Things to Do in Margaret River: Adventures, Activities and Unforgettable Experiences
Beyond its world-famous wines and pristine beaches, Margaret River offers an extraordinary range of activities and experiences that cater to every interest and energy level. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful nature encounters, cultural explorations to sporting pursuits, the region provides endless opportunities to create lasting memories.
Whale Watching: Nature's Greatest Show
Whale watching ranks among Margaret River's most spectacular seasonal experiences. From June through December, the coast becomes a grandstand for one of nature's great migrations as humpback and southern right whales travel between Antarctic feeding grounds and northern breeding waters.
Land-based whale watching offers excellent opportunities, with elevated lookouts at Gnarabup Beach, Cape Naturaliste, and Cape Leeuwin providing panoramic views of whales breaching, spy-hopping, and nursing calves in the sheltered bays. Boat tours offer closer encounters, with experienced operators positioning vessels at respectful distances that allow whales to approach out of curiosity—encounters that remain etched in memory long after returning to shore.
The southern right whales that visit the region are particularly special, having been hunted to near extinction before receiving protection. Watching these magnificent creatures—some bearing scars from encounters with orcas or entanglement in fishing gear—provides both joy and a sobering reminder of humanity's impact on ocean ecosystems.
The Cape to Cape Track: Australia's Premier Coastal Walk
The Cape to Cape Track stretches 135 kilometers from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in the north to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south, traversing some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery. This world-class walking trail has earned a place among Australia's Great Walks, attracting hikers from around the globe.
The full track requires 5-7 days to complete, with walkers camping at designated sites or using commercial accommodation in towns along the route. However, the track's many access points allow day visitors to experience its highlights through shorter walks. Popular sections include the dramatic sea cliffs near Sugarloaf Rock, the ancient karri forests of Boranup, and the wild beaches between Gracetown and Prevelly.
Each section of the track offers different experiences—wildflower-carpeted heathlands in spring, shaded forest walks in summer heat, dramatic wave-watching during winter storms. The track passes caves, beaches, and lookouts that reward walkers with ever-changing perspectives on this remarkable coastline.
Mountain Biking: World-Class Trails
Mountain biking has exploded in popularity around Margaret River, with purpose-built trails now ranking among Australia's best. The region's varied terrain—from coastal limestone to inland forests—provides diverse riding experiences for all skill levels.
The Margaret River Trail Town network includes over 100 kilometers of purpose-built singletrack, with trails graded from gentle beginner loops to expert-only descents that challenge the most skilled riders. The karri forests provide a spectacular backdrop, with trails winding between towering trees and through ferny undergrowth. Rental bikes and guided tours make the sport accessible to visitors without their own equipment.
Water Sports and Ocean Adventures
Sea kayaking tours explore the coastline from a unique perspective, accessing hidden coves, sea caves, and beaches unreachable by land. Guides share knowledge of marine life, geology, and Indigenous history while paddlers navigate crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, and occasionally encounter dolphins, seals, and whales.
Stand-up paddleboarding has found a natural home in Margaret River's calm bays, with Meelup Beach and Bunker Bay offering ideal conditions for beginners. More adventurous paddlers explore the coastline's countless inlets and channels, while SUP yoga sessions combine exercise with the meditative qualities of floating on calm waters.
Rock climbing on the dramatic Wilyabrup sea cliffs attracts climbers seeking multi-pitch routes with ocean views. The granite and limestone cliffs offer routes at various grades, with experienced guides providing instruction and equipment for newcomers. Abseiling experiences allow non-climbers to experience the thrill of descending these spectacular cliffs.
Sky-High Thrills
Skydiving over Margaret River provides perhaps the ultimate perspective on the region's beauty. Tandem jumps allow first-timers to experience freefall with experienced instructors, while the canopy ride offers time to absorb views stretching from the karri forests to the Indian Ocean. The landing zone's proximity to wineries allows for celebratory tastings after touching down.
Cultural Experiences
Margaret River's art galleries showcase works that reflect the region's natural beauty and creative spirit. Commercial galleries exhibit established and emerging artists, while winery galleries like those at Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate feature significant collections that combine visual art with wine appreciation. Studios and workshops throughout the region allow visitors to meet artists and observe creative processes.
Aboriginal cultural experiences provide deeper connections to this ancient land. The Wadandi people have called this region home for over 50,000 years, developing profound understanding of its seasons, ecosystems, and spiritual significance. Cultural tours, cave visits with Indigenous interpretation, and art experiences share aspects of the world's oldest continuous culture.
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Birdwatching in Margaret River reveals over 200 species, from tiny fairy-wrens to majestic sea eagles. The region's diverse habitats—coastal heath, karri forest, wetlands, farmland—support different bird communities, rewarding those willing to explore varied environments. Several species occur only in south-western Australia, making the region a pilgrimage destination for serious birders.
Wildflower walks during spring (August-November) showcase one of Earth's most biodiverse floral regions. Over 8,000 species of flowering plants occur in south-western Australia, with spectacular displays along the coast, in the forests, and on the heath. The sheer variety challenges even experienced botanists, while casual visitors simply marvel at the colours and forms.
Leisure Pursuits
Golf courses take advantage of Margaret River's stunning landscapes, with several layouts offering challenging play amid natural beauty. Forest settings, ocean views, and carefully preserved native vegetation create courses unlike typical suburban layouts, while the Mediterranean climate allows year-round play.
Horse riding experiences range from gentle beach rides suitable for beginners to multi-day camping adventures through the forests. The rhythm of hoofbeats on sand or soft forest floor provides a connection to earlier eras when horses were the primary means of transport through this remote region.
Fishing opportunities abound, from surf casting on the beaches to rock fishing on the headlands and charter boat trips targeting larger species. The clean waters support healthy fish populations, while strict bag limits ensure sustainability for future generations.
Planning Your Activities
Margaret River's compact geography makes it easy to combine multiple activities in a single day—morning surf followed by winery lunch, afternoon cave tour, and sunset whale watching. Seasonal variations add planning considerations: whale watching requires winter or spring visits, wildflowers peak in September-October, and summer offers the warmest conditions for water sports.
Many activities require booking, particularly during peak periods, and some are weather-dependent. Flexibility allows for spontaneous discoveries—the unmarked trail that leads to a hidden beach, the farm gate sale discovered by chance, the wildlife encounter that unfolds unexpectedly. Balancing planned activities with unstructured exploration creates the most rewarding Margaret River experiences.
