On the southwest coast of Western Australia is the Margaret River region – a must-visit destination boasting white sandy beaches, lush forest, hiking trails, boutique shops and exceptional wine. Here’s a glimpse into our two-day adventure in this enchanting corner of the world.
Day 1: From Perth to Margaret River
A Coastal Stop in Busselton
The journey from Perth to Margaret River is an easy three-hour drive, with the charming town of Busselton offering the perfect midway break. We couldn’t resist riding the iconic red train along the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden-piled jetty in the world, which saved us the 1.8km walk one way whilst teaching us about the history of the pier including the $27 million refurbishment that saved it from total disrepair.
Don’t miss the Underwater Observatory located at the end of the jetty. This is one of only six natural aquariums in the world and offers spectacular views of the marine wildlife in its natural habitat.
Lunch was a laid-back affair at Shelter Brewing Co., where you can sample paddles of craft beer and freshly prepared dishes.
By late afternoon, we reached the serene Grape Juice Retreat, our cozy home away from home. Nestled amidst vineyards, this charming retreat offers fully-equipped, spacious rooms, modern bathrooms and the best part – an outdoor bathtub in our own hidden oasis!
We headed down to Margaret River Beer Co. for a casual dinner, a local hotspot known for its friendly vibe, refreshing brews, and hearty meals.
Day 2: Exploring Margaret River
We kicked off our day with a fresh brew from West Coffee Espresso Bar, which is located just off Bussell Highway and is opened some evenings for dinner. We meandered down to Margaret River Bakery and enjoyed a fresh pastry on their outdoor decking.
Fuelled and ready for adventure, we headed to Rotary Park to explore the many hiking routes that wind through Margaret River’s stunning landscapes. The trails offered a mix of shaded forests, scenic river views, and peaceful moments of connection with nature. You can make the walk as long or short as you want, with lots of options for circular routes and out-and-backs.
No trip to Margaret River is complete without a winery visit. We choose Walsh & Sons, a small and laid-back winery located a short drive from our accommodation. We opted for the five wine tasting experience for a low price of £10pp and also added on a charcuterie board, which was substantial and absolutely delicious.
From handcrafted goods to locally made art, the gorgeous boutiques down Bussell Highway are well worth a browse. Be sure to check out the independent book store at the end of the road!
We ended our day with dinner at Morries, a tapas-style restaurant with exceptional cocktails.
Bonus: Day 3 Highlights
While this post focuses on our two days in Margaret River, our journey back to Perth deserves a brief mention. Breakfast at Drift Café, a stop at the pristine Binningup Beach, and a final round of pizza and craft beer at Old Coast Road Brewery made the return journey just as memorable as the destination.
There is so much to see and do in Margaret River – and we are already planning our next trip back. It’s somewhere I can see us visiting time and time again and is the perfect escape from the city!
Letters From Liv 
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