Where to Stay in Margaret River Wine Country: Complete 2026 Guide

Margaret River is Australia's premium wine region—a narrow strip of land between forest and sea in Western Australia that punches far above its weight. Just 3% of Australia's wine production, but over 20% of its premium wine comes from here. The combination of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, pristine beaches, ancient forests, and excellent food makes Margaret River one of the world's most complete wine destinations.

The region stretches about 100km from Busselton in the north to Augusta in the south, with wine concentrated in the middle third. Where you stay determines whether you wake up to ocean views, vineyard panoramas, or forest tranquility. This guide breaks down the best bases for wine lovers.

Best Areas to Stay in Margaret River at a Glance:
- For town life: Margaret River township - restaurants, shops, central
- For beaches: Yallingup - surf, coast, caves, boutique stays
- For vineyards: Wilyabrup - heart of Cabernet country
- For southern end: Augusta area - forests, caves, quieter
- For families: Dunsborough - beaches, activities, larger properties

Best Areas to Stay for Wine Tasting

Margaret River Township

The region's hub. Margaret River town has the best concentration of restaurants, shops, and services—plus excellent access to wineries in every direction.

Why wine lovers choose Margaret River township:

• Best restaurant and cafe scene
• Central location for all wineries
• Walking distance to tasting rooms
• Farmers' markets (Saturday)
• Practical services (groceries, fuel, etc.)

Price range: A$150-400/night

Best for: First-time visitors, foodies, those wanting town life with wine access

Wine access: 15-20 minutes to major wineries in any direction. Several tasting rooms in town.

Yallingup & Caves Area

The coastal playground of Margaret River. Yallingup combines world-class surf beaches, spectacular caves, and excellent wineries—all within a stunning landscape.

Why wine lovers choose Yallingup:

• Spectacular coastal scenery
• Excellent surf beaches
• Ngilgi Cave and cave wines nearby
• Boutique accommodation options
• Cape wineries (Cullen, Vasse Felix) close by

Price range: A$180-600/night

Best for: Beach lovers, active travelers, couples seeking romance

Wine access: 10-20 minutes to major wineries. Several excellent producers nearby.

Wilyabrup (Wine Heartland)

The epicenter of Margaret River's wine reputation. Wilyabrup's gravel soils produce the region's most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay—this is where the magic happens.

Why wine lovers choose Wilyabrup:

• Heart of premium wine production
• Vasse Felix, Cullen, Moss Wood nearby
• Vineyard stays available
• Serious wine immersion
• Less touristy than town

Price range: A$200-700/night

Best for: Serious wine lovers, those seeking vineyard immersion, special occasions

Wine access: Walking distance (sometimes) to legendary wineries.

Trade-off: Limited dining options—you'll drive to restaurants.

Dunsborough

A family-friendly coastal town at the northern end of the region. Dunsborough has beautiful beaches, excellent accommodation options, and easy access to the northern wineries.

Why wine lovers choose Dunsborough:

• Beautiful Geographe Bay beaches
• More family-friendly activities
• Northern wineries accessible
• Good restaurants and cafes
• Larger rental properties available

Price range: A$120-400/night

Best for: Families, beach lovers, those combining wine and coast

Wine access: 20-30 minutes to central wineries. Some excellent producers nearby.

Augusta & Southern Region

The quieter southern end of the region. Augusta offers Cape Leeuwin (where oceans meet), tall timber forests, and a handful of excellent, less-crowded wineries.

Why wine lovers choose Augusta:

• Cape Leeuwin lighthouse
• Tall timber forests
• Less crowded
• Excellent value
• Peaceful atmosphere

Price range: A$100-300/night

Best for: Nature lovers, those seeking quiet, budget travelers

Wine access: Fewer wineries, but less crowded and often excellent quality.

Trade-off: 30-40 minutes from central wine area.

Types of Wine Country Accommodation

Vineyard Lodges & Wine Hotels (A$300-800/night)

Stay among the vines at properties built for wine immersion. Several top producers now offer luxury accommodation.

What to expect:

• Vineyard views from every room
• Private tastings and cellar access
• On-site or nearby restaurants
• Spa and wellness options
• Deep wine education

Best for: Special occasions, honeymoons, serious wine enthusiasts

Coastal Retreats (A$250-600/night)

Margaret River's coast is spectacular, and boutique properties capture ocean views with wine country access.

What to expect:

• Ocean views and beach access
• Contemporary design
• Privacy and space
• Often with pools and outdoor areas
• 15-20 minutes from wineries

Best for: Beach lovers, couples, design enthusiasts

Boutique B&Bs & Guesthouses (A$150-300/night)

Intimate properties run by locals who know the region. Excellent for personalized recommendations and warm hospitality.

What to expect:

• Hosts with local knowledge
• Full breakfast included
• Comfortable, personal settings
• Wine recommendations and bookings
• Often beautiful gardens

Best for: Couples, independent travelers, those wanting guidance

Self-Catering Cottages & Villas (A$150-500/night)

Vacation rentals offer space and flexibility, particularly good for groups or longer stays.

What to expect:

• Full kitchen facilities
• More space
• Privacy
• Variable locations and quality
• Often pet-friendly

Best for: Groups, families, longer stays, self-caterers

When to Visit Margaret River

High Season (September-May)

What to expect:

• Warm, dry weather (summer: 75-90°F)
• Peak crowds December-January (school holidays)
• Full winery operations
• Higher prices
• Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak periods

Best months: October-November (spring, not peak) and March-April (autumn, harvest)

Shoulder Season (May-August, Winter)

What to expect:

• Cooler, wetter weather
• Lower prices
• Fewer crowds
• Whale watching (June-September)
• Cozy cellar door atmosphere

Best value: August—whales, warming weather, before spring crowds

Harvest Season (February-April)

What to expect:

• Wineries at peak activity
• Warm autumn weather
• Harvest events and dinners
• Excellent atmosphere
• Book ahead for top restaurants

Pro tip: Late March offers harvest atmosphere without February's heat.

Insider Tips for Staying in Margaret River

1. Book dinner reservations ahead — Top restaurants (Voyager, Leeuwin) fill up. Reserve before arriving.
2. Cabernet and Chardonnay are kings — Margaret River's calling cards. Try vertical tastings to understand the region.
3. Don't skip the coast — Swimming at Meelup Beach, surfing at Yallingup, walking at Cape Leeuwin—the ocean is part of the experience.
4. Visit Cullen for biodynamics — One of Australia's most respected organic/biodynamic producers. The restaurant is excellent too.
5. Saturday markets are essential — Margaret River Farmers' Market for breakfast supplies and local produce.
6. Consider winery lunches — Many top wineries have restaurants. Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, Voyager all excellent.
7. Perth is 3 hours away — Margaret River is more remote than other Australian wine regions. Plan for a proper stay, not a day trip.

Book Your Margaret River Wine Country Stay

Ready to experience Western Australia's world-class wine region? Browse curated wine country accommodations on VineStays—from Wilyabrup vineyard lodges to Yallingup coastal retreats, all hand-picked for wine lovers.

[Browse Margaret River Stays on VineStays →]

Whether you're planning a Cabernet-focused tour through Wilyabrup or a beach-and-wine combination in Yallingup, Margaret River delivers Australian wine at its finest. The Indian Ocean sunsets are unforgettable.

More Margaret River Wine Travel Guides

• Margaret River Wine Region Overview
• Western Australia Wine Regions
• Australia Wine Regions
• Australian Cabernet Guide (coming soon)

Word Count: ~1,550

Last Updated: January 2026

Author: WineTravelGuides Editorial Team