Mammoth Cave
Stalactite cave on Caves Road south of Margaret River, which you explore on your own with an audio guide. Fossils of extinct animal species, including giant marsupials, were found in the cave.
Australia
Margaret River Region
Region
The Margaret River Region is located on the southwestern tip of Australia between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, approximately three hours' drive south of Perth.
by Felix Gillen
The Margaret River Region is located on the southwestern tip of Australia between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, approximately three hours' drive south of Perth. Along about 100 km of coastline, surf beaches, limestone caves, and karri forests alternate.The region is one of the country's most renowned wine regions, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Many wineries have restaurants and tasting rooms.
Die Margaret River Region im Südwesten Australiens ist berühmt für die harmonische Verbindung von erstklassigem Weinbau und dramatischer Natur. Du entdeckst hier über 200 Weingüter, die für ihre Cabernet Sauvignon und Chardonnay Weine internationale Anerkennung finden und zu Verkostungen einladen. Die Landschaft wird zudem von majestätischen Karriewäldern wie dem Boranup Forest und beeindruckenden Kalksteinhöhlen wie der Mammoth Cave geprägt. Entlang der rauen Küste erwarten dich erstklassige Surfspots bei Prevelly und Gracetown sowie unberührte Strände, ideal für Wanderungen auf Abschnitten des Cape to Cape Track. Die Region ist auch ein Zentrum für handwerkliche Lebensmittelproduzenten, die von Käse über Schokolade bis zu Craft-Bier die lokale Gastronomie bereichern. Für eine entspannte Erkundung der Weingüter solltest du Verkostungen, besonders am Wochenende, vorab reservieren. Die Monate September bis November oder März bis Mai bieten sich für deinen Besuch an, um mildes Wetter und weniger Touristen zu genießen.
Sights in Margaret River Region
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Boranup Karri Forest
A regenerating Karri eucalyptus forest, with trees growing up to 60m, between Margaret River and Augusta. The gravel road, Boranup Drive, runs straight through it, and from the Lookout, views extend to the sea.
Lake Cave
The cave is at the bottom of a collapsed sinkhole and features an underground lake where stalactites are reflected. Guided tours only, involving many steps.
Cape to Cape Track
This approximately 125 km long coastal trail links the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south; it leads over cliffs, beaches, and through forest, usually taking five to seven days; individual sections are suitable for day hikes.
Essen & Trinken
Restaurant in Margaret River, combining Japanese techniques with local ingredients. Dishes are prepared at an open counter; reservations are advisable.
The region's first winery, founded in 1967, with a restaurant, tasting, and art gallery. The cuisine features products from the Southwest.
Winery south of Margaret River, famed for its Art Series Chardonnay, with a restaurant and views over Karri forest and vineyards.
Winery with a Cape Dutch manor house and well-maintained gardens, offering a tasting menu with wine pairings.
Food and Drink
Besides wine, small producers shape the region: cheese dairies, chocolate producers, breweries, and olive farms with direct sales.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
The two grape varieties for which Margaret River is internationally known. Many estates offer tastings for a small fee.
Craft Beer
Breweries such as Colonial Brewing or Cheeky Monkey offer family-friendly beer gardens.
Marron
Large freshwater crayfish from Western Australia, served in some restaurants and on farms.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
15–21°C·12–60 mm(little rain)
From October to April, it's dry and warm, but in mid-summer, beaches and accommodations are full. March and April offer calm weather and the grape harvest. Winter is rainy, yet affordable and great for whale watching.
Conditions for Margaret River. The Indian Ocean moderates the summer heat.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Summer holidays, High season
Warm and quieter
Winter, prone to rain
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 | 12 |
| February | 21.0 | 12 |
| March | 19.0 | 25 |
| April | 17.0 | 60 |
| May | 14.0 | 140 |
| June | 12.0 | 190 |
| July | 11.0 | 190 |
| August | 12.0 | 150 |
| September | 13.0 | 100 |
| October | 15.0 | 60 |
| November | 17.0 | 35 |
| December | 19.0 | 15 |
Culture and History
The Wadandi, the "Sea People", have lived along this coast for tens of thousands of years. Discoveries in the Devils Lair Cave are among the oldest traces of human settlement in Western Australia.European settlers arrived in the 19th century as loggers and farmers. The turning point came with a 1960s study comparing the climate to Bordeaux. In 1967, Vasse Felix planted the first vines, and today there are well over 100 wineries.
Exploring the Region
The Caves Road connects Dunsborough in the north with Augusta in the south, passing most wineries, caves, and beaches. Without a car or a tour, the region is difficult to explore.Getting there: From Perth, it's about three hours via the Forrest Highway and Bussell Highway. Busselton Margaret River Airport has flights to several major cities.Wine Tours: Guided tours save you from driving after tastings; in Australia, a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 applies.Animals: Kangaroos often cross roads at dusk.
