The van adventurer's guide to Margaret River

Nestled in the far South West corner of Australia, home to some of the country’s best boutique wineries and breweries, and boasting a long and proud Indigenous history, the Margaret River region holds endless secrets to explore. A road trip through the ancient landscape is the best way to see it all, and we have all the tips and tricks for making the most out of your van holiday to Western Australia.

Why visit Margaret River in a van?

Western Australia is one of Australia’s great draw cards for visitors near and far. Covering a whopping one third of the continent, the state's dusty interior gives way to a coastline unmatched anywhere in the world. The capital city of Perth is a great place to begin a road trip, and heading south to the verdant region of the Margaret River showcases the best of WA, as you discover secluded white sand beaches, expansive forests and delectable culinary delights.

Exploring the great outdoors

We’d need a pretty thick guide book to hit all the incredible attractions on offer in the Margaret River region; from scuba diving to snorkelling, surfing to spelunking, cycling to hiking, you can do it all here. But we only want to show you the best, so here are our favourites.

• Head south to find the town of Deepdene, where Jewel Cave, WA’s largest accessible cave is open to visitors. Take a walk through millennia of stunning rock formations, gaping at stalactites, cave coral and immense natural chambers.

• Once the confines of the underground grottoes have satisfied your caving needs, head to the coastline to tackle the Cape to Cape Walk. Rated one of Australia’s best multi-day hikes, this trek can be tackled as an epic five-nine day adventure, or as a half or full day trip as you see fit. The track covers everything from hidden beaches and sweeping cliff top views to sparkling forest paths and limestone caves. (If you haven’t already had your fill.)

• So we’ve swooned over rocks and underground chambers, and tired out our calves with a long hike, what’s next? A visit to the west isn’t complete without seeking out an aquatic activity, and if you’ve always wanted to dive beneath the waves, the HMAS Swan in Geographe Bay is where we’re heading now. This stunning shipwreck lies at a depth of 30m in crystal clear waters, with a fascinating interior to explore for those with experience. Tours take less seasoned divers to see the outside of the ship, and an Advanced Wreck Dive Course can be completed to find the secrets lying within.

Best places to grab a bite

There are enough fantastic places to try the local produce in Margaret River that it seems almost criminal to list two, but hey, we’re looking for the best of the best here.

• Industrial-chic? Share plates? Modern Australian dining? If you think these phrases belong exclusively to Surry Hills and Fitzroy, you’re in for a tasty surprise. Morries in Margaret River specialises in tapas plates that are designed to be shared, so you can try the wide variety of flavours on show. Covering seafood, veggie options and sweet treats among others, there’s plenty to try. Speciality crafted cocktails are worth trying too.

• Ocean views? Sustainable seafood? Local favourite? If those are more to your liking, you can do no wrong in checking out Hooked Up Fish & Chips in Prevelly. Operating out of a food truck on the stunning headland of Surfers Point , bring a picnic blanket and your fingers, and tuck into a meal you can never go wrong with in Australia. It can get busy, so make sure you nab the perfect spot early and watch the sun go down over the waves.

Best places to grab a drink

Once again, we could spend days listing the world-beating wineries and breweries of the region, and there are enough to satisfy even the most discerning sommelier or cicerone in the world, but we’ll give you our favourite of each.

• Being nature lovers, we seek out places that offer sustainable practices for their products, which is why Voyager Estates is our top choice for a winery visit in Margaret River. 2023 marks the first year that the almost 200-year-old vineyard is certified organic for every grape grown on the land, and the wonderful team is dedicated to providing greener ways of producing wine. Try some of their delicious vintages alongside an award winning menu that complements the wine and pays homage to the region.

• Australia’s emerging craft beer scene is often associated with NSW and Victoria, but Western Australia is hitting the ground running with brews that rival the more populous states. Beerfarm can be found in bottle shops around the country, producing an excellent array of lagers, pales, IPAs and sours for every palette. The venue hits all the beats you’ve come to expect from a day out at a brewery: open-plan, dog-friendly, and more kegs than an American frat party.

Campervan facilities in Margaret River

Embrace the van life! Get dirty! But don’t get too grubby. The ocean offers a very cheap (see: free) place to clean off, but if you’re after a proper shower, Surfers Point and Meelup Beach both have public facilities to use. There are also toilets available here if your van isn’t carrying one.

There are three petrol stations in Margaret River itself, and one further south in Augusta if you’re exploring the outer reaches. WA is sparse in many places, so if you’re starting a long journey, make sure you plan ahead. If you’re not staying at a dedicated caravan park, Margaret River has a free dumping point for grey and black water here. The Davis Road Waste Management Facility will also accept rubbish if you need to clear some space in the van.

Road trips from Margaret River

Western Australia is your oyster from the Margaret River region (there are also plenty of real oysters to be had!), with a heap of places to head toward as you continue your road trip.

• Head 3 hours east to Walpole, and the start of the enchanting Rainbow Coast of WA. Lose yourself in the coves and forests around Denmark and Albany as you explore an overlooked Aussie destination.

• Craving the lights of the big city? Perth is 3 hours north of Margaret River and offers plenty to see and do in the most isolated capital city in the world. Explore the docklands of Fremantle and the wonder of Rottnest Island.

• Kickstart your outback adventure in Kalgoorlie , an epic 9 ½ hour drive from Margaret River. The outback should be on everyone's bucket list, and the quaint town in the Goldfields is the perfect place to start.

Best places to stay the night

• Big Valley Campsite: Ten minutes out of town, Big Valley is a picturesque campsite nestled among the lush hills of a working farm. Completely secluded from the outside world within the valley, you can also start brewery and wine tours that will pick you up from the site.

• Margaret River Tourist Park: Right in the heart of Margaret River, this holiday park is the go-to destination for families or those looking for a bit more modern comfort on their trip. With a games room, swimming pool and all the facilities you’ll need, you can have a relaxing outdoor holiday without having to leave.

• Olive Hill Farm: This site is perfect for those looking for a true off-grid experience. Located amongst a grove of olive trees, these unpowered sites are only suitable for self-contained vans as the facilities are minimal. But what you lack in toilets you make up for with treats. Host Emma often offers scones with fresh cream and jam, which is reason enough for us to head there.

Want your next trip to be an epic van journey through Margaret River? Head to Camplify to find thousands of vans ready to take you there. If you’re planning on taking a caravan, check out our beginners guide to towing, and don’t miss our interview with Blaze Lopes about all things WA.