Margaret River

Margaret River combines trails alongside the river with longer hiking and cycling routes, a beach at the river mouth, and a vibrant cultural scene. This gives you a clear question to consider when planning your trip: would you mainly like to spend time outdoors, enjoy art and events, or discover local food? Tailor your search for a holiday rental to whichever of these aspects of the town matters most to you and your family.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Routes

A range of routes offer different ways to enjoy active days. The Chimney Trail in Wooditjup National Park is an easy, 3.2-kilometre loop at the former site of Wharncliffe Mill. The 2.4-kilometre Rotary South Bank River Trail is also an easy loop. It follows the northern and southern banks of the Margaret River. If you prefer a shorter walk, you could consider these two trails when choosing your outings.

For a longer ride, consider the Wadandi Track: this family-friendly trail is 25 kilometres long and runs from Cowaramup through Margaret River to Witchcliffe. The Pines Mountain Bike Network is north of Margaret River Town Centre and comprises more than 16 kilometres of mountain bike trails. The Ten Mile Brook Trail also leads to Ten Mile Brook Dam, on foot or by bike.

On one section of the Cape to Cape Track, day hikers cross soft sand to a river crossing at Margaret River Mouth. The Margaret River Visitor Centres offer the Cape to Cape Guidebook by Jane Scott and Ray Forma, as well as official topographic map packs for the Cape to Cape Track. These materials can be useful when preparing for this hike.

River Mouth, Culture and Local Produce

At Rivermouth Beach, seasonal fluctuations in the Margaret River change the surrounding sandbars. The river itself is also part of the town’s story: Margaret River has cultural ties to the Wadandi, for whom the river has been an important source of life for tens of thousands of years. At Margaret River Mouth, children paddle in the river on boogie boards—a glimpse of life on the water alongside the hiking trails and cycling routes.

For those interested in culture, Arts Margaret River is an important place to start. This not-for-profit cultural community organisation has been the central umbrella organisation for the arts in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River for more than five decades. Its programme includes music, theatre and dance performances, visual art exhibitions and workshops. Events take place at Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART and at other venues in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

Food can also be a focus of your trip: the Margaret River Farmers’ Market sells seasonal fresh produce and artisan food directly from farmers and producers. Together with the arts, river trails and longer routes, these offerings provide a range of interests to consider when choosing your accommodation.

Discover more destinations

If you’d like to explore more places: Boyup Brook, North Fremantle, Warmun, Gelorup, Perth, Meekatharra, Monkey Mia and Kings Park.

Return to the main travel overview: Western Australia.