THE BEST PLACES FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN MARGARET RIVER
With Christmas just a few months away, what could be more exciting than spending quality time with family and friends on this festive holiday.
Explore the wine region with these top attractions on our list and you’ll be sure to have a great time with your loved ones.
BUSSELTON JETTY AND AQUARIUM
Jump on board the famous Jetty Train to reach the spectacular Underwater Observatory. Descend 8 metres below the water’s surface to discover some of the 300 different marine species below the jetty. Take a dip, throw a line or visit the Interpretive Centre.
OPENING HOURS:
The Jetty
Interpretive Centre and Heritage Museum
- The Interpretive Centre and Heritage Museum are open daily, excluding Christmas Day.
- Sept school holidays – April school holidays 8.30am – 6.00pm
- May – August 9.00am – 5.00pm
Underwater Observatory and Jetty Train
- Tours depart the Interpretive Centre on the hour, weather permitting.
- Bookings are essential.
- Sept school holidays – April school holidays -9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm
- May – August – 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm
Address: Busselton beachfront (beach end of Queen St), Busselton WA, 6280
Google Map
Website: www.busseltonjetty.com.au
NGILGI CAVE
The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name. Explore the cave and experience stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations.
OPENING HOURS:
- 9.00am-5.00pm. First Show Cave Tour begins at 9.30am.
- Last Show Cave Tour departs at 4.00pm.
- Tours depart every 30min.
- Closed Christmas Day.
Address: 76 Ngilgi Cave Yallingup Caves Road, Yallingup, Western Australia, 6282, Australia
Google Map
Website: www.margaretriver.com/members/
GRACETOWN BEACH
Gracetown is famous for its world-class surf breaks and is one of the top surfing destinations in WA.
The area was initially used as a holiday area and later in 1957 it was proposed that the area should be developed as a camping and caravan park. Instead the government decided that the area would be developed as a townsite. The area was surveyed in 1961 and the bulk of the townsite was planned. Sale of lots within the townsite occurred in 1963, the same year the town was gazetted.
Each of the two headlands that frame Cowaramup bay deflect the waves rolling in from the open ocean, forming point breaks. Further into the middle of the bay off South Point there is a gentler reef break known as Huzzas, one of the best waves in the region for beginner surfers.
Address: Gracetown, WA 6284
Google Map
YALLINGUP MAZE
A world of mind bending, fun things to do in the Margaret River region in one convenient place. An ever changing maze, bouncy castle, free puzzle & games to play, nature, indoor/outdoor licensed cafe, great trees to climb and more. Yallingup Maze offers great things to do for all ages.
OPENING HOURS:
- 9:30am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Friday (Closed Mondays until end of November 2015)
- 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays & Sundays
- Open Good Friday and the whole of the Easter weekend
- Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Address: 3059 Caves Road, Yallingup, Western Australia 6282
Google Map
Website: yallingupmaze.com.au
THE MARGARET RIVER CHOCOLATE COMPANY
The Margaret River Chocolate Company has cafes at both of its factories in Perth’s Swan Valley and at Margaret River, where you can enjoy delicious breakfasts and light lunches as well as a selection of cakes, desserts, chocolate fondues, hot and cold drinks and the best hot chocolate in Western Australia.
OPENING HOURS:
- Open every day from 9am to 5pm, except Christmas Day.
Address: 415 Harman’s Mill Rd, Metricup WA 6280
Google Map
Website: chocolatefactory.com.au
CHEEKY MONKEY BREWERY AND CIDERY
Born and brewed in Margaret River, Cheeky Monkey is producing Western Australia’s freshest line up of craft beers and ciders. It’s a location that affords the kind of space that lets kids play free whilst you relax, kick back and enjoy a long lunch.
Experience how beers and ciders are made as well as get up close and personal with all the colour, movement and aromas of the beer and cider making process, while enjoying the fruits of the brewers’ efforts.
OPENING HOURS:
- Mon-Sun – 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Address: 4259 Caves Road, Margaret River, WA 6285
Google Map
Website: cheekymonkeybrewery.com.au
KILLERBY WINERY @ CHEEKY MONKEY BREWERY AND CIDERY
Since its establishment in 1973, Killerby has grown to be one of Western Australia’s leading small wineries, with a reputation for producing an outstanding range of varietal wines, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Semillon. The cellar door is situated in the world famous Margaret River region of Western Australia, about 3 hours drive south from Perth. The region is indebted to the dedicated and passionate wine lovers who laid the foundation for what is today one of the greatest wine producing areas in Australia and indeed the world.
