The South West Corner of Western Australia: Margaret River Region
The Margaret River region in the southwestern corner of Western Australia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, leisure activities, and culinary delights that cater to families with children of all ages. With its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, world-class wineries, and a host of family-friendly attractions, it's an idyllic destination for your next caravan trip. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best destinations for families, top wineries, caravan parks, accommodations, national parks, and surfing hotspots in the Margaret River region.
Destinations for Families
1.1 Yallingup Maze
The Yallingup Maze is an incredible, family-friendly destination that offers a variety of engaging activities for children and adults alike. Navigate through the ever-changing timber maze, which is regularly reconfigured to keep the experience fresh and challenging. In addition to the maze, Yallingup Maze features a nature playground, puzzle shop, and café. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the maze and trying out the numerous puzzles and games available, ensuring hours of entertainment for the entire family.
1.2 Sunflowers Animal Farm and Farmstay
Sunflowers Animal Farm and Farmstay is a delightful experience for families who love animals. This working farm provides a hands-on opportunity to interact with over 350 friendly farm animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, and birds. Kids can participate in daily animal feeding sessions, where they learn about the animals and help feed them. The farm also offers pony rides and tractor rides for added excitement. If you're looking for a unique accommodation option, the farm stay provides self-contained cabins for a memorable family holiday.
1.3 Eagle Bay
Eagle Bay is a stunning white-sand beach that boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for families to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and beachcombing. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for young children to splash and play in, while the nearby playground and grassy area offer plenty of space for picnics and outdoor games. With its breathtaking views, pristine beach, and family-friendly atmosphere, Eagle Bay is a must-visit destination in the Margaret River region.
1.4 Amaze'n Margaret River
Amaze'n Margaret River is a family-friendly attraction with a giant hedge maze, botanical gardens, and a variety of outdoor games, puzzles, and mazes. The 1.5-kilometer hedge maze, with its winding pathways and towering hedges, is sure to challenge and entertain visitors of all ages. Younger children will enjoy the adventure playground, while older kids and adults can try their hand at mini-golf. The on-site café offers delicious treats and refreshments, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled family day out.
1.5 The Berry Farm
A visit to The Berry Farm is a delightful experience for families with a sweet tooth. This charming farm specializes in growing various berries, fruits, and vegetables, which are transformed into mouthwatering jams, preserves, sauces, and wines. The farm's Cottage Café serves up scrumptious homemade scones, pies, and other sweet treats made from the farm's produce. Kids will love exploring the farm's gardens, spotting the colourful birds that call this place home, and tasting the delicious products. Don't forget to stop by the farm shop to take home some of their delicious creations as a souvenir or gift.
Best Wineries in the Region
2.1 Voyager Estate
Voyager Estate is a stunning, family-owned winery that offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts and families alike. The estate is renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz and boasts a picturesque setting with manicured gardens and Cape Dutch-style architecture. Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the estate, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in a tasting of their exquisite wines. For families, the winery provides a spacious lawn area where children can play while parents relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
2.2 Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate is one of the most prestigious wineries in the Margaret River region, known for its award-winning Art Series wines and its commitment to the arts. The picturesque estate offers a range of experiences for visitors, including cellar door tastings, guided tours, and wine and food pairings at their acclaimed restaurant. Leeuwin Estate caters to families by offering a children's menu at the restaurant and hosting family-friendly events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and art exhibitions.
2.3 Vasse Felix
Established in 1967, Vasse Felix is the founding wine estate of the Margaret River region and is internationally recognised for its premium wines. This historic winery invites visitors to explore its impressive cellar door, where they can taste their award-winning wines, learn about the region's wine history, and admire the striking architecture. The estate's restaurant offers a children's menu, ensuring that families with young ones can enjoy a delicious meal together. The sculpture garden and surrounding native bushland provide a beautiful backdrop for a family stroll.
2.4 Cape Mentelle
Cape Mentelle is another iconic winery in the Margaret River region, with a rich history and a reputation for crafting exceptional wines. Visitors can experience behind-the-scenes winery tours and barrel tastings and indulge in their highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. During the summer months, Cape Mentelle hosts outdoor movie screenings in their beautiful vineyard setting, perfect for a family night out under the stars. Remember to bring a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy while watching the movie.
2.5 Xanadu Wines
Xanadu Wines is a family-friendly winery that combines modern winemaking techniques with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The estate is known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and a range of other varietals that showcase the unique terroir of the Margaret River region. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at the contemporary cellar door or dine at the on-site restaurant, which offers a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced produce and a dedicated children's menu. The expansive lawn area provides ample space for children to run and play, making Xanadu Wines a perfect destination for families.
Caravan Parks and Accommodation
3.1 Taunton Farm Holiday Park
Taunton Farm Holiday Park is a family-friendly caravan park nestled in the heart of the Margaret River region. The park offers a range of accommodation options, including powered caravan sites, farm-style cottages, and cabins, ensuring that every family can find a suitable option. The park boasts fantastic facilities such as a playground, BBQ areas, a camp kitchen, and even farm animals to feed and pet. With its prime location, Taunton Farm Holiday Park is the perfect base for families to explore the region's wineries, beaches, and attractions.
