About Margaret River

A laid-back surf town three hours’ drive south of Perth, Margaret River is now also known for its wonderful wine. Popular with Aussies seeking to escape the city for years, this picturesque destination is now attracting increasing numbers of international visitors, tempted by the beautiful natural landscapes, the food and wine, and the chance to ride some epic waves. Our pick of the best places to stay in Margaret River reflect this dynamic, with elegant vineyard hotels as well as some superb beach holiday villas. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with family and friends, we’ve got you covered.

Keen surfers will find Margaret River’s Indian Ocean coast to be studded with great surf points. Whether you’re a keen beginner or an advanced surfer, there’s something for everyone at spots including Margaret River Mouth, Smiths Point, The Box and Yallingup Beach, amongst others. You can also expect some great snorkelling in tranquil coves, scenic swims at Hamelin Bay, and mesmerising caves including Mammoth, Calgardup and the Lake Cave. The 135km Cape to Cape track is the area’s best-known hiking trail, and well worth experiencing.

Vines were only planted in Margaret River in the 1960s. The soil and climate, however, are similar to that of Burgundy in France, so you’ll find some of the same grapes here — albeit with a distinctive Western Australia flavour. Youthful and innovative, the region’s 100+ wineries will delight curious visitors with excellent tours and tastings. A burgeoning selection of gourmet restaurants — some attached to the best places to stay in Margaret River — champion locally grown seasonal produce, too. Foodies will be spoilt for choice!

The Best Places to Stay in Margaret River

For a Cosy B&B

  • Margaret River Guest House is a lovely seven bedroom B&B in the heart of town. Built in the 1920s as the town's chapel and nunnery, the B&B is housed in a well-preserved heritage building, but features comfortable modern interiors. Perfect for those who hope to stroll around town on foot.

For a Vineyard Hotel

  • Empire Retreat & Spa, formerly a family home, offers ten suites set around the original farmhouse. Expect lots of natural stone and polished wood, with a trendy Asian-inspired sense of style. The serene spa is a highlight, particularly after days of discovering the wine country. The hotel has its own terrific vineyard, and tastings are not to be missed.
  • Cape Lodge promises an indulgent escape for couples or groups of friends. The main heritage house is stunning, as are the traditional rooms overlooking manicured gardens and eight acres of vineyards. Oozing timeless charm and sophistication, this is a hotel that guests return to again and again.

For a Family Friendly Beach Resort

  • Smiths Beach Resort is a fabulous family-friendly beach resort with rooms, villas and self-catering apartments. Set within verdant grounds, this luxurious resort offers stacks of activities — from tennis to cycling and watersports. Smith's Beach is right on your doorstep, perfect for sunny days by the seaside.
  • Pullman Bunker Bay Resort offers 150 contemporary villas, many of which have multiple bedrooms. Overlooking Bunker Bay Beach and a lake, this is a top spot for a family holiday. You'll have your own kitchen, sitting room and deck, but guests share access to a swimming pool, bar, gourmet restaurant and superb spa.

For a Rural Retreat

  • Gilgara Retreat is an adults only escape with cosy guest rooms in a historic homestead, and swish suites dotted around the manicured gardens. Suites have private kitchens whilst homestead guests share access to one kitchen. A tranquil spot complete with a yoga studio for wellness retreats.
  • Grand Mercure Basildene Manor, a century-old manor house, sits in landscaped gardens near Margaret River, with a swimming pool and tennis court. Expect sumptuous interiors and a real sense of heritage charm. Ideal for a romantic wine country weekend.
  • Mile-End Glamping has just two striking eco pods on a 144-acre private estate. Expect white & light blue contemporary interiors, with four-poster beds, sitting areas, kitchens & hot tubs promising expansive views of the fields and forests. A glamping dream.
  • Losari Retreat offers six modern hideaways in 66 acres of lakeside grounds. Book a one-bedroom villa — complete with hut tub, kitchen, sitting room and deck — for a couple's retreat, or choose a two-bedroom Garden Spa Villa if travelling with friends and family. Rural luxury.

