LOCAL GUIDE
A local guide to the town of Margaret River
For all that the region is known for its wineries, the town of Margaret River is a lovely place in its own right. It sits among forest, river and trails, with surf and coast a short drive away, and it has kept a relaxed, local character that makes it an easy and rewarding place to base yourself.
THE MAIN STREET
An independent, walkable town
The main street is full of independent coffee shops and local businesses, with hardly a chain store in sight, which is a large part of why the town still feels genuinely local. It is an easy place to wander, browse and sit with a coffee. There are several parks dotted through the town and plenty of birdlife, and at the bottom end of town you will find the Margaret River Brewhouse. It is a town built for an unhurried pace.
EVERY SATURDAY
The farmers market
Every Saturday morning the farmers market fills the TAFE gardens with local produce, meat, vegetables, bread, cakes, coffee and just about everything in between. It is the best window into the region's food and growers, and a genuine community gathering as much as a market. If you are in town on a Saturday, it is worth getting there early.
ON THE DOORSTEP
Trails, forest and surf
Margaret River is a recognised mountain biking destination, with the Wooditjup trail networks just north of town offering tens of kilometres of single track for every level, free to ride and only minutes from the centre. The town hosts the Cape to Cape, one of the southern hemisphere's largest mountain bike events. Beyond the bike, the forest, the river and the walking trails are all close at hand, and the surf and coast are a short drive away.
FOOD AND DRINK
Eating in town
The town eats well. Miki's Open Kitchen is a favourite for a special dinner, Settlers Tavern is the classic main street pub with a long history and regular live music, and the Margaret River Brewhouse at the bottom of town is good for a relaxed meal and a beer. Around them sit the independent cafes that give the main street its character.
WHERE TO STAY
Staying in town
There is a real advantage to staying in the town itself, you can walk in for dinner and a drink in the evening rather than drive. Rosewood Guesthouse and the In Town apartments are both well placed for exactly that, an easy stroll from the restaurants, the pubs and the main street. There is a wide range of other accommodation in and around the town to suit most stays.
Exploring the region from Margaret River
Staying in town puts you in the middle of the wine region. If you would like to explore it without driving yourself, this is where most of our private wine tours begin.
More local planning guides
Where to go next
Augusta guide
For guests interested in visiting or staying in the southern area of the region.
Dunsborough guide
For guests looking for a relaxed bay and town base with practical access to the northern coast.
Yallingup guide
For guests staying in or visiting the Yallingup region.
Busselton guide
For guests arriving by cruise ship, airport or staying near the jetty and bay.