Things to do in Margaret River in Winter
Margaret River’s temperature may have dropped but don’t let that get your winter enthusiasm down – there’s still plenty to do. Of course, Brown Hill’s cellar door is the perfect winter playtime pursuit, but there are also many fun activities to keep you and the family busy throughout the cooler months, without having to navigate the peak season crowds. Here are Brown Hill’s top tips for winter fun in Margaret River.
TOP PLACES TO EAT
Eat! Eat! And eat some more! First stop is Margaret River Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning from 8am. Local growers showcase the best of the area’s produce – cheese, fruit, vegies, bread, meat, fish, sweet treats, you name it, it’s at the market.
There’s nothing quite like catching a spectacular WA sunset with fish and chips on the beach. We often head to The Equinox at the Busselton jetty overlooking Geographe Bay. Grab takeaway and sit under the giant fig trees to watch the sun go down or take advantage of the table service at the restaurant and live it up with a glass of local Margaret River wine.
Meelup Farmhouse near Eagle Bay is a new kid on the block and a stunning location for daytime dining. With a luxe Scandi farmhouse vibe, bottomless brunch and resident farm animals to keep the kids entertained, this is the spot for those in search of an effortlessly stylish spot to do breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Cheese and Chocolate Trail
Stock up on wedges and wheels of handcrafted artisan cheese at Yallingup Cheese Company or order one of their grazing boards to go for the ultimate picnic spread.
Margaret River is home to world-class chocolatiers, including Gabriel Chocolate in Yallingup, and Temper Temper, Bahen & Co and Margaret River Chocolate Company in Margaret River. Cocoa connoisseurd will be in heaven when they step into the Margaret River Chocolate Company’s original factory – it boasts a jaw-dropping range of chocolate products, as well as a cafe offering visitors light lunches and sweet treats including chocolate fondue, milkshakes, hot drinks, brownies, cakes, cookies… need we go on?
Climb the Lighthouse
Take your trip to new heights by climbing to the top balcony of the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. The stunning panoramic views feature the Indian Ocean, the surrounding Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Geographe coastline and the Margaret River region. It’s 13km from Dunsborough and makes a fascinating lesson into the maritime history of the Cape area, with tour guides talking visitors through the working lighthouse, the surrounding cottages and the history of the locale (including a few ghost stories!). If you’ve still got energy after ascending the lighthouse, take one of the walking tracks that lead from the property to discover more of the local flora and fauna.
Dial up the action
Join Margaret River Climbing Co for Wilyabrup Cliffs abseiling, rock climbing or even caving. For a family-friendly adventure, try zip lining and rope courses with Forest Adventures, nestled within Busselton’s Ludlow Forests. Closer to the ground, there are lots of horse riding opportunities, and the chance to dive shipwrecks and reefs.
Go Underground
Locals love the fact that our aboveground natural wonders are enhanced by the region’s amazing network of underground caves. Whether it’s Lake Cave, with its spectacular hanging crystal decoration and tranquil lake, or the Jewel Cave in Augusta, home to the longest straw stalactite found in any tourist cave in the world, Margaret River’s caves are a must-see for visitors and locals alike, especially in winter when the crowds are less frantic. Click here for more information about the caves, and other natural wonders of the region.
Sky high
Scenic Helicopters offer a breathtaking birds-eye view of the region. See the South West from a new perspective as farmland and bush give way to cliffs and coastline. You might even be able to see the Margaret River as it flows into the Indian Ocean.
Take a Hike or Bike
Margaret River’s walking trails and tracks are world-renowned. From the 140km coastal Cape to Cape Track to scenic bush walks where wildflowers blossom everywhere, there’s a trail or track for every level of walker. And bike lovers beware – whether your pick is mountain biking or road cycling, this region is simply made for wheels. Check out this website for insider tips on the best routes, including the best coffee pit stops along the way. Visit the Margaret River Region’s Guide for more in-depth information about these activities.
Go Whale Watching
Margaret River’s coastline puts on a show like no other throughout winter and into spring with the epic annual migration of whales from the Southern Ocean to the warmer waters of the Kimberly coast. There’s no better time to see these brilliant beasts of the ocean breach the water and frolic with their friends – for the full rundown on where and when to see these magnificent creatures, read Brown Hill’s Whale Watching blog.
Take a scenic drive
The region is full of natural beauty, whether you love old-growth forests or windswept coastline. Take a scenic drive through the towering karri trees at the serene Boranup Forest. The forest is an easy 25 minute drive south of Margaret River town along Caves Road. The Karri Lookout on the eastern side of Caves Road, is an ideal spot to enjoy and photograph this amazing forest as it undulates across the valley. Boranup Drive is a fantastic tourist drive. With its hard limestone base, it is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. The drive winds its way through stunning forest and loops back to Caves Road.
Along the drive you’ll find the Boranup Lookout which takes in views across the picturesque forest and the stunning turquoise waters of nearby Hamelin Bay. The lookout also marks the start of some lovely bushwalks and has a great picnic spot. Click here for more information to plan your trip.
For dramatic coastal rock viewing, travel to Sugarloaf Rock, Castle Rock, Canal Rocks and Wyadup Rocks to watch the wild winter waves wrap themselves around the craggy formations. Plan your drive so that you catch sunset over the Indian Ocean – our region’s most spectacular daily spectacle… and it’s free!
Time for Wine
Brown Hill's Cellar Door sits at the heart of our boutique winery and is operated by friendly members of this family-owned business. The cellar door is located inside the winery, so you can observe the winemaking process as it happens throughout the year. Our wine tasting experiences takes visitors on a journey through Brown Hill Estate’s three ranges. We also offer a private Barrell Hall Tasting, situated in our barrel hall, where you will take a 45 minute journey into the history of our boutique family owned winery while tasting our Reserve and Signature Wines. Book online here.