If you’re searching for unique things to do in Margaret River beyond the usual tourist trail, this region offers unforgettable experiences rooted in nature, sustainability, and slow travel. Trust me, I know it first-hand.
But before we dive in, let me tell you a little bit about myself and my connection to Margaret River.
Margaret River is one of the places I return to when I need to recalibrate a little. Life softens here. Mornings begin slowly, usually with something warm in hand and nowhere urgent to be, and the rest of the day unfolds around the swell, the seasons, and what feels good rather than what’s planned.
I grew up just down the road in Augusta, before moving to other parts of Western Australia. And while I’ve spent years travelling — exploring new landscapes, cultures, and experiences around the world —I’ve always felt quietly pulled back to the South West. To here. There’s something about Margaret River that feels like home in a way nowhere else quite does.
The natural beauty of this region still stops me in my tracks. The meeting of forest and ocean, the wildness of the coastline, the softness of the light in the late afternoon — it never loses its magic. But more than that, it’s the way people live here. There’s a deep respect for the land – Boodja, as the Wadandi people call it – and a collective commitment to doing things thoughtfully. You feel it in the food, the wine, the small businesses, and the interactions with those who also feel drawn to this corner of the country.
Of course, Margaret River’s popularity brings pressures: crowded beaches in peak season, strain on infrastructure, and the risk of losing what makes it special. But what I love is how strongly the community leans into sustainability. Regenerative farming, low-intervention winemaking, and support for local producers are all part of life here. Travelling responsibly is easy, and it makes the experience even richer.
In this guide, I’ll share the most unique and sustainable things to do in Margaret River, from regenerative wineries to nature-based adventures, based on my personal experiences.
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The opinions on this and other posts about recommended products are based on my experiences with such products and/or my personal beliefs about sustainability. Some linked tours are options I have selected to suit the experiences described, but I may not have personally used the specific guide or company offering them. For more information, check my disclaimer page.
Sustainable Things to Do in Margaret River
Feast on Local, Indigenous Produce with Fervor
One experience on my wishlist is a long-table dinner with Fervor. These ticketed events move around Western Australia, often in remote or unexpected locations, so keep an eye out for ones in the South West.
While I haven’t attended as a guest, I’ve worked as a waitress for them, and I can say there’s no greenwashing here. Every ingredient is sourced locally, often foraged, and their approach respects Indigenous knowledge.
From the long tables set in nature to the stories shared about each dish, it’s a way to connect to place through food.
Price Range: $$$
Definitely a splurge, but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining at Glenarty Road
Lunch at Glenarty Road is hands down the best winery-restaurant in the region. I’ve worked in the kitchen here, and my family lived on the neighbouring property before I was born – but all affiliations aside, it’s exceptional.
A fourth-generation lamb farm, they serve a three-course seasonal set menu, often featuring wood-fired lamb, with as much produce as possible from their own edible gardens. Butter, ricotta, sourdough, pickles, and charcuterie are all made from scratch.
Pair it with their wines, grown and made on-site, and it’s a genuinely grounded, place-based experience.
Price Range: $$–$$$
A little indulgent, but exceptional value for the quality and experience.
Hit Up the Local Farmer’s Market
Saturday mornings are made for the farmers’ market. You can wander through with a coffee in hand, chatting to local growers, bakers, and makers.
The Margaret River Bakery stall is a great hack for avoiding the long lines at their main store. The arancini balls are a standout, and it’s the best place to grab local woodfired bread.
Bring a reusable bag; you’ll likely leave with more than you planned.
Price Range: $
The fruit and veg are far cheaper than you’ll find at the supermarkets, but you can easily splash out on artisanal goods.
Shop for Vintage Goods
For such a small town, Margaret River has a surprisingly good selection of vintage and second-hand clothing stores – something that really reflects the community’s ethos around sustainability and conscious consumption.
You can spend an easy afternoon dipping in and out of spots like Throwback Threads, The Flying Wardrobe, Lime Beach, and Reborn, slowly sifting through racks of pre-loved pieces.
Expect quality over quantity – linen, denim, and those slightly worn-in staples that feel better than anything brand new. It’s less about trend-hunting and more about finding something that already has a story.
Price Range: $–$$
Affordable, with the occasional higher-end vintage find.
Hike the Cape to Cape
Hiking the Cape to Cape Track is one of the top experiences in the region and an example of why Western Australia is a true hidden gem for the international visitor. I’ve walked it myself, and it’s among my top three treks worldwide.
The trail stretches 135 km from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in Yallingup. Full hikes take 5–7 days, but single sections work well for day trips.
