Margaret River

Margaret River sits about three hours south of Perth on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste peninsula, where world-class vineyards, powerful surf breaks, ancient caves, and towering forests all sit within a short drive of each other. It's one of Western Australia's most rewarding regions and a favourite stop for backpackers heading down the south-west coast.

The wine is the headline act. Although the region produces only a small fraction of Australia's total wine, it accounts for a large share of the country's premium bottles — the cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay in particular are world-renowned. More than 200 wineries dot the region, from big-name estates like Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, and Voyager Estate to tiny boutique cellar doors. Many offer tastings, long lunches, and platters, and guided wine tours mean you can sample freely without worrying about driving.

The surf is just as famous. Surfers Point at Prevelly hosts world-tour professional surfing events, and the coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin is dotted with breaks for every level. Even if you don't surf, the beaches around Gracetown, Prevelly, and Gnarabup are stunning for swimming and sunset watching.

Beneath the surface, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge hides hundreds of limestone caves. Four are open to visitors — Ngilgi, Mammoth, Lake, and Jewel Caves — each filled with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers. Lake Cave, with its suspended 'table' formation reflected in a still underground pool, is particularly spectacular.

Above ground, the karri and jarrah forests are extraordinary. Boranup Forest, with its tall pale-trunked karri trees, is one of the most beautiful drives in the region. The Cape to Cape Track — a 123-kilometre walking trail running the length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park — passes clifftops, beaches, and forest, and can be tackled in sections as day walks.

The food scene matches the wine. Farm-gate producers sell fresh cheese, chocolate, olive oil, marron (freshwater crayfish), and venison, and the region's restaurants lean heavily into local produce. Between June and September, humpback and southern right whales pass close to shore, and whale-watching cruises depart from Augusta and Dunsborough.

Most travellers reach Margaret River as part of a south-west road trip from Perth, and Dundee Adventure's tours combine the wineries, caves, forests, and coastline so you can experience the best of the region without hiring a car.