3.2 Prevelly Caravan Park
Situated just a stone's throw away from the stunning Prevelly Beach, Prevelly Caravan Park is an ideal choice for families who love spending time by the sea. The park offers a variety of powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, as well as self-contained cabins, to suit every family's needs. With its fantastic facilities, including a camp kitchen, playground, and a convenience store, this park ensures a comfortable stay for all visitors. The nearby beach and surf breaks make it a popular spot for families who enjoy swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.
3.3 Hamelin Bay Holiday Park
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park is a picturesque caravan park along the stunning coastline, known for its friendly stingrays that often come to the shore. The park offers a range of powered caravan and camping sites, as well as self-contained cabins with beachfront views. The park's facilities include a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, playgrounds, and a kiosk selling essential items. Families can spend their days exploring the nearby beaches, snorkelling, fishing, or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
3.4 Big4 Beachlands Holiday Park
Big4 Beachlands Holiday Park is a family-focused caravan park located just a short drive from the heart of Margaret River. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, including powered caravan sites, ensuite sites, and a range of cabins and chalets. The park's standout feature is its range of family-friendly facilities, including a heated swimming pool, a splash and play zone, a playground, a games room, and bike rentals. Big4 Beachlands Holiday Park's convenient location and superb facilities make it an ideal choice for families looking to explore the Margaret River region.
3.5 RAC Margaret River Nature Park
Nestled within the stunning Bramley National Park, RAC Margaret River Nature Park offers families an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped caravan park. The park provides a selection of powered and unpowered caravan sites, as well as safari tents, for a unique glamping experience. With its on-site camp kitchen, BBQ facilities, and playground, families can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by lush forests and native wildlife. The park's location also makes it a great base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Margaret River, caves, and wineries.
National Parks and Natural Attractions
4.1 Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
Spanning over 120 kilometres along the coast, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities for families to enjoy. From towering limestone cliffs and white sandy beaches to lush forests and underground caves, there's something for everyone in this park. Families can take part in coastal walks, visit lighthouses, explore caves, or simply relax at one of the numerous picturesque beaches. Popular spots within the park include Sugarloaf Rock, Canal Rocks, and the Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouses.
4.2 Boranup Forest
Boranup Forest is an enchanting destination that features towering karri trees, some of which are over 60 meters tall, creating a magical atmosphere for families to explore. Take a leisurely drive along the Boranup Drive, a scenic route that winds through the forest, or stretch your legs on one of the numerous walking trails. The forest is also home to a variety of native wildlife, such as kangaroos, possums, and birds, providing a unique opportunity for kids to learn about Australia's diverse fauna.
4.3 Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Cave, located just a short drive from Yallingup, is an awe-inspiring underground attraction that has been fascinating visitors for over a century. This ancient limestone cave boasts an incredible display of stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. Families can join guided tours that delve into the cave's history, geology, and mythology or explore the cave at their own pace on a semi-guided tour. The cave's adventure tour is suitable for children aged ten and above.
Surfing Destinations
5.1 Surfers Point, Prevelly
Surfers Point in Prevelly is one of the most iconic surf breaks in the Margaret River region and is home to the famous Margaret River Pro surfing competition. With its consistent, powerful waves and stunning coastline, it's a favourite spot for experienced surfers. While the waves might be too challenging for beginners, families can still enjoy watching the surfers from nearby viewing platforms or stroll along the pristine beach.
5.2 The Box
The Box is a world-renowned surf break located near Surfers Point, offering fast and hollow waves that are suited for advanced surfers. This challenging right-hand reef break is not for the faint-hearted, but spectators can marvel at the skill and courage of the surfers who take on these waves. Families can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery from the nearby walking trails and viewing platforms.
5.3 Yallingup Beach
Yallingup Beach is a picturesque surf spot that caters to surfers of all skill levels. The beach features a protected lagoon area, perfect for young children and beginner surfers, while the outer reef provides more challenging waves for experienced surfers. The beach is patrolled during the summer months, making it a safe and family-friendly destination for swimming and surfing.
5.4 Injidup Beach
Injidup Beach, located south of Yallingup, is a popular surf break known for its consistent and powerful waves. The beach offers a left-hand reef break that caters to intermediate and advanced surfers, providing an exciting surf experience. Families can enjoy the pristine beach and rugged coastline while watching surfers tackle the waves. Remember that the beach is not patrolled, so swimming should be undertaken with caution.
5.5 Cowaramup Bay
Cowaramup Bay, also known as Gracetown, is a picturesque coastal town that features several surf breaks suitable for different skill levels. The bay offers a range of waves, from gentle beach breaks for beginners to more challenging reef breaks for experienced surfers. The beautiful bay and surrounding headlands provide a stunning backdrop for families to enjoy a day at the beach, watching surfers, swimming, or exploring the nearby coastal walking trails.
Embarking on a caravan adventure in the Margaret River region is an unforgettable experience that offers something for the whole family. From exploring enchanting national parks to tasting the finest wines, there's no shortage of excitement in this picturesque corner of Western Australia. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime!
