The Busselton to Margaret River Road Trip Hitlist
Nothing’s worse than getting back from a trip and realising that you didn’t check off the main attractions. Then come all the “Did you go there?” and “Did you see this?” questions, and you’re stuck answering “No” to all of them. To save you from having to plan another trip just to tick off the things you missed the first time, we’ve pulled together a master list of the spots, sights, eats and activities worth knowing about between Busselton and Margaret River.
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Busselton
Image: Deepavali Gaind
You may have already travelled a fair way to get here, but for the purposes of this road trip, we’re kicking things off in Busselton. The gateway to the Margaret River region is a thriving seaside town with lots going on, from its famous jetty and marine life to a heritage town centre, arts scene and foreshore lined with places to eat and drink.
Busselton Jetty
We already brought up the jetty, so let’s talk about it. Stretching 1.841 kilometres out towards the horizon, it’s the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. And yeah, you know it’s gotta be pretty long, but it’s one of those things you don’t really appreciate until you’re standing at the start thinking, “Jeez, that’s a fair way out.”
There are a few ways to tackle it. Walk the full length if the legs are willing, or take the solar-powered jetty train and save yourself the effort. Once you reach the end, you can head 8 metres below the surface to the underwater observatory, where huge windows let you spy on the marine life beneath the surface. If that’s not close and personal enough, dive or snorkel through the underwater sculpture park, a submerged gallery where art and marine life have well and truly moved in together.
Busselton Foreshore and Town Centre
This is one top-notch spot for a stroll. The beach runs long and sandy, lined with cafés, bars and restaurants. Also got adventurous playgrounds for the kids to go nuts over and a skatepark to ride circles around. The water is calm and clear, and the local dolphins swim past pretty frequently, so keep an eye out.
Head inland from the coast and you'll find the town centre. This is where you’ll want to go for shopping, eating and a decent stock of historic buildings. The Busselton Heritage Trail is a good way to go back in time and uncover the town’s history, and the Busselton Cultural Precinct covers the art and culture side.
For a feed or a drink, you’ve got heaps to choose from, like The Fire Station, housed in Busselton’s original 1936 fire station, or The Goose, right down by the jetty. Plus a few more even further afield. We actually have a whole blog on top spots to grab a drink with heaps more ideas for you to check out if you’re thirsty.
Check Out the Coast From a Different Angle
Busselton's a good launch point for getting out on the water or, for the even more ambitious, above it. Whale watching charters run during migration season (September to November), when more than 35,000 humpbacks and southern rights pass through Geographe Bay.
Or maybe you’d like to give your sightseeing a little more altitude. Take to the skies on a scenic flight and see the coastline from above. If a peaceful sightseeing flight sounds a little too civilised, climb into an open-cockpit Tiger Moth for a lively look at the South West, complete with barrel rolls and steep descents to really make you feel alive.
Tuart Forest
Tuart Forest National Park is the last natural tuart forest left anywhere in the world, and some of the trees in here have been standing for 300 to 400 years. There are trails to walk if you want to take it slow, or Forest Adventures if you'd rather get amongst high ropes and flying foxes. Come back after dark and you've got a decent chance of spotting the locals, like possums, kangaroos, owls and more.
Dunsborough & Yallingup
Image: Deepavali Gaind
From Busselton, head west and you’ll hit Dunsborough and Yallingup, where the scenery starts getting very South West, very quickly. While on opposite sides of the cape, these laidback beach towns are just 10 minutes apart, and they serve up beaches, surf, breweries, wineries, caves and bush.
Go for a Drip
We don’t want to start any arguments with the other beaches, but this section of the coast definitely has some of the best swim spots around. Start in Meelup Regional Park and beach-hop your way through some seriously pretty patches of coastline, with turquoise water and sheltered bays stretching from Castle Rock through to Eagle Bay. Meelup Beach is a good one for a swim, and don’t be surprised if you spot a roo hanging around nearby. Over at Point Piquet, keep an eye out for whales cruising past during migration season.
