Perth to Margaret River is a 271 kilometre route that generally takes three hours to drive. This stretch is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the country, and it's an amazing journey whether you travel by car, bus, or helicopter. This guide covers everything you need to know about taking a trip from Perth to Margaret River in Western Australia.
What We’ll Be Exploring in This Blog
- Margaret River Distance and Travel Time: How Far Is Margaret River from Perth?
- The Margaret River Drive: How to Get There
- What to See on Your Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
- About the Region
Margaret River Distance and Travel Time: How Far Is Margaret River from Perth?
Found in Western Australia, Margaret River is roughly 270 kilometres or 168 miles south west of Perth - it's one of the most popular destinations for a Western Australia road trip, and for good reason, because this region, as well as the road there, features a variety of iconic landmarks to see.
By car, the drive usually lasts about 3.5 hours when travelling on the Forrest Highways and Bussell Highways - of course, depending on the traffic and stops you make along the way.
The Margaret River drive is a beautiful one, with stops such as Mandurah, Bunbury, or the Busselton Jetty making every second worthwhile.
That said, if you want to visit Margaret River, but don't want to drive yourself, there are a number of options available, such as guided tours via bus, and even luxurious helicopter flights that allow you to see the path from Perth to the Margaret River Wine Region from a bird's-eye-view - as well as stop at a number of renowned wineries for wine tasting and more.
The Margaret River Drive: How to Get There
Going on a road trip to the Margaret River Region is always great fun - from gorgeous white sand beaches to art galleries galore, and so much more.
That said, there are various ways to get to Margaret River and to find all of the hidden gems along the way. Let's find out how to get from Perth to Margaret River.
Drive by Car
Generally speaking, driving is the most flexible way to get from Perth to Margaret River, a 3.5 hour route over two highways, with opportunities to stop in locations such as Bunbury, Busselton, or Dunsborough.
Using your own or renting a car allows you to travel at your pace, take detours along side roads, and visit a range of white sand beaches and wineries that are not accessible via publish transport.
That said, if you plan on going to any Margaret River town and doing some wine tasting, you'll likely need a designated driver.
If you're a solo traveller or family that wants maximum flexibility, taking a drive south west from Perth is the way to go, but if wine tasting and relaxation are your main goals, taking a bus, coach, or even a helicopter will be much better options.
By Helicopter
By far the most spectacular way to travel from Perth to Margaret River is by helicopter. There are many options available, with basic helicopter transfers from Perth to Margaret River, as well as full-blown helicopter winery tours - both of which are offered by Rotor One.
What's so great about taking a helicopter to Margaret River is that travel time is greatly reduced, taking just 75-90 minutes, instead of a three hour drive, or longer.
Getting in a helicopter is a thrill in of itself, and moreover, it offers a great way to see the ground below from a new perspective, with the Swan River, Indian Ocean coastline, and Busselton Jetty all looking magnificent from the air.
The simple fact is that if you're looking for something special, unique, and exciting, then forget the Margaret River road trip and fly from Perth to Margaret River in a private helicopter.
One of Rotor One's most popular options is the Margaret River Region helicopter winery tour, which takes you to three famous wineries for wine tasting and gourmet meals, including Swings & Roundabouts, Amelia Park, and Aravina Estate - each of which offers its own special charm, wine varietals, and tasty meals.
By Bus or Coach
There are a variety of operators in Western Australia that drive busses to the Margaret River wine region, with plenty of daily services that run back and forth along the Indian Ocean, between these two areas.
This trip will take even longer than by car, mainly because busses drive slower, mak several planned stops, and must accommodate all passengers.
However, busses are air-conditioned, affordable, and ideal for those who don't want to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or having to drive after consuming a few glasses of wine.
The downside is that you don't have much freedom when you get to the Margaret River region, as you'll have to adhere to the bus or coach schedule.
All things considered, if you are a solo traveller without access to a car or you're travelling on a budget, then this is a decent option to consider as far as a Margaret River road trip is concerned.
By Guided Tour
You could also take a Margaret River road trip in the form of a guided tour, which will also happen on a bus or coach. The difference here is that with a guided tour, you'll have an expert providing commentary along the way, along with a set itinerary.
For those who love learning, don't want to drive themselves, who want to visit wineries and breweries without having to drive themselves, and for those who don't mind being limited by a strict itinerary, this is a good choice.
That said, the fact that you have to adhere to a strict schedule is a big drawback for many, not to mention that this is by far not the most luxurious option available. Keeping this in mind, it's a great option for those who like the guided experience.
What to See on Your Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
So you know what you're getting yourself into, let's find out what sights and landmarks there are too see on the path from Perth to Margaret River.
