What is Margaret River known for?
Margaret River, about three hours south of Perth, is famous for premium wines, world-class surfing, limestone caves, forests and fresh local food in Western Australia's southwest.
The first commercial vineyards were planted in the late 1960s, including Vasse Felix in 1967. Today the region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and although it produces a small share of Australia's wine, it has a reputation for quality.
The coastline has some of the world's best surf breaks. The Margaret River Pro, part of the World Surf League tour, is held at Surfers Point, where powerful Indian Ocean swells arrive.
Caves and forests
Hundreds of limestone caves lie beneath the region, and show caves such as Lake Cave, Jewel Cave and Mammoth Cave are open to visitors. Tall karri forests and Boranup Forest offer shady walks.
The 125-kilometre Cape to Cape Track runs along the coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. Whale watching is popular in winter and spring.
The town of Margaret River has restaurants, breweries and galleries, and the region hosts the Gourmet Escape food festival.
Did You Know?
Margaret River's Jewel Cave is the largest show cave in Western Australia.