Cross over to the Yallingup side of the cape and things get a little wilder. Yallingup Beach gives you the best of both worlds. Much-loved surf breaks serving up serious swell and a sheltered lagoon that is a hotspot for families. There’s also the bright blue waters of Smiths Beach, secluded rock pools of Indijup Natural Spa and The Aquarium, and the surf breaks and rugged terrain of Injidup Beach.
See More of the Coast
There’s more than one way to get amongst the coastline. During the warmer months, jump on a guided jetski tour and zip around Dunsborough’s bays. Or turn up the lux on a small-group sailing charter to cruise along the coast in style.
You can explore plenty of this coastline on foot too, and spring is a particularly good time to do it, when the wildflowers are out and migrating whales are making their way past. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is the starting point for several great walks. Follow the Cape to Cape Track towards Sugarloaf Rock, take the Whale Trail around the tip of the cape or take the Shelley Cove Loop for views over Bunker Bay. Starting from Smiths Point, you can follow the coast towards Canal Rocks, or keep going to Injidup Natural Spa.
See What’s Inside Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Cave has been drawing visitors underground for more than a century, making it one of Western Australia’s oldest tourist attractions. Start with the Ancient Lands Experience before exploring the cave itself, where stalactites, stalagmites and other formations have taken shape over thousands of years. The Amphitheatre is a standout, with a huge chamber covered in mineral formations and some impressive acoustics. For a deeper connection to the land, Koomal Dreaming runs cultural tours that start above ground with a bushwalk and Wadandi stories, then head into the cave for a truly special didgeridoo performance.
Check Out the Local Art Scene
There’s a creative streak running through this part of the South West, and you don’t have to look too hard to find it. Yallingup Galleries showcases a mix of Australian art and sculpture, while The Studio Gallery features work from local artists. Then there’s Happs Pottery, where you can admire the finished pieces or have a go at making something yourself.
Wander Through Dunsborough
Once you’ve got your dose of the coast, head into downtown Dunsborough to browse the boutiques, surf shops, jewellery stores and local businesses. There’s no shortage of cafes around town, and they all make an incredible cuppa, so you really can’t go wrong here.
Go Adventure Seeking
Margaret River gets plenty of attention for adventure sports, but Dunsborough is getting amongst it too. Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park has more than 20 kilometres of purpose-built trails, with everything from flowing single-track to more technical terrain. If two wheels aren’t your thing, Next Level Monkey Business has ropes courses and zip-lines to get you up in the trees. Right next door, Country Life Farm lets families hand-feed the farm animals, tackle the huge indoor playground, jump on the dodgems or take a little boat cruise.
Stop for Something Sweet
No South West road trip is complete without an ice cream stop, and Simmo’s has been doing the job for more than 25 years. There are around 60 flavours to choose from, so obviously this is not a decision to be rushed. Once you’ve picked your flavour, there’s an 18-hole mini golf course, adventure playground and plenty of grass to sprawl out on while you work your way through it. Less cold but just as delicious is a visit to Yallingup Chocolate where you can find traditionally crafted chocolates that are almost too pretty to eat.
Cowaramup, Wilyabrup & Gracetown
Image: Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co
You're nearly at Margaret River, but hold that thought. Cowaramup, Wilyabrup and Gracetown are the last stop before town, and this stretch of the road is packed with the things that make a South West road trip what it is. Rolling farmland, vineyards, breweries, local produce and, of course, some incredible surf.
Make Time for Beer & Wine
Wilyabrup is the heart of the beer and wine action, with breweries and wineries scattered along the picturesque Caves Road. Drinking your way through it is kind of a big part of the Margaret River experience, so it’s worth including on any decent itinerary. For the beer side of things, make a stop at Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. This brewpub has been part of the region for years, with locally brewed beers, a big lawn overlooking the wine country and some good grub too.
Cowaramup Town
You'll know you're in the right place when the cows start showing up. They're everywhere, in statue form, lining the main streets of Cowaramup (or Cow Town, if you want to sound like a local or just really can’t get your tongue around “Cowaramup”). Beyond the bovine population is a charming country village surrounded by farmland, and lots of local shops and cafes to stop for a wander.
