Major city · Australia
Margaret River
Stay 3 nights with a car: the town is small, the wineries, caves and surf beaches are spread over 30 km (19 mi), and no bus reaches them.Stay 3 nights with a car: the town is small, the wineries, caves and surf beaches are spread over 19 mi (30 km), and no bus reaches them.
Margaret River is a small inland town (population about 7,650) at the centre of a wine and surf region running between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. Almost everyone arrives by car from Perth, about 3 hours, and drives between cellar doors, caves and beaches. Three nights covers the main loop; two nights works if you skip the caves and Cape Leeuwin.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (warm, dry, surf and beach weather); Mar–May for grape harvest
- avoid Jul–Aug (wet, cold, many cellar doors quiet midweek); Christmas–New Year and Easter school holidays for prices and crowds
- Airports
- PER · BQB
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Margaret River000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Margaret River, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for tourists; the real risks are driving (wildlife at dusk, long unlit roads), rip currents at unpatrolled beaches and summer bushfire.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 132 500 emergency info (fire, flood)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPER Perth Airport (The practical gateway: about 3 h drive south.
- Getting aroundA car is close to essential: cellar doors, caves and beaches sit 10–40 km (6.2–25 mi) apart with no useful public transport between them.A car is close to essential: cellar doors, caves and beaches sit 6.2–25 mi (10–40 km) apart with no useful public transport between them.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$200 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$220 (≈ US$150) · High A$420 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PER Perth Airport (The practical gateway: about 3 h drive south. Margaret River has a local airstrip with no scheduled commercial service.) · BQB Busselton Margaret River Airport (Closest strip with commercial flights at times; services change, so check before booking.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Oct–May. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Margaret River: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
17 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
18 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
16 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is close to essential: cellar doors, caves and beaches sit 10–40 km apart with no useful public transport between them. The town itself is flat and walkable, and there are bike hire and short rail-trail rides. Transwa and South West Coaches run a few daily services on the Perth–Bunbury–Margaret River–Augusta line, and the train from Perth reaches only Bunbury, where you change to a coach. Tours from Perth or Busselton cover wine tasting without driving.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Bussell Highway north, about 45 min by car
Jetty and calm bay; pairs well with a morning at a northern cellar door.
Yallingup and Cape Naturaliste
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Caves Road north, about 45–60 min by car
Lighthouse, Ngilgi Cave and surf lookouts; a full day with stops.
Augusta and Cape Leeuwin
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Caves Road south, about 40 min by car
Southernmost lighthouse; combine with Jewel Cave.
Bunbury
cautionDoor to door: About 1.25 h
Bussell Highway north, about 1 h 10 min by car
Dolphin discovery centre and a city stop; better as a break on the drive to or from Perth.
Pemberton
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
South Western Highway via Nannup, about 1 h 45 min by car
Karri forests and the tree-top walk; too far for a comfortable return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Margaret River town
Walkable centre: cafés, shops, the weekly farmers market. Best if you want dinner on foot and a short drive to everything.
Prevelly and Gnarabup
Beach side, about 10 min west of town; surf breaks, caravan park and hostel. Quieter, fewer restaurants.
Cowaramup and the northern vineyards
Between town and Busselton; puts you among cellar doors and shortens the drive north to Yallingup and Dunsborough.
Augusta and Cape Leeuwin
About 40 min south; for the lighthouse, the cave cluster and a quiet final night before driving back.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$200–320 (≈ US$140–250) excl. bed
- High
- A$400 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 3 nights × A$200 | A$600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × A$220 | A$1,320 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × A$90 | A$90 |
| Fuel, Perth return plus local driving1 × A$120 | A$120 |
| Cave tour, one adult2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Wine tasting fees, per cellar door2 × A$10 · often refunded on purchase | A$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$220 |
| Trip total≈ A$403 per person per day, bed included | A$2,420≈ US$1,600 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Cellar-door tastingfrequently refunded against a bottle purchase | A$0–15 (≈ US$0–10) |
| Cave tour, adult | A$20–30 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Lighthouse tour, adult | A$10–20 (≈ US$7–14) |
| Pub or brewery main meal | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Bottle of local wine at the cellar door | A$25–60 (≈ US$17–40) |
| Fuel, unleaded, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Kangaroos and rabbits on the road at dusk and dawn, especially on Caves Road and the Brockman Highway.
- Cellar door tasting is not free at every winery and some charge a fee that is refunded on purchase: ask before you taste.
- Surf beaches here have rips and reef; swim between the flags at patrolled spots and check conditions.
- Bushfire risk is real in summer: check the emergency app and local signage before a long drive or a walk.
- Mobile coverage drops on parts of Caves Road and near the capes; download offline maps.
- Book cellar-door lunches and any cave tour ahead in school holidays and at harvest.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Emergency info (fire, flood)
- 132 500
Pocket card
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Margaret RiverMargaret River
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, thanksTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Emergency info (fire, flood)132 500
Embassy
No consulates in Margaret River; the nearest are in Perth (about 3 h). US, UK, Canada and New Zealand all have consulates there — check addresses before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Perth → Margaret River by car: about 3 h, roughly 280 km (174 mi)about 3 h, roughly 174 mi (280 km)
- Transwa coach, Perth → Margaret River: about 4.5 h via Bunbury; book ahead
- Cave tour, adult: A$20–30 (≈ US$14–20)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the cellar door? — Where is the cellar door?
- Can I book a tasting? — Can I book a tasting?
- Is it safe to swim here? — Is it safe to swim here?
- How far to the beach? — How far to the beach?
- Can we get the bill, thanks? — The bill, please
Tipping is not expected in Australia; round up for good service if you like.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Margaret River. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (warm, dry, surf and beach weather); Mar–May for grape harvest · avoid Jul–Aug (wet, cold, many cellar doors quiet midweek); Christmas–New Year and Easter school holidays for prices and crowds · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Margaret River
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