OPENING HOURS:
- Cellar door is open daily from Monday to Sunday from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Address: 4259 Caves Road, Margaret River, WA 6285
Google Map
Website: www.killerby.com.au
MILLERS ICE CREAM
From cow to cone, Millers Ice Cream tastes great because the milk they use comes straight from their own cows, milked daily on the family farm in Cowaramup…smack dabb in Western Australia’s stunning Margaret River Region!
What they do is simple, they:
grow grass, milk cows, make delicious ice cream.
A real old-fashioned treat, their ice cream is handmade by third generation dairy farmers…. and it really takes some licking!
Visit their Farm Cafe in Cowaramup and try their ice cream & unhomogenised milk for yourself or… find stockist near you!
HANDMADE IN MARGARET RIVER
OPENING HOURS:
- Open *Daily 10.00am – 4.30pm
- *Opening Hours – Are Subject to Seasonal Change.
- Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Good Friday.
- Closed annually from 17 -31 August inclusive.
Address: 140 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
Google Map
Website: www.millersicecream.com.au
HORSE RIDING @ JESTERS FLAT
Have a holiday, ride a horse and explore the rambling beauty of the Margaret River Countryside. Jesters Flat caters for all levels of horse riding experience, from the absolute beginner to the accomplished eventer.
OPENING HOURS:
- Opening hours are from 10am daily. Bookings are essential as we need time to prepare horses.
- Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Address: 1549 Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River, WA 6285
Google Map
Website: www.jestersflat.com
FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZA @ COLONIAL BREWERY
Colonial Brewery Co is known for friendly service, great food, sublime views and award winning ale. Families love it – with a large playground area, a box of footies and the odd slip’n’slide after a good downpour, kids can run around like kids should while their parents relax and enjoy the atmosphere. It truly is the best play park in the region.
The thing that instantly impresses everybody who sets foot in Colonial Brewery is the marvelous exterior and interior design that the place boasts. The 350-seater state-of-the-art facility is hidden behind the artificial colonial style iron ridge exterior. Visitors can watch fantastic ales being brewed inside whilst enjoying some beer battered fish.
OPENING HOURS:
- Opens Daily from 11am to 6pm
Address: Osmington Road, Margaret River, WA 6285
Google Map
Website: www.colonialbrewingco.com.au
KATE THE TRAIN AND WALK TRAILS
Walk the rails to trails from Old Kate….limber up on the parks new exercise equipment and take your time along the waters edge. Go early or later in the afternoon, as it can get warm.
Address: Margaret River Old Settlement, Margaret River, WA 6285
Google Map
MOUNTAIN BIKE HIRE WITH COFFEE AND CAKE FROM THE HAIRY MARRON
The Hairy Marron is a newly-opened business serving coffee down in the Old Settlement overlooking the Margaret River. They are also a trail centre for the surrounding walking and cycling tracks, so visitors can rent bikes and stock up on caffeine before the ride.
The Hairy Marron Margaret River is the perfect cafe for families wanting to head out for a light meal or a coffee with both indoor and outdoor dining, including a outdoor deck that overlooks the beautiful Margaret River. There’s one main word for The Hairy Marron – LOCATION! You can’t get more Margaret River than dining over the towns name sake and that’s what makes The Hairy Maron unique.
OPENING HOURS:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Address: 69 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285
Google Map
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
AMAZE’N MARGARET RIVER
Come and check out what’s new to A Maze’n within the last couple of months. Giant chess and giant draughts games will keep you well entertained.
Also take a walk around the new fantastic paving Celtic Labyrinth. The palm and bamboo garden is flourishing, providing a lovely shaded walk and seating area to relax and watch the birds.
OPENING HOURS:
- Opens daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Address: 9978 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285
Google Map
Website: www.amazenmargaretriver.com.au
GNARABUP BEACH AND WHITE ELEPHANT CAFE
The White Elephant Beach Cafe is an amazing venue located at the Gnarabup Beach Boat Ramp, right on the beach. The White Elephant Beach Cafe offers casual cafe style food, quality coffee and fun friendly service by dedicated staff.
