Margaret River is home to world-class wineries and postcard-perfect beaches. But why choose between them? Here’s how to have both.
Feature by Carolyn Beasley
The ocean here is irresistible. Coastal turquoise intensifies to royal blue, summoning the water-lovers, and squeaky white sand begs for footprints. But Margaret River’s premium summer wines are calling too; a crisp glass of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc fits so well with the sunshine.
When you visit Margaret River in summer, a swim, surf or beach walk is almost mandatory. But so is visiting famous wineries. Luckily, here you can have it all. Submerge in the sea, then throw on a polo or a sundress over bathers and hit the vineyard. Check out these dreamy beaches and their nearby wineries, where your sandy feet and salty hair are welcome.
1. Meelup Beach and Wise Wine
Starting in the northern part of the Margaret River wine region, a dip at glorious Meelup Beach should be on every traveller’s list. Situated on Cape Naturaliste, this pretty beach, surrounded by a bushland reserve faces north-east, meaning it’s often sheltered from the prevailing summer breeze.
Just a short hop away, Wise Wine is waiting to welcome you in a bright, casual restaurant. Book a table on the verandah for one of the best Margaret River winery views, across undulating vineyards to the Indian Ocean. Settle in with a chilled Chardonnay or a low-alcohol Leaf Vermentino, and pair it with the chargrilled octopus for summer bliss.
Wise Wine - Credit: Matt Deakin
2. Smiths Beach and Swings and Roundabouts
Further along scenic Caves Road past the hamlet of Yallingup, you’ll find Smiths Beach. When the swell rolls in, Supertubes break is a surfer’s delight, but often it’s a gentle boogie boarding wave, or completely flat.
If you’ve worked up a hunger, swing into Swings & Roundabouts winery. Here, the best seats in the house are actual swings, and they front a striking long-table with trademark eucalypt trees that grow right through. This laid-back winery channels a backyard vibe, with expansive dog-friendly lawns and two playgrounds. Views of the vineyard and Yallingup Valley pair perfectly with no-nonsense, Mediterranean-inspired wines. The rustic food is designed to match. You can’t go past the signature antipasto or cheese boards, or dive into a woodfired pizza or fresh summer salads.
Swings & Roundabouts - Credit: Kelly Harwood Photography
3. Injidup and Aravina Estate
One of the Margaret River Region’s quieter beaches, Injidup Beach hides in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Bookended by rocky headlands, it’s a great place to stretch your legs, either on the sand, or lace up your boots for a section of the Cape to Cape Track, an iconic walking track stretching 135km between Cape Leeuwin in the south and Cape Naturaliste in the north. The track skirts the beach here, a scenic stroll through tea tree.
Drag yourself away from the coast and quench your thirst at nearby Aravina Estate, where casual picnic tables, umbrellas and giant bean-bags dot the lawn. Home-grown and gourmet produce features on woodfired pizzas, or go classic with fish and chips. For something more upmarket, try the degustation lunch, which showcases Margaret River’s best seasonal offerings. Match your lunch with the estate’s own wines, or sample craft beers from 8Waves Brewing Co. While you’re here, dive into big wave culture at Aravina’s own surf museum.
Aravina Estate - Credit: Scott Bauer
4. Gracetown Beach and Hay Shed Hill
Further south, you won’t want to miss a dip at chilled-out, beachy Gracetown, and if it’s serious surf you’re chasing, head to the big break of South Point. Inside the bay, Huzza’s is a gentler reef break.
Shaking off the saltiness, hit the road inland for Hay Shed Hill winery, a former dairy farm where visitors now sip summer favourites like Hayshed Hill Pinot Noir Rosé or the Pitchfork Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Rustico restaurant serves casual tapas including western rock lobster and local pork belly. Grab a quick snack or spend the afternoon over the five-course degustation menu while kids play games on the grass.
Hay Shed Hill, Rustico Restaurant – Credit: Facebook/hayshedhillwines
5. Hamelin Bay and Glenarty Road
Further south again, the lovely sweep of Hamelin Bay, just north of Augusta, is most famous for its friendly stingrays, some of which measure up to two metres across! Admire the rays from the beach as the locals come and go from the boat ramp in small fishing boats.
Thanks to the influence of the Southern Ocean, wineries nearby in Karridale are known for slightly cooler-climate varieties. Glenarty Road is a regenerative farm and vineyard that integrates deliciously with the kitchen to form one of Western Australia’s best farm to plate experiences. From the picnic style Graze the Day Away tasting flight with farm-raised charcuterie and cheeses, to the five-course Farm to Table Feast, dining between the vines, the veggie garden and the sheep, cattle and pig paddocks is unforgettable.
Glenarty Road – Credit: Russell Ord
Published January 2023.