Our Journey Through Western Australia’s South West Coast
The Margaret River region had been high on Emily’s list from the very beginning, and after leaving Esperance, we were excited to finally explore the south west coast of Western Australia. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this area is so well known. Beautiful coastline, world class surf, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy.
Augusta and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
We started our time in the Margaret River region by heading south to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the most south western point of mainland Australia where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
It is a stunning location, but when we visited, the wind was intense. Thankfully, our caravan park was right on the beachfront, and while it was more expensive than what we had been used to, falling asleep to the sound of waves made it worthwhile.
Jewel Cave and Hamelin Bay stingrays
The next morning we visited Jewel Cave, our first guided cave tour of the trip. The cave is massive, with impressive formations and a scale that is hard to describe. It was easily one of the more unique experiences of the region.
From there, we made our way to Hamelin Bay, known for its stingrays that swim close to shore. We were lucky enough to see several up close near the old jetty.
If you visit, it is worth heading to the jetty area, but also important to respect the wildlife. We saw people feeding and touching the stingrays, which did not feel right and is something to avoid.
Prevelly and Surfers Point
We continued on to Prevelly, staying near Surfers Point, home to the Margaret River Pro.
This part of the Margaret River region did not quite hit the same level for us. The wind was strong, and our campsite was on a slope, which made van life a little challenging.
That said, Gnarabup Beach was a great find. Sheltered from the wind, it gave us a chance to relax and reset after a big travel day.
Exploring the Margaret River region town and bakery
The next morning was a highlight. We caught up with friends, enjoyed a coffee, and had a homemade lemonade from the small vans overlooking the surf.
From there, we headed into town to visit the Margaret River Bakery.
We had heard how popular it was, and it lived up to expectations. The pie and sausage roll were some of the best we have had, and despite the long line, the prices were still reasonable.
Gracetown and Injidup Natural Spa
We spent part of the day exploring Gracetown, which has some incredible coastline. Unfortunately, a shark alarm cut our time short, so we moved on earlier than planned.
Next was the Injidup Natural Spa.
When we first arrived, it was packed. Too crowded to properly enjoy, so we decided to come back the next day. That turned out to be the right call.
With better timing, the natural spa was one of the most fun experiences in the region. Waves roll over the rocks and create a natural spa and waterfall effect.
If you go, aim for high tide and either sunrise or sunset.
Yallingup stay and local atmosphere
We stayed in Yallingup at a local holiday park. It was more expensive than some of our previous stops, but the location and friendly staff made it worthwhile.
Being close to both the beach and local spots made it a great base to explore from.
The Aquarium and coastal gems
The next morning, we visited a hidden gem Emily had found called The Aquarium.
This spot is a natural rock pool with incredibly clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It felt like one of those places you would not find unless someone told you about it.
We finished the day driving through Dunsborough and continued on to Busselton, where we stayed for the next couple of nights.
Why the Margaret River region is worth visiting
The Margaret River region exceeded expectations. It offers a mix of coastline, wildlife, food, and unique experiences that make it one of the best stops on a Western Australia road trip.
From caves to beaches to small town cafés, it is a place where you could easily spend weeks and still not see everything.
See more from our journey
If you are following along, you can read more of our trip in Our Journey series, including our time Crossing the Nullarbor and Exploring Esperance.
We have also captured this part of the trip on video, so you can watch our experience in the Margaret River by watching our Crossing Australia vlog.