If you like the idea of your next celebration or wedding in one of the most amazing locations on the Western Australian Coast, then White Elephant Sunset Functions & Barefoot Beach Weddings is for you!
Imagine celebrating in uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see, with the iconic WA sunset as your backdrop embracing your special gathering of friends and family.
OPENING HOURS:
- Open 7 days a week from 7:30am till 3pm-ish.
Address: Gnarabup Rd, Gnarabup W.A. 6285
Google Map
Website: www.whiteelephantcafe.com.au
BROWN HILL ESTATE
Brown Hill’s wine is a local winery that punches well above its weight. Producing fine red and white wine that wins great acolades from many wine critics, families and us. It is great to visit an honest vineyard that is family owned and run. A no frills cellar door hides one of Margaret Rivers best kept secrets.
OPENING HOURS:
- Open 10:00AM till 5:00PM on all days
Address: 925 Rosa Brook Rd, Rosa Brook WA 6285, Australia
Google Map
Website: www.brownhillestate.com.au
HAMELIN BAY
Hamelin Bay is a place where holiday memories are made, where kids can roam and explore to their heart’s delight, whether summer or winter you can catch the night’s dinner from the ocean. You can sit around a camp fire in the evening in winter and spend the days relaxing within this extraordinary environment.
If you love marine life and are searching what to do in Margaret River WA, make sure you visit Hamelin Bay. Here, you can watch fascinating stingrays elegantly swimming near the shores and posing for pictures with the tourists. Although it’s advisable that you don’t pat them, they can often be hand fed. Early morning and late afternoon are the times when you are most likely to see them.
Address: Hamelin Bay, Karridale, WA, 6288
Google Map
GRANNY’S POOL AT AUGUSTA
This is the perfect place to take the family for a swim on a warm summer’s day. The area is naturally sheltered with a reef/rock outcrop which frames the ocean like a swimming pool. It is located along Leeuwin Road in Flinders Bay . However, it is a little hard to find. The only signpost to show that you’ve reached your destination is a painted sign on the barrier at the car park.
Address: Flinders Bay, Augusta, WA, 6290
Google Map
FISH AND CHIPS AT THE COLOUR PATCH CAFE AUGUSTA ON THE BANKS OF THE BLACK WOOD RIVER
The Colourpatch Cafe is the “Last Eating House before the Antartic” as it is advertised.
They also state that they are the “Home of the Best Fish and Chips”…and that if you stay long enough you might see the dolphins at play in the Blackwood River.
Address: 98 Albany Terrace Augusta WA 6290
Google Map
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-
GO ON A KOFFEE SAFARI AT YAHAVA
Go on an incredible taste adventure around the world’s great coffee estates without leaving town. Learn about the different types of coffees, how best to brew them and how to savour the different mouth watering flavours. Experience coffee in a new way and finish your adventure pairing coffee with local made treats.
OPENING HOURS:
- Open 6:00AM till 5:00PM on weekdays; 7:00AM to 5:00PM on weekends.
Address: 2/2 Andrews Retreat, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
Google Map
Website: www.yahava.com.au
SHOP FOR CHOCOLATES AT TEMPER TEMPER
Satisfy your sweet cravings with one of Margaret River’s finest chocolates at Temper Temper. With more than 180 shelves that are stocked up with all kinds of cocoa products, Temper Temper is a definite piece of heaven for people with sweet tooth.
OPENING HOURS:
- Open 9:00AM till 5:00PM from Mondays to Sundays.
Address: 2 Andrews Retreat, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
Google Map
Website: www.tempertemper.com.au
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE BERRY FARM COTTAGE CAFE
No afternoon tea is complete without a sweet treat! The Cottage Cafe at The Berry Farm has a wide daily selection prepared using the freshest ingredients available, many sourced from local producers. A popular choice is the famous homemade Berry Farm Scones, served with homemade Berry Farm Strawberry Jam and freshly whipped cream. The Boysenberry Pie is also a popular choice.
OPENING HOURS:
- Open 10:00AM till 4:00PM from Mondays to Sundays.
Address: 43 Bessell Rd, Rosa Glen WA 6285, Australia
Google Map
Website: www.theberryfarm.com.au
Do all of these and you will have an amazing family holiday!