The Ultimate Guide to School Holidays in Margaret River
No parent wants to hear the words “I’m bored” every five minutes. Luckily, school holidays in Margaret River are pretty easy to fill. There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied, and thankfully, a fair few things that the grown-ups will enjoy too. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite spots and activities to get you through the holidays.
The Fun Stuff
Image: Scoops Farm
The Margaret River region is an absolute playground for kids, with plenty to keep curious little minds and busy little legs occupied.
Surf School
Margaret River is prime surf territory, but don't let that intimidate you. There are surf schools around the region offering lessons for different ages and abilities, with instructors able to match the conditions to your skill level. Join a group lesson or book a private session for the whole family and get everyone out in the water.
Animal Encounters
For a closer look at some of the region’s animals, there are a couple of spots worth checking out. At Scoops Farm, they can meet the farmyard crew, including cows, goats, alpacas and sheep. Over at Capes Raptor Centre, you can get up close to some seriously impressive birds of prey while supporting the centre’s conservation and education work.
Games & Play
There’s more than one way to keep the kids entertained around Margaret River. Golf Gardens gives you a few different ways to have a hit, whether you want to keep things small with mini golf or go big with Supa Golf and its oversized clubs and balls. There’s also Soccer Golf, where you swap the clubs for a footy and kick your way around the course. For something a little stranger, head to WOW Illusions. Expect a gravity-defying room, mirror maze, trippy artwork and plenty of illusions that will blow your mind.
Grab a Bite
Image: Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co
Eventually, all that running around is going to catch up with them. Here are a few places where the whole family can get a decent feed.
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co is a perfect spot for families, with plenty of room for the kids to run around while the grown-ups sit back and relax. There’s a huge outdoor playground, a nature play area and plenty of space to explore around the lawn, lake and jetty. On colder days, arcade machines will keep them occupied. The kids’ menu has a variety of options, including some healthier choices, and a juice box with every meal. For the grown-ups, there’s a range of craft beers, including new brews released every second week, all in a relaxed spot surrounded by the Margaret River countryside.
Margaret River Bakery
Margaret River Bakery is a bit of a must-stop when you’re in town. There’s plenty to choose from, with sweet treats and savoury baked goods, as well as sandwiches and baguettes, so the kids should have no trouble finding something they’re happy with. It can get pretty busy during the school holidays, so grabbing takeaway and wandering down the main street to check out the shops is a great way to do it.
Satisfy Their Sweet Tooth
Proceed with caution: these picks may have the kids bouncing off the walls on a sugar high. The Margaret River Chocolate Factory is an obvious place to start, with chocolate in just about every shape, colour and flavour you can think of. You can even sample some for free, and watch the professional chocolatiers at work through the Chocolate Viewing Window. Just outside Margaret River in Cowaramup, Candy Cow is another reliable stop for sweet-toothed kids, with shelves packed with lollies in every colour imaginable. Then there’s Mai Tardi, right in the centre of town. This Italian-style gelateria makes its gelato the traditional way, with heaps of great flavours to choose from.
Getting Out in Nature
Image: Tim Campbell courtesy of margaretriver.com
Sometimes the best way to keep the kids happy is to simply let them loose outside. With this much nature on the doorstep, the best thing to do is get out there and explore it.
Best Kid-Friendly Beaches
Margaret River has no shortage of beaches, but some are a little better suited to a family swim than others. Gnarabup Beach is close to town and nicely protected, making it a good option for a morning or afternoon in the water. Gracetown Beach is another family favourite, around 20 minutes from Margaret River. The main bay is well protected with clear, calm water, so pack the snorkels and make a day of it.
Check out a Cave
Caves Road didn’t exactly get its name by accident. There are plenty of caves to explore around the region, offering a unique experience and the chance for the kids to learn more about the natural world. Mammoth Cave is self-guided, with audio headsets provided. Kids can learn about the fossils found inside, including the jawbone of a 50,000-year-old zygomaturus, before finishing with a short walk through the towering Boranup Forest. Calgardup Cave is another self-guided option, setting out with torches and helmets to explore the cave’s crystal formations. You could also check out Jewel Cave, the largest show cave in Western Australia, or Lake Cave, where an underground lake sits inside a pristine cave chamber.
A quick heads up: Heading underground means things get pretty dim, so maybe skip this one if your little ones aren't fans of the dark.
Head Out on the Bike Trails
The Margaret River region is well known for its bike trails, with lots of tracks for getting out on two wheels. The Wadandi Track is a good option for families, running through bushland, farmland and over creek bridges. Stretching for more than 25km, you probably won’t want to tackle the whole thing with little legs in tow, but it is an out-and-back track, so you can turn around at any time. The cycle path from Margaret River to Prevelly offers a straightforward ride on a concrete path, with Gnarabup Beach around 10km away. Pack some snacks and take it at your own pace.
Go for a Walk
Walking is another easy way to get the kids out into nature. The full Cape to Cape track stretches around 130km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, but with some sweet shorter sections to choose from, you don't have to tackle the whole thing. The walk from Moses Rock to Quinninup Falls is a good one to save for winter, when the waterfall is flowing after decent rainfall. Further south, the Contos Beach to Bob’s Hollow walk follows the limestone cliffs before descending a newly installed staircase alongside the grotto.
More School Holiday Ideas
Margaret River is only part of the fun. If you’re heading further north, check out our school holiday guides for Busselton and Dunsborough & Yallingup for even more ways to keep the kids busy.
Main Image: Zac White
