The road from Perth to Margaret River is full of natural wonders and beautiful sights, and it's worth taking a few days to see them all. This guide is going to detail a three day itinerary that takes you from Perth to Margaret River.
Here's what your Perth to Margaret River itinerary looks like:
- Day 1 - Fly From Perth To The Margaret River Region (And Back)
- Day 2 - Drive South And Explore The Coast & Town
- Day 3 - Markets, Chocolate, And The Cape
1. Take Off From Perth: Margaret River Helicopter Winery Tour In The Margaret River Region
Start your Margaret River itinerary in style with the Rotor One Margaret River Helicopter Winery Tour. Instead of having to drive down the freeway, you get to fly from Jandakot over Perth's skyline, along the coast in full view of the Indian Ocean, with rolling vineyards and beautiful beaches too. This can all be seen as you approach Margaret River WA.
Your helicopter will then land directly at three cellar doors, all known for their world class wines and amazing food. The first stop is Swings and Roundabouts, a relaxed venue with wood fired pizzas, long tables, and lots of local produce. It's a laid back setting that's more than ideal for couples celebrating a wedding anniversary, as well as for groups looking for a memorable experience.
The second stop is Amelia Park, which has one of the best reds in the local wine scene. Amelia Park is not only renowned for its reds, but for its world class food as well, and of course, elegant service. The final stop is Aravina Estate, a favourite with locals and visitors alike. It features a cellar door with many varietals to taste, manicured gardens, and yes, good food too.
This particular experience includes wine tasting at each of the three stops, a long gourmet lunch, and a private flight to and from the wineries, ending with a return flight back to Perth.
Thanks to flying in a helicopter, this is one of the best ways to see the natural world of the south west of Australia without having to spend hours on the road. Not to mention, Rotor One's pilots are known for their attention to detail and great service - making this an integral part of any luxury weekend getaway.
2. Busselton Jetty & Shelter Brewery
Once you're back in Perth, or on the next day, head south on a drive to Busselton, which constitutes your first major stop on the ground. Here, you'll find the heritage Busselton Jetty, which stretches almost two kilometres over the calm waters of the Geographe Bay.
A leisurely stroll is a great way to break up the long drive. Whether you walk the jetty or catch the train, you can then visit the underwater observatory to see a variety of underwater natural wonders and marine life.
Once you're back on shore, you can take a walk to the Shelter Brewery, a modern space with indoor and outdoor seating, a children's playground (so the whole family can enjoy), and a casual menu of shared plates, burgers, and more. If you're going here during school holidays and peak season, it's best to book ahead.
3. Eagle Bay & Meelup Beach
You can now continue your Margaret River road trip into Dunsborough and Eagle Bay, where the coastline looks so nice that it should be in a brochure. Stop at Meelup Beach, known for its shady grassy areas, white sand, and super beautiful beaches.
What makes this such an attractive spot are the calm waters of the bay, which are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and more.
There are also many nearby venues in Eagle Bay that have outdoor seating, good food, and views of the Indian Ocean.
In this area, you'll find menus full of local produce and craft beer, making it one of the favourite places for locals in Western Australia to hang out and relax. It's also a great stop before heading to the caves and forests, which will be your next stop in this Margaret River region itinerary.
4. Caves Road, Lake Cave, and Boranup Forest
Now, you're going to follow the Caves Road toward the Margaret River Town, a legendary strip full of amazing sights to see.
First, make a stop at Lake Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the area, complete with guided tours that take you down into a sinkhole with a still lake - a great way to see the natural world.
Once you get back to the surface, keep driving on Caves Road to Boranup Forest, where towering karri trees rise high above the road, with light gently filtering through the canopy.
There are many lookout and picnic spots to relax at. This also happens to be one of the most photographed local attractions around.
If you'd like to see more of the coast, a quick detour to Canal Rocks is called for. Here, you'll see granite rocks that have been polished by the violent waves of the ocean, along with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean.
The swells are biggest in winter and early spring - in case you want to see some awe-inspiring nature.
5. Hamelin Bay
As you head south, you need to stop at Hamelin Bay. Here, you'll find a car park with shallows right beside it, and here, stingrays swim freely.
It's like an open air aquarium where you and the whole family can get up close and personal with stingrays and other marine life.
As far as outdoor adventures go, it's definitely one of the better things to do on this itinerary. From here, it's a fairly quick drive into the Margaret River township, which is where your next stop is.
6. Main Street, Margaret River Brewhouse, and Settlers Tavern
Once you arrive in the Margaret River town, you can find accommodation near or along the main street, which keeps you within walking distance of all the galleries showcasing local artists, bars, and restaurants.
Here, you can find a wine bar, late night spots like the Muster Bar, and a small cafe all within a short walk of each other.
If you want a relaxed evening with a delicious dinner, head over to the Margaret River Brewhouse, which features outdoor seating, a children's playground, and a menu full of good food that is all about local produce. It's casual and ideal for the whole family thanks to its laid back atmosphere.
Extend the night with a walk back up Margaret River Main Street to Settlers Tavern, an iconic venue to say the least. This tavern boasts regular live music nights, hearty pub meals, craft brews, and wine lists full of local wines.
7. Visit the Margaret River Farmers Market the Next Morning
You can't stay in Margaret River without going to the Margaret River farmers market on a Saturday morning. It's full of pastries, fresh bread, cheeses, meats, fresh produce, and much more.
You'll also find coffee vans, farm animals, and goodies from the local chocolate factory. It's easy to spend a few hours here strolling along and grazing all of the offerings.
Speaking of the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, this is another must-visit, especially for those who have a sweet tooth. There's a gift shop with plenty to choose from!
Nearby, you can also stop at a rustic cafe such as the Drift Cafe, a local favourite known for its brunch, tasty coffee, and laid back vibe.
8. A Final Stop at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
If you have the rest of the day to spare, and you want to see more of the Margaret River region, we recommend looping down to Augusta to see the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean meet (this also happens to be an excellent area for some whale watching).
As for the lighthouse, there are guided tours where you'll find out what it's like to be a lighthouse keeper in one of the windiest places in Western Australia. If you want to see the coast and all of its power, this is a stop you have to make before heading back to Perth.
A Margaret River Itinerary
Margaret River is one of those places that lives up to the hype. In just a few days, you can move from vineyards and cellar doors to rugged coastline, ancient forests, lively town centres, and quiet stretches of beach, all within a relatively small area.
It’s a region that rewards taking your time, slowing down, and enjoying the variety, whether that means long lunches at wineries, coastal walks, or browsing local markets. For anyone visiting Western Australia, Margaret River isn’t just a side trip from Perth, it’s a must visit destination in its own right.
If you want to experience the region in the most memorable way possible, helicopter travel changes everything. Flying between Perth and Margaret River turns what is normally a long drive into part of the adventure, with sweeping views of the coastline, farmland, and forests along the way.
Rotor One stands out as the best operator for this journey, offering smooth flights, experienced pilots, and thoughtfully designed winery itineraries that let you make the most of your time on the ground. Pairing Margaret River’s natural beauty with a Rotor One helicopter flight creates an experience that feels effortless, special, and well worth the trip.
