Towns & Villages Overview
The Margaret River region is made up of several unique towns and villages, each with its own character and attractions. From the family-friendly beaches of Busselton and Dunsborough to the surfing haven of Yallingup and the dramatic landscapes of Augusta, there's a perfect base for every type of traveller.
Major Towns
| Town | Best For | Distance from Perth | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Busselton | Families, beaches, jetty | 220 km (2.5 hrs) | Busselton Jetty, foreshore, airport |
| Dunsborough | Beaches, whale watching | 254 km (3 hrs) | Meelup Beach, Cape Naturaliste |
| Yallingup | Surfing, caves, nature | 266 km (3 hrs) | Canal Rocks, Injidup Spa, Ngilgi Cave |
| Margaret River (Town) | Wine, dining, central base | 277 km (3 hrs) | Wineries, caves, farmers market |
| Cowaramup | Wine, food, quirky charm | 270 km (3 hrs) | Cow sculptures, wineries, breweries |
| Augusta | Lighthouse, whale watching | 320 km (3.5 hrs) | Cape Leeuwin, Jewel Cave, Hamelin Bay |
Town Guides
Busselton
The largest town in the region, Busselton is home to the famous 1.8km jetty and calm Geographe Bay beaches. Perfect for families seeking swimming, cycling, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Must-see: Busselton Jetty, underwater observatory, foreshore
Dunsborough
A beautiful coastal town with crystal-clear bay beaches and world-class whale watching. Gateway to the stunning beaches of Meelup Regional Park and Cape Naturaliste.
Must-see: Meelup Beach, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Yallingup
A surfing mecca and nature lover's paradise. Home to dramatic rock formations, ancient caves, and the stunning natural rock pools of Injidup Spa.
Must-see: Canal Rocks, Injidup Natural Spa, Ngilgi Cave
Cowaramup
The quirky "Cow Town" with its famous life-sized cow sculptures. Surrounded by premium wineries and excellent restaurants, it's the heart of the wine region.
Must-see: Cow sculptures, Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines
Augusta
The southernmost town in the region, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Home to the iconic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and excellent whale watching.
Must-see: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Jewel Cave
Smaller Villages
Beyond the main towns, several smaller villages offer quieter experiences:
- Prevelly: Surf village near Margaret River town, home to the iconic surf breaks
- Gracetown: Small surfing community with excellent waves
- Witchcliffe: Charming village known for its ecovillage and sustainability
- Karridale: Gateway to the southern caves and forests
- Quindalup: Quiet beach community between Dunsborough and Busselton
Which Town Should You Stay In?
| If You Want... | Stay In... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Calm beach swimming | Dunsborough or Busselton | Protected Geographe Bay waters |
| Surfing | Yallingup or Prevelly | World-class breaks nearby |
| Wine tasting | Cowaramup or Margaret River | Central to major wineries |
| Family holiday | Busselton | Best facilities, calm beaches |
| Nature & wildlife | Augusta | Whales, lighthouse, caves, forests |
| Romantic getaway | Yallingup | Luxury retreats, stunning scenery |