The seven wonders of the
Margaret River region

The Margaret River region is a wonderland full of natural treasures. Ancient dramatic cliffs, dreamy secret lagoons, and a landscape sculpted over an eternity. With so much beauty to see, which spots are considered unmissable? It wasn’t easy, but we’ve found our top seven. Grab your camera – you’ll want to store these memories forever.

Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay

There are certain moments in time when you take a step back and marvel that you live on this planet. Boranup Forest is a place that will do this to you. With gigantic karri trees and bursting with foliage and animal life, you can experience the forest in so many ways. Take a drive, walk, hike, cycle, or join a quad bike tour. Be sure to head to nearby picturesque Hamelin Bay to see the resident stingrays too.

*Some sections of the forest were impacted by the December 2021 fires but there is still plenty to see, and the affected areas are starting to spring back to life.

Boranup Forest. Image by Photo Elements.

The ancient cave system

You might not realise it from above, but beneath the quiet bush landscape along Caves Road (the hint is in the name!) are more than one hundred extraordinarily-old caves. While most are inaccessible, the major tourist caves each offer something unique. Visit Ngilgi (great for families), Jewel (a beautiful huge cavern), Mammoth (self-guided tours for all), Lake (equally spectacular above as below), and Giants (deep and dark – adventurers most welcome).

*Lake Cave and Giants Cave are temporarily closed due to the December 2021 bushfires.

Jewel Cave. Image by Photo Elements.

Wilyabrup Cliffs

One of the most loved viewpoints on the epic Cape to Cape walking trail, the Wilyabrup Cliffs are 40m vertical columns of rusty-red rocks – the colour a shock against the sapphire blue of the Indian Ocean and the white water that froths frenetically below. This is a favourite spots for proposals, abseiling, and budding geologists who stare in wonder at the layer upon layer of rock that create the remarkable scene.

Point Piquet – Meelup Beach – Castle Rock Bay

Three idyllic spots for the price of one. This 5km beautiful stretch of coastline offers snorkelling, bush walking, hidden coves, rock exploration, and family-friendly beach fun. Castle Rock is perfect for photography and scrambling up the rocks; Meelup is the quintessential picture-perfect beach with shallow water for water games and picnicking under the trees; and Point Piquet is a quiet bay with stunning, turquoise waters and the 113m HMAS Swan dive wreck just off the coast.

Point Picquet, between Meelup and Eagle Bay. Image @francesandrijich

Sugarloaf Rock

Chameleon-like characteristics make this granite giant so much more than just a rock. Thrusting up dramatically from the watery depths below, Sugarloaf is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water. Fall in love with the view at sunset as it changes hues, and it’s equally worth a visit during a storm when the water is treacherous and waves wallop it ocean-side. This is also one of the top spots in the region to see whales, birdlife, and wildflower blooms.

Canal Rocks and The Aquarium

WA’s Parks and Wildlife Service describe Canal Rocks as essentially an open air museum, with the canals having been carved out by the relentless swell coursing through for eons. The walkway, with a bridge over the water, provides a heart-thumping glimpse into the power of mother nature as the waves surge and spray toward you. And just to the north is The Aquarium, a tranquil lagoon that was once the best-kept local secret, with crystal-clear waters. Slide in for snorkelling, blissful paddling, and sunning yourself while spying sea creatures scurrying about.

The Aquarium, near Canal Rocks.

Margaret River mouth

Of course you know the famous town, but how well acquainted are you with the waterway it’s named after? Head down to where the river meets the Indian Ocean and enjoy the vista from above, the sandbar, natural lagoon, reef, and rock formations. You can take a canoe tour down the river or venture a few hundred metres walk south to the world-famous Surfer’s Point break. Learn about surfing in the region.

The South West is a treasure trove of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Browse our portfolio of luxury holiday homes and book your idyllic holiday escape today.

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