For Seaside Romance

  • Injidup Spa Retreat has ten indulgent oceanfront villas, each with a private plunge pool and fireplace. Interiors are swish and elegant, with soothing cream tones and lots of space. Unwind at the spa, hike the Cape to Cape track or hit the secluded beach. Gorgeous.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Perth Airport, 172 miles from Margaret River. The drive from the airport takes around three hours, and most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance. Regular trains are also available.
  • Western Australia is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Visit during the summer, spring or autumn months for sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Winters (June to August) are cool and can be rainy.

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The best hotels in Margaret River

Gilgara Retreat

Margaret River (Western Australia)

A historic homestead with cosy guest rooms & gardens dotted with swish suites for romantic couples. Contemporary suites have floor-to-ceiling windows & modern kitchenettes, whilst homestead rooms share a kitchen & lounge with fireplace. A stunning base for wine country explorations.

  • Value chic - A simple and affordable choice for couples' escapes, yoga retreats or intimate wine country weddings
  • Romantic Break - A quiet, adults only hideaway for couples looking to rest, recharge and explore the wine country
  • Surfing - With 75 breaks along a 130-kilometre stretch, speak to the team about the best seasonal spots to ride the waves
  • Great walks - Walk through the Boranup Karri Forest, admiring ancient trees and spotting birds flitting between them
from CA$189 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Margaret River Guest House

Margaret River (Western Australia)

A superbly located seven-bedroom B&B in the heart of Margaret River. Built in the 1920s as the town's chapel & nunnery, the building has been sensitively restored to create inviting spaces with garden views & modern bathrooms. Plus there's a communal lounge with cosy fire. Ideal for local exploring.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly located for exploring Margaret River on foot or by bicycle, set just two minutes from the main street
  • Short break - Ideal for a weekend break from Perth, within easy reach of Margaret River's top sights
  • Great walks - Hike part of the stunning Cape to Cape walking trail
  • Restrictions on children - Children must be aged 8+
from CA$263 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Empire Retreat & Spa

Margaret River (Australia)

Ten luxury villas and suites set in and around a gorgeous farmhouse boasting its own winery. Indulgent rooms are cool & contemporary with plenty of natural stone, polished wood & natural light. Spacious guest lounges and an atrium-style dining room maximise the views. The spa is superb.

  • Local markets - The Margaret River Farmers' Market fills the Old Hospital on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month & is great fun
  • Wine tasting - Begin with the resort's own wines, late visiting nearby Moss Wood, Cullen Wines and Leeuwin Estate
  • Weddings - Pick this five-star spot for an intimate wedding, with space for up to 20 guests to stay onsite
  • Honeymoons - A gorgeous honeymoon escape with a superb day spa and indulgent suites
from CA$326 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cape Lodge

Margaret River (Australia)

Set in the Margaret River region amid its own vines, this luxury lodge caters to every need. Traditional rooms ooze elegance and have glorious views over the gardens and lake. Surf, hike, cycle, swim and learn to cook in these beautiful surroundings. A luxury base for exploring the region.

  • Foodies - Foodies will adore the restaurant's 3 and 5-course dinners, using produce from the on-site kitchen garden & neighbouring farms
  • Great walks - Hike part of the Cape to Cape Track, walking south from Smiths Beach and admiring epic views
  • Groups - The Residence, with space for up to eight guests, is ideal for indulgent group trips
  • Other Activities - Take a scenic helicopter tour over magical Margaret River and the Indian Ocean
from CA$361 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Grand Mercure Basildene Manor

Margaret River (Western Australia)

A century-old manor house with beautifully restored interiors, set in landscaped gardens near Margaret River. Spacious suites have free-standing baths, extra sofa beds & warm textiles. With a swimming pool, tennis court & big breakfasts in the conservatory, this is a brilliant wine country hotel.

