A guide to the best wellness experiences in Margaret River
Ever since glimpsing pics of the breathtaking coastlines of the Margaret River region, I’ve been captivated by its dreamlike beauty. And let me tell you, the real-life experience does not disappoint. The moment you arrive, you feel the tension melt away. With endless horizons and abundant wellness experiences, one of the best things to do in Margaret River is simply to slow down, take a deep breath and savour the simple joy of being rather than doing.
Many of this region’s experiences are designed with sustainability in mind – from eco-conscious retreats to vineyards that honour organic and sustainable practices. Margaret River has a deep connection to the Wadandi (Saltwater) people, Traditional Custodians of this land, who have protected it for millennia.
Wellness top picks
The Saturday farmers’ market at the Margaret River Education Campus is the perfect spot to stock up on sustainable goodies. Pick up award-winning olive oil, fresh cheeses, breads, fruits and mouth watering tarts for a picnic along the coast or a quiet meal back at your accommodation. For a day of pampering, offers soothing massages, facials and spa journeys in a peaceful setting.
The Yoga and Wellness Glamping Adventure by Untamed Escapes is a wellness feast for the senses. Set on the beautiful Fair Harvest permaculture farm just outside Margaret River, you’ll spend two nights in cosy bell tents surrounded by nature, while enjoying a blend of yoga, bushwalks and beach time. With highlights like sound meditation, garden-to-plate meals and wine and cheese tastings from iconic local vineyards, this retreat offers a balanced blend of movement, mindfulness and local beauty.
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Margaret River, consider Edgewalkers’ 4-day creativity retreat. Led by creativity specialist Dr Erika Jacobson and landscape painter Jane Tangney, this retreat invites you to disrupt routine thinking and discover your creative potential. Through theatre, writing, movement and art, you’ll explore Margaret River’s landscapes along the Cape to Cape track.
Natural wellness
The natural beauty of Margaret River is endless and you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring every inch. Take a stroll along Busselton Beach, a serene stretch of white sand framing Geographe Bay, where you can take a dip or simply let the water wash over your feet as you take in the endless horizon.
For hiking, the famous Cape to Cape Track stretches 124 km (which you can walk from end to end with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours), but even a short section offers beautiful views. One highlight is the 14 km trail from Redgate Beach to Boranup Forest, winding past limestone caves, beaches and panoramic cliff top views. During wildflower season, from September to November, the landscape comes alive with vibrant fire orchids, pink everlastings and kangaroo paws.
Head straight to Boranup Forest to wander among towering karri trees, where the scent of eucalyptus fills the air. As you wind through shaded paths and spot native wildlife, the beauty of this ancient forest immerses you in the present moment.
For a burst of exhilaration, you can also hire quad bikes with Eco Adventures and zip through lush forest trails. A short drive south leads to one of Margaret River’s best beach escapes. The turquoise waters of Hamelin Bay Beach are ideal for spotting eagle rays, which glide along the sandy bottom as you float above them – a mesmerising experience.
What is the best time to visit Margaret River?
Each season offers its own unique charm in Margaret River. For beach days and lively summer vibes, December to February brings deliciously warm weather. Autumn (March to May) is a dream for food and wine lovers as harvest season transforms vineyards with vibrant colours and an abundance of local produce. Winter (June to August) – with average temperatures ranging between 8°C and 19°C – offers a quieter, cosier vibe, perfect for fireside relaxation and enjoying the powerful coastal waves. And come spring (September to November), wildflowers bloom across the landscape, making it an ideal time for hiking, wine tasting and exploring the outdoors.
Where to stay
Margaret River offers a host of unique stays blending luxury, sustainability and complete immersion in nature. Just 10 minutes from the beach, Burnside Organic Farm offers serene self-contained bungalows set on a 15-hectare property with vineyards, avocado orchards and caper plantations. The bungalows, crafted from natural materials, feature full kitchens and wood fires, with some offering outdoor stone baths for a blissful soak. For a secluded experience, Empire Retreat sits amidst peaceful woodlands and olive groves. With accommodation options like split-level villas with four-poster beds, fireplaces and spa baths, this sanctuary is designed with wellness in mind, with views that include sunset-lit vines and, in spring, whales along the coast.
Alternatively, Little House Republic offers off-grid luxury retreats near Nannup, showcasing eco-friendly design that runs on solar energy and rainwater. The tree-shrouded Injidup Spa Retreat is a picture-perfect boutique bolthole with just 10 villas, each with a private patio and a fireplace. And Tree Chalets near Busselton provides an exclusive, adults-only experience with just two chalets on a 90-acre farm surrounded by rose gum trees, complete with solar power and outdoor cast iron tubs.
Margaret River is located about 3 hours south of Perth. Most visitors start by flying into Perth and hiring a car for a scenic drive through rolling farmland, charming small towns and sweeping coastal views. For those who prefer to sit back and relax, coach services also run regularly from Perth. Alternatively, direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne land at Busselton Margaret River Airport. However you arrive, the journey invites you to unwind and take in the natural beauty that awaits.
Image credits: Burnside Organic Farm, Tourism WA, Walk into Luxury, Injidup Spa retreat, Empire Retreat.
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