Margaret River is about three hours south of Perth and known for powerful surf, karri forests and more than a hundred wineries. At vintage time there's lots of work for backpackers. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
Buses from Perth take about four hours to Margaret River; by car it's about three. The region is spread out: beaches, forests and wineries are scattered, and without a car you depend on tours. The route is part of the South West Edge road trip.
March to October is best for surfing, when the most swell arrives. Swimming is most pleasant from November to April. The vintage runs roughly from February to April, followed by pruning in winter. In winter, from June to September, whales pass Cape Leeuwin.
A hostel in town, full of harvest workers during vintage — good for getting jobs.
A national park campground in the forest, a few minutes from the coast. Book in advance through Park Stay WA.
One of Australia's most powerful surf spots and the venue of a pro contest. Only for very experienced surfers — you can watch from the hill. Best time March to October.
A calm bay where large stingrays often come into the shallows. Don't feed or touch them; keep your distance. Nice for swimming from November to April.
A rock pool where the waves foam in like a whirlpool. Only visit when the swell is small — in big seas it's life-threatening.
A forest of tall karri eucalypts with a gravel road running right through it. In the late afternoon the light between the trunks is at its softest.
The lighthouse stands where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet — at the south-westernmost point of the Australian mainland. From June to September you can watch whales.
A small town in the middle of the famous wine region, with cafés, pubs and a supermarket. At vintage time in late summer there's lots of work for backpackers.
The main street with bakeries and cafés — cheaper than the winery restaurants.
More than a hundred wineries, many with cheap cellar-door tastings. Don't drive yourself — take a tour or a bike.
The vintage runs roughly from February to April, and after that there's pruning work in winter. Ask at hostels and directly at wineries. Only work with payslips and a valid employer ABN.
Roughly from February to April, followed by pruning in winter.
Surfers Point is only for experienced surfers. For beginners there are surf schools at more sheltered beaches in the region.
At Hamelin Bay, where they often come into the shallows. Don't feed or touch them.
All spots on the Margaret River map. Nearby: Perth to the north and Esperance to the east. The region at a glance on the South West Edge road trip.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.