flick to ‘Adventures’ below for an insight on the enchanting history about the very first vines of Margaret River. ✨

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Vasse Felix is all but one of the countless amazing wineries in the Margaret River region. Follow the link below to delve a little deeper into the exquisite elegance of the vines. 

Wineries in the Margaret River Region

www.margaretriver.com

4. Cape Leeuwin ☀️

Cape Leeuwin

@kimberlywan

Go on a drive from Margaret River to visit the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse approximately 40 minutes away. Take in the stunning scenery surrounding you at the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, situated at the most south-westerly point where the Southern and Indian Oceans kiss. 🌊 Climb the lighthouse to the top if you can handle the heights but remember to bring a jacket! The winds can get pretty strong especially towards the top. 🍃 There are fully guided tours lasting around 30 minutes and costing $21 AUD at the time of writing. While you are here, stop by the Interpretive Centre which houses one of the original lighthouse keepers' cottages for a unique experience to learn about a little history. 🛖 Stop by and order a coffee or some lunch at the cafe situated on the grounds - note they are closed on Thursdays. As a side note: If you don’t fancy taking a boat trip out to see the whales during whale-watching season, just at this vantage point safely on land, you may be able to catch sight of these gorgeous creatures during May through to September. 🐋

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Leeuwin Estate

@kimberlywan

While you are here to see the stunning views at Cape Leeuwin, hop over to the stunning vineyards of Leeuwin Estate for a wonderful wine and food experience and a tour of their amazing plantations. 🍷 Family-owned and winning international accolades, this estate boasts an award-winning restaurant, an array of food and wine experiences and an amazing art gallery! 🖼️ Providing a series of Wine + Art experiences, explore their website link below to see which one intrigues you most. Something amazing that they offer? Guests can visit the estate for a special occasion meal via a one hour scenic flight from Perth to the Estate from a charted plane or helicopter ride, where you can marvel at the scene of the Estate and Margaret River from thousands of feet above. 🛫

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5. Whale watching 🐋

Whale Watching In Augusta | Whale Watch Western Australia

whalewatchwesternaustralia.com

A little more story ...

If you are keen on hopping on a boat to get up close with the whales, pick the right time to go and book a trip with a 100% guaranteed sighting!* 

Best times would be the towards the tail end of May to August. 🐳

There are multiple different whale watching tours you can select with varying prices and what they include. The link above is but one option, but have valued reviews and I myself have booked with them! 🛳️

Please keep in mind that it is also a weather dependent activity, and do have the possibility of the tour rescheduling on the day if the weather does not permit the boat tour.

An alternative is to hop over to Cape Leeuwin for one of the best vantage points on land to hopefully catch a glimpse of the magical migration. 🌤️

*There are tours that offer 100% guaranteed sighting, meaning your ticket is valid for continuous tours at another time if the day you booked did not result in any whale sightings. 

6. Cowaramup 🐮

Cowaramup

@kimberlywan

An eccentric little town worth a visit for any inquisitive individual. Perfect for an afternoon trip or a family fun-day to explore the quirks of this town. 🐮 You will drive through Cowaramup on your way down to Margaret River - but be sure to circle back to it if you don't plan to stop until you reach your destination. As the name suggests, Cowaramup took the ‘Cow’ in the name and ran with it as the town theme. However, history suggests that it was named by the Wardandi people translating to 'Place of Cowara', a purple lorikeet that was once an inhabitant of the area. Before you even enter you will be greeted with a decorated cow statue, and as you go further you will spot all sorts of colourful and brightly painted statues of the dairy queen. Even their pharmacy is painted the classic black and white pattern of a dairy cow! 🥛 This place is full of hidden treasures with wonderful bakeries, cute cafes and gourmet foods and of course, quirky gifts to take back as a souvenir. Be sure to stop by the infamous candy story or pick up some chocolates on the way. 🍬 Just strolling down the street of ‘Cowtown’ as the locals say, and exploring the quaint shops and what they have to offer is the best way to immerse yourself in the vibe and humour it offers. Grab some ice-cream and enjoy the park, and be sure not to miss the golden statue high up in the air! It is also home to the lovely Howard Park & MadFish Wines. 

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7. Hamelin Bay 🏖️

Hamelin Bay

@kimberlywan

Take a drive to the mesmerising Hamelin Bay! ☀️ Walk across the white sands and glittering waters, or traipse past the coastal cliffs. If you’re here in the heat of summer, grab your snorkels 🤿 and explore the shipwreck nearby and swim with the marine life for an absolutely incredible experience 🐠🪸 You will also be able to get up and close with the stingrays that love to loiter in the shallow shores! If you're still, they might just swim over your feet to check you out. Take pictures and enjoy, but be respectful of these incredibly friendly and curious creatures. An absolute must-do! 

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☀️ Day trips

Visiting Busselton and Dunsborough in one day or two if you have the time, for an unforgettable and enjoyable experience is something I highly recommend! Especially in the gorgeous heat of summer, hop in the glittering waters to experience these sensational snorkelling locations. 

1. Busselton 🍦

Busselton

@kimberlywan

You will reach the beautiful city of Busselton as you make your way along the coast to the Margaret River region. Busselton and Dunsborough could have its own mini-guide, however it makes an great day trip if you want to incorporate it into a bigger plan. Roughly 40 minutes from Margaret River, you may stop on your way down or make the drive back up for a day trip full of things to see and do. 🌤️ Walk along the famous Busselton Jetty - the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere! Or you may fancy yourself a ride on the tram along the jetty instead. This is one of the major reasons for visiting Busselton. If the weather allows, take a dive and a swim! Snorkel under the jetty to transport yourself into a magical underwater world teeming with marine life.  🐠🪸

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2. Dunsborough 🌊

Dunsborough

@kimberlywan

Half an hour away from Busselton, take a detour trip to Dunsborough! Where the waters glitter as the sun hits the waves. Visit the most beautiful Meelup Beach and bask in the sunlight. ☀️ If you’re there in the winter or don’t fancy a swim, take a trip to Cape Naturaliste to see Sugarloaf Rock and overlook the Indian Ocean for a sight of wonder. On your trip to the wonderful south of WA, you may visit both Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste. Cape Naturaliste is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Climb up the steps of the lighthouse to the highest point and marvel at the horizon. 🌊 Scroll up to 'Adventuring' 4. Cape Leeuwin for an overview! Also, an unmissable ice cream stop is Simmo’s Ice Creamery. A local favourite and a short drive from Busselton as well. Boasting award-winning flavours of 60 choices, this isn’t one to skip! 🍨

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Insights ~

One of the best ways to truly explore the town-life of Margaret River is simply to walk along the streets and gander at the local shops. 

Stop by any of the welcoming cafes you happen to stumble across and experience the allure in your authentic travels. 

Drop down to the Margaret River bookshop or enter the gorgeous flagship store of the sustainable stationery shop named The Little Press and discover the magic in its originality. 

And finally, ENJOY ✨