4 Days in Margaret River: Cape-to-Cape, Wineries, and Caves

Explore the best of Margaret River: pristine beaches, iconic Busselton Jetty, world-class wineries, the breathtaking Cape-to-Cape Track, and ancient Ngili Cave adventures!

Margaret River is where rugged coastal beauty meets gourmet indulgence, a place where you can sip award-winning wines one minute and explore underground caves the next. Over four action-packed days, I uncovered the magic of this region, from surf breaks and cellar doors to jaw-dropping natural wonders. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a professional food taster (hey, we all have our skills), Margaret River delivers in spades.

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Why You Should Visit Margaret River

1. World-Class Wineries – With over 100 Margaret River wineries, you’ll find some of Australia’s finest chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. The tastings, vineyard picnics, and exclusive cellar doors make for a wine lover’s paradise.

2. Spectacular Coastal Beauty – From the iconic Busselton Jetty to the wild surf of Gnarabup Beach, the region’s coastline is breathtaking. Whether you’re up for a surf or a sunset stroll, the views are unforgettable.

3. Adventure & Nature – Hike the Cape-to-Cape Track, explore towering forests, or dive into the underwater wonders of Geographe Bay. Margaret River offers adventure at every turn.

4. Ancient Caves & Indigenous Culture – Discover the magic of Margaret River caves, where stunning rock formations and rich Indigenous history create a one-of-a-kind experience.

5. Exceptional Food Scene – From beachfront cafés to high-end restaurants, the region is a haven for foodies. Think fresh seafood, local produce, and farm-to-table dining.

Getting to Margaret River

Nestled in the southwest of Western Australia, Margaret River is a dream destination for lovers of nature, food, and fine wine. Just a scenic three-hour drive (270 km) south of Perth, the journey winds through forests, rolling vineyards, and charming small towns—making for an ideal road trip. If time isn’t on your side, Jetstar offers direct flights from Sydney to Busselton, just 45 minutes from the heart of Margaret River.

With over 100 Margaret River wineries, stunning beaches, sprawling national parks, and ancient Margaret River caves, the region is an irresistible blend of relaxation and adventure.

Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory view

Day One: Busselton Jetty & Beachside Bliss

Morning: A Stroll (or Choo-Choo) Along Busselton Jetty

First stop: Busselton, home to the Busselton Jetty, a wooden marvel stretching nearly two kilometres into Geographe Bay. It’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere (because, of course, Australia doesn’t do anything by halves).

Walking its full length is a rewarding experience, but if you’d rather cruise, the solar-powered red train is a whimsical way to soak in the views. At the jetty’s end, the Underwater Observatory offers a rare chance to descend nine metres into a marine wonderland. Schools of fish, technicolour coral, and curious sea creatures make for a spectacular sight—like snorkelling without getting wet.

Afternoon: Craft Beer & Chilled Vibes at Shelter Brewing Co.

After a morning of maritime magic, it was time for a beachside lunch at Shelter Brewing Co. With the smell of woodfired pizza in the air and a crisp, locally brewed beer in hand, I eased into the laid-back rhythm of Busselton life. The bay sparkled under the afternoon sun as families played on the sand—an absolute postcard moment.

Evening: Sunset Strolls & Seaside Sips

Busselton’s sunsets are the stuff of poetry. As the sky transformed into a fiery masterpiece, I took a leisurely beachfront stroll before returning to Shelter Brewing Co. for a pizza-and-beer encore (some meals are too good for just one round).

Surf’s Up at Gnarabup Beach

Day Two: Surf, Vines & Culinary Delights

Morning: Surf’s Up at Gnarabup Beach

The day kicked off at Gnarabup Beach, where the World Surf League Margaret River Pro was in full swing. Even as a non-surfer, watching pros conquer the monstrous waves was thrilling. If that wasn’t enough to wake me up, the brisk ocean breeze certainly did.

Breakfast at White Elephant Beach Café was a no-brainer. Their legendary bacon-and-eggs combo fuelled me for the day ahead while I watched fearless locals take an early-morning dip (I admired from a safe, dry distance).

Afternoon: Wine Tasting at Margaret River’s Best Wineries

No Margaret River travel guide is complete without a deep dive into its wineries. With over 100 cellar doors to choose from, decision fatigue is real—but Fraser Gallop Estate was an easy first pick. Here, I explored the vineyards via a solar-powered buggy before enjoying a private tasting under towering gum trees. Their single-vineyard wines? Pure perfection.

Next, Stormflower Vineyard upped the ante with a picturesque picnic of European cheeses, organic wines, and locally made pâté. Sipping a glass of chardonnay while overlooking endless rows of vines? I could get used to this.

Kerry Heaney Tastes wine at Fraser Gallop Estate

Evening: Levantine Flavours at Inara

Dinner at Inara in Busselton introduced a fresh twist to the region’s culinary scene. Specialising in Levantine-inspired share plates, the star of the show was their spiced lamb kofta—perfectly paired with a glass of local red.

Breakfast at White Elephant Beach Café

Day Three: Cape-to-Cape Track & Ngili Cave Adventures

Morning: Indigenous Stories & Underground Marvels

The day began with a journey into the depths of Ngili Cave in Yallingup, guided by Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland. His stories brought the cave’s towering stalactites and ancient formations to life. The haunting echo of his didgeridoo deep within the chamber was a goosebump-inducing experience.

Afternoon: Hiking the Cape-to-Cape Track

Refuelled with a burger from Southcamp Dunsborough, I tackled a section of the Cape-to-Cape Track—one of Australia’s most scenic coastal hikes. Guided by local legend Gene Hardy, I traversed wildflower-dotted cliffs and granite boulders, rewarded at the end with a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

Evening: A Feast at Busselton Pavilion

For my final dinner, Busselton Pavilion showcased the region’s best produce, from succulent marron sangas to prawn toast and grass-fed beef. Each bite was a love letter to Margaret River’s rich bounty.

Hikers traversing the rugged cliffs of the Cape-to-Cape Track, with the deep blue Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon

Day Four: Olive Groves & Sweet Farewells

Morning: Breakfast with a View & Olive Oil Indulgence

A beachfront breakfast at The Goose Bar and Kitchen set the tone for my last day, the panoramic views making every spoonful of muesli feel extra luxurious. From there, I ventured to Olio Bello, an organic olive grove where fresh-pressed olive oil was an absolute revelation. Safe to say, I left with more bottles than I could realistically carry.

Afternoon: Margaret River Providore & One Last Winery Stop

A visit to Margaret River Providore was a fitting finale, with gourmet goodies ranging from handmade jams to locally roasted coffee. A final vineyard lunch (because, priorities) was the perfect send-off before the short drive back to Busselton for my flight home.

Olio Bello, an organic olive grove with glamping accommodation

Need to Know

• Getting There: Jetstar offers direct flights from Sydney to Busselton three times a week.
• Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Busselton—modern, beachfront, and perfectly positioned.
• More Info: Visit westernaustralia.com.

Would I Return?

Without a doubt. Between the Busselton Jetty, the indulgent Margaret River wineries, the epic Cape-to-Cape Track, and the mystical Margaret River caves, this region delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. Next time, I might even brave that early-morning ocean dip… maybe.

Margaret River sunrise from Hilton Garden Inn Busselton