You can camp along the way and stop at Hamelin Bay, Gracetown, or Yallingup. Most of the trail is free, though some campsites charge a small fee.
Price Range: Free / $ for campsites
The trail itself is free, with only a few paid campsites along the way.
Price Range: Free / $ for campsites
The trail itself is free, with only a few paid campsites along the way.
Visit Fair Harvest Permaculture Farm
Fair Harvest Permaculture Farm is a great place to experience sustainable living firsthand. They’re open for breakfast Thursday–Sunday, host mindfulness and yoga events, and you can camp on-site.
For a deeper dive, they offer permaculture courses, providing practical skills and insight into regenerative farming.
Price Range: $–$$
Breakfast and events are affordable; courses may vary.
Sample Minimal-Intervention Wines
For wine lovers, Margaret River has excellent small-batch and organic producers. Spend an afternoon tasting at Dormilona, Stormflower, or Blind Corner, where the focus is on minimal intervention and biodynamic practices.
Tastings are personal and educational, and some include small plates or local snacks.
Price Range: $–$$
Most tastings are affordable, with options to purchase bottles directly from the producers.
Price Range: $–$$
Breakfast and events are affordable; courses may vary.
Bask in the Coastal Beauty
And of course, the coastline. Surf, swim, or watch the sunset at Surfer’s Point, exploring beaches along the way.
It’s grounding, free, and a reminder of why this region is so cherished – the same feelings I chase whenever I am riding the Atlantic waves in Morocco’s surfing spots.
Keep it low-impact: take rubbish with you, respect wildlife, and stick to paths.
Sustainable Travel Tips for Visiting Margaret River
Bring reusables
Throw inside your sustainable travel kit a bottle of water and/or a thermos. Tap water is safe to drink in Margaret River, so don’t be afraid to fill it up before you go exploring.
Don’t forget a collapsible food container and reusable cutlery to enjoy food at the farmer’s market.
Transportation
Getting around usually requires a car, since public transport in the south west is very limited. You can catch the TransWA bus from Perth to Margaret River, which takes 5 hours and costs $25. However, once you get to Margaret River, you will be very limited due to the lack of local buses.
For a more sustainable and budget-friendly option, you could check the local Backpacker or Carpooling Facebook pages to find someone to share a ride with.
There are several wine tour operators and private taxi companies for getting to and from the wineries.
In summer, there is a shuttle bus that travels from town to the beach.
If you are planning on visiting without a car, it would be best to find accommodation in the centre of town.
Stick to marked paths around dunes and cliffs to protect vegetation, and explore early or off-peak to avoid crowds.
Support local businesses
Part of the ethos of responsible travel is to support local businesses wherever you can. Choose small cafés over chains, and look for locally owned businesses that reinvest in the community.
My personal recommendations for places to eat in town are:
- Breakfast/Lunch: Margaret River Bakery, Egberts, Aldo’s.
- Dinner: The Tuck Shop, La Scarpetta, Miki’s Open Kitchen, The Brew House.
- Drinks: Morries, Pearl’s, Rhum Burgundy, Yonder, The River.
Planning a Responsible Trip to Margaret River
When to visit
Shoulder seasons — from March to May and September to November — are ideal for fewer crowds and gentler environmental impact.
If Margaret River is part of a bigger trip in southern Western Australia, make sure to group activities by location. If you have a chance, explore Perth, including the historical suburb of Fremantle and the iconic Rotnest Island, and allow time to slow down.
Accommodation in Margaret River
Look for eco-conscious accommodation with water- and energy-efficiency or low-impact design.
For eco stays, I would recommend:
- Hidden Valley Forest Retreat
- Walk Talk Taste Gourmet Glamping – a Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business.
- Yelverton Brook Conservation Sanctuary – certified by Ecotourism Australia.
Traditional Owners
Take the chance to learn about the Wadandi people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. I recommend Koomal Dreaming – they offer Aboriginal tours of the local caves, bush and capes.
A few last words about Margaret River
Margaret River invites you to slow down and rewards you when you do. Travelling sustainably here doesn’t mean missing out; it deepens the experience. You eat better, meet passionate locals, and leave with a stronger sense of place.
Approach it intentionally, choose local, tread lightly, and stay curious, and it gives back in ways that stick with you long after you leave.
These are the same principles behind everything I write, from this coastline to the practical tips I swear by in Morocco.
Guest Author Bio
Jessie is an Australian travel writer who spends part of the year hiding out in a little surf village on Morocco’s coast. She writes unapologetically biased travel guides on her blog, Daytrips. Think of it as part surf diary, part existential musing, and part love letter to Morocco’s coastline.