Kings Park and the Botanic Garden
Right from the get-go, you can visit Kings Park, which overlooks the Swan River and the Perth skyline. It's known for being one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and it's famous for its treetop walks, amazing views of the city, and its native wildflowers.
Penguin Island
About 45 minutes south of Perth, you'll find Penguin Island, near the town of Rockingham - and true to its name, this where you'll find the largest colony of little penguins in Western Australia. You can even take a short ferry ride right to the island to walk along boardwalk trails and feed some penguins.
Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Right outside of Mandurah, Lake Clifton, you'll find living thrombolites, which are ancient rock-like formations created by microorganisms over millions and millions of years. It's a short walk along a boardwalk, and you're right above these natural wonders.
Bumbury Dolphin Discovery Centre
You can then stop at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury - a shallow bay where dolphins often visit. There are many volunteer-led beach encounters and interactive exhibits, making it one of the best wildlife experiences in the region.
Busselton Jetty and the Underwater Observatory
Around 2.5 hours south of Perth, you'll find the Busselton Jetty, the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching a full 1.8 kilometres into the Geographe Bay. You can also take the Busselton Jetty Train to the underwater observatory, where you're underwater, with glass panels showing all sorts of colourful and unique marine life.
Dunsborough, Meelup Beach, and Yallingup Beach
Take a short detour from Busselton to Dunsborough, known for its calm and crystal clear waters, especially at beaches such as Meelup - a great area for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Just beyond that is Yallingup Beach, one of Australia's most famous and visited surf spots -with the Injudup Natural Spa being nearby.
Mammoth Cave
Moving on, you can find Mammoth Cave, a massive limestone cavern. You can take a self-guided tour along the raised walkways - seeing ancient fossils and large formations along the way.
Margaret River Wineries
Some of the most popular destinations in the Margaret River wine region are of course world class wineries, which can include everything from a small boutique winery to large winery estates.
Some of the most renowned wineries to visit here include Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate, Swings & Roundabouts, Amelia Park, and Aravina Estate.
If you want to experience something new and unique, take a look at Rotor One's Margaret River helicopter winery tour, which starts in Perth and lands directly at the cellar doors of three amazing wineries.
Forest Galore - Hidden Gems You Must See
Okay, so although this doesn't exactly follow our North-to-South itinerary, it is worth mentioning that there are several National Parks and forests that you need to see.
These include, but are not limited to, Serpentine Falls in the Serpentine National Park, Wellington National Park, Ludlow Tuart Forest, and the Boranup Forest - each offering their own mix of flora and fauna.
It's definitely worth taking a few hours to see these areas with the whole family on the way to your final destination. Take a full day trip and enjoy the scenic drive!
About the Region
The Margaret River wine region is well known - one of Western Australia's most celebrated destinations thanks to its premium wineries, beautiful beaches, and a treasure trove of natural landscapes.
It's just three hours south west of Perth, and it stretches from Busselton to Augusta. It's a mix of laid-back charm and luxury that visitors and locals alike just can't get enough of. There's a mix of attractions for everyone - so let's take a look.
For Wine and Food Lovers
The winery scene in Margaret River is second to none, with well over 90 cellar doors, you can make your way through plenty of iconic estates, such as Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate, as well as smaller boutique wineries such as Swings & Roundabouts and Aravina Estate.
Most also contain gourmet restaurants where you can pair their most famous wines with dishes that feature fresh ingredients and local produce. This is the destination to go to if you are a food or wine lover.
When it comes to award winning wineries and craft breweries alike, there are many attractions in the Margaret River region.
For Surfers and Beachgoers
The Margaret River region is also home to some of the best surfing spots in the country, with well over 130 surf breaks.
This includes one of the most famous in the world - Surfers Point at Prevelly - home to some of the biggest waves and international competitions in the South west region of Australia.
There are also plenty of great beaches to go swimming at, ones with calmer waters, such as Yallingup, Meelup, and Eagle Bay.
If you're looking for natural wildlife encounters, try heading to Hamelin Bay, where, if the time is right, you might just see some wild dolphins or migrating whales.
For Families
There's plenty to do on a Margaret River road trip that is ideal for whole families - especially for kids.
For example, the underwater observatory is always a hit, as it allows everyone to go beneath the surface of the water and see marine life up close, all without ever having to get wet.
For underground adventures, you can visit the Mammoth Cave or Lake Cake, both of which are full of rock formations and so much more.
There are also various local wildlife parks, as well as the Sunflowers Animal Farm - where kids can pet and feed a plethora of animals.
For Nature Lovers and Adventurers
For those travelling from Perth to Margaret River, there are also plenty of great sights for nature lovers, including Cape Naturaliste, which features the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, as well as Cape Leeuwin - a 135-kilometre stretch known as the Cape-to-Cape Track. Cliffs, lighthouses, beaches, and wildflower trails are what you'll find here!