  • Romantic Break - Couples will adore the beautifully decorated manor rooms, with garden views and plenty of classic charm
  • Country Escape - A gorgeous century-old country house with impeccably restored interiors, perfect for a rural escape
  • Wine tasting - Savour fabulous Margaret River wines and craft beers on a guided Bushtucker River Tour
  • Sights nearby - Stunning Lake Cave — famous for its subterranean lake and stalactites — is just 20 minutes' drive away
from CA$420 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Margaret River (Western Australia)

An impressive collection of 150 contemporary villas overlooking a lake & Bunker Bay Beach. Airy spaces have up to three bedrooms, with modern kitchens, sitting rooms & private decks for unwinding. Plus there's a pool, bar, gourmet restaurant, spoiling spa & easy beach access. An epic beach resort.

  • Beach Life - Overlooking Bunker Bay Beach, this is a brilliant seaside resort for soaking up the sunshine, swimming & trying watersports
  • Families - Families will adore the chic multi-bedroom villas and the pelthora of activities
  • Restaurant - Enjoy in-villa catering, light bites at the Pool Bar or fabulous regional fare at The Other Side of the Moon
  • Great walks - Hike part of the Cape to Cape track through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park for dazzling ocean views
from CA$434 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Mile End Glamping

Margaret River (Western Australia)

Set within a 144-acre private estate, striking eco-pods promise absolute seclusion with uninterrupted views of the fields & forests. Expect white & light blue contemporary interiors, with four-poster beds, sitting areas, kitchens & hot tubs. A rare escape from the bustle of the world beyond.

  • Hideaway - An off-the-beaten-track hideaway, with geodesic domes tucked on a 144 acre private estate
  • Back to Nature - Immerse yourself in nature in domed pods with beautiful views and lots of privacy
  • Great walks - Take one of Kellie Tannock's fantastic guided Walk Talk Taste tours around Margaret River
  • Outstanding location - In secluded surroundings yet 20 minutes from Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton
from CA$500 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Smiths Beach Resort

Margaret River (Yallingup)

Nestled along the lush tropical coastland at Yallingup, the resort offers rooms with private dining verandas and barbeques, as well as self-catering apartments. Family friendly with separate adult and kid swimming pools. For beach lovers.

  • Active Holiday - Hire bicycles, play tennis, go horse riding, take beach walks and play myriad games at this activity-focused resort
  • Wine tasting - The resort's artisanal winemakers' experience offers a wonderful insight into WA wines, complete with tastings
  • Trekking - Don't miss hiking part of the famous 135km Cape to Cape track with an expert guide for marvellous ocean views
  • Families - Multi-bedroom beach villas are perfect for families, who will also adore the huge range of activities
from CA$511 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Injidup Spa Retreat

Margaret River (Yallingup)

Ten gorgeous luxury villas with private plunge pools, set within sight on the sea. Expect contemporary interiors decorated in neutral tones, with fireplaces and underfloor heating ensuring a cosy feel. Cook up a storm on the BBQ, enjoy long walks or gaze out at Injidup beach, glass of wine in hand.

  • Honeymoons - Book the exclusive Honeymoon Villa,complete with a big sink-into tub & generous living space for a couple's escape to remember
  • Groups - Two-bedroom villas with ocean views are brilliant for trips with friends, who can kick back in the pool after big BBQ lunches
  • Great walks - Try the Cape to Cape track or enjoy a two-hour round trip stroll to The Aquarium, a stunning snorkelling spot
  • Surfing - Ride the waves at the three nearby surf breaks of Car Parks, The Point & Pea Break
from CA$589 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Losari Retreat

Margaret River (Western Australia)

Six contemporary villas sit within 66 acres of leafy lakeside grounds close to Margaret River. Modern hideaways have private decks, hot tubs and big bedrooms. Cook up a storm with fresh farmers' market produce or arrange an in-villa private chef for gorgeous gourmet dinners. An exceptional retreat.

  • Hideaway - A romantic hideaway with private lakeview villas offering relaxing hot tubs and self-catering facilities for a tranquil retreat
  • Families - Book a two-bedroom Garden Spa Villa for a memorable trip with family and friends
  • Local markets - Pick up delicious fresh produce at the Margaret River Farmers' Market each Saturday
  • Great walks - Go hiking and mountain biking in the beautiful Wooditjup National Park
from CA$601 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia