10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN
THE MARGARET RIVER REGION
Cosily tucked three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River region is a glorious tapestry of top-tier vineyards, stunning beaches, and family-friendly fun. It's a banquet for all senses - gourmet food, world-class wine, and craft beer for the grown-ups, and a smorgasbord of adventures for the young ones. From exploration-inviting caves to sprawling parks, perfect for spontaneous family picnics, there's something for every family member. Plus, family-friendly vineyards offer a two-fold joy: adults savour award-winning wines, while the kids can play in nature's backyard. The Margaret River region is more than a destination; it's a treasure trove of family memories waiting to be made.
Think fairy-tale-like caves, beginner-friendly waves and sprawling parks perfect for impromptu picnics. And let's not forget the family-friendly vineyards where the grown-ups can sample award-winning wines while the little ones frolic in nature's playground. Below are just a handful of fun things to do and awesome ways to discover what this area has to offer.
Picture: Tourism WA
1. Go straight to a family-friendly winery
You can’t miss visiting one of the world-class wineries or breweries when visiting the Margaret River region. There are hundreds to choose from including Vasse Felix, Cullen, Leeuwin and Voyager Estate. The kids haven’t been forgotten with many places offering impressive playgrounds and no dearth of space for little legs to run free. Some family favourites are Swings and Roundabouts, Cheeky Monkeys, Glenarty Road, Avarina Estate and Leeuwin Estate.
Where: All across the Margaret River Region.
Cost: Free entry.
2. Explore what lies beneath
Go caving and experience a whole new world of amazing ancient fossils and limestone crystal formations hanging above you. You can take it easy at Mammoth Cave or put on a hard hat and delve into an adventure tour at Ngilgi Cave. We loved our visit to Mammoth Cave!
Where: There are several caves to explore including Jewel Cave Augusta, Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave and Ngilgi Cave.
Cost: Entry cost is $22.50 for adults, $11.50 for children (4-16yrs) and $20 for seniors.
More info: Margaret River Attractions
3. Hop aboard the jetty train at Busselton
Visit the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere at Busselton. At 1.8km in length, it can be quite the walk for little legs though so you could opt for the lazy route and go for a 15min ride to the end on the jetty train. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales! Waiting at the end is an Underwater Observatory where you’ll go eight metres below the surface to view more than 300 different species of beautifully coloured fish swimming around coral. There is also an epic playground and new brewery right next to the jetty.
Where: 3L Queen St, Busselton.
Cost: The Underwater Observatory Tour: Adult - $34, children (3-17) - $20 or you can buy a family pass (2 adults, 2 children) for $99.
The Jetty train: Adult - $14.00, children (3-17) - $8.50, family pass (2A2C) - $38.
Walking the jetty is free.
More info: Busselton Jetty
4. Stock up at the Bunbury Farmer’s Markets
Not exactly the Margaret River region, but you can’t go past Bunbury on your way to or from the region without stopping at the Bunbury Farmers Market. It’s so good, Perthites often make the two-hour drive to stock up on gourmet goodies. Often described as the Ikea of food markets, you’ll find yourself following a path past fresh fruit, easy-to-prepare dinner packs, an onsite butcher, chutneys, cakes and much much more. Like us, you’ll most likely find yourself some goodies and wonder how you ever lived without them.
Where: 2 Vittoria Road, Glen Iris.
More info: Bunbury Farmers Market
5. Feed the animals at Sunflower Animal Farm
Visit this cattle farm and the 350 farm animals who call it home. Here you can get up close to the animals including llamas, horses, pigs and kangaroos. You can cuddle the baby animals in the nursery and buy a bucket of animal food to feed them all. You can also stay here in a self-contained unit. See more info in the Stay section below.
Where: 5561 Caves Road, Margaret River.
Cost: Entry is only $13.50 per person. To feed the animals, you can also purchase buckets of food (carrots, lettuce, grain and bread) for only $3 per bucket.
More info: Sunflower Animal Farm and Farmstay
6. Meet the rays at Hamelin Bay
For an experience you’ll never forget, head to Hamelin Bay to meet the local stingrays. These friendly ocean dwellers have been visiting the boat ramp for several years hoping to get a nibble of fish scraps from the fishermen. If you stand in the water and wait they’ll often come straight to you and lay on your feet. An incredible feeling. Tip: If they’re not there when you arrive, hang around until the fishing boats come in - the sting rays will be close behind as they follow the boats hoping for an easy meal.
Where: Hamelin Bay Road, Hamelin Bay.
Cost: Free.
7. Relax at Injidup Natural Spa
In need of some pampering? Head to this unique natural spa and relax in the saltwater bubbles created by waves crashing over rocks. It’s just 15 minutes south of Yallingup but if you get there early before the crowds, you’ll feel like you’re in a secluded paradise. You’ll need to climb over a few rocks to get there but we think that’s half the fun and it’s easy to do with kids.
Where: Wyadup Road, Yallingup.
Cost: Free.
8. Spend the day food factory hopping
Take your taste buds on an adventure around Margaret River’s food factories. Watch chocolatiers make treats at the Chocolate Factory and bees busy at work at the Margaret River Honey Co. Treat the kids at the Candy Cow Cowaramup and pick up all sorts of honey, chocolate ad yogurt coated nuts at the Nut and Cereal Shop. Yum!
Where:
The Margaret River Chocolate Company - 415 Harman's Mill Rd, Metricup.
Candy Cow - Shop 3/69 Bussell Highway, Cnr Bottrill St, Cowaramup.
Margaret River Honey Company - 164 Exmoor Drive, Margaret River.
Margaret River Nuts and Cereal - 219 Harmans Mill Road, Metricup.
9. Explore the epic beaches
If the beach is your happy place then you’ll be forever smiling in the Margaret River region. The area is blessed with white sandy beaches, many of which are usually calm and easy to access - making them perfect for families. Here are some favourites:
Eagle Bay
Meelup Beach
Bunker Bay
Gnarabup Beach
Castle Rock
Margaret River Mouth Beach
Busselton Foreshore
10. Breathe in the fresh air at Boranup Forest
You’ll feel very small (in a good way) when you’re surrounded by towering Karri trees. Wind your way through the magical forest to Boranup Lookout where you can breathe in the freshest of air, listen to birdsong and take in magnificent views of the forest and nearby beaches. It’s also a nice spot for a picnic!
Where: Boranup Forest is less than 30 mins drive south of Margaret River town along Caves Road.
Where there’s great wine and beer, there’s usually great food and that is certainly the case in Margaret River. This is where some of the best produce is served in some of the best restaurants in Australia - many with epic playgrounds and plenty of space to keep busy bodies occupied. You’ll discover scrumptious platters at cellar doors, upscale brewpub fare, seaside cafes, fantastic pizza and good ol’ fish and chips. Here are some of our favourites:
Swings and Roundabouts Winery
Sit back, or swing, with a glass of red and enjoy an Italian woodfired pizza, while the kids play on the wooden nature-themed playground overlooking the vineyard. This family favourite has plenty of space for the kids to run and make a bit of noise so you won’t need to worry about disturbing other diners. They also have open fires and tables with swings as chairs - very cool!
Where: 2807 Caves Road, Yallingup.
More info: Swings & Roundabouts Winery
Cheeky Monkeys Brewery
This is the ultimate family-friendly brewery. It has not one but two awesome playgrounds. One is fully fenced and so colourful you can’t miss it and the other is nature-themed, featuring a high-rope water crossing. While the little explorers are hard at work playing, you’ll also be doing it tough trying to choose which one out of their solid list of brews to put away. There’s also plenty of delicious pub grub on the menu to keep everyone happy as well.
Where: Caves Road, Margaret River.
More info: Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co.
White Elephant Café
Sit on the deck and enjoy the laid back vibe and picturesque views of the Gnarabup beach. Perfect brekky and lunch spot offering healthy and light dishes using local produce.
Where: Gnarabup Road, Gnarabup.
More info: White Elephant Cafe
Pizzica
Seriously good pizza. So much so the locals are claiming it’s the best pizza in the south west. You’ll just have to try it yourself! When you step into this friendly and lively pizza joint, be prepared to feel like you’ve been transported to Italy!
Where: 73 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River.
More info: Pizzica
Farmers’ Markets
Wake up on Saturday morning, get dressed and head to one of Australia’s best farmers markets. Selling just fresh food and flowers, the stallholders are not allowed to resell food here and must be personally hands on in the production of the food they sell.
Where: 272 Bussell Highway, Margaret River.
More info: Margaret River Farmers' Market
Café Boronup
Listen to birdsong while enjoying breakfast or lunch in the bush. Head there with an empty belly and fill up on their delicious scones or stop in after visiting Lake Cave and fuel up with one of their homemade burgers. There’s a giant chess set and plenty of trees for the little ones to climb. You can also check out the art gallery next door while you’re there.
Where: 7981 Caves Rd, Forest Grove.
More info: 08 9757 7279
Hooked Up Fish n Chips
Fish and Chips on the beach at sunset overlooking a world-famous surf break? Yes please! You can find these guys at Surfers Point on select nights (check their website for regular updates). Arrive well before sunset to beat the queue.
Where: Surfers Point, Prevelly.
More info: Hooked Up Fish n Chips
From farm stays to luxurious family getaways, there is an endless list of places to stay in the Margaret River region. You can take your pick from family-friendly caravan parks and farm stays or choose a villa with views of the Indian ocean. You’ll find accommodation right in the town of Margaret River of you could base yourself in one of its neighbouring suburbs such as Rosa Glen or Busselton.
DINNER TIME : Our girls loved feeding the sheep each day at Big Valley.
FOR CARAVANS:
Big Valley
A great base to explore the Margaret River region. This working sheep farm is home to thousands of animals. Kids can cuddle guinea pigs and feed lupin to the sheep each afternoon.
Where: 46 Boronia Rd, Rosa Glen.
More info: Big Valley Campsite
Margaret River Tourist Park
Margaret River Tourist Park is in the centre of Margaret River, Western Australia, the ideal central location when planning things to do in Margaret River.
Where: 44 Station Rd, Margaret River.
More info: Margaret River Tourist Park
Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park
With water slides, heated pools and four adventure playgrounds, the kiddos will be in heaven here.
Where: 652 Geographe Bay Rd, Busselton.
More info: Mandalay Resort
Yallingup Beach Holiday Park
Just steps away from the Indian Ocean, this holiday park boasts a stellar location. Choose from a number of accommodation options including van sites, budget or seaside cabins and deluxe tents - either way you’ll be waking up and falling asleep to the sweet sound of the waves lapping the shore nearby. There is also a cafe and nature-themed playground just across the raod.
Where: Valley Road, Yallingup.
More info: Yallingup Beach Holliday Park
OTHER OPTION:
Sunflower Animal Farm
Stay in one of four fully self-contained units and receive unlimited free entry to the animal farm. The little ones can ride a pony each morning and they’ll get a free bucket of food to feed the animals.
Where: 5561 Caves Rd, Burnside.
More info: Sunflower Animal Farm and Farmstay
FOR A BIT OF LUXURY:
Smiths Beach Resort
Beach meets luxury at this Yallingup resort. Perfectly positioned with views of the Indian Ocean, the resort's self-contained apartments offer a dash of home-like comfort amidst your adventure-laden holiday.
Younger guests can frolic in the kids' wading pool or the whole family can take a dip in the resort’s heated infinity pool. Or if you’re feeling up for game of tennis, the resort also has its own professional court. Meanwhile, Yallingup's stunning beach is a short trot away, perfect for sandcastles and wave splashing!
Where: 67 Smiths Beach Road.
More info: Smiths Beach Resort