Sample the Local Produce
While you’re in town, get a taste for the area. Cowaramup and the surrounding parts are packed with local producers making chocolate, cheese, sweets and plenty of other goodies, along with cafes and bakeries for something a little more substantial.
Hit Up Gracetown Beach
Gracetown is a small coastal town with a big reputation. It’s one of the region’s iconic surf spots, with a break for everyone. Cruisy longboarding waves, challenging breaks and more remote spots that require a 4WD to reach. If you're more of a look-at-the-waves-from-the-sand type, the shallows run crystal clear and are perfect for a swim.
Margaret River
Image: Dylan Alcock / MRBTA
You made it! Welcome to Margaret River, home to world-class surf, famous wine country, ancient caves, breweries, beaches and plenty of spots to stop by. The town makes a good base for exploring the surrounding vineyards, country towns, coastal spots and bushland, with plenty of food, beer and wine along the way.
Go Brewery & Winery Hopping
As we already mentioned, beer and wine is a big deal in these parts. If you’re keen to hit a few cellar doors and breweries, save your party the awkward deso-driver conversation and leave the driving to someone else. Local tour companies have it down to an art, sorting pickups, drop-offs, hitting all the right spots and keeping it fun along the way. If you need some recs, we’ve got you. We have a list of some of the best beer and wine tour operators to point you in the right direction.
See the Famous Coast
We know, we know. We’ve been banging on about the coast for this entire road trip. But the Margaret River region is known for this stuff, what did you expect? It’s about 15 minutes from town to Surfers Point, home of the Margaret River Pro and one of the best spots around to watch the swell roll in. Just down the road, the Margaret River Mouth is where the river meets the ocean, giving you a mix of surf and calmer water in the one spot. The ocean side gets plenty of waves and is popular for surf lessons, while the river is much more relaxed. You can even head out on the river itself with a guided paddle tour.
And that’s just the start. Gnarabup Beach has calm, protected water for swimming, while Grunters and Gas Bay are where you’ll find some of the region’s more challenging surf. For something a little more off the beaten track, head south to Redgate Beach, a popular spot for surfing, fishing and taking a dip.
Head Underground
There’s a whole other world underneath the Margaret River region. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge is home to more than 100 limestone caves, with a handful open for visitors to explore. You can take a guided tour through some, or explore others at your own pace. Lake Cave sits beneath a sunken forest, with the cave opening up around an underground lake. Mammoth Cave is home to fossil remains of ancient Australian megafauna, while Calcarup Cave can be explored by torchlight on a self-guided tour. Giants Cave takes you 87 metres below the surface, with ladders and narrow passages to navigate along the way. There are also opportunities to learn more about the cultural connection to Country, including guided experiences around Mammoth Cave that share Wadandi stories and traditional practices.
Get Your Adrenaline Fix
There’s plenty of ways to get out and explore the region beyond the usual sightseeing. Jump on a deadly treadly and hit the bike trails, get out in the surf for a lesson or saddle up for a horse ride through the forest, bush or along the beach. If you’re after a bit more horsepower, take a quad bike tour through Boranup Forest. The eco-friendly bikes are virtually silent, with no heat, noise or emissions, so you can explore the forest without disturbing the surrounds.
Shop Til You Drop
Margaret River town is nice and easy to explore on foot, with surf shops, galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants packed into the centre, making it a decent place to pick up something local. If you’re around on a Saturday morning, swing by the Margaret River Farmers Market for fresh local produce and other goodies from regional producers. From November to April, the Town Square Markets bring together local art, handmade goods, jewellery and crafts you’ll have to somehow get back home. If you’ve still got some more shopping in you, take the short drive to Witchcliffe, a small historic town with its fair share of quirky cafes, antique stores and small boutiques.
Still Keen for More?
If you’ve made it this far and still haven’t had your fill of the South West, we’ve got plenty more to throw at you. Dive deeper into each area with our guides to the beaches, breweries, wineries, food, day trips and other stuff you should know about: Margaret River Guide.
Main Image: Zac White
